New Year Breaks in Pembrokeshire 2026: Quiet Escapes, Coastal Walks and Winter Events

by NetletUK
January 16, 2026
Things to do
0

New Year Breaks in Pembrokeshire 2026: Quiet Escapes, Coastal Walks and Winter Events

The first few weeks of the year in Pembrokeshire have a very particular feel. The crowds have gone, the sea is steel-blue, and the pace slows right down. It’s the kind of time where you actually get through the book you packed… and maybe walk a bit further along the coast path than you planned.

For 2026, we’re keeping things simple at NetLet UK Pembrokeshire Cottages: good-quality self-catering cottages, some gentle winter offers on selected stays, and plenty of ideas for making the most of the quieter months.

If you’ve already seen our piece on Christmas and New Year Breaks in Pembrokeshire 2025, this is the natural next step – what to do now the tinsel’s come down, and why January, February and early March are underrated times to be here.

Start the Year Slowly in St Davids

St Davids in winter is very different to the summer rush. Fewer ice cream queues, more time to notice the light on the hills and the sound of the sea below the cliffs.

Our St Davids “Ty” cottages give you a comfortable base just a short walk or drive from the Cathedral and coast:

Ty Eithin, St Davids – a modern, thoughtfully furnished retreat, ideal for couples or small families who want St Davids on the doorstep but still love a quiet evening in.
Ty Onnen, St Davids – bright and welcoming, with space to come back to after long, blustery walks.
Ty Helygen, St Davids and Ty Bedwen, St Davids – great options if you’re travelling with friends or extended family and want separate cottages close together.

From any of these, you can dip in and out of what’s on at the Cathedral, then retreat to your own warm, private space.

What’s On at St Davids Cathedral: Winter & Early Spring 2026

St Davids Cathedral doesn’t go quiet after Christmas – it just shifts gear. If you like your breaks with a bit of depth, reflection or gentle structure, it’s well worth planning a stay around some of the Cathedral and Tŷ’r Pererin events.

St Aiden’s Day Pilgrimage

Friday 31st January, 10.30am – 1pm

January isn’t everyone’s favourite month, but a short pilgrimage can reset things a little.

On St Aiden’s Day, there’s a guided walk from St Davids Cathedral to St Non’s Holy Well. It links the Wexford–Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way with local saints’ stories, and includes pilgrims from St Madoc of Ferns Pilgrim Church. You’re invited to bring a packed lunch; drinks are provided at St Non’s Retreat.

It’s thoughtful rather than strenuous, and staying in Ty Eithin or Ty Onnen makes it very easy to take part without worrying about long drives or logistics.

Quiet Day for Ash Wednesday

Wednesday 18th February, 10am – 4pm | £10

If you’d like a day to step back from normal life, the Ash Wednesday Quiet Day offers exactly that.

The day begins with worship in the Cathedral, then moves to Tŷ’r Pererin, working with reflections based on Stanley Spencer’s Christ in the Wilderness paintings, using art, poetry and silence. You bring your own lunch; drinks are provided.

For anyone using a winter break to genuinely slow down rather than simply cram in “things to do”, this sort of day fits perfectly. You can return to your cottage afterwards – perhaps Ty Helygen or Ty Bedwen – light the fire, cook something simple, and let the stillness continue.

Gŵyl Dewi Activities

Saturday 28th February & Sunday 1st March (during Cathedral opening hours)

As St David’s Day approaches, the city wakes up a little.

Over the Gŵyl Dewi weekend, there’s an adventure for all ages, starting in town and finishing at the Cathedral. You pick up a pilgrim pass and clues from Oriel y Parc Information Centre or the National Trust shop, then follow a treasure hunt along the High Street. Once all the “little things” are decoded, you head to the Cathedral, where St David’s Shrine tells its story.

It’s a relaxed, low-pressure way to explore St Davids with children or teens – you get them engaged without making it feel like “a history trip”.

St David’s Day Pilgrimage

Sunday 1st March 2026, 10am – 12.30pm

On St David’s Day itself, there’s a special pilgrimage from Ffynnon Dewi / St David’s Holy Well at Porthclais, along the coast and into the city.

You meet at the harbour car park (9.30am), walk the coastal path to St Non’s Holy Well for a blessing, and then continue on to the Cathedral. It’s a beautiful way to combine the landscape, the history and the celebration of Wales’ patron saint – and if you’re staying in one of our St Davids cottages, it becomes an easy, memorable centrepiece to your break.

Coastal Walks, Wild Beaches and Off-the-Beaten-Track Adventures

Outside of Cathedral events, winter and early spring are when Pembrokeshire really suits people who like to just… wander.

If you’re new to the area, our guide to Pembrokeshire’s Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures is a good starting point. You’ll find quieter coves, lesser-known viewpoints and suggestions that work well in the cooler months.

For something a bit more energetic, Adventure Holidays in Pembrokeshire covers coasteering, kayaking and more – ideal if you’re planning a February half-term with older children or teens and don’t mind a wetsuit in winter.

And if beaches are your thing even when it’s too cold to swim, our post on Holiday Cottages in Pembrokeshire by the Sea talks through some of the best stretches of coast, from Tenby South Beach to Solva and Newport.

Where to Stay: A Few Winter Favourites

Different parts of Pembrokeshire offer different kinds of winter break. A few of our properties that work particularly well this time of year:

For a Tenby base:

7 Waterstone House – floor-to-ceiling views over South Beach and a balcony that’s just as enjoyable with a blanket and a hot drink as it is in summer.

11 Waterstone House – another lovely South Beach apartment, handy for winter walks and good restaurants when you don’t feel like cooking.

For a rural, “switch off” break:

Lambston Cottage – cosy, characterful and ideal if your idea of a holiday is a roaring fire, a long book and the odd trip out.

Sgubor Sgiwiff, Llandeloy – a beautifully converted barn in the north of the county; if you’d like more detail, have a look at our separate feature: Stay with us at Sgubor Sgiwiff.

For dog owners:
Winter is arguably the best time for dogs here – empty beaches, fewer restrictions and miles of coast path. Our Dog Friendly Holiday Cottages in West Wales guide lists a selection of properties and nearby walks that work well with four-legged companions.

Planning Around School Holidays and Events

If you’re tied to school terms, it’s still worth looking at the early-year calendar rather than defaulting to summer.

Our round-up of Events in Pembrokeshire 2025 – Ultimate Guide gives a feel for the sort of things that run annually – from food festivals to races and cultural events – even if exact 2026 dates may vary.

We’ve also previously shared ideas for:

Both are packed with family-friendly things to do, many of which apply just as well in 2026 as they did in earlier years.

If you’re travelling with children, our guide to Family-Friendly Activities in Pembrokeshire is also worth a look before you book – it covers beaches, boat trips, wildlife and rainy-day options.

Booking Your New Year Escape

Through January and into early spring, we’re offering reduced rates on selected cottages, particularly for midweek stays and last-minute bookings. It’s a good time to try somewhere you’ve had your eye on for a while, or to return to a favourite at a quieter time of year.

You can browse current availability and offers on NetLet UK.

If you’re not sure where to base yourself – Tenby, St Davids, Newport or deeper into the countryside – it’s worth skimming through a few of our previous posts, such as:

They should give you a sense of which corner of the county matches the sort of break you’re hoping for.

A Last Word

New Year doesn’t have to mean crowded parties or big resolutions. It can be as simple as a few quiet days in a warm cottage, a handful of good walks, and maybe a pilgrimage or concert at St Davids Cathedral if that appeals.

However you prefer to spend it – wrapped up on a wild headland, wandering through an illuminated Cathedral Close, or just tucked up on the sofa with a view – there’s room for it here in Pembrokeshire.

And if you decide this is the year you finally make that winter escape, we’d be very happy to welcome you.

Why Book with NetLet UK?

25% deposit required to secure booking
Property check carried out, prior to arrival
Online check-in details, provided at time of booking with all of the information you will need throughout your stay
24/7 assistance throughout your stay
Cairo Comfort linen bedding range from Mitre Linen, renowned for its luxurious quality and elegant designs
£250 damage deposit, refunded back to you on completion of a successful changeover

New Year Breaks in Pembrokeshire 2026: Quiet Escapes, Coastal Walks and Winter Events