10 Family-Friendly things to do on a Rainy Day in Pembrokeshire

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We love rainy summer days in Pembrokeshire.

Moody skies and raindrops in the ocean.

Deserted beaches.

An excuse to light the log burner in the evening.

But when the jigsaw puzzle has lost its charm, make sure you’ve got something up your sleeve to entertain the whole family on rainy days in Pembrokeshire.

1. Surfing Lessons, Newgale Beach

A wetsuit is the best thing to be wearing in the rain! Why not take a surf lesson on a family-friendly beach break with a fun-oriented instructor? Small summer swells are perfect to play about in. With friendly and encouraging guidance, you’ll learn how to pick a wave, paddle into it, and ride it to shore. This trip is perfect for adult and family beginners who’ve never been surfing, or those who’ve tried it a few times and want to develop their skills. You’ll spend time practicing your pop, finding your balance and building confidence on the board, but most importantly, surfing is about laughing, playing, falling (with style!) and celebrating each others’ waves.

2. St David’s Cathedral, St David’s

St David’s Cathedral is a must-see in the UK’s smallest cathedral city, St David’s. A magnificent building set upon the site of an earlier sixth-century monastery, the 12th century cathedral you can explore today was patronised by St David, the patron saint of Wales. A significant site of pilgrimage and worship for more than 800 years, this spectacular cathedral continues today as a vibrant, living church offering a place of peace for prayer and devotion. Admire the dramatic architecture, learn about the history, visit St David’s shrine, take a guided tour, attend one of the daily services, listen to the impressive cathedral organ and peals of the bells, and stop for a coffee and some world-class Welshcakes at Mamgu’s cafe. You can also book a tour, or visit a special service or summer concerts.

Next door is the ruined Bishop’s Palace which is also worth a visit, but bring your raincoats as there are as many open spaces as covered ones.

3. Tudor Merchant’s House, Tenby

Discover the oldest house still standing in Tenby, a 15th-century town-house called the Tudor Merchant’s House. Donated to the National Trust in 1938 who repaired the building and created a historic house museum, this three-storey house is furnished and decorated as it would have been in the year 1500. Step inside the world of a successful merchant and his family, explore his shop and working kitchen on the ground floor, the family living quarters on the first floor, and sleeping quarters on the upper floor. Get a real sense of what family life in Tudor Tenby looked like. Children’s quiz and trail activities available, with family events during the holiday season

4. Blue Lagoon, Canaston Bridge

Visit the Blue Lagoon Water Park near Narberth, for indoor watery family fun. Enjoy the wave machine in the main pool, a rapids river ride, four exciting water flumes, relaxing spa pools, a fun pirate ship, toddler play areas, even a beach, all in a temperature-controlled environment. With some of the rides whisking you outdoors, you can enjoy the rain from a warm outdoor pool. There’s a poolside cafe and lazy sun loungers, giving you the option to chill out if you choose. All are welcome, with a 1.1 metre minimum height restriction for the flumes. Watch out for exciting special events throughout the season.

5. Leisure Centres

Visit one of Pembrokeshire’s 10 local leisure centres, 6 of which, in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Fishguard, Crymych, Pembroke, and Tenby, have either a 25-metre pool and or a heated learner pool, offering a great way for families to relax and have some fun. Splash about, swim underwater, practice your strokes, or just take it easy and enjoy the sauna. Check their online timetables for aquatic activities and family events.

6. Coasteering Adventure

There’s no better place to be than the sea when it’s raining!

Coasteering is the ultimate off-the-beaten track experience for adventurous families. Get kitted up in a wetsuit, a bouyancy aid, helmet and a pair of old trainers and head off along the rocky intertidal zone with an experienced local guide. Take a leap into a plunge pool, swirl around in rushing gullies with the swell, explore glittering sea caves and rockpools bursting with marine life. This adrenaline boosting activity was first established in the 80s with Preseli Venture and some other local guides who all wanted to share the thrill with the world. It’s one to tick off your bucket list and perfect for all weathers!

7. Oriel y Parc Gallery & Visitor Centre, St David’s

Family-oriented art events and workshops.

Visit Oriel y Parc, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park visitor centre in St Davids, an innovative building with green technologies working hard to provide a comfortable and sustainable environment. The gallery, home to Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales in Pembrokeshire, displays works of art from the national collection, with exhibitions drawing inspiration from Pembrokeshire’s incredible landscapes. Oriel Y Parc has regularly changing exhibitions and a Discovery Room which hosts family-friendly art and nature activities, and take a break in the friendly cafe.

8. Last Invasion Tapestry Exhibition, Fishguard

Recreate the events of the last invasion of Britain in your imagination.

Delve into the history of when the British mainland was invaded for the last time in February 1797, and visit the Last Invasion Tapestry in Fishguard. This magnificent 30-metre award-winning tapestry was designed and sewn by almost 80 local women, produced to mark the 1997 bicentenary of the event, and is now displayed in a permanent exhibition in all its glory in Fishguard Library. Learn about the history from the storyboards and artefacts that help to recreate the day, and find out more about the making of the tapestry in the audio-visual room. Get your waterproof jackets on and follow the Last Invasion Trail which explores the local area where these events took place.

9. West Wales Karting, Haverfordwest

Try an exciting driving challenge with West Wales Karting ultimate indoor karting experience, based in Haverfordwest. They operate an Arrive & Drive system with sessions for all ages and abilities, full race suits, helmets and gloves provided, minimum age 8 years old. Enjoy a drive around the 300 metre track, with 5 hairpins and varying levels of grip, tackle the huge S bends and feel the speed along a 70-metre straight. With printed time sheets available, see if you can beat your best time! If karting just isn’t your thing, then you can enjoy the thrill of watching everyone else racing from the trackside viewing area.

10. Pembroke Castle

The spectacular Pembroke Castle is the only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cavern. It’s also the birthplace of Henry V11. Discover the history of this castle through the characters you meet, enjoy the fascinating exhibitions, have a guided tour, and even take home a brass rubbing memento. Dodge the raindrops to interact with Britain’s largest piece of artwork, the Great Map of Wales, painted in the centre of the castle grounds, and discover the location of all the castles of Wales. Plenty of family activities and events are available throughout the season.

11. Carew Castle

The stunning location of Carew Castle overlooking a 23-acre millpond is a sight not to be missed. With a history spanning 2,000 years, the castle displays the development from a Norman fortification to an Elizabethan country house. Explore the fascinating grounds and inner rooms of the castle, spot the impressive 11th-century Celtic cross, visit the only restored tidal mill in Wales and even take a trip across a medieval bridge. Guided tours, and a busy summer activity programme are available.

12. Kayaking Adventure

You’ll start in a sheltered harbour, practising some basic paddle strokes in sit-on-top kayaks, then head out with confidence along an awe-inspiring stretch of coastline. You’ll find yourself kayaking under towering sea cliffs, through rock gardens, sea stacks, arches and majestic caves. You may be lucky enough to see inquisitive grey seals or pods of porpoises and your bound to see a variety of sea birds such as fulmers, cormorants, gannets, rock pippets and sometimes even guillemots and razorbills – the abundance of wildlife is astounding. Moving through this paddler’s paradise, filled with wonder, you’ll definitely forget to complain about the rain!