There’s no point pretending it won’t rain on a British summer holiday, and Wales is renowned for having more than its fair share of the wet stuff. When it pours, indoor and all-weather attractions are the order of the day, and they are abundant in Pembrokeshire, from local aquariums and art galleries to castles and major theme parks. Whatever your preferred activity – be it exploring historical sites, taking a boat trip to offshore islands or enjoying the latest rollercoaster ride, Pembrokeshire will not disappoint.

1 OAKWOOD LEISURE PARK
With more than 40 top rides and attractions to suit all ages and nerve limits, Oakwood is one of Britain’s best theme parks, and Wales’s top paid-for tourist attractions; it entertains more than 400,000 visitors each year.
The park is home to the acclaimed wooden roller coaster Megafobia. Then there is the Bounce, the UK’s only 160ft ‘shot ‘n’ drop’ tower coaster, which shoots riders into the air at 43mph in less than two seconds. Described as the closest sensation to free flight, Vertigo is a 160ft-high sky coaster that soars at up to 68mph in 1.5 seconds. The latest thrill-a-minute family ride is Plane Crazy, which was launched at Easter. There’s also KidzWorld, a special multi-attraction section created just for children. From 24 July to 30 August, the park is open until 10pm every day for after-dark fun, with discounts after 5.30pm.

2 CAREW CASTLE and TIDAL MILL
Now managed by the National Park Authority, the stately ruins of Carew Castle date back to 1300, with archaeological evidence of an earlier Iron Age settlement on display. Today, Carew is one of the few castles where you can see the development from Norman fort to Elizabethan country house. During the summer months, a wide variety of events are held in the grounds, including drama, battle re-enactments, country fairs and concerts.
Carew Tidal Mill is now the only one of its kind in Wales. The twice-daily tides flood the 23-acre millpond, and its floodgates close automatically when the tide turns. The massive amount of water held back is then released by sluices to drive one of the two huge wheels, which in turn power six sets of mill wheels. The mill ground corn until 1937, and was restored to full working order in 1973.

3 CALDEY ISLAND
Pembrokeshire is blessed with many offshore islands; these include Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm, designated nature reserves that can be reached by advertised cruises. The most accessible and popular is Caldey Island, a monastic haven around 20 minutes by boat from Tenby harbour.
A spiritual haven for almost 1500 years, it is now home to a group of Cistercian monks.
Much of the island is open to visitors between Easter and October, although certain parts remain off-limits. It is possible to visit many of the old buildings, including the parish church of St. David’s, but tours of the monastery itself are restricted to men only. The island village includes tearooms, a gift shop selling items made by the monks, and a perfume shop, whose products are made from gorse and wild flowers which grow on the island.

4 THE DINOSAUR PARK
Numerous species of dinosaur have been recreated as life-size statues and placed at intervals along this woodland walk. Children absolutely love it here, and sound effects and information boards add to the educational experience. There is also a pets corner and sizeable outdoor playground, as well as a spacious restaurant which should appeal to mums and dads.

5 PEMBROKE CASTLE
Once the most important Norman stronghold in the county, Pembroke Castle boasts the finest keep of any in Wales. It was the birthplace of Henry VII, and when besieged by Oliver Cromwell during the Civil War, it held out for 48 days, forcing the Roundheads, who had run out of cannon balls, to use beach stones to breach its walls.
Visitors are able to explore the castle’s battlements and towers, and the great riverside cavern that lies underneath. Guided tours are available, and there is a picnic area, a snack bar and gift shop.

6 FOLLY FARM
This excellent family adventure park on the A478 Tenby to Narberth road offers a complete day out. Much of it is under cover, so it’s a splendid choice for wet days. In addition to traditional farm animals, there are rare breeds such as Dexter Cattle, as well as a sizeable collection of more exotic creatures in the children’s zoo. Here you can see lemurs, porcupines, prairie dogs, meerkats, llamas, wallabies, ostriches, zebras and raccoons. Folly Farm has its own vintage funfair with a stupendous collection of working rides and stalls. Regular tractor and trailer rides run into the countryside, and there is also a nature trail.

7 CASTELL HENLLYS IRON AGE FORT
Those who watched BBC1’s Surviving The Iron Age will be familiar with this painstakingly reconstructed Iron Age hill fort. Based on excavation evidence on a site inhabited by Celts 2000 years ago, replica thatched roundhouses and farm buildings have been erected on the foundations of the originals. This living museum features Iron Age livestock, including ancient breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs identical to those whose remains were unearthed during digs.
Local artists have created a series of sculpture trails depicting themes from ancient Welsh folklore, and events showcasing Celtic culture are held throughout the summer.

8 OCEANLAB
‘Oscar’, one of the biggest woolly mammoth skeletons in Europe, takes pride of place in this decidedly high-tech north-coast attraction. The skeleton forms part of a new exhibition, ‘The Ice Age in Pembrokeshire’, which runs throughout this year. As well as an ‘Ocean Quest’ section highlighting the natural wonders of the county’s coasts, there’s a cybercafé and an IT section featuring computer-based games for all the family. There are also hands-on displays and activities for children, and what’s more, entry is free.