Beaches in Pembrokeshire

This small beach is next to the larger Abermawr beach and its about 5 minutes walk from the road or 10 minutes around the cliffs from Abermawr. Although mainly pebbles at low tide Aberbach becomes a big sandy beach and the bonus is, its never crowded. A perfect hideaway for a picnic!

A picturesque cove and fishing village, with a sand and shingle beach. The beach faces north west so is sheltered from south westerly gales. Its primary use is as a harbour for local fishermen. There is a slipway for boats, and Abercastle is particularly popular with divers. Swimming, kayaking and angling are also popular here, but the cove is too small for 'forces-of-nature' sports.

A blue sandy/pebble beach with dramatic cliffs, pretty colour-washed cottages and the striking Blue Lagoon - once a slate quarry. Abereiddy beach is ideal for surfers and kayakers and very popular with coasteering groups. This beach-side community, previously the home of quarrymen, now attracts visitors seeking a retreat from the hassles of modern-day life. Children will love the pastime of local children through the ages – the search for Didymographus fossils which can be found in the slatey stones on the beach.

Aberfelin, when the tide is out , abounds with myriads of rock pools in this little sand and shingle beach enclosed by rugged cliffs. Its own special island with a tunnel you can walk through and clear blue water completes this lovely quiet bay. The cove and little stone mill on the stream provided the inspiration for one of Wales' famous bards to write “Melin Trefin” has ensured it's position for eternity within the culture of Wales.

Aberfforest Beach is a small bay made up of a mixture of sand and shingle, situated between two cliffs just under two miles from the local villages of Newport and Dinas. Accessible only via a long footpath, this beach is quiet and peaceful - perfect for a relaxing day by the seaside. Aberfforest Beach is a great beach for swimming and kayaking, and is a popular haunt for seals. Nestled in the wooded valley just behind the beach, you'll find a beautiful waterfall, definitely worth a visit.

A little known, but large and impressive bay with a large pebble bank created by a huge storm in 1859. At low tide the beach is sandy and offers good conditions for kiting. Surfing here can also be good and is never crowded, but the strong currents can be hazardous. Facing west, southerly and northerly winds will be cross-shore and the headlands aren't too high so they shouldn't be too gusty. Parking is along the roadside (limited space), there is a short path from the roadside to the beach.

Amroth is a charming coastal village where time seems to have stood still. The beach is punctuated by a series of groynes that help protect the village from winter storms and rough seas. This beach and village mark the easterly end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which winds its way for 186 miles past all the coves, beaches and cliffs of the Pembrokeshire National Park. Parking is good in the village and along the seafront.

A beautiful bay of golden sands and turquoise blue waters. East facing and well sheltered from the prevailing winds, this is an ideal hideaway spot. There are toilets and a cafe at the car park, however the beach is a 1 km walk along the Coast Path from the car park. There is a steep descent from the path down to the beach.

After parking at Abereiddy, take the short walk around the cliff, passing the ruined quarry buildings and slate workers cottages and you will discover the Blue Lagoon! The Blue Lagoon is the site of a former slate quarry and was created over a century ago when the outer wall was breached. The water has a very distinctive deep blue-green colour, which is caused by the build-up of minerals in the lagoon. Nowadays the lagoon is very popular with outdoor adventure groups using the platforms to jump into the deep water below after an afternoon participating in the ever popular activity, coasteering. Abereiddi and the Blue Lagoon will always be a reminder of Pembrokeshire's industrial past.

Broad Haven (west) is a large, magnificent expanse of sand, which runs the entire length of Broad Haven Village. It is a regular Blue Flag holder. It is a favourite with bathers and watersports enthusiasts with pubs, shops, restaurant, cafe etc. Broad Haven's westerly facing sandy beach offers excellent conditions for kite-surfing, kite-buggying, windsurfing and surfing. For surfing Broad Haven can offer some protection from SW winds. Broad Haven is one of the most popular windsurfing beaches in this area and home to Haven Sports watersports shop. There is a car park at the southern end of the beach opposite Haven Sports and a larger car park a small distance from the beach at the North End of the bay. To find Broad Haven follow the B4341 from Haverfordwest.

This beautiful beach is backed by sand dunes which are an important habitat for wildlife. Offshore is a dramatically-shaped limestone stack known as Church Rock. The stream running down to the beach drains from the Bosherston lakes, part of the Stackpole Estate. In the 18th century the estate was owned by the Campbell family, Earls of Cawdor, who created the lakes by damming three limestone valleys. In 1977 the National Trust took over 810 hectares (2,000 acres) of the estate. The lakes cover 32 hectares (80 acres) and support a rich variety of wildlife including otters, water-fowl, dragonflies and water lilies. They now form part of a National Nature Reserve managed jointly by the National Trust and the Countryside Council for Wales.

Caerfai is the nearest beach to St Davids and is popular for bathers, although at high tide the beach is completely covered leaving only rocks and boulders. A feature of the beach is the unusual purple sandstone along the cliffs, which was used to build St Davids Cathedral. The beach itself is pleasant and can very occasionally have some small surf. Its enclosed nature makes it unsuitable for kiting or windsurfing though. It is however an excellent place for coasteering with plenty of caves and rocky outcrops to explore. The cliffs around Caerfai also provide some good, popular climbing routes. Limitied parking is available at the top of the path to the beach or within the large caravan park. To find Caerfai beach follow the signs from the National Park Visitor Centre in St. Davids.

Cwm-yr-Eglwys is a petite, eye-catching cove popular with families, kayakers and sea swimmers. Overlooking the picturesque shingle and pebble beach are the remains of the 12th Century church of St Brynach's, which was destroyed during a fierce storm in 1859. To find Cwm-yr-Eglwys follow the narrow, twisting road off the A487 just to the east of Dinas Cross.

Primarily a pebble beach, Cwmtydu Beach is a small cove with plenty of rockpools. A popular place for spotting dolphins as seals, mean that this cove is often known locally as Seals Bay, due to the frequent views of seals lounging on the rocks. Cwmtydu Beach is dog friendly all year round.

The sheltered bay of Dale is perfect for watersports - home to sailing, windsurfing and a watersports centre. Dale has a mostly shingle beach with some sand at low tide and an attractive seafront. Car parking is plentiful in the purpose built car park just across the road from the beach.

Druidstone Haven can be found by following the coastal road between Nolton Haven and Broad Haven. It is a well hidden long, sandy beach enclosed on three sides by steep cliffs. Access to the beach is by two footpaths. There are no amenities on the beach, but the nearby Druidstone Hotel has a popular bar. There is only limited parking on the side of the coastal road.

Freshwater East is a wide bay of golden sand and blue water backed by dunes and grassy headlands, there is a freshwater stream running through the beach to the sea at the Southern end. Popular with boat owners, divers, fishermen and surfers alike, it has a shop, pub, caravan park and toilets - all set behind the dunes. .

Freshwater West is a huge sandy beach backed by sand dunes and has a rocky reef at the southern end of the beach. It is a haven for surfers who are drawn to the area by the big Atlantic rollers so it seems only natural that the beach should be the setting for the Welsh National Surfing Championships. The water here is in pristine condition and home to many species of bird life, seals and fish. However please note, it can be dangerous to swimmers because of strong undertows and hazardous quicksands, so families with young children should be on their guard. In the main season there are lifeguards patrolling the beach. Freshwater West has featured in two recent films - Ridley Scott's Robin Hood and also Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows where it was used as the back drop for Dobby's Shell Cottage.

Although the large sheltered harbour of Goodwick looks like an ideal flat water windsurfing location, the high cliffs surrounding it makes it a gusty venue in all but North Easterly winds and not really suited to any kind of 'forces-of-nature' sport. There's a promenade above the top of the beach and a long breakwater that you can walk along. Dolphins and basking sharks are occasionally seen off the beach as they swim round the harbour.

Lindsway Bay beach is a sandy cove less than a mile from St Ishmaels and is a lovely bathing spot for families and also popular with surfers. Nearest parking is in St Ishmaels village by the sports field. From here take the footpath along the west side of the field to the coast path, follow the coast path for approx 200 yards eastwards. Access to the beach is then down a steep zig-zag path with stone and concrete steps. At the bottom it is a short walk over the sandstone boulders to reach the sand.

Little Haven is a picturesque old fishing village with steep streets that descend to a sandy beach with a slipway for small boats, including the local inshore rescue boat. The beach itself is popular with swimmers, divers and kayaks in the summer months. At low tide you can walk along the beach to Broad Haven, passing Settlands on the way, there are numerous caves and rock pools to explore however Settlands is only accessible at low tide so be careful not to get cut off here.

Llansteffan (sometimes spelt Llanstephan) is a long sandy beach against the River Towy, situated just across the water from Ferryside. Car Parking is currently free, but there are talks of implementing parking charges. Dogs are welcome onto the beach during the winter months providing they are kept on leads, however restrictions are then put in place from 1st May to the 30th September forbidding dogs on this beach. Technically, this is a tidal estuary rather than a beach, and so it is recommended to supervise children bathing at all times due to the strong currents in the water.

Lydstep Haven is a picturesque village with a sand and shingle beach, located just over 3 miles from Tenby on the Pembrokeshire coast. It is very popular with swimmers and water sports enthusiasts and there is a great view of Caldey Island from the beach.

One of the prettiest beaches in Pembrokeshire, overlooked by the impressive medieval Manorbier Castle and the 12th century church. The beach itself is sandy, with rocks and rockpools at either end and a pebble bank along the high tide mark, and is very popular with surfers. It is home to a stone cromlech known as the King's Quoit. To find it, follow the signs from the A4139 onto the B4585. Parking is available in a National Trust Car Park above the beach and along the low cliff at the northern end of the beach. Toilets can be found in the large car park and shops and a pub in the village.

Marloes Sands is a beautiful, isolated stretch of sand with rocky outcrops for scrambling on. It is rarely busy and out of season, you are likely to have it to yourself! From the beach there are good views out to Skokholm and Gateholm Islands, the latter of which is at the north west end of the beach and can be reached on foot at low tide. The remains of medieval settlements can be found on the island. Surfing at Marloes Sands can be excellent, but remember there is a 1km walk to the beach from the car park. Note: Keep an eye on the rising tide as it can cover the whole beach cutting you off.

Martins Haven is a small pebble beach, predominantly used as the embarkation point for the boats to Skomer Island. The beach is very popular with divers heading out to explore the Skomer Marine Nature Reserve. Follow the Deer Park walk (a short walk around the Marloes peninsula) around the Coastal Path and you will find fantastic views out towards the off-shore islands, Skokholm and Grassholm - Skokholm lies to the south and Grassholm with its gannets is on the horizon. The rocky bays below the cliffs are used by seals and in the Autumn it is the perfect place to spot Seal Pups.

Newgale provides the ideal location for watersports. There is always plenty of space on the long, two mile stretch of flat sand and whilst the Atlantic Ocean rollers ensure some exciting surf, it is an ideal beach for the young and not so expert. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the school holidays. There is a cafe at both ends of the beach, the Duke of Edinburgh Inn is located on the seafront and there are regular visits by the ice cream van in the summer.

This large, picturesque horseshoe shaped bay is generally well protected from the winds and waves that pound much of the Pembrokeshire coastline. The historic town of Newport stands near the mouth of the River Nevern where there are 2 beaches - one on each side of the estuary. The Parrog is on the Southern side, and although this is the more sheltered beach, unpredictable currents make bathing dangerous. However, the area is rich in prehistoric sites, including Pentre Ifan burial chamber. To find the beach follow the signs from Newport and the A487.

A superb long stretch of beach with lots of room to play games and sail boats. The beach is backed by a popular golf course with club house. At low tide you can walk across the estuary to Newport Parrog, and the walk around the river bank through a bird sanctuary to the road bridge crossing is always enjoyable. Visitors should be careful of dangerous currents around the river. Nature has given Newport a spectacular setting of sea, castle and the towering Carn Ingli – at 1100-feet this makes for a wonderful view from the beach. Access to the beach is easy – no steps or cliffs.

New Quay beach which has been given a blue flag award has a beach cafe serving hot & cold drinks, light snacks and most beach accessories, toilets with disabled access and shower are available at the top of the footpath that leads down to the main beach. Ample car parking is available around the village, all are ticket machines, and disabled parking is available above the main beach but is limited.

The cove of Nolton Haven is a small inlet of pebbles and sand, revealed at low tide to be a long, narrow beach ideal for sunbathing as it is sheltered by the high cliffs on either side. With the car park behind the beach Nolton Haven is a good starting point for some cliff top walks along parts of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, finished off with lunch in the Mariners Arms.

Penally beach is a large sandy beach, at the far end of Tenby's South Beach. The beach gives direct access to Coastal Path, taking you up to Giltar Point where the path continues towards Lydstep and beyond. Access to the beach is via a pathway from the car park near the train station, through the golf course and dunes. There are fantastic views of Caldey Island from Penally.

Pendine Sands is a 7-mile long sandy straight beach edged by a belt of sand dunes. From the beach there are clear views across Carmarthen Bay to Gower and Tenby. This beach can be used by the MOD and therefore is sometimes closed to the public.

Poppit Sands is a sandy beach, backed with sand dunes at the mouth of the Teifi Estuary. It is the beginning, or end, of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The proximity of the beach to the town of Cardigan has made it a very popular venue for visitors, but bathers should be aware of dangerous currents and heed the warning signs and lifeguard flags. It is a blue flag bathing beach making it an ideal holiday location. Lifeguards patrol the beach between July and August from 10am to 6pm each day.

A small cove popular with divers and kayakers with lots of climbing routes on the surrounding cliffs. Again, as with all the beaches in this area also a popular place from which to explore parts of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. There is a car park with an ice-cream van in the summer but very few other amenities. To find Porthclais follow the small road leading SW from The Cross Square in St. Davids.

Porthmelgan is a sandy and secluded beach to the north of Whitesands, accessed only via the Coastal Path. Park at Whitesands and follow the path round to the right of Whitesands Beach, underneath Carn Llidi.

Priory Bay beach is a gorgeous beach on Caldey Island. Access to the island is by boat from either Tenby Harbour or Castle beach depending on the tides. The boats run between Easter and the end of October - Monday to Friday and Saturday during June, July, August, however the island is closed on Sunday. Its is a wonderful beach for families with plenty of space to run around, build sand castles and the perfect spot for a picnic.

A small sandy beach with cliffs on either side means that the west facing Pwllgwaelod is unsuitable for most 'forces-of-nature' sports, however it is very handy for launching small boats and kayaks/canoes. There are low rocks on both sides to clamber over and numerous rockpools. The beach does however offer good views across Fishguard Bay to Fishguard Harbour and a short walk of a kilometre or so takes you across the southern end of Dinas Island to the beach at Cwm-yr-Eglwys.

A large expanse of subtly coloured sand is revealed at this estuary when the tide retreats. Suitable for bathing, although swift currents do arise at some stages of the tide. There are many rock pools for youngsters to explore as well as the stream and stepping stones on the western side - care needed when tide is coming in. There is a free car park on the grass which is adjacent to the footpath.

Skrinkle Haven beach is a sandy/shingly cove between Old Castle Head and Lydstep Point, 1 mile south-east of Manorbier village. Skrinkle Haven is accessed via its neighbour, Church Doors which is a little cove with two high-arched caves in the cliffs which resemble the doors of a church. The two coves are separated by a tall thin limestone ridge. At low tide it is possible to walk around the ridge, but only for a short period of time. There is also a narrow cave linking the two coves - care is needed as the cave is slippery and one end is in a rock pool. Access to Church Doors is via 140 metal steps.

Solva is a beautiful rocky inlet which floods, except at low tide, providing a sheltered, safe anchorage for yachts and pleasure craft. Not surprisingly this fine natural harbour has given the village a long seafaring tradition. At low tide there is a small stretch of sand, but the picturesque little harbour provides a pleasant afternoon for watching the small boats coming and going. A busy little village in the summer, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, pubs and gift shops. Solva is just east of St Davids on the A487 Haverfordwest Road. Parking is on the harbour front.

St Brides Haven is a shingle cove with sand exposed at low tide. It is excellent for swimming, bathing, snorkelling and diving. There are plenty of rock pools to explore making it great fun for families.

Near the mouth of the River Teifi, on the southern side opposite Cardigan, stands St Dogmaels. It is essentially a seafaring village, as examination of headstones in the churchyard will testify. The remains of an Abbey founded by Robert Fitz-Martin in the 12th century are worth a visit. Poppit Sands a little further down the estuary has a beautiful and extensive beach which denotes the start (or the end!) of the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Stackpole Quay beach is a stony beach which is only revealed at low tide. Stackpole Quay is a small harbour set in the cliffs between Barafundle and Freshwater East, it is a favourite spot for kayakers as there are plenty of caves to explore. There are no dog restrictions. 

Swanlake Bay is shingle beach, accessible only from the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path situated between Manorbier and Freshwater East. At low tide the golden sand and rock pools are revealed making Swanlake Bay beach worth the trip - it has been one of Pembrokeshire best kept secrets as even during the Summer months you can still find most of the beach to yourself.

Tenby North Beach consists of a sweep of golden sand, with occasional rocks dotting the beach, including the prominent Goscar Rock. The harbour and castle are at the southern end of the beach which is well sheltered from the prevailing winds. North beach is very popular with families with plenty of space for beach games. Dog restrictions are put in place between 1st May and 30th September, banning dogs from North Beach. 

The mile long stretch of flat, golden sand that is Tenby South Beach is a firm favourite with holidaymakers. Plenty of space for a game of beach cricket or football as well as chasing a Frisbee! The beach is also popular with water sports enthusiasts as it is more exposed than Tenby North beach, it offers better surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing conditions. Dog restrictions apply below the cliffs, east of the beach car park, between the 1st May and 30th September.

An impressive sandy beach surrounded by equally impressive cliffs and headlands. When rough, there can be some pretty nasty rips at this beach making it unsuitable for swimming. Part of the beach can get cut off at high tide too, so watch out. To find it drive to either Porthgain and take the Coastal Path to the beach, or alternatively you can park at Abereiddy and take the 1 km walk along the Coast Path to Traethllyfn. Approx. 124 steep metal steps lead down to beach.

Tresaith is a delightful little sandy beach, very popular with families during the summer offering safe swimming and rock pools. There is a waterfall at the northern end of the beach which is a result of glacial activity when a glacier blocked and diverted the route of the river Saith, causing it to cascade in a waterfall directly onto the beach. Dolphins can be spotted almost daily throughout the Summer.

Watwick Bay is a beautiful, secluded beach accessible only from the Coastal Path, approx. 1 mile South of Dale village, or half a mile walk from the roadside - care is needed as it is quite a steep walk down to the beach. There are some great rock pools to explore and also a few caves. It is a sheltered sun trap in the Summer and a popular spot for passing boats.

West Angle bay is a picturesque, sandy beach which overlooks Thorn Island, and is met by The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path from both sides. Angle offers the enthusiastic tourist a never ending list of activities, from walking The Coast Path, to swimming in the sea and exploring the hidden castles!

West Dale is a stunning, secluded cove enclosed by towering cliffs and accessed only via steps from the Coastal Path - either by footpath through Dale or by parking on the roadside (very limited). This is where King Henry VII, born at Pembroke Castle, landed his army on the way to the battle of Bosworth. West Dale is very popular with surfers, at its best between low and mid tide - although its not for the inexperienced surfer and make sure you know where the rocks are!

Whitesands is one of the best beaches in the world – and that's official. Its not only the top beach destination in Wales, but ranks in the top 20 worldwide, beating the likes of Bora Bora and Natadola in Fiji. With its mile-long expanse of sand, the bay curves round to the rocky point of St Davids Head. Whitesands has been rated one of Britain's premier places in the Good Beach Guide and annually receives a Blue Flag award for water quality. Ideal for families it is also renowned for its surfing and watersports, being a firm favourite with both beginners and professional surfers. For the summer 6 months, Lifeguards man the beach and the beachside shop and cafe provides welcome refreshments. Other facilities include parking, toilets, surfboards and windbreak hire, plus a bus service that travels back and fore to St Davids every half hour in summer months. The towering dramatic, volcanic outcrop of Carn Llidi rises behind the beach and is well worth the climb it offers truly stunning views over the beach and bay, the sunsets are magnificent, or follow the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path through the Iron Age fields and on to the Peninsula Settlement at St Davids Head. Dog restrictions apply to the entire beach between 1st May and 30th September.