Exploring Pembrokeshire from Waterwynch
Pembrokeshire has a way of revealing itself gradually.
It is often described through its landmarks: the beaches at Barafundle and Broadhaven South, the cathedral at St Davids, the harbour towns scattered along the coast. But what makes the county distinctive is less any single place than the way the landscape changes over relatively short distances. Cliffs give way to sheltered coves, open beaches narrow into wooded valleys, and busier seaside towns quickly fade into quieter stretches of coastline.
From Waterwynch, much of this sits within easy reach.
Positioned on a private bay just outside Tenby, the house looks out across Carmarthen Bay, with direct access to the coast and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path nearby. Some guests spend most of their stay close to the house itself, walking into Tenby along the beach at low tide or heading north towards Saundersfoot along the coast path. Others use it more as a base for exploring further across Pembrokeshire.
To the south, Tenby remains one of the best-known towns on the Welsh coast, with its harbour, medieval walls and long sandy beaches. Despite its popularity, it still changes noticeably with the seasons. Early mornings outside the school holidays can feel entirely different to the height of summer, particularly along the beaches before the town fully wakes.
A little further along the coast, Saundersfoot offers a different atmosphere. The seafront is broader and more open, with a working harbour, independent cafés and restaurants, and easy access to the coast path. The walk back towards Waterwynch follows the shoreline for much of the way, passing beaches, wooded stretches and changing views back across the bay.
Beyond Tenby and Saundersfoot, the county opens out further. The coastline around Stackpole and Bosherston shifts between broad sandy beaches and quieter inlets, while inland routes around the lily ponds and wooded valleys provide a different pace entirely. Further west, the landscape becomes more exposed around St Davids and the headlands beyond, where the cliffs feel more rugged and the coastline less sheltered.
Pembrokeshire is also varied enough that days inland rarely feel disconnected from the coast. Narberth has increasingly become known for its independent shops and places to eat, while the Preseli Hills offer a more open landscape of moorland and ancient stone circles overlooking the county.
What many places across Pembrokeshire share is a certain sense of scale. Even in the busier parts of summer, it rarely feels too busy. Roads narrow, views open unexpectedly, and it is still possible to find quieter stretches of beach or coast path without travelling particularly far.
For groups staying at Waterwynch, that variety becomes part of the rhythm of a stay. Some days begin with coastal walks directly from the house and end around the dining table or bar later that evening. Others are spent exploring further afield before returning to the bay as the light fades across the water. Some just make use of all the house has to offer.
Pembrokeshire lends itself well to all approaches.
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