The Beautiful Pembrokeshire Coastline which surrounds Tenby and the whole of the Pembrokeshire National Park has long been considered one of the most impressive and beautiful stretches of coastline not just in Wales but across the whole world.  So we were over the moon that National Geographic noticed what we’ve always know here at the Old Vicarage, Tenby.  It announced that the Pembrokeshire National Park Coast was rated in the top 10 ‘Best Coastal Destinations’.

With so many wonderful beach options on the Pembrokeshire coast we thought we could give you a hand to help find the best beaches in South Pembrokeshire.  From secluded romantic coves to wide family-friendly beaches we can help you find the perfect South Pembrokeshire beach for your holiday.

 1. Barafundle Bay

Barafundle Bay is probably one of our most famous South Pembrokeshire Beaches.  A mid-sized golden bay of sand is lapped by crystal blue waters – Barafundle Bay has often been compared to a Caribbean beach.  It is understandable why this magical spot has been voted as the Best beach in Britain many times!

The nearest Parking spot is at the National Trust Stackpole Quay car-park and the beach can only be accessed by a half-mile walk on foot.  This means that whatever you need with you you must take.  This is an isolated beach so that also means that there are no facilities, so make sure you’ve stocked up and got everything you need! We do recommend the crab-sandwiches in the National Trust Café to get you started.

Great For: Family Beach Days, Gentle Walkers, and Sea-swimmers looking for a perfect Pembrokeshire Beach

 2. Broad Haven South Beach

Broad Haven South Beach is a large sandy bay backed by sand dunes which is perfectly situated for the Bosherston lakes.  The Bosherston lakes otherwise known as the Bosherston Lily Ponds are a set of ornamental lakes which look their best in June when the lilies are out.  If you look carefully you can often see Otters, Wild-fowl and Dragonflies in the water.  Parking is available above the beach, however it isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or push chairs.  Alternatively you can park at the National trust owned Stackpole Car Park and take the beautiful walk through the spectacular Lily ponds.  Due to its situation near a National Trust Carpark there are facilities to the beach close at hand, including disabled toilets and an ice-cream van.

Great For: Family beach days, those accessibility problems, nature fans, wild-life spotters and very gentle walkers.

3. Freshwater West

Freshwater West is often considered Pembrokeshire’s and even the UK’s best beach for surfing.  It is an absolute surfers paradise.  The south-westerly facing beach has strong rip-currents and is definitely one of the most reliable surfing beaches in Pembrokeshire.  Not only suitable for surfing-enthusiasts this wide expanse of beach is also popular with Canoers, Anglers and Wind-Surfers.  If you are an adventure seeker please do be aware of the rip-currents, and it is only recommended for strong swimmers.

If getting wet at the beach isn’t your cup of tea then you can still explore this wonderful beach on foot and watch the surfers riding the waves.  Historically Freshwater West was a popular haunt for smugglers!  This beach has also been used in the recent Robin Hood film and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.   There is free-parking, toilets, and often refreshments served from a van in the South Carpark.

Great for: Surfers, Anglers, Canoeists, Wind-surfers, and film fans!

4. Coppet Hall Beach

Coppett Hall Beach is a relatively small sandy bay near Saundersfoot.  Although fairly remote  it has easy access to Saundersfoot and the old railway tunnel is great fun to explore!  As part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path the Coppet Hall Tunnels were once used by the Saundersfoot Railway.   It has plenty of beautiful white sand and is ideal for a family day out in Pembrokeshire, especially for beach games!

There is a large privately run car park just by the beach which makes Coppet Hall Beach one of the most easily accessible beaches on our Best Beaches in South Pembrokeshire list.  The tasty ‘Coast’ Restaurant also sits on the shoreline serving up excellent food and drink in a really wonderful location.

Great for: Family days out, Foodies and gentle swimming

5. Tenby South Beach

Tenby South Beach is another big name on our Best Beaches in South Pembrokeshire list.  It is a  mile and a half of pure sand, a beach playground.  Tenby South Beach also boasts some of the best facilities on our list.  It has lifeguards (in season), cafes, toilets, pubs, restaurants, shops, deck chairs and ice creams all just a stone’s throw away!

Be aware though that a beach with so many facilities is always going to be popular.  During high-season parking can be an issue, but for more information on parking options have a look here.  Tenby South Beach offers a really family-friendly traditional beach experience.

 6. Tenby North Beach

Tenby North Beach is sheltered and sandy.  You will have seen it everywhere as it is one of the most photographed views in Wales with the picturesque Tenby Harbour at the western end of the beach.   It is so sheltered that even on windy days it is a real sun trap.  As with Tenby South Beach there are deck chairs, lifeguards in season, and the whole of Tenby is easily accessible.  There is boat hire available so why not have a day at sea whilst you’re there.  Tenby North beach offers a real family beach experience.

Great for: families, anglers, boaters, and swimmers!

Have we missed off your favourite South Pembrokeshire Beach or maybe you need some more information about the best beaches in Pembrokeshire in order to organize your perfect Pembrokeshire beach holiday.   To be honest our best beaches in South Pembrokeshire could all be in the Tenby area!  We’ve got Tenby North Beach, Tenby South Beach, Tenby Harbour and Tenby Castle Beach.  The central location of the Old Vicarage to Tenby means that all of these first class Tenby beaches are no more than a 10 minute walk from our lovely B&B.  From secluded romantic beaches, to perfect family beaches here at the Old Vicarage, Tenby we can help you plan your Pembrokeshire holiday. Contact us now.

Tenby South Beach from the Shore looking up. Copywrite Rosamund Woodroffe