Pembrokeshire in August

[pastaparadise]

Hopeful that we'll be able to go on holiday this summer and thinking of Pembrokeshire. Aiming to book a self catering cottage that we can cancel if necessary. But I've not been for years. Any advice on where is a good base? Main criteria is close to nice beaches, and a village/ town with a few shops/ cafes. Dc aged 4 and 6. Any ideas??

Narberth isn't on the coast but is a lovely little town and in easy reach of Tenby and Saundersfoot and the other quieter beaches such as Manobier.

Dale has basic shops and is very convenient for the quieter beaches although not all of them are easily accessible if you need to take a lot of equipment with you.

South of the county has the busiest beaches and is more touristy although to the north Solva/St Davids can be packed during the season. Towards the north there is more emphasis on outdoor type activities - surfing etc.

Newgale has a huge beach and is 15 minutes from the county town of Haverfordwest. Broad Haven is the same distance, a little more commercial than Newgale (has two pubs and two shops!) and is a lovely beach.

Saundersfoot has a long, lovely beach with a sweet little harbour at one end. The water is shallow so it’s a good beach for small children. It’s more compact than Tenby with a charm and character of its own. From the harbour you can take fishing and sightseeing trips along the Pembrokeshire coastline.There are plenty of pubs and cafés in the village and around the harbour. Local attractions include Folly Farm, Heatherton Adventure Park and Tenby Dinosaur Park. There are a few antique and whatnot shops along the sheets leading out from the main beach area. There is a Spar right at the beach entrance that is handy if you need some supplies.

Saundersfoot is good for little ones. You can walk over to Coppit Hall beach too, then along to Wisemans Bridge through the railway tunnel.

We like St Davids but it depends if you want a village by a beach or a few miles away.

Great - thanks so much for suggestions. Helps to be able to narrow down the search a bit! Fingers crossed we'll be able to go and things will be open, though we'd be happy with a beach and ice cream stall!