10 Best Beaches in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire, often referred to as the crown jewel of West Wales, is famous for its breathtaking coastline and stunning beaches. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or planning a longer holiday, there’s no shortage of picturesque coastal escapes. We’ve rounded up the 10 best beaches in Pembrokeshire — perfect for all types of beach-goers, from families and solo adventurers to dog owners and anyone seeking a bit of peace away from the hustle and bustle.

Here’s our pick of the very best beaches in Pembrokeshire to explore on your next visit.

With over 50 stunning beaches along Pembrokeshire’s breathtaking coastline, the options are endless, making it hard to choose the perfect one. Here are just a few of our favourite beaches that we’re sure you’ll love too.

Barafundle Bay Beach
Freshwater West
Poppit Sands
Tenby
Newport Beach
Amroth Beach
Saundersfoot Beach
Marloes Sands
Broad Haven Beach
Whitesands Bay

Barafundle Bay

Location: Near Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
Ideal For: Peaceful picnics, scenic walks & secluded beach days

Often named one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, Barafundle Bay Beach is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. This crescent-shaped beach boasts crystal-clear waters and soft, golden sands. Accessible only by a scenic walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which adds to the charm. Perfect for a peaceful family day out or a quiet escape surrounded by stunning scenery—just remember to bring everything you need with you, as there are no facilities or shops nearby.

Is Barafundle Bay Beach dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are welcome year-round without restrictions.

Freshwater West

Location: Near Castlemartin
Ideal For: Surfing, long walks, family adventures

Freshwater West is famous for its wide expanse of sand and strong waves, making it a popular spot for surfers. But it’s also a fantastic beach for families looking to explore, walk, or enjoy a picnic by the sea. Movie buffs will appreciate that the beach appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, with Dobby’s grave still standing as a popular spot for visitors.

Is Freshwater West Beach dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, making it a perfect place for your furry friend to join in the fun.

Poppit Sands

Location: Near Cardigan, Pembrokeshire
Ideal For: Swimming, wildlife watching, relaxation

At the end of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Poppit Sands is a beautiful, sheltered beach that’s perfect for a family day out. With golden sands and clear waters, it’s a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is also part of the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation, so visitors often spot wildlife like seals and dolphins.

Is Poppit Sands Beach dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are welcome year-round, with some restrictions on the western end during the summer months.

Tenby’s Beaches

Location: Tenby, Pembrokeshire

Slightly cheating here but Tenby has four beautiful beaches, each with its own appeal. North and South Beach offer golden sands and stunning seafront views, with South Beach ideal for families thanks to its shallow waters. Harbour Beach is sheltered and perfect for young children, while Castle Beach, backed by Castle Hill, is great for paddling and rockpool exploring. With the town just a short walk away, Tenby makes for a perfect day by the sea.

Are Tenby’s beaches dog-friendly?
Dog restrictions apply to Tenby’s beaches between 1st May and 30th September:

North Beach: Dogs are banned entirely during this period.
South Beach: Dogs must be kept on a lead during this period.
Castle Beach: Dogs are banned entirely during this period.
Harbour Beach: Dogs are banned entirely during this period.

Outside of these months, dogs are welcome on all Tenby beaches.

Newport Beach

Location: Newport, Pembrokeshire
Ideal For: Swimming, watersports, coastal walks

Newport is a large, flat beach that’s perfect for a relaxing day with the family. It’s popular for swimming and other watersports, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path runs along the beach, making it an ideal spot for a coastal walk. The beach offers wonderful views of the River Nevern and Carningli Mountain, making it a great location for a peaceful day out in nature.

Is Newport Beach dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed year-round with no restrictions, so it’s perfect for families with dogs.

Amroth Beach

Location: Southern Pembrokeshire
Ideal For: Scenic walks, family days, beach games

Amroth Beach, located at the start of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, is a wonderful choice for a family beach day. The golden sands stretch for half a mile, providing ample space for sandcastle building, playing beach games, or simply soaking in the view. For those looking for an extra adventure, low tide reveals the remnants of an ancient petrified forest, and there are rock pools to explore at the western end.

Is Amroth Beach dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are welcome, with partial restrictions on the central and western ends during the peak summer months.

Saundersfoot Beach

Location: Saundersfoot Village
Ideal For: Family strolls, swimming, relaxation

Saundersfoot is a classic family beach. It’s a Blue Flag beach, which means you can count on high standards of cleanliness and safety. The beach is easily accessible from the village, so you’ll find plenty of local cafes and amenities nearby for when you need a break. Perfect for a laid-back day by the sea.

Is Saundersfoot Beach dog-friendly? Yes, dogs can enjoy the beach, with restrictions applying to the main beach area from May to September.

Marloes Sands

Location: Marloes Peninsula, Pembrokeshire
Ideal For: Scenic walks, family exploration, outdoor adventure

For those who enjoy both breathtaking beauty and adventure, Marloes Sands is the place to be. This mile-long beach, backed by rugged cliffs and dramatic scenery, offers an unforgettable experience. It’s a great spot for a family hike along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, followed by some fun on the beach. You’ll also want to check out the Marloes Peninsula circular walk, which is dog-friendly and perfect for exploring the coastline.

Is Marloes Sands dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed year-round without restrictions, though they should be kept on a lead during walks.

Broad Haven Beach

Location: Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire
Ideal For: Swimming, watersports, family relaxation

Broad Haven Beach is a large, sandy beach located in the heart of Pembrokeshire. It’s perfect for a family day out, with shallow waters ideal for swimming and beach games. The beach is also popular for watersports, including kayaking and paddleboarding, making it a great spot for those who enjoy spending time on the water.

Is Broad Haven Beach dog-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed year-round, making it a great spot for families with pets.

Whitesands Bay

Location: Near St Davids, Pembrokeshire
Ideal For: Surfing, beach games, coastal views

Whitesands Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Pembrokeshire, known for its excellent surfing conditions and stunning natural beauty. With golden sands and dramatic cliff views, it’s a great spot for families who enjoy watersports or simply relaxing by the sea. The beach also has plenty of facilities, including a cafe and parking, making it a convenient choice for a full day out.

Is Whitesands Bay dog-friendly? Dogs are banned from Whitesands Bay between 1st May and 30th September. Outside of these months, dogs are welcome.

Plan Your Coastal Adventure

Ready to explore these stunning beaches for yourself?
Browse our handpicked collection of Pembrokeshire holiday cottages and find the perfect base for your seaside getaway.