Discover Kilgetty

Kilgetty combines industrial history with trails that let you explore the area on foot. The former Saundersfoot Railway, a trail in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and the mining history of Begelly and Kilgetty give the area a distinctive historical character. Welsh crafts and the history of a glass studio in Kilgetty add to this. You can plan your trip around historical themes, walks and nearby destinations.

Railway History and Crafts

The mining history of Begelly and Kilgetty dates back to mining operations recorded in 1581. Around 1830, the former Saundersfoot Railway was built to transport coal. In 1834, a railway opened to carry coal from the mines in Begelly to Saundersfoot. Kilgetty developed around the railway after a station opened there in 1866. The Miners Walk follows the route of the former Saundersfoot Railway, allowing you to experience its course as part of a walk today.

Crafts also have their own story: the Lovespoon Workshop continues the Welsh love-spoon tradition dating back to the 17th century. In Kilgetty, the Avondale Glass Blowing Studio was originally founded by Vicenzo Speranza in 1976. The business first passed to his son and then to his grandson. Together, these stories offer different points of interest—from the history of coal and railways to Welsh traditions and glassblowing.

Walks with Different Themes

The Kilgetty Station Walk starts at Kilgetty railway station and leads into Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Another walk nearby is the Wisemans Bridge/Pleasant Valley route. It is 3.5 miles (5.7 kilometres) long and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. The trail follows the route of a disused colliery railway. In the wooded Pleasant Valley, the walking trail leads to the ruins of Kilgetty Ironworks.

The woods along the Wisemans Bridge/Pleasant Valley Walk also offer the chance to spot great tits, blue tits, wrens, great spotted woodpeckers and chaffinches. This gives you both a historical connection and a nature theme to look out for on a walk, although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. You have several points of interest to help you plan: the railway station as the starting point for the Kilgetty Station Walk, the national park as its destination, and the specific length and duration of the Wisemans Bridge/Pleasant Valley route.

Planning Walks and Getting Around

Folly Farm is located in Begelly, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, SA68 0XA. There is a bus stop directly outside the entrance. From Kilgetty railway station, you can get there on foot in about 20 minutes or by a short taxi ride. If you plan to visit Folly Farm, check local transport connections before setting out, as they may change.

You can also include the southern end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path at Amroth in your plans: take the train to Kilgetty, then catch the 351 bus to Amroth. Check the bus service before you travel. When looking for a holiday cottage, consider Kilgetty as a possible base if the railway station, industrial history and the walks described here fit your travel plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Llandeloy, Saundersfoot, Lydstep, Begelly, Abercastle, Clarbeston Road, Stackpole, Treffynnon.

Back to the main travel overview: Pembrokeshire.