Pembrokeshire is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the UK. With over 180 miles of dramatic coastline and part of it protected as a National Park, this southwestern corner of Wales is a haven for beach lovers, surfers, and coastal walkers.
Whether you’re chasing golden sands, secret coves, or epic surf, here are the 10 best beaches in Pembrokeshire you won’t want to miss.
1. Barafundle Bay
- Best for: Seclusion, beauty, couples
- Start from: Stackpole Quay Car Park, SA71 5LS
- Access: ~15 mins along the coast path
- Facilities: Toilets at the car park; no facilities on the beach
Regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world, Barafundle Bay feels like a Caribbean escape—minus the flight. Framed by limestone cliffs and sand dunes, this crescent of golden sand is only accessible by foot, giving it a secluded, untouched vibe.
Alternatively, you could reach the beach by water. Nick and I like to kayak around from Stackpole Quay and explore all of the cave and inlets along the way. Barafundle Beach is a gem of south Wales so expect crowds on bank holidays and weekends.
✨ Bring a picnic—there are no facilities, and that’s part of the charm.
2. Freshwater West
- Best for: Surfing, dramatic scenery, wild walks
- Start from: Freshwater West Car Park, SA71 5AH
- Access: Direct from the car park
- Facilities: Seasonal food truck (Café Môr), toilets
Backed by sand dunes and often pounded by Atlantic swells, Freshwater West is a favourite with experienced surfers and filmmakers (you might recognise it as the location of Dobby’s grave in Harry Potter). It’s wild, windswept, and breathtaking.
✨ There’s a great lobster roll shack (Café Môr) open seasonally.
3. Tenby South Beach
- Best for: Families, swimming, facilities
- Start from: South Beach Car Park, SA70 7EG or park in Tenby town
- Access: Short walk from town or beachfront parking
- Facilities: Toilets, cafés, lifeguards in summer
Tenby is a postcard-perfect seaside town, and South Beach is one of its finest offerings. With a mile of soft sand and views of Caldey Island, it’s ideal for beach days with little ones or a seaside stroll followed by fish and chips.
✨ Visit at sunset to enjoy golden hour reflections over the water.
4. Whitesands Bay
- Best for: Surfing, sunsets, hiking
- Start from: Whitesands Beach Car Park, SA62 6PS
- Access: Steps lead down from the car park
- Facilities: Toilets, café, surfboard hire, lifeguards
One of Pembrokeshire’s most popular beaches, Whitesands is a surfer’s dream and a great base for walkers heading up Carn Llidi. It’s lifeguarded in summer, has facilities, and is just a short drive from the UK’s smallest city, St Davids.
Enjoy a surf lesson or in calm conditions take a kayak out to explore the rocky coastline. Keep an eye out for inquistive seals who like to follow the kayaks.
✨ Stay for the sunset—it’s one of the best spots to watch the day end.
5. Newgale Beach
- Best for: Long walks, kitesurfing, pebbly beauty
- Start from: Newgale Campsite & Car Park, SA62 6AS
- Access: Direct from the car park over the pebble bank
- Facilities: Toilets, café, surf shop
Newgale stretches for over two miles, backed by a striking pebble bank. It’s perfect for a peaceful coastal stroll or an adrenaline-fueled afternoon of kite and windsurfing. There’s plenty of space even in summer.
✨ Ideal for watching stormy waves crash in from the Atlantic.
6. Manorbier Beach
- Best for: History lovers, bodyboarding
- Start from: Manorbier Car Park, SA70 7SY
- Walk time: 5–10 minutes from the car park
- Facilities: Toilets, café nearby, no lifeguards
With a medieval castle overlooking the bay, Manorbier offers a perfect blend of beach day and history trip. It’s a hit with bodyboarders, families, and anyone looking for a more off-the-beaten-track vibe.
Manorbier made it onto my top castles to visit in Wales post. Discover what else made the list here!
✨ Pack a picnic and explore the castle afterwards.
7. Broad Haven (South)
- Best for: Families, walking, dog-friendly beach days
- Start from: National Trust Car Park at Bosherston, SA71 5DR
- Walk time: ~20 mins through the Bosherston Lily Ponds
- Facilities: Toilets, seasonal refreshments
Not to be confused with Broad Haven in the north, Broad Haven South is known for its wide sands, shallow waters, and access via the scenic Bosherston Lily Ponds walk. Great for dog walkers and families alike.
With more time you can extend your walk to include a visit to St Govan’s chapel which is tucked away into the cliffside.
✨ Look out for the striking Church Rock offshore.
8. Porthlysgi Beach
- Best for: Kayaking, wild swimming, tranquility
- Start from: Porthclais National Trust Car Park, SA62 6RR
- Walk time: – 25 minutes along the coastal path
- Facilities: Toilets, occasional food truck
Porthclais is a tiny tidal inlet near St Davids which is a popular launching spot for kayakers and paddle boarders. However, a short walk west around the coast provides access to a tranquil cove backed by grassy cliffs. This beach is ideal for swimming, rock pooling and when the tide is low, relaxing on the sandy beach.
✨ Combine with the coast path for an unforgettable day.
9. Marloes Sands
- Best for: Photography, film-worthy scenery
- Start from: Marloes Sands Car Park, SA62 3BH (National Trust)
- Walk time: ~10–15 minutes via a farm track
- Facilities: Toilets at car park, no beach amenities
Backed by dramatic cliffs and scattered with rock formations, Marloes Sands is wildly beautiful and often deserted. It’s been used as a filming location for Hollywood films like Snow White and the Huntsman.
✨ Time your visit with the tides—low tide reveals more beach and caves to explore.
10. Abermawr Bay
- Best for: Walkers, wildlife spotting, off-grid escape
- Start from: Lay-by near Melin Tregwynt Woollen Mill, SA62 5UX
- Walk time: ~15 mins through woodland to the beach
- Facilities: None
Abermawr is a hidden gem—remote, quiet, and framed by ancient woodland. The walk to the beach is half the magic, with bluebells in spring and birdsong along the way. Check the tide times as the beach is often concealed by water at high tide. Not only that, but low tide also reveals tree stumps from an ancient forrest thought to date back around 8000 years.
Don’t expect crowds or cafés—just raw nature at this pebble beach.
✨ Perfect for seal and dolphin spotting during calm seas.
Final Tips for Beach Days in Pembrokeshire
- 🕒 Check tide times before you go—some beaches disappear at high tide.
- 🐶 Many beaches are dog-friendly, but check seasonal restrictions.
- 🚻 Facilities vary—some beaches have none, so bring supplies.
- 🚶♀️ The Pembrokeshire Coast Path connects many of these beaches—consider combining your beach trip with a scenic walk.
Which Pembrokeshire Beach Will You Visit First?
Whether you’re after a lazy beach day, a surf session, or a coastal hike with sea views, Pembrokeshire’s beaches have something for everyone. With natural beauty and variety that rivals anywhere in the UK, it’s no wonder this region keeps visitors coming back year after year.