The best things to do in West Wales

Colourful seaside villages, beaches framed with golden arcs of powder-soft sand, and a myriad of exciting family attractions; there are plenty of things to do in West Wales during your next staycation.

Encompassing Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, this breathtaking region of Wales is a fantastic holiday destination, and this guide will help you make the most of your time here.

From conquering castles to dolphin-spotting boat trips, we’ve picked out some of the best things to do in West Wales. And if you’d like to jump straight into our collection of holiday cottages in West Wales, just click the button below.

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• Best things to do in West Wales for families
• Best things to do in West Wales for couples
• Best things to do in West Wales with dogs

Best things to do in West Wales for families

Enjoy a fun-filled family day out in West Wales with these top things to do with kids in West Wales.

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo

For families who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo is sure to be one of the top things to do with kids in West Wales. Experience 120 acres of fun, with adventure play parks, fairground rides, and a beautiful nature reserve.

The highlight of the park is the huge zoo which is home to over 100 species of animals, including majestic lions, cheeky penguins, and endangered rhinos. Any Peppa Pig fans in the family? Be sure to take them to the Jolly Barn where they can meet a host of cute and cuddly animal friends, from piglets to ponies.

Hangar 5 trampoline park, soft play centre and cafe

Image by Hanger 5

Have fun and get airborne at Hanger 5 with its interconnected trampolines and special features such as angled walls, roll-over platforms, punch bags, tricks airbag and time attack obstacle course!

Refresh at the cafe and keep little ones happy come rain or shine at the soft play centre.

Cardigan Bay Marine and Wildlife Centre

At the Cardigan Bay Marine and Wildlife Centre, you will discover one of the most fun things to do in West Wales for all ages. Here, the whole family has the chance to get up close to some of the most extraordinary marine creatures that live on this part of the coast.

Based in New Quay, the wildlife centre operates boat tours that take you out into Cardigan Bay where you might spot bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises and Atlantic grey seals. You may even be lucky enough to see seasonal visitors such as giant sunfish, leatherback turtles and impressive basking sharks!

Best things to do in West Wales for couples

Get together for a memorable day out with these top things to do in West Wales for couples.

Barafundle Bay

A golden crescent of sand lapped by crystal-clear, turquoise waters and backed by pine trees; a trip to Barafundle Bay is one of the most romantic things to do in West Wales for couples.

Not only is this one of the most stunning West Wales beaches, but it’s been voted several times as one of the best beaches in the world! Its isolated location and lack of facilities mean its sparkling shoreline remains completely unspoiled, so it’s an idyllic spot to escape for a peaceful picnic on the sand. Take a look at our full collection of romantic getaways in Pembrokeshire to experience the full range of beautiful beaches in the UK's only coastal national park.  

Tenby

The picture-postcard harbour town of Tenby makes an idyllic setting for a romantic stroll with your loved one. Wander the cobbled streets, admire the pastel-painted houses, and make the most of the town’s four sandy beaches before heading out for a delicious meal at one of the many fabulous places to eat. 

There are so many things to do in Tenby for couples. Visit the tidal island of St Catherine’s where you can explore an ancient fort, or jump aboard a boat trip from the harbour to Caldey Island, one of the last remaining island monasteries in the whole of the UK. You’ll find some of the best West Wales restaurants here too, where you can enjoy a meal for two, and don’t miss a chance to snap a few pictures of Tenby Harbour at sunset – it looks like a candy-coloured dream.  

Devil’s Bridge Falls

If you’re a couple and wondering what to do in West Wales, then why not take an adventure to Devil’s Bridge Falls? Nestled in the dramatic heart of the Cambrian Mountains, this striking series of tiered waterfalls, crossed by a trio of stone bridges, sits deep within an ancient, wooded gorge.

Overflowing with mystery and legend, it is said that the original Devil’s Bridge was built by the Devil himself! Explore the falls via one of the two challenging walking trails and capture a selfie beside this dazzling natural wonder.

Best things to do in West Wales with dogs

The whole pack can enjoy an action-packed day out with these dog-friendly things to do in West Wales.

Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail

When it comes to walks in West Wales, very little tops the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Stretching for 186 miles from Amroth in the south to its northernmost point in St Dogmaels near Cardigan, this epic coastal trail is completely dog friendly, although you may be asked to keep your canine on a lead in certain sections or at specific times of the year, due to the wildlife.

Most of the path is located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and passes through a variety of maritime landscapes, including towering cliffs, golden beaches, pretty fishing villages, and emerald-green lagoons.

Pembroke Castle

Not only is this one of the most magnificent castles in West Wales, but a visit to this mighty fortress is also one of the best things to do in West Wales with a dog. Pembroke Castle was originally built in the 11^th century and was the birthplace of Henry VII. Towering above the River Pembroke, its ancient walls shimmer in the reflection and it’s easy to see why it has appeared on silver screens around the world.

Happy hounds are welcome on short leads anywhere inside and outside the castle, except for the shop. But their interests won’t be in the gift shop anyway, will they? Rather, they’ll enjoy the smells and experiences around the Dungeon Tower, the Great Keep, and the expansive garden grounds.

Heatherton World of Activities

Another of the top dog-friendly West Wales attractions, Heatherton World of Activities offers a fun-filled day out for those with both two legs and four. Human visitors will be in their element with a treasure trove of activities on offer, including go-karts, archery, adventure golf, treetop trails, zip lines and a climbing wall.

For the pups, there’s a dedicated dog agility course boasting ten tail-wagging obstacles. Plus, they are welcome to explore the park too, as long as they’re on a lead.

Find these top things to do in West Wales on a map

Stay in West Wales

Ocean House, Dragon's Eye - Llygad y Ddraig, Chart House

How many of these top things to do in West Wales can you tick off on your next getaway? If you need somewhere to stay in between your exciting adventures, check out our collection of self-catering accommodation in West Wales by clicking the button below.