The best beaches in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is home to many of Wales’ best beaches. Whether you like your beach sandy and tropical, or wild and ready to surf, you’ll be happy here with long stretches and sandy coves to suit everyone. We spent just three days in Pembrokeshire and took things pretty leisurely. So whilst we definitely saw its sweet spots, there’s plenty to see and do next time we go back. And we will go back — if not least for just one more crab roll from the much-loved seafood shack on Freshwater West. Read on for the best beaches you need to visit in Pembrokeshire.
Freshwater East
We accidentally went to Freshwater East thinking it was Freshwater West (I’ve never been good with directions) but it was a fortuitous mistake as it turned out to be our first swim of the trip, and one of the most glorious. The waters are Freshwater East are incredibly clear and still, thanks to being sheltered by the headland of Trewent Point, and the water is shallow for a good stretch, making it great for kids and those who just like to roll up their trousers and paddle. It’s backed by sandy wild dunes, great for sunbathing and enjoying a picnic.
Freshwater West
On the other side of the Castlemartin peninsula, 20 minutes drive from Freshwater East you’ll find Freshwater West: a more rugged stretch of coastline with wild waves, making it one of Wales’ best surfing destinations. A strong riptide discourages swimmers here, but I’d recommend a bracing stroll along the long beach, watching others navigate the waves. Plan your trip around lunchtime because Café Môr is the seafood shack you need to visit. Not many of Pembrokeshire’s beaches have food or drinks, or any facilities, so this shack is a bit of saviour on a day of beach-hopping! There’ll no doubt be a queue (it’s no secret to locals) but it’s so worth the wait. I’d recommend their signature crab roll — I’m still thinking about it.
Barafundle Bay
Barafundle Bay is extra special. By far the most tropical beach in Pembrokeshire and often named one of Britain’s best beaches, prepare to be wowed by its bright blue waters and gorgeous clean sandy shore. Park at Stackpole Quay car park, and walk along the coast path half a mile or so to get to Barafundle Bay, taking in the coastal views as you go, before you get a glimpse of the bright blue calm waters at Barafundle.
North Tenby Beach
Tenby is well worth a visit, not only for its cracking fish and chips and pretty pastel-hued harbour front but its great beaches too. Castle Beach sits underneath the town, with the picturesque castle to one side, and it actually completely disappears at high tide. The prettier stretch around here is North Tenby Beach — a long, east-facing shore that catches the sun all day. Just what you want from a beach, right?
Mwnt
I’m squeezing this one in even though Mwnt is technically in Ceredigion not Pembrokeshire, but it’s very close and too good to miss if you’re in the area. Just a few miles north of Cardigan, Mwnt beach lies at the base of a conical hill and holy site (Foel y Mwnt). There’s good parking, hill steps that take you down to the beach, and a cafe that’s perfect for post-swim refreshments. It’s a sheltered beach thanks to the headland, but the waves are playful and the swimming is just glorious. Saying that, I actually got stung by a weaver fish here — apparently the most brutal of stings in the Welsh seas — but still, l loved the swim. Just might wear sandals next time we’re there. Mwnt is known for its dolphin-spotting opportunities, so make sure you clamber up the hill, cross your fingers and keep your eyes peeled. We didn’t see any when we visited , but my parents went the following week and saw a little pod of dolphins swimming just off the shore.
Other great Pembrokeshire beaches:
Whitesands — a sandy beach on St. David’s Peninsula with great waves for surfing.
Broadhaven and Little Haven — two gorgeous golden sandy spots next to each other, perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and picnicking. Swim yourself up an appetite then head for lunch at the pub in the nearby village of Bosherston.
Marloes Sands — a wild and wonderful 1.5km-long beach that totally disappears in high tides so check before you visit. On the western end, clamber over the rocks to quiet cove, Albion Sands.
Manorbier Beach — a sandy stretch with rock pools and a nearby castle making it great for big and little adventurers. Strong currents so not for all swimmers.
Caerfai Bay— a rocky cove south of St Davids, reached via a steep winding path (good for keeping crowds at bay!). Sheltered by cliffs, it’s a serene swimming spot. Free parking at the top too — bonus.
Blue Lagoon — it’s not a beach but Blue Lagoon is a great swimming spot in an old slate quarry that flooded. Its rocky cliffs and ruins make it a favourite for adrenaline seekers — the Red Bull Cliff Diving Championships have been held here for several years.
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