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If you’re after cracking sea views, history, and a brilliant cafe that punches well above its weight, this small coastal village should be firmly on your gastro radar. Goodwick is a small seaside town in Pembrokeshire , west of its twin town of Fishguard. It's home to an unusual cafe located inside the charity Sea Trust Wales's base of operations, which also features a hands-on aquarium. The Ocean Lab Cafe offers lush Barista coffee and a view of the entire bay from the ground floor or gallery on the first floor. It also serves fresh homemade food, including cakes and Pembrokeshire Dairy ice cream. The cafe is also up for an award and posted on its Facebook page , "We’re so excited to share that we’ve made it to the finals in the Best Coffee House 2025 category at the Best of Welsh Food Industry Awards! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who nominated and voted for us so far — we’re so grateful for your support!" The building has an aquarium and a gift shop, with locally made items and sustainable gifts. Make sure to spend time in the centre's Sea Môr Aquarium and Discovery Room, which offers a bookable virtual reality experience of the Celtic Sea. Along with award-winning cafes, this area has plenty of foodie finds and history to discover. Fishguard and Goodwick form a community that wraps around Fishguard Bay. In addition to the two towns, it consists of Dyffryn, Stop-and-Call, Harbour Village, Lower Town, and Penyraber. With local seafood, artisan cafes, old-school pubs, and an upscale hotel restaurant, Fishguard and Goodwick is where you can feast your way through the day while exploring the craggy coastline. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here This corner of Pembrokeshire holds its own with an impressive food scene that makes the most of all that local bounty. Independent cafes, cosy pubs and clever kitchens are turning out gastro-delights from just-landed seafood to creative plates you’d expect in a much bigger town. Before diving into Fishguard and Goodwick's culinary offerings, it’s worth building up an appetite with a bracing coastal hike. You can stomp along the accessible seafront path at Parrog to more challenging coastal stretches and circular routes. Other popular options include the Strumble Head Circular and the Fishguard Circular. A short walk from Fishguard town centre takes you to the fort, an old defensive site with sweeping views across the bay. Built in the 18th century to protect against French invasions, the fort is now a peaceful spot to watch the ferry from Ireland glide into the port. The real local legend, though, is how Fishguard’s women, dressed in distinctive red cloaks and black hats, helped repel the last invasion of Britain in 1797 by the French. Local resistance, led by the legendary Jemima Nicholas, quickly brought the invasion to an end. It was over almost as soon as it began, but Fishguard still holds the title for the last invasion of Britain and wears it with pride. Wander down to Fishguard's Lower Town Harbour, a postcard-perfect fishing port that’s been used as a filming location for movies like Moby Dick. If you're lucky, you’ll find pop-up seafood stalls serving freshly caught crab or lobster sandwiches here. The simplicity of ultra-fresh seafood, a squeeze of lemon, and a touch of salt is a food lover’s dream. Want an adventure while you're here? Kayaking in Pembrokeshire is hands down one of the best ways to explore this jaw-dropping coastline. With 220 miles of rugged cliffs, secret caves, and golden beaches, it’s a paddler’s paradise. And let’s not forget, this is Britain’s only coastal National Park, so you’re in for some seriously epic views! Hop in a kayak with Kayak King in Fishguard, and you’ll be treated to an unforgettable tour of the Pembrokeshire coast. Glide through crystal-clear waters, weave in and out of hidden sea caves, and get up close to incredible marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident seals lounging on the rocks or bobbing in the waves, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a playful porpoise! No experience? No worries! Kayak King’s expert guides ensure everyone feels right at home, from total newbies to confident paddlers. Their stable, sit-on-top kayaks are extremely easy to handle, and they are best suited for sheltered waters, making it a fun and stress-free adventure for all ages. Hungry? There are loads of foodie options in this underrated foodie hotspot. Swing by Ocean Lab Cafe, where right now you can get a decadent S’mores Hot Chocolate and a homemade Toffee Apple Cinnamon Loaf with tender apple pieces and a scoop of Upton Farm vanilla ice cream drizzled with toffee sauce. For big breakfasts and brunch, head to Mannings Ffres. This café-greengrocer hybrid is a firm favourite with locals and uses quality ingredients sourced from Pembrokeshire’s best producers. Their new breakfast stack is loaded with a sausage patty, crispy bacon, black pudding, flat mushrooms, and a perfectly cooked Trebover egg. Don’t forget to try their locally roasted coffee, it’s strong and smooth and will blow the wintery cobwebs away. If you want a quick yet high-quality breakfast, head to The Gourmet Pig. This award-winning deli stocks artisan Welsh cheeses, fresh pastries and local produce. Their sausage rolls and Pembrokeshire butter croissants are dangerously good, making it hard to choose just one item. If you're going on a long coastal walk, grab a freshly made baguette with local cheese and chutney for a top-tier picnic. If you love a cosy cafe with homemade treats, you’ll adore Janes. This family-run spot is a charming blend of coffee shop and haberdashery, making it a unique place to unwind with a steaming cup of coffee. They serve Segafredo coffee (rich, smooth, and just the right level of indulgence) alongside a menu of homemade cakes, light lunches, and hearty bites. If you’re after a proper Welsh treat, their bara brith (a traditional fruit loaf) is a must-try, moist, lightly spiced, and perfect with a slather of butter. For a properly comforting Welsh lunch, Cresswell’s Cafe is a must. This local haunt is famous for its Sunday lunches and traditional Welsh cawl. Their homemade soups and generously filled sandwiches are excellent options if you're looking for something lighter. Fish and chips might be a classic, but it’s an art form in Fishguard. At Hooked @31, you’ll find some of Pembrokeshire's crispiest, freshest fish and chips. Their beer-battered cod, homemade tartar sauce, and double-cooked chips are nothing short of perfection. They also serve loaded fries with toppings like pulled pork, Welsh rarebit, and fresh seafood. Named after the Welsh word for oven, Ffwrn is a one-of-a-kind spot in a beautifully converted 1930s church hall. With its mix of vintage and industrial curiosities, lush greenery, open-plan space, and cooking centred around a roaring Fire, it's a must-visit dining spot in Pembrokeshire. Crisp wood-fired pizzas, Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates, and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options are on the menu. Pair with local ales, hand-picked wines, or a cheeky cocktail. Ffwrn isn’t just about great food, it’s also a buzzing event venue that hosts live performances and themed events. For a cosy, atmospheric dinner, The Royal Oak is frankly unbeatable. This pub is where the surrender treaty was signed after the 1797 French invasion, and it still holds its historic charm today. Expect filling portions, a fantastic selection of local ales, and a lively crowd of locals and visitors. Live folk music nights (usually on Tuesdays) are a great way to experience Pembrokeshire’s musical heritage while enjoying a local ale. For drinks in a buzzing atmosphere, head to The Ship Inn for a proper old-school pub experience. Tucked away in Lower Town, Fishguard, right by the mouth of the River Gwaun, The Ship Inn is a popular alehouse with roots stretching back to the late 18th century and is brimming with character, sea-faring tales, and a cracking selection of real ales. Inside, walls are decked with old maritime photos, maps, and quirky memorabilia, adding to its wonderfully unspoiled charm. It’s a Free House and a proud feature in the Good Beer Guide , so you know you’re in for a top-notch pint.
