by Steph Boal / Pembrokeshire
Join us on an exhilarating journey through the best Pembrokeshire beaches nestled in the coastal paradise of southwest Wales and the UK’s only coastal national park!
Ranging from secluded hidden coves with rocky pools to traditional and popular sands, the beaches in Pembrokeshire offer something for everyone. With endless rolling surf, the swells of the Atlantic Ocean, and breath-taking sunsets, Pembrokeshire’s beaches are a must-visit for beach lovers.
Whether you’re looking for a day out at the seaside, wild swimming, or refreshing dog walks, find your favourite Pembrokeshire beach today!
“Seas” the day and read on to discover the 11 best Pembrokeshire beaches…
Pembrokeshire Beaches FAQ
The Best Pembrokeshire Beaches
Pembrokeshire Beaches Map
The breath-taking Pembrokeshire coast spans an impressive 186 miles, so it is not surprising that there are over 50 beaches in Pembrokeshire!
At nearly 2 miles long, Newgale Beach is one of the biggest beaches in Pembrokeshire. Not only is it one of the biggest beaches it is also one of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire, read on to find out more.
All of the beaches in Pembrokeshire allow dogs. However, between the 1st May and the 30th September, there are restrictions, which are clearly signposted on, Amroth, Broad Haven, Coppet Hall, Dale, Lydstep, Newgale, Poppit, Tenby Castle, Tenby North, Tenby South, Saundersfoot and Whitesands.
Swimming is in abundance on the Pembrokeshire coast, but the safest places to swim are those with a lifeguard service. Amroth, Broad Haven, Freshwater West, Newgale, Newport, Nolton Haven, Poppit Sands, Tenby North, South and Castle and Saundersfoot all have a lifeguard service. Please check with the RNLI when lifeguards will be present.
The best for an exotic escape
The first beach on our guide to the best Pembrokeshire beaches is Barafundle Bay Beach. This exotic UK beach is surrounded by countryside and luscious trees. Coupled with the golden sands and azure water, it has a wow factor.
It’s easy to mistake this Pembrokeshire beach for somewhere on the Mediterranean! Spend days basking in the sun, wild swimming in the crystal clear water and admiring stunning views across the sea. The half-mile walk across the cliffs makes it quieter than other places; the perfect Pembrokeshire beach to relax on.
After a day spent on one of the best beaches in Wales venture back into the village of Stackpole to grab a bite to eat at The Stackpole Inn.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog-friendly all year round.
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: A half-mile walk over cliffs leads to parking at Stackpole Quay and Broad Haven South
Postcode: SA17 5LS
The best for dogs
Broad Haven South Beach is another stunning Pembrokeshire beach. While away the day on the spacious sands and watch as your pet runs freely along the shoreline of this dog-friendly beach in Wales!
Boasting a unique location backed by the idyllic Bosherton Lily Ponds that date back to the 19th century. Broad Haven South Beach is the perfect place to end a day of exploring. Gather with loved ones on the golden sand and marvel as the sun dips behind the horizon; an unbeatable sunset!
The adventurous among you can even explore the island and boulders on the west side of the beach. You might find craggy caves and rushing springs coming out of the cliffs. At low tide, even more caves are revealed, so be sure to keep an eye on the tide so you don’t get cut off by the sea.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog-friendly all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: There is a National Trust car park available which is pay and display or free for members
Postcode: SA71 5DZ
The best for history
Castle Beach in Tenby is next up on our guide to the best Pembrokeshire beaches. This beautiful beach is a must-visit as it is backed by colourful houses on Tenby seafront and boasts views across to St Catherine’s Island, the home to St Catherine’s Fort.
Time your visit right though, as this spectacular setting disappears in the high tide! Low tide reveals access to the 74 steps that lead up to the Island and fort, unlocking a wealth of history for you to explore while visiting this beach in Pembrokeshire.
After basking in the sun on the golden shores of Castle Beach, you can also take a boat across to Caldey Island, be sure to admire the breath-taking views of the sea on your way! Immerse yourself in the history of this monastic Island by touring St David’s Church, the old Priory and St Illtyd’s Church and the monastery and abbey.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dogs are not allowed on this beach between 1st May and 30th September
Lifeguard service: Yes
Parking: Pay and Display parking can be found near South Beach
Postcode: SA70 7BP
The best for surfing
At the mercy of the wild swells of the Atlantic Ocean, Freshwater West Beach is a stunning beach! This large beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in the UK, popular with surfers, dog walkers and even Hollywood!
A visit to this Pembrokeshire beach might result in déjà vu. It has been the backdrop for films including Robin Hood and Their Finest.
Keen Harry Potter fans will also recognise this beautiful beach as an important Harry Potter filming location with the grave of the whimsical elf Dobby being present today. Fans have further immortalised the elf with decorative stones; a must-see for fans of the film series.
Enjoy leisurely walks in the invigorating sea air and admire the sea lapping at the shores. Swimming is cautioned against due to strong rip currents and large waves. However, it means the beach is the best place to watch surfers!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog-friendly all year round
Lifeguard service: Yes
Parking: Free car park available
Postcode: SA71 5AH
The best for views
Boasting unbeatable sea views with a beautiful backdrop of Manorbier Castle, it’s easy to see why Manorbier Beach is one of the best Pembrokeshire beaches. This dramatic beach is the perfect place for walks as the Pembrokeshire coastal path meanders over cliffs and dunes.
Spend a full day on the shores of Manorbier with the whole family, as the beach is dog-friendly. Splash around in the sea with your kids, try your hand at surfing or during low tide admire the rockpools brimming with wildlife lining the shore.
After a coastal adventure on this beach in Pembrokeshire, travel towards the village of Manorbier to tour the impressive Norman castle or the Grade I listed, 12th-century St James the Great Church.
Type of beach: Sandy and rocky
Dog-friendly: Dog-friendly all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: There is a pay-and-display car park that is free during winter months
Postcode: SA70 8QR
The largest Pembrokeshire beach
Newgale Beach, regarded as the largest beach in Pembrokeshire, was awarded Blue Flag status in 2022. With over 2 miles of sand to explore and an abundance of facilities, this Pembrokeshire beach is perfect for families.
The beach is famous for the huge pebble bank which backs the sands. Namely, because it only appeared in 1859 after a huge storm struck the beach.
Visitors to Newgale can look forward to taking to the open water in a variety of ways. Wild sea swimming is hugely popular as is canoeing, kitesurfing and surfing; there is even a board hire and tuition available at the surf shop on the shores. A lifeguard service is also on hand between June and September so you enjoy the sea safely!
Find a pub at both the northern and southern end of the beach, which, after a day of coastal fun, are the perfect places to refuel.
Type of beach: Sandy and pebble
Dog-friendly: Dog-friendly all year round. However, there is a section of the beach, clearly marked with signs, where dogs are banned between 1st May and 30th September
Lifeguard service: Yes
Parking: Car parks opposite the beach that are pay and display between 1st March and 31st October. 1 hour for £1.50, 2 hours for £3, 4 hours for £4.50 and £6 for 24 hours
Postcode: SA62 6BD
The best for birdwatching
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Resting at the mouth of the River Nevern is the stunning Newport Sands Beach, measuring an impressive 1.5 miles!
With dramatic views of the encompassing cliffs and well as uninterrupted sea views, Newport Sands is irrefutably a beautiful place. Its beauty coupled with its popularity for watersports such as kayaking, surfing and wild swimming makes it a must-visit for keen beachgoers.
Birdwatchers will also be in their element on Newport Sands as the area closest to the estuary is renowned for being rich in birdlife. Expect to see Herons, Little Egret, Kingfisher, Curlew and Oystercatchers.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog-friendly all year round
Lifeguard service: Yes
Parking: Pay and display parking nearby
Postcode: SA42, 0NR
The best hidden Pembrokeshire beach
Porthmynawyd Beach is a secluded cove and a hidden gem in Pembrokeshire, overlooking the stunning St Bride’s Bay. Flanked by dramatic cliffs and lying off the beaten track, this Pembrokeshire beach is perfect for beachgoers looking for a quiet beach away from busy crowds.
Set a little further along from Newgale Beach, visitors to Porthmynawyd can enjoy paddling in the bay, lounging in the sun and exploring the rockpools that appear at low tides.
After a day on these glorious shores, head back to the car parked at Pointz Castle Ice Cream and indulge in ice cream with an array of flavours on offer. There’s no better way to end a day at the beach!
Type of beach: Sandy and pebble
Dog-friendly: Dog-friendly all year round
Lifeguard service: No
Parking: Parking at Pointz Castle Ice Cream (SA62 6BA) then they is a walk through the field to the coastal path from which the beach is accessible
Coordinates: 51.863193, -5.157429
The best Pembrokeshire beach for kids and families
Frequently recognised as one of the best beaches in the UK, next up on our guide to Pembrokeshire beaches is Saundersfoot Beach. Paces away from the beautiful harbour and the idyllic village of Saundersfoot, with swathes of golden sand, Saundersfoot is a wonderful family beach.
Enjoy fun-filled beach days with the family on this beautiful stretch of sand. The shallow water is perfect for paddling in, as well as a variety of thrilling watersports. Try your hand at windsurfing and canoeing or catch waves with your surfboard. Saundersfoot is the ultimate family beach!
As another of Pembrokeshire’s Blue Flag Beaches, Saundersfoot has a wide range of facilities including parking, a café, a shop and a lifeguard service. End your day by the sea back in the village at restaurants like The BoatHouse or The Hean Castle Inn.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dog-friendly all year round however dogs are banned from the southern half between the 1st of May and 30th September
Lifeguard service: Yes
Parking: Pay and display parking available and free roadside parking
Postcode: SA69 9NL
The best for watersports
Resting around the corner from Castle Beach in Tenby is another wonderful Pembrokeshire beach, Tenby’s North Beach. With its beautiful sands and crystal clear water, backed by colourful Georgian houses, it’s no wonder this beach is considered one of the best beaches in South Wales.
Sheltered from the wind with the peak of Goscar (Gosker) Rock poking through the sand, Tenby North Beach is a must-visit for beach lovers. Relax in the sun on the shores of the beach, dip your toes in the azure or unleash your inner adventurer by hiring kayaks, jet skis and paddle boards.
Whether you experience summer days on this picture-perfect beach or winter dog walks in the refreshing sea air, Tenby North Beach is idyllic all year round!
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dogs are not allowed between 1st May and 30th September and must be kept on a lead around the harbour and promenade
Lifeguard service: Yes
Parking: Pay and display parking available
Postcode: SA70 8AA
The best Blue Flag Pembrokeshire beach
Just outside Britain’s smallest city, St David’s, you will find Whitesands Bay Beach. Aptly named after its stunning white sands, enveloped by grassy dunes and boasting breath-taking views across the sea and to St David’s Head, Whitesands Bay Beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Pembrokeshire beaches.
With a range of facilities and Blue Flag status, this Pembrokeshire beach is a great choice for those seeking a day by the sea. Its large stretch of sand and rolling waves make it perfect for families and watersports enthusiasts alike.
Head to the northern end of the beach to find the surf ‘break’, which is often busy with surfers, bodyboarders, kayakers, and canoeists, all hoping to catch some of the iconic waves that this beach is known for.
Type of beach: Sandy
Dog-friendly: Dogs are not allowed between May 1st and 30th September
Lifeguard service: Yes
Parking: Pay and display parking available
Postcode: SA62 6PS
Make unforgettable memories at one of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire by visiting one of these Pembrokeshire cottages. Or experience the beauty of the Welsh coast at one of these Welsh coastal cottages. For more inspiration for your Welsh getaway check out our Wales Travel Guide.
Image Credits: Ed Webster – (CC BY 2.0); Odd Wellies – (CC BY 2.0)
by Steph Boal / Pembrokeshire
Hi, I'm Steph and I joined the Sykes team in 2022. I grew up in the North East of England so unsurprisingly I love exploring the w...
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