Head to the beach
Our incredible coastline
What can we say about Pembrokeshire's beaches?
52 are clustered along our incredible coastline and from breathtaking natural beauty, to beautifully clean waters, you'll be spoilt for choice of where to visit.
Our top 5 Pembrokeshire Beaches
Barafundle Bay
Barafundle Beach has become the stuff of legend in recent years, mostly thanks to looking like a tropical beach on a paradise island hidden away on Pembrokeshire’s south coast. You’ll need to invoke the spirit of Indiana Jones and navigate a short but stunning trek through forest and over a lake before you arrive at Barafundle's golden sands. This is the perfect way to enjoy the variety of terrains that Pembrokeshire has to offer, and the half mile walk to the isolated location makes it feel like a real adventure as you find your way to the bay through the trees, as if on a desert island. You’ll often find helpful locals directing visitors to their favourite spots definitely a bonus for any newcomers. Savour the breathtaking moment you arrive and enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Distance from Bluestone: 29 minutes by car, 15.7 miles
Tenby
We’ve cheated a little here because Tenby doesn’t just have one beach – it has four! But, it’s impossible to choose just one to focus on, so here’s an overview of the four different beaches you can visit. The historic and picturesque seaside town of Tenby, is surrounded on three sides by the sea, so it’s not surprising that it boasts so much sandy coast. The two main beaches of North and South, are at either end of the town while Harbour and Castle beach are the nearest to the town centre. Tenby is a beautiful spot where the small town can be enjoyed just as much as the town itself and has been a favourite for holidaymakers for centuries. When the tide is out you can (almost) walk between all four beaches.
Distance from Bluestone: 21 minutes by car, 10.2 miles
Manorbier Beach
Overlooked by the famous medieval castle, this sandy, south-westerly facing beach is a favourite among families, perfect for rock-pooling and for water activity enthusiasts. The Pembrokeshire coast path passes through the beach, so it’s a perfect place to spend a day on the sand and explore the nearby coast line. It’s great for history enthusiast too with the nearby castle and the King’s Quoit cromlech (ancient burial chamber) found to the south east of the beach. The south-westerly facing beach is great for surfers, but does mean there are strong currents in the water.
Distance from Bluestone: 23 minutes by car, 11.7 miles
Freshwater West Beach
Known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Pembrokeshire as well as one of the best surfing spots, Freshwater West has something to offer everyone. Divided from the road by huge sand dunes that roll into the surrounding landscapes, the extensive stretch of sand is edged at the south by dramatic cliffs and even at high tide, feels vast. It was the backdrop of Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and on early mornings you will often find the car parks full with keen surfers ready to catch the early morning waves at this picturesque spot. Freshwest, as it called locally, is one of Wales’s top surfing beaches and the base of the Outer Reef Surf School who offer surfing lessons for adults and youngsters, instructor courses and lifeguarding awards. The sandy beach, has a pebbled area at the bottom of the dunes, that can be difficult to navigate for some, but if not, it’s definitely worth exploring the mass of dunes during your visit – just don’t get lost. Ideal for a walk, day at the beach or just to sit and admire the beauty of the coast line.
Distance from Bluestone: 20 miles
Whitesands Bay
Another popular spot with surfers and water sport fanatics, Whitesands is an award-winning beach overlooked by the imposing headland of Carn Llidi. Found on the St. David’s Peninsula, the westerly, wide sandy beach curves northwards, while there are quieter, sheltered bays towards the south. The wide sandy beach is perfect for a day of sandcastle-making or relaxing, but the strong currents do mean you have to take extra care if you decide to swim. You can pick up the coast path and walk north or south; or why not climb to the top of Carn Llidi and be rewarded with a magnificent view? As one of the best surf spots in the country, on most days you’ll find surfers, kayakers and body-boarders toward the northern end of the beach, which is entertaining to watch even if you have no plans of getting in the water.
Distance from Bluestone: 46 minutes by car, 26.6 miles