Wild Swimming in Pembrokeshire

Where to go open water swimming in West Wales?

There are several superb spots for wild swimming in Pembrokeshire. With over 186 miles of coastline, that isn't going to come as a surprise to anyone, but with a growing number of exciting events on offer, it's the perfect time to take the plunge and try out open-water swimming in West Wales.

Being nearly entirely surrounded by coast, ranging from the wild to the well-worn, Pembrokeshire is a haven for aquatic adventurers. With plenty of stunning beaches to choose from, iconic scenery, hidden gems and a 186-mile-long Coastal Path, Pembrokeshire’s wild waters are in abundance.

There has been a lot of research in recent years about the benefits to physical and mental health from wild water swimming. Studies suggest that it activates the immune system, improves blood circulation, aids natural antioxidant production, fights depression and reduces pain.

For most, it’s a once-a-year experience that won’t be repeated again until maybe the next big swim event. For others, joining one of the all-year-round wild swimming groups or solo braving the elements is a way of life.

Whether you’re a dipper in a woolly hat or wanting to swim for fitness, a wetsuit wearer or a skins swimmer, a seasoned sea lover comfortable in any sea or a slightly nervous newcomer, these waters can cater for everyone looking to try open-water swimming in Pembrokeshire.

Allow the cool waters to invigorate your senses and wash away the worries of everyday life at our favourite spots to try wild water swimming in Pembrokeshire.

Open-water swimming at the Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy

The Blue Lagoon in Abereiddy is an old slate quarry that closed in 1910. A narrow channel between the quarry and the sea created an artificial harbour. Today, the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy Beach is a 25-metre drop pool in a mesmerising blue-green shade that gets its unique colour from the grey slate. Because of its beauty and ruggedness, the coastline in and around Abereiddy has become a playground for adventure enthusiasts. It’s a popular spot for cliff-diving, coasteering and open-water sea swimming. It’s such an impressive spot that even the Red Bull Cliff Diving series was held there in 2013.

Being so sheltered within the old quarry, the Blue Lagoon is great for nervous swimmers who don’t want to take on the open ocean. Since Red Bull hosted their cliff diving series there in 2013, it’s put the Blue Lagoon on the map, meaning it’s very popular with tourists, so you most likely won’t be the only one braving these turquoise waters.

Sea Swimming at Coppet Hall Beach

Just north of Saundersfoot is Coppet Hall Beach. This small but pretty bay has easy access and magnificent views of Monkstone Point. 

Coppet Hall is great for first-timers to go wild water swimming in Pembrokeshire because there’s a large car park directly behind the beach, meaning you can rush straight back to the car to warm up. There’s also a cafe selling hot drinks and snacks, as well as outdoor showers to wash the sand away and toilets with disabled access.

The bay is usually calm and flat, so it's great for beginners and for more advanced open-water swimmers to practice drills and endurance. You could also go to Coppet Hall's neighbouring beach in Saundersfoot to take a dip where the athletes take part in the Saundersfoot Triathlon swim.

Both are fantastic beaches, but it should be noted that in the summer months, Saundersfoot in particular can become busy with holidaymakers.

Wild Swimming at Whitesands Beach

Overlooked by the imposing craggy tor of Carn Llidi, made of very old volcanic rock dating back almost 5000 million years, is the Blue Flag-awarded Whitesands Beach. Popular amongst families, bathers and wildlife enthusiasts, this beach is in a stunning part of Pembrokeshire within the St Davids peninsula.

The northern end of Whitesands Beach is a favourite with surfers and canoeists. The southern end is quieter, but it doesn’t have the watchful eye of the RNLI lifeguards. If visiting in the summer it should be noted that there is not nearly enough parking for the demand, so if you're planning on going for a swim, you’ll want to get there early to ensure a space. Alternatively, you could jump on a bus from nearby St Davids.

You could either stop off for a dip as you walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or spend the day swimming and watching the surfers ride the waves.

Pembrokeshire's hidden wild swimming spot = Rosebush Quarry, Rosebush

Pembrokeshire is undoubtedly best known for its incredible coastline, but if you travel a little further inland, you’ll be rewarded with some hidden fairytale spots that are perfect for wild water swimming. Located south of the sweeping Preseli Mountains is Rosebush Quarry, A hidden gem tucked away in the hills. At the centre of the quarry sits a tranquil lake, with the waters coloured green from the slate rock surrounding it.

The quarry is beautiful, with gorgeous water and high rock walls that are covered in trees and bracken, giving this man-made spot a truly wild feel.

The walk to the quarry is not very long and is almost entirely flat. On a hot day, a swim in the sparkling emerald water beneath the fern-covered cliff walls of Rosebush Quarry is an experience you won’t forget. It’s very secluded and very big, so you can peacefully enjoy a long leisurely swim.

A secret swimming spot in Wales = Ffynone Waterfall, Newchapel

Nestled away deep in the enchanting woodlands of North Pembrokeshire, you will find Ffynone Falls. This fairytale spot beckons wild swimmers to its sparkling pools. It’s a beautiful cascade that flows into a narrow gorse, surrounded by nothing but dense woodland. There’s a pool at the base of the waterfall, perfect for enjoying a swim. You can even swim right up to the waterfall itself.

You do have to hike through the scenic surroundings to get to this hidden gem. But once you’re there, you can plunge into the clear waters beneath the falls and enjoy the natural serenity. Pack a picnic to take with you and spend hours here in the summer enjoying the surrounding nature.

St Brides Haven Beach is one of the most popular swim locations in West Wales

St Brides Haven Beach is a pebbly inlet nestled on the southwesterly curve of the Pembrokeshire coastline within the Marloes peninsula and makes for the perfect alternative to wild swimming in the Welsh countryside. With welcoming gentle waves and a mixture of sand and shingle, it is a scenic spot for a dip.

This Pembrokeshire beach is somewhat secluded, with the closest town being Milford Haven, a 20-minute drive away. Walk down the footpath from the car park before heading straight into the sea, boasting crystal-clear waters.

The sheltered nature of the low sandstone cliffs here results in waters perfect for swimming in. The shallow shoreline also means it is suitable enough to take small children paddling and has great conditions for any nervous newcomers to cold water swimming.

Open Water Swimming Events in Pembrokeshire

If you need a crowd to convince you into the cold waters, luckily Pembrokeshire boasts several swims that happen just once a year. These one-off, freeze-your-bum-off experiences that come accompanied by a fantastic atmosphere are becoming increasingly popular.

Saundersfoot Triathlon

Long Course Weekend Wales

Beginning at the end of June and rolling into July, Long Course Weekend is the biggest multisport event in Europe. Kicking off this fantastic event is The Wales Swim where competitors take part in either the 1.2-mile or 2.4-mile swim event at North Beach in Tenby. There’s also the chance for children to take part in the LCKinder event which is ideal for budding athletes. This fantastic event sees children aged 4-11 tackle a surf run followed by a run across North Beach.

Tenby Boxing Day Swim

One of the most popular events in the festive season has to be the Tenby Boxing Day Swim. This organised event sees crowds brave the cold waters at Tenby North Beach. Swimmers can look forward to the warmth of a beach bonfire and hot soup on their return to the sands.

Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim

There’s also the famous Saundersfoot New Year's Day Swim. This incredible event attracts thousands of spectators to the seaside village as well as the hundreds that enter the sea, with a large percentage in fancy dress.

Whitesands New Year's Day Swim

If staying further north of the county, head to the Whitesands New Year’s Day Charity Swim. A local charitable organisation, the St Davids Penknife Club, runs this annual swim on Whitesands Beach, a favourite with surfers on the westernmost tip of Wales.

Important Things to Remember

It is important to ease yourself into sea swimming and to stay calm and relaxed when in the water.

It’s also important to bring plenty of warm and dry clothing and towels so you can change after your swim. A lot of seasoned wild swimmers also bring a flask of hot chocolate, tea or coffee to drink after to warm themselves up. A sugary snack like biscuits or chocolate will also help maintain energy after your swim. It’s also a well-deserved little reward after braving the cold waters.