Freshwater East Beach is a wide bay of golden sand and blue water, backed by dunes and grassy headlands, with the village of Freshwater East set in the hillsides behind. There is a freshwater stream running through the beach to the sea at the southern end. It is located 4 miles from the historic town of Pembroke and is set in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Being set alongside the village, you'll find families venturing down from their accommodation ready for beach days and sunbathing, towel and sunscreen in hand. You'll find good conditions for many water-based seaside activities including paddle boarding and kayaking.
The beach is popular with families and is ideal for picnics and beach barbeques with plenty of places to nestle into the dunes and find your own space to relax and sunbathe. At low tide, there is a large expanse of beach creating plenty of space for ball games, superb for those who prefer to be active on the beach, and lots of space for families who love building sandcastles.
Children will love exploring the rock pools here. Freshwater East Beach is also a favourite with boat owners, divers, kayakers and fishermen, plus anyone who likes swimming and bodyboarding. In the winter months, it is a popular spot for surfers but is recommended for the more experienced surfers.
Pick up the coastal path here in either direction for fantastic walks with awe-inspiring views. Heading east will lead you to the pretty and secluded Swanlake Bay Beach and further along to Manorbier Beach, which is overlooked by its’ historic castle. To the west, the path will lead you to Stackpole Quay Beach, a sheltered inlet with a café and walled garden, an ideal spot for lunch or an afternoon tea. Continuing further in this direction, you will eventually reach Barafundle Bay and Broadhaven South Beach.
Barafundle Bay
The car park is located opposite the beach at the bottom of Trewent Hill and has 110 spaces. During the summer months, there is usually an ice-cream van in the car park. The Longhouse Café and Restaurant is located in the Freshwater Bay Caravan Park together with a pub and a shop.
The Freshwater Inn pub is located close to the top of the hill and serves meals and snacks with a sloping beer garden overlooking the bay. The toilets are situated on the path to the beach including disabled toilet.
There is also a slipway onto the beach making it popular for launching small boats and kayaks.
Picnics and barbeques are popular here and the car park does get busy in peak times.
The path to the beach is located across the road from the bottom end of the car park. Once you reach the beach, the sand is soft meaning it is not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs may need to be carried.
Freshwater East Beach is dog friendly all year round making it a popular spot with dog walkers. There is plenty of space here for ball games and a run along the sand.
In 2019, it was awarded the Green Coast and Seaside Awards.
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