The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a spectacular and distinctive coastal area. It’s Britain’s Only Coastal National Park, as it’s the only one of Britain’s 14 National Parks to be entirely coastal in nature...
186 miles of walkers paradise on both ild headlands and pristine beaches with picturesque towns and villages like Tenby, St Davids and Solva en route. Most people walk a little bit a time, coming back year after year to explore a bit more. If you want to do the whole lot, allow 15 days...
No other county in Britain has more Blue Flag Beaches or Seaside Award beaches than Pembrokeshire. With over 50 beaches to choose from, there’s going to one that’s perfect for you, whether you want surfing, kayaking or kite surfing, or just somewhere peaceful to relax, sunbathe and build sandcastles... 
There are 51 forts and castles in Pembrokeshire including enormous stone fortresses like Pembroke castle, Manorbier castle and Carew castle. There are medieval walled towns of Tenby and Pembroke and fortified Bishops Palaces at St Davids and Lamphey. 
A pristine environment, clean seas, very little population and lush vegetation makes for rich and varied habitats, most important of which are the Islands: Skomer, Skokholm, Ramsey, Grassholm and Caldey. Home to thousands of Puffins, Gannets and other sea birds. Dolphin, Porpoise and Whale watching boat trips are popular too...
Lamphey
Lamphey
The village of Lamphey is a few miles east of Pembroke on the road towards Manorbier.
On the northern edge of the village are the remains of Lamphey Bishop's Palace, one of three grand fortified palaces in Pembrokeshire belonging to the Bishop of St Davids. Set in a peaceful pastoral location a few miles east of Pembroke, it's still a substantial structure today.
Lamphey was a seat of the last of the Welsh, pre-Norman bishops, according to Giraldus Cambrensis (See Manorbier Castle). Subsequent Norman bishops embellished and extended the site considerably. They added The Old Hall, The West Hall and The Great Hall. After the reformation, Lamphey passed into secular hands and was acquired by the Earl of Essex and his descendants but quickly fell into ruin. The palace was more recently acquired by CADW, the Welsh historic buildings agency, who have restored it.
Lamphey Bishop's Palace features a partially complete outer wall, a central grassy area with a bell tower and numerous halls, chapel and other buildings. The palace is one of the most haunted places in Pembrokeshire with numerous spectres including singing nuns and a headless Earl of Essex. There is parking, a visitor centre, toilets and regular guided talks.
The most striking accommodation available in Lamphey is The Lamphey Court Hotel, a fine Georgian colonnaded country house hotel. It's located next to Lamphey Bishops Palace. There are a number of places in Lamphey which offer accommodation as well as somewhere to eat, including The Dial Inn and Lamphey Hall Hotel. There's an excellent bakery in Lamphey and a garage with a well stocked shop. B&Bs and guesthouses can be found in neighbouring villages such as Hodgeston or Pembroke. The nearest camping sites and touring caravan sites can be found in Manorbier and Freshwater East. There are also several holiday parks at Manorbier and Freshwater East where you can rent a self catering caravan or chalet. There are numerous self catering cottages in Lamphey and surrounding villages.
ID: 1991 Revised: 22/5/2012
