The ultimate guide to the best beaches in Pembrokeshire
Looking for the ultimate guide to the best beaches in Pembrokeshire? With so many beautiful bays to discover, we thought we’d share our favourites.
Whether you’re planning on visiting in the scorching summer months or perhaps planning a relaxing winter break, Pembrokeshire’s coastline is always a delight to explore. From the bustling atmosphere of Marloes Sands to the peace and quiet of Monkstone Beach, there’s so much choice.
Can’t wait to get your feet on soft, golden sands? Here are nine of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire!
1. Barafundle Bay
Location: Stackpole
To start off our guide to the best beaches in Pembrokeshire, it had to be the picture-perfect Barafundle Bay! If you woke up on Barafundle Bay you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d washed up on a tropical paradise. This beautiful beach is home to turquoise waters and golden sands and certainly wouldn’t look out of place on a Caribbean holiday brochure.
Backed by dunes and quite a walk away from the nearest car park, it’s such a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the views on a summer’s day.
Barafundle Beach has actually been voted as one of the best beaches in the world, and once you’ve seen it for yourself it’s very easy to see why. After a day of swimming and sunbathing at Barafundle Bay, why not pop to The Stackpole Inn – one of the best pubs in Pembrokeshire. Or head to Bosherston Lily Ponds and marvel at the impressive lily spectacle.
Nearest parking: The Stackpole Quay car park is the nearest place to park, and is around half a mile over the cliffs from the beach.
2. Broad Haven
Location: Haverfordwest
A mixture of sand and pebble, Broad Haven is a popular beach in Haverfordwest that offers plenty of room for everyone. During the summer months, lifeguards patrol the beach – making it a great place to enjoy a day of safe bathing as the waters are particularly calm here. If you fancy a walk, you can reach the next headland, Little Haven. We’d recommend checking the tide times before you set off though, as the tide can roll in very fast!
The northern part of the beach has dog restrictions from the start of May to the end of September, although the rest of the beach can be enjoyed by our four-legged friends at any time of the year. read our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Pembrokeshire for more places to take your loveable pooch.
Nearest parking: There is a small pay and display car park along the seafront, with spaces for up to 46 cars. This can fill up quite quickly in the summer months.
3. Coppet Hall Beach
Location: Saundersfoot
With plenty of powdery sand, Coppet Hall Beach is a popular family-friendly beach in Pembrokeshire. At the eastern end of the beach, you’ll find an array of rock pools filled with all sorts of interesting marine life for the kids to discover. Facilities are available on the beach, including toilets, beach showers, and changing spaces.
Ice creams and cold drinks can be bought from The Kiosk, a small shop on the seafront with a choice of refreshments. After a day relaxing on the beach, be sure to explore Saundersfoot, one of our favourite towns in Pembrokeshire.
Nearest parking: There is a large pay and display car park right next to the beach.
4. Newgale
Location: Newgale
A huge beach spanning over two miles, Newgale Beach is a Blue Flag beach with plenty to offer. A haven for kitesurfers, you’re bound to see a few sailing by after a few minutes of arriving! It’s also a great choice for traditional surfing, with lifeguards patrolling the beach during the summer.
The northern section of the beach is home to a surf shop, cafe, and pub so you don’t have to leave the soft sands to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a well-deserved cold drink.
Nearest parking: There are three car parks to choose from, the largest being the Newgale Beach North Car Park with space for up to 177 cars. The Beach South Car Park has space for up to 53 cars. Both of these operate as a pay and display.
5. Manorbier Beach
Location: Manorbier
Manorbier Beach is a dune-backed bay, overlooked by the historic Norman castle that sits atop the clifftops of the village. It’s a popular location for experienced surfers, although visitors should be aware that the currents can get quite strong here. There are some shallow parts along the shore if you just fancy a paddle, though.
Part of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path runs from the village, so if you feel like a good walk you’ll find plenty of scenic routes along here.
Nearest parking: You’ll find 30 spaces in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park car park, as well as a few along the coastline. It’s usually best to get there early to secure a space!
6. Monkstone Beach
Location: Saundersfoot
The perfect place to escape the crowds, Monkstone Beach is a hidden gem tucked between the popular resorts of Saundersfoot and Tenby. Accessed by a rural footpath, it’s usually the place to go if you’d rather enjoy the sights and sounds of the seaside without having to share it with anyone else.
You can also reach Monkstone by walking along the Wales Coast Path from Saundersfoot, or along its beach if the tide is low enough.
Nearest parking: There is limited parking along the lane from Trevayne Farm. If visiting, be mindful of farm access and passing places when parking up.
7. Freshwater West Beach
Location: Castlemartin
A wide, sandy beach with an impressive dune system, Freshwater West Beach is a firm favourite among surfers and one of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire. Strong rip currents are usually present here, so we’d only recommend giving the surf a try if you’re experienced and confident on the water. Read our guide to surfing beaches in Pembrokeshire for a surfing holiday to remember.
The beach is also renowned for its links to Hollywood – it has been the setting for many famous films! Most notably, it was the backdrop for a scene in ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ – lookout for Dobby’s grave on the beach!
Nearest parking: There are two small car parks close to the beach, although these fill up fast with campervans and surfers. Some limited parking is available along the lane to the beach, although care should be taken to avoid blocking the path for farmers and emergency services.
8. Whitesands Bay
Location: St Davids
With its powdery sands, Whitesands Bay near St Davids is perfect for bathing on. If you love getting out on the water, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for canoeing and surfing – a wonderful thing to do in Pembrokeshire! For those who would prefer to have a bit of peace and quiet, there are some secluded bays to the south end of the beach.
There are toilets and a cafe available by the car park, and lifeguards patrol the beach between May and September.
Nearest parking: There is a car park with spaces for up to 60 cars above the beach. Visitors can also use the local shuttle bus if they don’t feel like driving around for a space in the height of summer.
9. Marloes Sands
Location: Marloes
Surrounded by natural beauty and a home to an impressive variety of bird and marine life, Marloes Sands is a lovely place to visit in any season. From seals to puffins, you’re bound to see something new every time you visit. At low tide, there’s so much space to stroll along and make the most of your surroundings.
This is yet another famous Pembrokeshire beach – it was the setting for various scenes in the 2011 ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ film.
Nearest parking: Half a mile from the beach, there is a pay and display National Trust car park.
Other idyllic beaches in Pembrokeshire worth visiting include Sandy Haven Beach, Poppit Sands Beach, Pwllgwaelod Beach, Caerfai Beach, Newport Sands, Skrinkle Haven Beach, Abermawr Beach and Martin Haven Beach.
Thinking about a weekend away to some of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire? Our Pembrokeshire cottages offer just what you need to unwind and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. Or why not read our ultimate guide to beaches in West Wales for some more sandy hot spots.