If you’re looking for a quaint Welsh holiday break by the sea, you won’t find much better than Fishguard holiday cottages. This picturesque fishing village by the harbour feels like stepping onto the scene of a movie, and with miles of open country, there’s plenty to explore beyond.
Whether you’re dreaming of an extended weekend or a longer stay in Pembrokeshire, here are some of our favourite things to get up to in Fishguard.
The Best Things to Do on a Fishguard Holiday
- See the Last Invasion Tapestry
- Walk to Fishguard Fort
- Take Scenic Photos in Fishguard’s Lower Town
- Follow the Art Trail to Goodwick
- Stroll Along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
- Catch a Show at Theatr Gwaun
- Explore the Ancient Woodlands of Gwaun Valley
- Discover the Pembrokeshire Coast by Boat
- Enjoy Local Food in Fishguard’s Restaurants
See the Last Invasion Tapestry
Did you know that the last time Britain was invaded was in Fishguard in 1797? This dramatic event and the locals who helped withstand it are celebrated in a wonderful tapestry hosted at the Fishguard Library in the centre of the main town.
Created to mark the bicentenary of the invasion, the Last Invasion Tapestry is 100 feet long and took four years to complete, stitched in the medieval style by more than 70 local people. It is not only a beautiful piece of art in its own right, full of colour and detail, but it also provides an exciting window into this crucial part of British history.
Walk to Fishguard Fort
Once you’ve learned about the invasion of 1797, you’ll want to take the beautiful walk from town to the old fort, which played a vital role in scaring away the invaders.
Walking to Fishguard Fort from the main town takes around 30 minutes, but there is also car parking nearby, or you can take the bus. From here, you get beautiful views of the Pembrokeshire Coast, while the remains of the fort help to bring the invasion to life.
If you want to explore further, going the other way from Fishguard, you can discover a memorial stone at Carregwastad Point, the place where the invaders ultimately landed.
Image credit: Fishguard Old Fort by Rude Health, CC BY-SA 2.0
Take Scenic Photos in Fishguard’s Lower Town
If you’re looking for picturesque Welsh coastal villages, you won’t find many better than Fishguard’s lower town. With a harbour lined by charming cottages and flanked by green hills, it feels like an idyllic escape.
While there are some lovely views looking down on the lower town from the hills, it’s just as charming to walk around the narrow streets yourself. There’s a reason multiple films have used Fishguard as a location, after all.
Follow the Art Trail to Goodwick
Sitting along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful walks to take from Fishguard. However, for something a little different, why not follow one of the Art Afoot trails to nearby Goodwick?
Created by local arts groups, Art Afoot is a set of walking trails decorated with work by local artists, including sculptures and digital art. It’s a wonderful way to connect to local culture while also taking a trip to Goodwick, where you can enjoy things like the popular Ocean Lab Aquarium.
Image credit: Herring sculpture at Goodwick by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff, CC BY-SA 2.0
Stroll Along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
The very popular Pembrokeshire Coast Path cuts straight through the heart of Fishguard, making it the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy a walking holiday!
Beyond the scenic views of Fishguard from the hills, there’s plenty more to explore in this area of the Coast Path if you fancy a good hike. To the east, you’ll find the secluded Pwllgwaelod Beach and the popular hiking spot of Dinas Head. To the west, a long stroll takes you to the striking natural scenery of Strumble Head.
Catch a Show at Theatr Gwaun
If you want to see something special while staying in Fishguard, keep an eye on what’s happening at Theatr Gwaun. Previously a town hall, Fishguard’s theatre was saved a few years ago by a community-run effort, and the independent arena is now hugely popular amongst locals.
The cinema and live entertainment venue always has something going on, whether it’s a screening of the latest blockbuster, a local theatre performance or some live music in Martha’s, the on-site cafe.
Image credit: Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard by Jeff Buck, CC BY-SA 2.0
Explore the Ancient Woodlands of Gwaun Valley
The natural beauty around Fishguard isn’t just limited to cliffside walks overlooking the coast. Head inland to discover Gwaun Valley, where steep hills are abundant with so much nature and wildlife that it feels like stepping into a fantasy.
You’ll encounter a wide range of secrets while walking the Valley from Fishguard to the Preseli Hills. From ancient stones with ties to the myths of King Arthur, to relics from prehistoric ages in small villages such as Llanychaer and Pontfaen. There’s also plenty of bird watching to be done in this area, making it the perfect place for an alternate walking trail away from the Coast Path.
Image credit: Path towards Glandwr and Llanychaer by Natasha Ceridwen de Chroustchoff, CC BY-SA 2.0
Discover the Pembrokeshire Coast by Boat
Of course, walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a wonderful way to see how the Atlantic Ocean has shaped the Welsh Coast. However, there’s no better way to get up close and personal than by taking a boat from Fishguard Harbour.
Many different boats still make use of Fishguard and surrounding harbours, including a few boat trip providers allowing you to discover the Pembrokeshire Coast in a whole new way. A popular route takes you from Fishguard to Strumble Head, a route full of natural beauty and Welsh history, including a few shipwrecks.
Enjoy Local Food in Fishguard’s Restaurants
As with many areas of Pembrokeshire, Fishguard is hugely proud of its local food produce. There is a food market every Saturday, but if you can’t make that, there are always restaurants offering wonderful locally-sourced dishes.
Here are some of the places we’d recommend to people staying in Fishguard, although there’s plenty more to discover besides:
- The Royal Oak – Historic pub serving classic grub.
- Peppers – Art house offering dining, live music and art.
- Ffwrn – A relaxed restaurant and events venue in an old church hall.
Find Your Dream Fishguard Cottage
No matter what you’re looking for in your Welsh escape, you’ll likely find plenty of it here in Fishguard. With plenty of idyllic, traditional Welsh cottages to choose from, there’s never been a better time to discover this beautiful little gem.
