Explore Pembrokeshire
Welcome to Penally — Pembrokeshire's best-kept secret. The unspoiled peace of a historic coastal hamlet, with the vibrant beaches and harbour of Tenby just a stone's throw away. The Cross Inn is your ultimate basecamp.
Top Attractions Near Penally
Whether you're lacing up your hiking boots, wrangling the kids for a day of adventure, or looking for a quiet beach to walk the dog — it's all within easy reach.
Caldey Island
A serene, historic island home to Cistercian monks and ancient priory ruins. Hop on a boat from Tenby to explore its tranquil beaches, monastic history, and deep sense of peace.
Cross Inn pairing: Spend a peaceful day exploring the island, then return to our beer garden to admire the very same island over a relaxing pint.
Tenby Town & Beaches
A bustling historic seaside resort with four beaches, Tenby Castle, St Catherine's Fort, and the Tudor Merchant's House. Rich Tudor history, colourful harbour houses, and vast stretches of golden sand.
Cross Inn pairing: Escape the heavy crowds of Tenby town by retreating to our quiet village pub for a hearty, high-quality dinner.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
A 186-mile National Trail with dramatic limestone cliffs, rare seabirds, and unparalleled sea views stretching to Lundy Island. The path runs right along the Penally cliffs, directly accessible from the village.
Cross Inn pairing: Fuel up with our famous Sunday lunch before tackling the coastal miles right from our doorstep.
Penally Beach
A quiet shingle and sand beach that joins seamlessly with Tenby's South Beach. All the beauty without the crush of the tourist crowds.
Cross Inn pairing: Pop back up to the pub for a cosy drink and a hearty meal after a breezy dog walk.
Manorbier Castle
A stunning Norman castle associated with the famous scholar Gerald of Wales. Authentic medieval history set in a beautiful coastal landscape.
Cross Inn pairing: A perfect historic morning out followed by an excellent, generously portioned pub lunch with us.
Barafundle Bay
A pristine, award-winning beach with crystal clear waters and unspoiled natural beauty. Often used as a base for thrilling coasteering adventures.
Cross Inn pairing: After a tiring but exhilarating day swimming or scrambling on the coast, our warm, friendly atmosphere is the ultimate comfort.
Saundersfoot
A popular coastal village famous for its bustling harbour, New Year's Day Swim, and seasonal festivals. Vibrant community events, great beaches, and family-friendly fun.
Cross Inn pairing: Enjoy the excitement of their lively festivals, then return to the tranquility of Penally for a peaceful evening drink.
Activities & Experiences
From adrenaline-fuelled coasteering to peaceful clifftop walks — Pembrokeshire has something for every kind of adventurer.
Coasteering & Kayaking
Pembrokeshire is the birthplace of coasteering! Local companies run guided sessions where you scramble, swim, and jump off cliffs, or take a scenic kayak tour of the sea caves.
Suits: Adventurers, families (8+ for coasteering, 6+ for kayaking)
Start: Tenby Harbour, Stackpole Quay or Lydstep
Penally Cliffs Walking Route
A scenic 2.6-mile circular walk offering views of Caldey Island, Giltar Point, and unique historic sites along the headland.
Suits: Walkers, history buffs, and dog owners
Start: Penally Railway Station — 100 yards from the pub
Wildlife Watching (Skomer Island)
Take a day trip to see Atlantic Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, and seals on one of Britain's premier wildlife islands. Puffins depart by late July.
Suits: Nature lovers and photographers
Start: Boat from Martin's Haven
Family Adventure Parks
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Manor Wildlife Park, and The Dinosaur Park Tenby offer full-day entertainment for kids of all ages.
Suits: Families with children
Start: Short drives from Penally
Penally's Hidden History
You don't even need to leave the village to step back in time. Penally is home to secrets most tourists walk right past.
WWI Practice Trenches
Many tourists walk the coastal path without realising they are passing the only complete surviving example of WWI practice trenches in the UK, dug into the Penally cliffs to prepare soldiers for the Western Front.
St Deiniol's Holy Well & Chapel
Tucked away near Penally Abbey Hotel is an ancient stone-lined spring and a 12th-century medieval chapel featuring a striking Flemish chimney.
Hoyle's Mouth Cave
Just off Trefloyne Lane lies a limestone cave where tools and the bones of extinct cave bears dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic era (before 15,000 BC) were discovered.
West Tarr House
A 14th-century fortified tower house, considered one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in South Wales.
A Local's Tip
To truly enjoy Tenby without the exhausting parking and crowds, base yourself in Penally. You get the unspoiled peace of our 10th-century village, but you can simply walk down to Penally Beach and stroll seamlessly right onto Tenby's South Beach.
Your Perfect Pembrokeshire Day
Three ways to spend your day before heading back to the pub.
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The Family Day Out
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Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before making the short drive to Folly Farm Adventure Park or The Dinosaur Park Tenby.
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On the way back, take a quick detour to peek into the prehistoric Hoyle's Mouth Cave.
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End your day back at the Cross Inn, where the kids can relax in our beer garden while the adults enjoy a well-earned, home-cooked dinner.
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The Historic Couple's Retreat
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Begin with a morning exploring Penally's deep roots: view the 10th-century Celtic crosses inside St Nicholas & St Teilo Church, then hike up the headland to uncover the WWI practice trenches.
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In the afternoon, take the coastal path into Tenby to explore the Tudor Merchant's House and Tenby Castle.
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Return to the Cross Inn just in time to watch the sun dip over Caldey Island with a perfectly poured pint.
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The Dog Walker's Dream
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Take a scenic 5-minute stroll from the pub directly down to the quiet sands of Penally Beach. Let your dog stretch their legs.
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Join the Pembrokeshire Coast Path up toward Giltar Point for sweeping views of the bay.
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Loop back into the village and settle into our dog-friendly pub, where your four-legged friend will be greeted like an old friend while you tuck into our daily specials.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early autumn is ideal for water sports, coastal walking, and seeing the Puffins (who depart by late July). However, Pembrokeshire's winter festivals and bracing coastal walks make it a fantastic year-round destination.
Getting Here by Train
Leave the car behind! Penally has its own railway station on the branch line to Pembroke Dock. The station is just 100 yards from The Cross Inn, making us incredibly easy to reach.
Weather
Coastal weather can be unpredictable. Expect dramatic, breezy conditions on the cliff paths — always pack warm layers and waterproofs, even in summer.
Family & Dog Friendly
The Cross Inn is highly dog-friendly and loves welcoming families. Local beaches and the Coast Path are perfect for dogs, though they must be kept on a lead near cliff edges and livestock. Note: dogs are not allowed on Skomer Island.
Skip the Tenby Crowds
Base yourself in Penally for a stress-free holiday. You get the peace of our 10th-century village with easy access to Tenby — just walk down to Penally Beach and stroll right onto South Beach. No parking battles, no crowds. And our railway station means you can leave the car behind entirely.
Ready for a Proper
Pembrokeshire Welcome?
After a long day exploring the magic of Pembrokeshire, let Chris and her team take care of you. A home-cooked meal and a cold pint in our beer garden, watching the sun set over Carmarthen Bay.
Penally Railway Station is just 100 yards from our front door.
Get directions to The Cross Inn →