West Angle Bay

Set on the westernmost point of the South Pembrokeshire coastline, you will find West Angle Bay. As the name suggests, this beach lies on the western side of the coastal village of Angle and offers views out towards Dale and across the mouth of the Cleddau Estuary, or the Hidden Waterway as it is known to some. 

The surrounding West Angle region is predominantly agricultural, with an oil refinery just east of the bay. The coastal waters form part of the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation, confirming the high conservation status of the area. 

A large expanse of golden sand is revealed here at low tide but it is always worth checking the tide tables before planning your visit as this beach can be quite narrow at high tide. When the tide is out, West Angle Bay is ideal for family days out at the beach with plenty of space for ball games. The location here results often in a good swell for surfing but do beware of dangerous currents when venturing into the sea. It is also something of a sun trap picking up the afternoon rays. 

Activities

As mentioned, you'll likely find surfers and windsurfers perfecting their techniques in the waters here making for an interesting view as you watch from the sand. You might also find canoeists and kayakers heading into the water with their paddles and small boats in hand. 

The northern end of the beach is quite rocky so is perfect to try out a bit of rock climbing, or you can enjoy whiling away the hours away exploring the rockpools. If you are lucky enough to find it, there is also a cut through the rocks leading to a secret beach. If you are a keen angler, this is a very popular spot for some sea fishing as many manage to catch a good haul. 

Sunny days are great for a spot of sunbathing whilst you'll definitely want to bring along your rounders bat and ball for a game or two at low tide. It’s also a popular spot for swimming if you don’t mind braving the cold waters.

One of the best things to do at West Angle is to look out for the ships that pass by the bay, including the Irish ferry which links Pembrokeshire and Rosslare as well as tankers travelling to Milford Haven. Given West Angle’s location, it is also often a great spot to watch a Pembrokeshire sunset!

Facilities

There are 60 car parking spaces at the top of the beach which are Pay and Display. The charging period runs from mid-March to early November. There’s the option to pay by cash or by using the PayByPhone app. 

In the large car park, you’ll find public toilets that are open during the day throughout the whole year. However, there are no disabled toilets or baby-changing facilities.

Next to the car park is the Wavecrest Cafe serving a range of delicious snacks, meals, drinks and ice creams. In the summer the cafe is open 7 days a week, but during off-peak seasons their opening times vary. If you fancy something stronger, the closest pubs to West Angle Bay are The Hibernia which is a gem of a pub set in the peaceful village of Angle. A warm and friendly welcome is also guaranteed at The Old Point House in Angle only a few minute's drive away. Here you’ll also find the popular Cafe Mor which is open during the summer months and serves delicious traditional Welsh seaweed-based cuisine.

Although this is a popular spot for swimming, there is no lifeguard cover at West Angle Bay Beach and the beach does experience strong currents at times so caution is always advised. We recommend staying up to date with lifesaving water safety advice from the RNLI.

Local Top Tips

If you get itchy feet sitting on the beach all day, there is a circular walk around the headland on the coastal path which is worth a wander. 

Access To West Angle Beach

There is good access down to the beach via a ramped pathway and slipway. There’s also a pleasant grass walk north towards the Haven viewpoint. It should be noted that there is just one main road to the village and it is about a 25-minute drive west of Pembroke so it is far out and not close by to any towns.

Is West Angle Bay Dog Friendly?

Yes, West Angle Bay is dog friendly all year round with no restrictions to be aware of.

Awards

West Angle Bay is one of the seven beaches in Pembrokeshire that has been awarded the Green Coast Award. This award celebrates all the hidden gems along the coastline and recognises the excellent water quality and unspoiled environment of the beach. The other six Green Coast Awarded beaches include Abereiddy, Freshwater East, Penally, Caerfai, Druidston, and Manorbier.

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