Wildlife wonders and family fun this May half-term in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Posted On : 21/05/2025

Families looking to make the most of the May half-term will find plenty to inspire them across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

From wildlife walks and archaeological adventures to pirate trails and seaside crafts, the week promises a rich mix of exploration, creativity, and discovery.

Wildlife takes centre stage this half-term, with a series of guided walks offering the chance to explore the Park’s quieter corners and seasonal highlights. The week begins with a closer look at one of our smallest and busiest residents. What’s That Bee? on 27 May offers a gentle walk through the fields and hedgerows of Skrinkle Haven, with tips on how to spot and identify local pollinators.

As day turns to dusk, two evening walks offer a chance to experience the Park in a different light. On 28 May, Brilliant Bats in St Davids invites visitors on a twilight wander through the city, using detectors to hear the high-pitched calls echoing around the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. The following evening’s Bat Walk at Carew offers a rare opportunity to explore the Castle after dark and encounter the protected species that shelter within its ancient walls.

For those in search of daylight discoveries, the Wildflower Wander at Broadhaven South on 29 May offers a slower pace and a closer look at the flora that thrives along the coast. Led by an expert guide, this gentle morning stroll explores the medicinal and culinary uses of some of the Park’s most familiar wild plants.

The Park’s layered past also plays a part in this half-term’s programme. On 27 May, Porthmawr: A Walk Through Time brings together archaeology, history, wildlife and geology in a guided tour led by a Park Ranger and the Park Authority’s Community Archaeologist. This immersive walk offers a chance to explore the stories hidden in the landscape, and to see how time, tide and people have shaped this distinctive stretch of coastline.

 

A father and son use a bat detector on a dark night

Meanwhile, at Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, the half-term programme continues with a creative, coastal twist. From Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, families can follow the Pirate’s Treasure Trail around the grounds of Oriel y Parc to discover the surrounding headlands in search of washed-up clues and hidden rewards. Midweek brings a chance to craft seaside keepsakes at the Sea Trinkets Workshop on Wednesday 28 May, while the week ends with the return of the May Craft Market on Saturday 31 May, where every stall offers something different, made with skill, care, and their own creative flair.

For full event details and to plan your visit, go to www.orielyparc.co.uk or www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Those keen to explore further can choose from a wide range of scenic walking routes, available at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/web-walks.

Mobility support, including beach wheelchairs, is available at several locations across the Park. For more information, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/beach-wheelchairs.

A collection of pretty sea trinkets made from shells.