Memorial Park

The wetland paths at Memorial Park stretch out from Pembroke like something you'd stumble upon by accident, except locals know exactly where to come. This is a working nature reserve - proper marshland with reedbeds, open water, and the kind of bird life that makes twitchers forget to eat their packed lunch. You'll find yourself on wooden boardwalks most of the way, which means it's manageable for families without requiring serious hiking boots, though the ground can be boggy after rain.

Walkers get the most from it. The reserve has different loops depending on how much time you want to spend - you could manage a quick circuit in 45 minutes or settle in for a couple of hours if you're patient with binoculars. Bring a decent camera or telescope if you're into that sort of thing. Birdwatching is the main draw, though you'll also spot dragonflies and the occasional otter if you're lucky.

It's free to access and operates on an open-access basis, which is refreshing. Best visited in spring and autumn when migrating birds pass through, though there's always something to see. The nearest holiday parks - Windmill Hill just outside Pembroke town itself, or the glamping options at Grass Roots and Sky Meadow a couple of miles further on - put you within easy striking distance. The Pembroke area has plenty of coastal walks nearby, so it slots in well as a morning or afternoon interlude during a wider Pembrokeshire park holiday.