10 Fascinating Facts about Pembrokeshire, Wales That You Didn't Know
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As a tourist destination, Pembrokeshire has a lot to offer. From its breathtaking scenery and lush green hills to its rugged coastline, Wales is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. One county in Wales that stands out from the rest is Pembrokeshire. Located in the southwest of the country, Pembrokeshire is home to some of the most stunning coastal views in the world and is a popular spot for those looking to explore the great outdoors and has even recently been shot for a BBC series by the same production company that made Green Planet.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring 10 fascinating facts about Pembrokeshire, Wales that you may not have known. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore what makes Pembrokeshire so special.
1. Pembrokeshire is Home to the UK’s Only Coastal National Park
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only such park in the UK and is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Covering an area of 240 miles, the park is made up of a rugged coastline, rolling countryside, and marshlands. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife including a variety of birds, dolphins, seals, and even porpoises. It’s also a popular spot for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and kayaking.
The park is also home to a number of historic sites including Iron Age forts, Norman castles and a number of lighthouses, including the Tyn-y-Gongl lighthouse, which is the last remaining lighthouse in Wales. The park is also home to a number of islands, including Grassholm, which is home to the world’s largest Gannet colony and Skomer known for it’s vast Puffin population!
2. Pembrokeshire Has the Most Hours of Sunshine in Wales
Pembrokeshire has the most hours of sunshine of any county in Wales, making it the perfect spot for a summer holiday. The county is also home to some of the best beaches in Wales, including Tenby, which is widely regarded as the best beach in Wales. The county also has a number of other stunning beaches, including Manorbier, Saundersfoot, and Broad Haven.
The county also has a number of historical sites, including Pembroke Castle, which was built by the Normans in 1093.
3. The World’s Oldest Surviving Lifeboat Was Built in Pembrokeshire
The world’s oldest surviving lifeboat, named the Atalanta, was built in Pembrokeshire in 1807. The boat was used to rescue sailors from shipwrecks off the coast of the county. A replica of the boat is on display in Tenby harbour, and can be visited by tourists.
The county is also home to a number of museums, including the Pembrokeshire County Museum, which is home to a number of artefacts and exhibits related to the county’s history. The museum also has a large collection of photographs related to the county’s shipbuilding industry.
4. Pembrokeshire Has the Longest Continuous Coastal Footpath in the Country
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is the longest continuous coastal footpath in the UK. The path stretches for 186 miles and takes in some of the most stunning scenery in Wales. The path is also home to a number of historical sites, including St. David’s Cathedral, which is the smallest cathedral in Britain.
The path is also home to a number of wildlife reserves, including Skomer Island, which is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins and guillemots. The path is also home to a number of lighthouses, including St. Govan’s Head, which is one of the oldest lighthouses in Wales.
5. Pembrokeshire is Home to the UK’s Largest Wildlife Reserve
Pembrokeshire is home to the UK’s largest wildlife reserve, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, porpoises, and a variety of birds. The park is also home to a number of historic sites, including Iron Age forts, Norman castles, and lighthouses.
The park is also home to a number of beaches, including Tenby, which is widely regarded as the best beach in Wales. The park is also home to a number of islands, including Grassholm, which is home to the world’s largest Gannet colony.
6. Pembrokeshire’s Coastline is Home to Many Shipwrecks
Pembrokeshire’s coastline is home to a number of shipwrecks, including the HMS Otranto, which ran aground off the coast of the county in 1917. The wreck is now a popular spot for divers, and is home to a variety of marine life. The county is also home to a number of lighthouses, including the Tyn-y-Gongl lighthouse, which is the last remaining lighthouse in Wales.
The county’s coastline is also home to a number of notable landscapes, including the Green Bridge of Wales, which is one of the longest natural sea arches in Britain. The county is also home to a number of other historical sites, including the Iron Age fort of Caerau, which was first built in the 5th century BC.
7. The Prettiest Village in Wales is in Pembrokeshire
The prettiest village in Wales is located in Pembrokeshire and is called Solva. The village is located on the banks of the River Cleddau and has a beautiful harbour. Solva is home to a number of historic buildings as well. There is also a number of shops and restaurants, making it a popular tourist destination.
The village is also a short drive from a number of beaches, including Newgale, which is a popular spot for surfing and other water sports.
8. Pembrokeshire is Home to the Largest Burial Chamber in Wales
The largest burial chamber in Wales is located in Pembrokeshire at Pentre Ifan. The burial chamber dates back to around 3500 BC and is made up of three large stones and two smaller stones. The burial chamber is believed to have been used for ritual burial ceremonies, and is a popular spot for visitors to explore.
The county is also home to a number of other historical sites, including St. David’s Cathedral, which is the smallest cathedral in Britain.
9. Pembrokeshire is Home to the Smallest Church in Britain
Pembrokeshire is home to the smallest church in Britain, which is located in the village of St. Dogmaels. The church is a 12th century Norman chapel which is just 8 feet by 5 feet in size. The church is a popular spot for visitors to explore, and is also home to a number of historic artefacts.
The county is also home to a number of other churches, including St. David’s Cathedral, which is the smallest cathedral in Britain. The county is also home to a number of castles, including Pembroke Castle, which was built by the Normans in 1093.
10. Pembrokeshire is Home to the World’s First Commercial Tidal Power Generator
Pembrokeshire is home to the world’s first commercial tidal power generator, which is located in the county’s Ramsey Sound. The generator was built in 2003 and is capable of generating up to 1 megawatt of electricity, which is enough to power around 1000 homes. The generator is a popular spot for visitors to explore, and is a testament to the county’s commitment to renewable energy.
The county is also home to a number of other renewable energy projects, including a wind farm located in the village of Llanrhian. The county is also home to a number of businesses and organisations committed to reducing their carbon footprint, including the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which is committed to preserving the county’s natural environment.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 10 fascinating facts about Pembrokeshire, Wales that you may not have known. From its stunning coastline and rolling countryside to its rich history and commitment to renewable energy, Pembrokeshire is a county that has a lot to offer.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an adventure-filled getaway, Pembrokeshire has something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, be sure to add Pembrokeshire to your list of must-visit destinations.
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