Abereiddy Beach

Abereiddy Beach, situated on the northwest coastline of Pembrokeshire, is best known for being adjacent to the remarkable Blue Lagoon. A stunning pool of jade green waters, people flock from all across the world for a sighting of the lagoon but a visit to the beach should not be overlooked whilst you’re in the area.

The beach at Abereiddy is most certainly unique, with a sandbank made of coarse dark grain and grey pebbles flanked by dramatic cliffsides of volcanic and metamorphic rock. It is a sheltered bay just five miles from St Davids and is backed by a hamlet of colour-washed cottages.

The Blue Lagoon dates back to Pembrokeshire’s industrial era when much of the land was quarried for various product. The Blue Lagoon was once used as a slate quarry with the gathered slate being transported via tramway to the nearby harbour at Porthgain where it was then exported via ship. In the early 20th Century, the quarry unfortunately flooded and local fishermen then decided to blast a narrow channel in the quarry wall and thus use the new lagoon as a sheltered harbour for their boats.

Activities

Many typical beach water activities can be enjoyed at Abereiddy Beach. Facing the Irish sea, this bay often receives good swell for surfing so expect to see body boarders and surfers riding the waves. Kayaks and canoes launch here, venturing off to explore the Blue Lagoon from the seas as the old fishing community once did whilst bathers enjoy a paddle in the shores. It must be remembered though that the waves here can turn quickly and the currents are strong, so be careful when playing the waters at Abereiddy.

Across the Pembrokeshire coastline, you’ll find wetsuit-donning bodies scrambling the cliffsides, leaping from rock to rock and into the sea, then swimming along shores to start all over again. This sport is known as the coasteering, and Abereiddy is one of the best places in Pembrokeshire to take part. It is recommended to take part in expert guided sessions as you never know why might be hidden under the water.

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On the topic of underwater life here, the idyllic green waters of the Blue Lagoon is a known diving site with depths of around 25 metres. Sub aqua enthusiasts venture here from across the country for diving holidays, pairing their break with a visit to the nearby SS Leysian shipwreck at Abercastle. Dive here for impressive sightings of tube worms, velvet swimming crabs, lobsters and shrimp.

In recent years, Abereiddy’s Blue Lagoon has become famous for a different kind of diving though. In 2012 and then again the following year, worldwide high divers came to the locality to take part in the international spectacle, the Red Bull Cliff Diving Competition. A manmade platform was constructed creating a 27 metre podium for athletes to dive from and audiences gathered in their droves to take watch as they plummet into the cold Mediterranean-effect waters, some taking as little as 3 seconds to do so.

The Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy

It’s no wonder that Abereiddy Beach was a popular haunt for local fishermen, as this northern coast is home to a selection of fish. Sea bass, pollack, pouting and flounders are all regular catches for practising sea anglers here along with dabs and dogfish.

It’s impossible to pay a visit to this shingle cove without catching sight of the wonderful rocky outcrops here. Somehow grey, blue and mauve all at the same time, the rocks themselves are an attraction for many. The cliffs here are a mixture of limestone and shale, and due to weathering from the ebbing tide, you’ll find pieces and remnants scattered across the ground easily accessible for you to examine in closer detail.

Budding fossil hunters and expert geologists will adore studying the graptolites and shale pebbles for indications of past life, with shell shapes naturally carved into the stone. Note though, Abereiddy is within a protected SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) region meaning any hammering or chiselling to the cliffs and rocky formations here is strictly prohibited.

The landscape of rocks across the shoreline have created a wonderland of naturally formed rock pools, ideal for keeping little ones occupied. Search these waters for starfish, small crabs, anemones and limpets for sightings of these species in their unspoilt habitats.

As with all of the beaches in our county, they are located along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path; a 186 mile National Trail which hugs the spectacular coastline around our county. It makes up part of the larger Wales Coast Path, and this north western stretch between St Davids and Strumble Head offers fantastic glimpses into Pembrokeshire’s rich heritage.

Take the route right for birds eye views over the Blue Lagoon and you’ll stroll past “The Street”, a collection of ruined cottages which once belonged to the slate workers of the quarry and were simply abandoned at the same time as the quarry. Continue along to Porthgain where you will find remarkable old stone-crushing works, steamers and lime kilns. Take the path left and eventually you’ll reach the summit of Carn Llidi at Whitesands with it’s incredible views over the St Davids peninsula and Ramsey Island.

Whichever direction you choose, you’ll no doubt enjoy multiple sightings of the resident wildlife of the area. You’ll find porpoise creating ripples as they swim through the ocean with chough and gannet breaking up the clear blue skies as they fly past. Atlantic grey seals are often seen in the area, September is breeding season so you may even find some fluffy white pups sleeping in the serene coves along the coast then.

Facilities

Abereiddy is merely a rural seaside hamlet, meaning facilities here are basic. There is a car park overlooking the beach although recent years have seen this erode by almost half due to a landslide, and so a second overflow car park has been established further back. Both are now manned and are chargeable through peak season between April and October.

Nestled behind the car park to one side, you will find a public toilet block and a mobile ice cream van appears in the seafront car park on warm sunny days. Alongside the refreshment van, you will often find Celtic Quest Coasteering, a local activity centre offering guided coasteering sessions at Abereiddy and in the Blue Lagoon.

The North Pembrokeshire Fflecsi Bus scheme is available 7.30-6.30 Monday-Friday and 8.30-6.30 on Saturdays. This bus service covers the zone that connects the spectacular coast between Fishguard, St Davids and Broad Haven.

Nearby Porthgain is a great option for food

More refreshments are available just up the coast at Porthgain, the next hamlet along. There are two eateries at Porthgain; The Sloop Inn which is a much beloved coastal pub offering food, drinks and often daily fresh seafood is listed on the menu, and The Shed Bistro, here you can purchase fish and chips to eat in or takeaway. Along the seafront near The Shed, you will also find a small wooden hut (seasonal) housing an ice cream parlour / gift shop.

For all further amenities, you are best travelling the five miles into St Davids where you will find a butchery and greengrocers, CK’s Supermarket, more pubs and restaurants, retail stores, gift shops and art galleries. There is also a petrol station here and outdoor play areas for children. A visit to St Davids Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace is a must.

Access

The country road leading down to Abereiddy’s seafront car park takes you right to the beach side. The left-hand side of the parking area is where the ice cream van and Celtic Quest Coasteering sets up, and a walkway is cordoned off separating the car park indicating the path onto the beach. From the level parking area, the path slopes downwards onto a pebble-backed shingle bay with sand to the front.

To reach the Blue Lagoon, take the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to the right of the bay (if looking out to sea). Follow the concrete path through the wooden gate, then keep to the level gravelled path straight ahead. This will then take you around the headland and over a bridge to reach the old quarry.

For higher viewpoints of the Blue Lagoon, take the uphill gravelled path where the path forks and continue until you see it on your left.

Is Abereiddy Beach and the Blue Lagoon Dog Friendly?

Yes Abereiddy Beach and the Blue Lagoon remain dog friendly all year long but bear in mind that this district is a designated SSSI Area so it’s best to keep your pooch under close control.

Award-Winning

Abereiddy Beach has a Green Coast Award which recognises Abereiddy as being a hidden gem of Pembrokeshire. This beautiful beach has also been known to receive the Seaside Award and is on the list of recommended beaches written by the Marine Conservation Society.

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