Fishguard (Wales)

Fishguard offers a manageable local day ashore, with a small town centre, an old fishing harbour and coastal walks. Independent sightseeing is practical with some planning or transport: cruise arrivals use the modern harbour at Goodwick, while central Fishguard and picturesque Lower Town are separate, hillier areas. St Davids and the wider Pembrokeshire coast require a bus, pre-booked taxi or excursion.

Getting from the Cruise Port

Larger cruise ships normally tender ashore within Fishguard Harbour; smaller expedition vessels may berth alongside. Follow the passenger route and transfer instructions provided for your call, as this is a working ferry port. The cruise arrival area at Goodwick should not be confused with the old harbour in Lower Town.

Check onboard whether a town shuttle is operating, where it drops passengers and when it returns. A shuttle or taxi is the simplest way to reach Fishguard town centre. Walking may be possible once outside the operational port, but the distance depends on the passenger exit and the approach to town includes an uphill section. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes from the Goodwick waterfront rather than treating Fishguard as immediately beside the landing point.

Local buses connect Goodwick and Fishguard, but stops are outside the cruise arrival area and services must be checked for the day. Arrange taxis in advance for trips farther afield, including a confirmed return pickup.

Best Ways to Spend Your Time

Fishguard Town and Lower Town Harbour

Allow 2–3 hours, plus port transfers. Start around Market Square, visit the Last Invasion Tapestry if open, then walk down to Lower Town for quayside cottages, small boats and views along the River Gwaun. This is the most straightforward introduction to Fishguard independently, provided you are comfortable with hills.

The tapestry gallery is on the first floor of the Town Hall, with lift access. Allow about 30–45 minutes; check opening arrangements, particularly for Sunday calls. The descent to Lower Town is followed by a substantial uphill return, so passengers with limited mobility should arrange transport between the two areas.

Goodwick Sands and the Waterfront

Allow 1–2 hours after leaving the port. Goodwick’s Parrog promenade and small sandy beach offer a simpler outing close to the harbour. Walk along the seafront, stop for refreshments and enjoy views across the bay. The promenade is the gentler alternative to Fishguard’s hills.

This is a convenient waterfront break rather than a remote beach excursion. The amount of exposed sand changes with the tide; use the promenade if conditions are unsuitable for the beach.

Marine Walk Coastal Views

Allow 1–2 hours from central Fishguard. Follow the signed Marine Walk from the West Street/Penslade area for views across Fishguard Bay and towards Lower Town. An out-and-back walk lets you turn around when your time or the weather requires.

Independent walking is practical in suitable conditions, but the complete connection between Fishguard and Goodwick includes steep slopes or steps. Individual level sections do not make the whole route step-free. Wear shoes with grip and choose the town or promenade instead during strong winds or heavy rain.

St Davids Cathedral and the Small City Centre

Allow around 4–5 hours with pre-arranged road transport. St Davids is a separate destination, best chosen as the main outing of the call. Visit the cathedral and browse the compact centre, allowing roughly 40–50 minutes each way by road, depending on traffic and the pickup point.

The T11 bus connects Fishguard and Goodwick with St Davids; many journeys take about 40–45 minutes between the relevant town stops. Reaching the stop, waiting and returning to the cruise landing add time. Independent travel requires a checked outward and return timetable, with a backup plan. An organized excursion is preferable on a short call or when bus timings leave little margin.

The cathedral sits below the town centre, with slopes and steps on common approaches. Visitors needing easier access should arrange a suitable drop-off. Services and events may affect sightseeing access.

Strumble Head and Coastal Scenery

Allow 2–3 hours with a pre-booked taxi or excursion. Strumble Head offers lighthouse views, seabird watching and a short taste of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The drive from the Fishguard area takes approximately 20–30 minutes each way on narrow rural roads.

There is no public access to the lighthouse island. Paths around the headland are exposed and uneven, so keep walks short in unsettled weather. Arrange the return vehicle before leaving the port. The seasonal 404 Strumble Shuttle has limited departures and should only be used when both journeys fit comfortably within the call.

Self-Guided Walking Route

Market Square to Lower Town Harbour — Moderate

Start and finish: Fishguard Town Hall, Market Square, reached by your confirmed shuttle, taxi or local transport. Distance: approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) return, depending on quayside exploration. Walking time: about 40–50 minutes. Total time: 1.5–2.5 hours including the tapestry and photo stops.

1. Market Square: orient yourself around the Town Hall and confirm your return transport pickup point.
2. Last Invasion Tapestry: visit the gallery inside the Town Hall if open, for an illustrated account of the French landing of 1797.
3. Main Street: walk towards the descent to Lower Town, using the pedestrian pavement.
4. Lower Town quay: explore the public harbour frontage and photograph the cottages and boats.
5. River Gwaun bridge: continue to the bridge for a different view of the harbour and river mouth.
6. Market Square: retrace your route uphill and return to your agreed pickup point.

The route includes a steep descent and climb, with some narrow pavement sections beside traffic. It is unsuitable for anyone seeking a flat stroll. The walking estimate excludes travel between Market Square and the cruise port.

Practical Tips for Your Call

• Choose one main outing: local Fishguard sightseeing combines well with a short coastal walk; St Davids is better treated as a separate excursion.
• Allow for tendering: plan around the ship’s last tender time, which can be earlier than the advertised departure.
• Leave a return buffer: aim to reach the cruise landing or terminal at least an hour before the published final boarding or tender time, allowing more for rural transfers or infrequent buses.
• Check transport before setting out: confirm shuttle arrangements, bus operating days and taxi pickups. Do not depend on the final possible bus connection.
• Prepare for changing weather: carry a waterproof layer and use footwear suitable for wet slopes. Coastal viewpoints are considerably more exposed than the town centre.