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Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

Driving in Pembrokeshire

25 replies

stickybear · 14/04/2023 11:55

We're looking at booking a cottage in Pembrokeshire over May half term, and just looking for some advice about how easy it will be to get around. The cottage we're looking at is inland but not too far from the coast, so looks like theoretically it wouldn't take too long to get to the beach. How busy do the roads get during the holidays, and does parking tend to be a problem (in Tenby and at other popular beaches)? We've only been out of season before, so I'm worried that we'll spend the whole week in traffic jams or driving around looking for parking with two impatient children in the back seat! Also just how bad is the traffic likely to be on the M4 on the Friday night / Saturday morning at the start of the holidays?!

OP posts:
Original poster
stickybear · 14/04/2023 22:49

Bumping for the late crowd Smile

OP posts:
Svalberg · 14/04/2023 23:01

Parking in Tenby, usually use the car park by the supermarket and only had a problem once on an August Saturday, but managed to park up after one circuit of the roof. Payment was by the PayByPhone app last time we were there. Never been stuck in a queue round Pembrokeshire last week in August. The M4 and the bit after the M4 ends (A48/A40?), on a Sat, has always been a nightmare until you get off at St Clears

PizzaPastaWine · 14/04/2023 23:02

Traffic will be pretty bad in places on the M4.

Where is the accommodation situated?

ThePoshUns · 14/04/2023 23:14

Ahh you'll be fine

KnickerlessParsons · 14/04/2023 23:22

How busy do the roads get during the holidays, very
and does parking tend to be a problem (in Tenby and at other popular beaches)? Yes

! Also just how bad is the traffic likely to be on the M4 on the Friday night / Saturday morning at the start of the holidays?! Very, particularly round Newport.

Original poster
stickybear · 14/04/2023 23:27

Thanks all. Mixed views!! We were looking at somewhere near Narberth, but have also found a possible option up near St David's, which would mean more driving to get there but then hopefully fewer crowds?

OP posts:
Gordonsgrin · 14/04/2023 23:29

It’ll be fine. Are you staying m Tenby or elsewhere? There are better, less busy beaches nearby…. Am a local and happy for you to do me!

AchillesElbow · 14/04/2023 23:30

Tenby is busy but you shouldn’t have problems parking at most other beaches. St David’s is really nice. I far prefer that area to Tenby.

photoshop · 14/04/2023 23:31

Once you're there traffic should be fine. As others have said the M4 can be a nightmare- especially around Newport, Port Talbot and Bristol. Go super early on Saturday morning or super late on Friday!

Tooglamtogiveadamn2 · 14/04/2023 23:34

Gordonsgrin · 14/04/2023 23:29

It’ll be fine. Are you staying m Tenby or elsewhere? There are better, less busy beaches nearby…. Am a local and happy for you to do me!

Ooh any hints/tips where to eat etc gratefully received!

Original poster
stickybear · 14/04/2023 23:34

This is all really helpful, thank you! Yes we much prefer the look of the St David's area, but conscious of two small DS who might be more easily entertained around Tenby! Don't suppose anyone can advise on the EV charging situation? It looks like there are a few chargers around Haverfordwest?

OP posts:
Gordonsgrin · 14/04/2023 23:57

Roughly Where are you staying?

Tooglamtogiveadamn2 · 15/04/2023 10:07

We are visiting Bluestone but want to explore so any recommendations on where to eat with children (8 & 12 years) and nice beaches etc gratefully received :)
Thank you!

mumonthehill · 15/04/2023 10:12

St davids and the roads will be quiet, Tenby will be much busier. No where will you find huge traffic jams!! EV charging points are few and far between but check one of the apps and it should tell you where they are. My preference would always be St Davids to stay. For Bluestone just down the road is Wild Lakes, has wakeboarding and climbing wall and great food if you just fancy that.

Leedsmum27 · 15/04/2023 10:52

Just back from near St Davids at Whitesands Beach - wonderful area. Lots of electric chargers at the main car park in St Davids . We had no problems charging

PizzaPastaWine · 15/04/2023 11:36

I'd recommend St Davids area. Tenby is fantastic but St Davids is where I prefer. Far less people and even more spectacular beaches. Plus, if you want a day trip to Tenby you can.

EV charging is at car parks in St Davids.

sproutsandparsnips · 15/04/2023 12:15

I live just off one of the M4 junctions further west and it was nose to tail on Good Friday going west. However if you can live with that you will have a lovely time. I can recommend St David's and the environs, also Aberystwyth/Aberaeron and the surrounding area.

Maharajah20 · 15/04/2023 12:40

I think the Tenby area is way better suited to children. You have Folly Farm and Heatherton for great family days out. Manor Park is worth a trip to see the tigers as well.
Beaches are nicer in south of the county in my opinion. Fantastic beach at Broadhaven South and a lovely walk around the Lilyponds. Freshwater West is probably one of the best beaches in the world. Do not leave your children in the sea unattended there, the current is extremely strong. Amroth is not far from Bluestone and Narberth and is a safe beach which is completely flat and great for children but has mostly wet sand. This beach doesn't get overcrowded and has several places to eat along the front. Colby Gardens is a 5 minute walk away as well. If you want a walk to a special beach goggle Barafundle Bay. You have 4 Beaches in Tenby that are fantastic but do get a bit crowded in the height of summer. Saundersfoot is worth a little visit as well.
Plenty of places to hire kayaks and paddle boards as well in and around Tenby/saundersfoot.
You have the castle at Pembroke which is well worth a visit. Another castle at Carew with a nice little walk around it. Castle not as renovated as Pembroke but bring a crab line and fish for crabs off the bridge. Lovely pub at Carew as well.

St. David's is lovely and easy to go there and Solva for a day trip from Tenby/ Narberth area but not really aimed at fun things for kids.
Hope this helps!

MinnieMountain · 15/04/2023 13:00

How old are your DC? There’s not so much “stuff” to do around St David’s but we’ve always had great holidays there.

Tooglamtogiveadamn2 · 15/04/2023 14:33

mumonthehill · 15/04/2023 10:12

St davids and the roads will be quiet, Tenby will be much busier. No where will you find huge traffic jams!! EV charging points are few and far between but check one of the apps and it should tell you where they are. My preference would always be St Davids to stay. For Bluestone just down the road is Wild Lakes, has wakeboarding and climbing wall and great food if you just fancy that.

Ooh great! Thank you so much!

Tooglamtogiveadamn2 · 15/04/2023 14:35

Maharajah20 · 15/04/2023 12:40

I think the Tenby area is way better suited to children. You have Folly Farm and Heatherton for great family days out. Manor Park is worth a trip to see the tigers as well.
Beaches are nicer in south of the county in my opinion. Fantastic beach at Broadhaven South and a lovely walk around the Lilyponds. Freshwater West is probably one of the best beaches in the world. Do not leave your children in the sea unattended there, the current is extremely strong. Amroth is not far from Bluestone and Narberth and is a safe beach which is completely flat and great for children but has mostly wet sand. This beach doesn't get overcrowded and has several places to eat along the front. Colby Gardens is a 5 minute walk away as well. If you want a walk to a special beach goggle Barafundle Bay. You have 4 Beaches in Tenby that are fantastic but do get a bit crowded in the height of summer. Saundersfoot is worth a little visit as well.
Plenty of places to hire kayaks and paddle boards as well in and around Tenby/saundersfoot.
You have the castle at Pembroke which is well worth a visit. Another castle at Carew with a nice little walk around it. Castle not as renovated as Pembroke but bring a crab line and fish for crabs off the bridge. Lovely pub at Carew as well.

St. David's is lovely and easy to go there and Solva for a day trip from Tenby/ Narberth area but not really aimed at fun things for kids.
Hope this helps!

Great help! Thank you

Nw22 · 15/04/2023 14:41

We just got back yesterday, drove in our electric car. Roads weren’t that busy but parking was very difficult in saundersfoot and Narberth. Thankfully we know someone with private parking in narberth.

Nw22 · 15/04/2023 14:43

For charging we used car parks in saundersfoot and narberth. No problem finding one free.

Itsgottobeme · 16/04/2023 01:05

National park coastal walk is one of the best things you'll ever do.

lifehappens12 · 16/04/2023 04:17

For those asking about parking and beaches near Tenby - we always head to saundersfoot which is a lovely beach. Just outside the town at coppets hall beach is a great car park which we have found rarely gets full. Great toilets but limited food options

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