Tielle’s Insider Guide to Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is best discovered slowly. Its beaches are wide, the coastline rugged, and its small towns full of character. For the latest in our series of insider guides, we worked with our friends at The Grove of Narberth to create an insider guide, highlighting the places they genuinely recommend for a few days in the area.
Where to stay
The Grove of Narberth sits just outside the market town of Narberth, surrounded by rolling countryside. The rooms are thoughtfully designed, with a calm, relaxed feel rather than anything formal. Its restaurant has earned a strong local reputation, and the gardens and terraces give you space to pause. It’s an ideal base whether you plan to explore the coast, wander the town, or spend an afternoon enjoying the hotel itself.
Where to eat
Lan y Môr, Saundersfoot
Sitting above Saundersfoot bay, Lan y Môr focuses on fresh, locally sourced seafood. The contemporary menu changes with the seasons, and the combination of food and view makes a long lunch feel entirely natural. It’s a restaurant that works as well for a quiet meal as it does for a celebration.
Ultracomida, Narberth
This Spanish deli and restaurant has become a local institution. Known for small plates made with exceptional ingredients, Ultracomida offers a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite or lingering over a full meal, it’s consistently recommended by locals and guests alike.
Stopio Café, Narberth
A small, independent café that takes its coffee seriously while keeping things simple. Stopio focuses on local and sustainable produce, from pastries to light dishes. It’s the kind of place you might plan a morning around, but often end up staying a little longer than intended, enjoying the calm atmosphere.
Where to explore
Narberth Town Centre
The town is small, but it rewards a slow wander. Independent boutiques, galleries, and artisanal food shops line its streets. Even a short morning here can feel like a day well spent, particularly if you stop in at a few of the local cafés or shops along the way.
Colby Woodland Garden (National Trust)
Set in a wooded valley, Colby Woodland Garden is beautifully maintained and peaceful. The planting changes with the seasons, but spring and early summer are particularly striking. Paths wind through the gardens, offering quiet spots to pause or explore at your own pace.
Carew Castle & Tidal Mill
This Norman castle sits beside a tidal estuary, with an adjacent restored mill. Walking around the grounds gives you both history and scenery, and it’s a place that works equally well for families, couples, or anyone with a curiosity for the past.
Where to walk
Barafundle Bay
Accessible only on foot via a scenic cliff path, Barafundle Bay remains one of the UK’s most beautiful and unspoilt beaches. The sand is soft, the water clear, and the surrounding cliffs make the walk there feel like part of the experience.
Broad Haven South Beach
More open and expansive than Barafundle, Broad Haven South is backed by dunes and woodland. It’s ideal for longer walks, picnics, or simply watching the light change over the water.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path (Stackpole to Bosherston stretch)
This stretch of the famous coast path combines rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and frequent wildlife sightings. It’s a walk that feels expansive without being overwhelming, giving a real sense of the variety Pembrokeshire has to offer.
Why you’ll want to return
Pembrokeshire rewards a relaxed approach. The coast, towns, and countryside all feel effortlessly connected, and time seems to stretch without you noticing. Staying at The Grove of Narberth gives you a base that’s as considered as the places it recommends: somewhere to come back to, unwind, and let the day settle before heading out again.
Shop the luxury bedding loved by The Grove of Narberth here.
