Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, Wales
The last place mainland Britain was invaded — Fishguard's dramatic harbor, 1797 tapestry, and stone-cottage Lower Town make it one of Wales's most rewarding small ports.
The last place mainland Britain was invaded — Fishguard's dramatic harbor, 1797 tapestry, and stone-cottage Lower Town make it one of Wales's most rewarding small ports.
Larger cruise ships anchor in Fishguard Bay and tender passengers to a dedicated pontoon near the Stena Line ferry terminal in Goodwick; smaller expedition ships can berth alongside.
💡 Pro move: Weather in Pembrokeshire is highly changeable — pack layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of the morning forecast.
Fishguard has a tender operation for most cruise ships; only expedition-size vessels (under ~170 m) can berth alongside at the Goodwick breakwater.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (mid/large ships) | Anchor in Fishguard Bay; tender to Goodwick pontoon📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition & small luxury ships | Alongside berth, Goodwick breakwater (max 170 m / draught 5.5 m)📍 | Docked |
Fishguard punches above its size as a gateway to Pembrokeshire's UNESCO-listed coast — the biggest draw is St Davids, while wildlife spotters head to Strumble Head.
Wales's answer to the Bayeux Tapestry lives in Fishguard Town Hall — 30 metres of hand-stitched story depicting the 1797 French invasion. Pair it with a pint at The Royal Oak, where the French surrender was actually signed.
Explore Fishguard history →Just 25 km west, St Davids is home to a magnificent 12th-century cathedral and the ruins of the Bishop's Palace. The most popular shore excursion from Fishguard — book ship transport or a private taxi.
Find St Davids day tours →Pick up the famous coast path directly from Fishguard for dramatic cliff-top walking above turquoise bays. A 3-5 km section toward Strumble Head is manageable and spectacular.
Find guided coastal walks →One of the UK's best spots to see grey seals, dolphins, and harbour porpoises from land. The lighthouse headland is ~8 km west — best reached by taxi or ship excursion.
Find wildlife tours →Stroll down to this impossibly pretty stone-cottage harbour — filming location for the 1956 Moby Dick and the 1971 Under Milk Wood. Finish with lunch or a Welsh ale at The Ship Inn, right on the harbour wall.
Explore Lower Town →Fishguard rewards those on foot — Upper Town to Lower Town is a classic 30-minute loop, and the Marine Walk offers sweeping bay views without the steep climb.
From Fishguard Town Hall, walk down through the old lanes past St Mary's Church to the picturesque Lower Town harbour, then return via the River Gwaun path.
A paved cliffside path from the edge of Fishguard Town offering panoramic views over the bay — ideal if you want the scenery without the steep return from Lower Town.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, Wales (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47°F / 8°C | 41°F / 5°C | 18 |
| Feb | 47°F / 8°C | 40°F / 4°C | 16 |
| Mar | 49°F / 9°C | 41°F / 5°C | 17 |
| Apr | 52°F / 11°C | 43°F / 6°C | 12 |
| May | 57°F / 14°C | 48°F / 9°C | 13 |
| Jun | 61°F / 16°C | 53°F / 12°C | 14 |
| Jul | 64°F / 18°C | 56°F / 13°C | 14 |
| Aug | 63°F / 17°C | 57°F / 14°C | 18 |
| Sep | 62°F / 17°C | 54°F / 12°C | 16 |
| Oct | 57°F / 14°C | 51°F / 11°C | 17 |
| Nov | 51°F / 11°C | 46°F / 8°C | 21 |
| Dec | 49°F / 9°C | 43°F / 6°C | 20 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, Wales. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.