pembrokeshire beach guide

We've put together a list of twelve beaches, closest to The Elms and Catamouse Cottage.  Even so, between each of those featured, there are dozens of others, and many hidden coves, some of which are only accessible by sea.

Because we have a wide tidal range in Pembrokeshire, many beaches are inaccessible (or have restricted space) at low tide, so we've included a real-time tide table link for each.

1:  Whitesands Bay

This extensive west-facing expanse of sand is ideal for sandcastle building, paddling and swimming, with views of Ramsey Island and several smaller islets.  Just two miles from St Davids (the smallest city in the UK), Whitesands beach is also popular with surfers, windsurfers, kayakers, divers and anglers.
Distance:  23 miles from The Elms, 21 miles from Catamouse Cottage.
Parking & access:  Parking for 60 cars, wheelchair accessible.
Facilities:  Cafe, shop and surf hire.
What 3 Words:  ///calls.slicer.beanbag
Tide times:  Whitesands Bay

2:  Newgale Sands Beach

Newgale Sands is one of the biggest and best beaches in Wales!  It boasts over two miles of pebble-backed sand (pebbles only at high tide), with acres of space and popular with families, surfers and kite-surfers alike.
Distance:  14 miles from The Elms, 11 miles from Catamouse Cottage.
Parking & access:  Ample parking
Facilities:  Surf shop with tuition & board hire, cafe and nearby pub.
What 3 Words:  ///bookcases.grace.thumb
Tide times:  Newgale Sands Beach

3:  Broad Haven

A hugely popular and easily accessible family beach, with ample parking and tons of beach side facilities.  Its very popularity, however, means that Broad Haven Beach can become crowded at peak times, or when the tide is high.
Distance:  5 miles from The Elms, 6 miles from Catamouse Cottage.
Parking & access:  Several pay-and-display carparks at beach level, easy access for wheelchairs or strollers.
Facilities:  many restaurants, pubs, toilets & a mini-mart.
What 3 Words:  ///qualified.claps.undertone
Tide times:  Broadhaven Beach

4:  St Brides Haven Beach

A hidden, tiny, diamond!  St. Bride's Bay reveals a narrow inlet of pristine white sand at low tide and lots of rock pools to explore when the tide is in!  With parking right on the waterline, crystal clear waters and underwater interest that makes St. Brides one of the most popular SCUBA diving locations in Pembrokeshire. . .  and is perfect for snorkelling.
Distance:  6 miles from both The Elms and Catamouse Cottage.
Parking & access:  FREE parking 20 metres from the beach.
Facilities:  Picnic seating area, toilets.
What 3 Words:  ///damage.daffodils.contact
Tide times:  St Brides Bay

5:  Marloes Sands

Quite a trek down half a mile of steep cliff footpath, but well worth the effort!  At all but high tide, over a mile of unspoiled sand slopes gently into the Atlantic Ocean, making Marloes Sands hugely popular with families for wild swimming, body boarding and rock pooling.  The eastern end of Marloes Sands is also a treasure trove of Silurian era fossils and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.  Discover the dos and don'ts about fossil hunting at Marloes Sands in; UK Fossils
Distance:  7 miles from The Elms, 8 miles from Catamouse Cottage.
Parking & access:  Ample, inexpensive parking at the top of the cliff path.
Facilities:  Ample parking and the 'Runwayskiln' restaurant at the top of the cliff path.
What 3 Words:  ///sticky.hardback.married
Tide times:  Marloes Sands

6:  Sandy Haven

An easy 10 minute walk from The Elms (you'll find detailed directions in your Welcome pack), Sandy Haven is the only one of our recommended beaches that is actually on the Haven itself, meaning that it is very sheltered, but can be subject to currents as the tide turns.  Although Sandy Haven is a rocky beach, there is a wide stretch of sand exposed at low tide. . .  and plenty of life-filled rock pools to keep budding explorers happy for hours!
Distance:  1 mile from The Elms, 4 miles from Catamouse Cottage.
Parking & access:  Free car park directly above the beach and easy walk-in access.
Facilities:  None. . .  so bring everything with you!
What 3 Words:  ///midfield.conductor.drop
Tide times:  Sandy Haven Beach

7:  Freshwater West (Dobby's beach)

A mecca for experienced surfers, this wide sand and rock beach has a rocky reef at the southern end and quiet bays at the other.  Freshwater West was made world famous in the film 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows', where it was the location of Dobby's Shell House (removed after filming). . .  but you can still find Dobby's grave in the dunes!  Discover more about Dobby's Beach and Pembrokeshire's Harry Potter connections in our activities for kids page.
Distance:  18 miles from both The Elms and Catamouse Cottage.
Parking & access:  Ample free parking, easy walk-in access.
Facilities:  lifeguard on duty during peak season, cafe by the southern car park.
What 3 Words:  ///diets.grandson.paused
Tide times:  Freshwater West

8:  Broadhaven South

Not to be confused with Broad Haven, this south-facing beach has dramatic cliff views, backed by sand dunes and expansive National Trust woodland.  Just a mile from Bosherston Lily Ponds.
Distance:  17 miles from both The Elms and Catamouse Cottage.
Parking & access:  A half mile walk from National Trust (paid) parking at Stackpole Quay, with access for pushchairs and wheelchairs via the village.  Broadhaven South is known for the spectacular Church Rock, protruding from the water around 150 yards from the shore.
Facilities:  Toilets, ice cream stand.  Cafe and pub in the village.
What 3 Words:  ///topped.lushly.waving
Tide times:  Broadhaven South

9:  Barafundle Bay

The pristine, isolated, beach at Barafundle Bay is backed by dunes and pine trees, but can be reached only by a half mile walk from the nearest car park, so is inaccessible pushchairs, wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.  With golden sand and turquoise waters, you can see why Barafundle Bay is often compared to the Caribbean. . .  and this means that it can get busy in high summer, and the National Trust car park closes when it reaches peak capacity.
Distance:  17 miles from both The Elms and Catamouse Cottage
Parking & access:  Paid National Trust car park (£5 per day) 1/2 mile walk.
Facilities:  National Trust café at Stackpole Quay
What 3 Words:  ///rotate.thinnest.recorders
Tide times:  Barafundle Bay

10:  Freshwater East

Known locally as 'Fresh East', this wide bay of golden sand is backed by dunes, with a freshwater stream running across the beach at its southern end.  Freshwater East is a hugely popular location for nature lovers, with footpaths crisscrossing a range of habitats from dune grassland to mixed woodland, a boardwalk through its reed marshes. . .  and beach wheelchair hire is available!
Distance:  15 miles from The Elms, 14 miles from Catamouse Cottage.
Parking & access:  Free 'Blue Badge' only car park.
Facilities:  Cafe / restaurant, pub and shop in Freshwater East village,
What 3 Words:  ///redefined.solved.mega
Tide times:  Freshwater East

11:  Tenby North & South

Tenby North is a golden sandy beach, overlooked by the promenade and Tenby town (a must for holiday shopping!), dotted with rock pools and home to the imposing Goskar Rock.  Beyond the picturesque Harbour is Tenby South beach.  With two miles of unbroken sand backed by unspoiled dunes, Tenby South is less 'touristy', but still has its own long-stay car park, restaurant, bar and takeaway food kiosks.
Distance:  19 miles from both The Elms and Catamouse Cottage.
Parking & access:  Ample long-stay car parking places, with easy walk-on access to both beaches.
Facilities:  Countless cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops.
What 3 Words:  ///prelude.crumples.split  (North beach)  ///classic.lunching.villas  (South beach)
Tide times:  Tenby

12:  Saundersfoot Beach

A hugely popular family resort destination just four miles north of Tenby, Saundersfoot boasts a broad, gently sloping sandy beach (part of which still remains at high water) with a picture perfect harbour.  Saundersfoot beach is an ideal location for swimming, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, bodyboarding and fishing.
Distance:  20 miles from both The Elms and Catamouse Cottage.
Parking & access:  Large pay-and-display car park 200m from the beach.  Good wheelchair access.
Facilities:  Cafes, pubs, shops and restaurants, watersports rental.  Lifeguard service in high summer.
What 3 Words:  ///rounds.sometimes.squashes
Tide times:  Saundersfoot Beach