Hidden Beaches in Pembrokeshire
Discover West Wales' secret beaches
It’s certainly no secret that Pembrokeshire’s coastline is blessed with golden sands and crystal-blue waters. But did you know that there are hidden beaches in Pembrokeshire that are well off the beaten track? Keep on reading for our shortlist of secret beaches in West Wales.
Exposed to the full force of the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea, West Wales embraces a slow-paced lifestyle as second nature here. You can get your fill of windswept cliffs, dramatic seascapes and a plethora of coastal wildlife, as well as stumble across stunning waterfalls, coastal arches and hidden gems.
Pembrokeshire’s coastline stretches 186 miles and is famous for the likes of Tenbys beaches and Barafundle Bay. But if you are an intrepid beachcomber looking to escape the madding crowds, there are plenty of hidden gem beaches in Pembrokeshire that are rarely busy.
The coastline receives some of the best surf in the country, whilst quieter inlets are the perfect place to go for a dip, kayak or a coastal ramble along the highly regarded Pembrokeshire Coastal Path. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore one of the most remote regions of the UK, whilst immersing yourself in a unique culture and island-like mentality.
Sometimes a day off the beaten track is needed, so we’ve put together this helpful list of our favourite hidden beaches in Pembrokeshire and hope that you find them just as special as we do.
Musselwick Beach
TYPE OF BEACH: Sandy
CAR PARK: Yes but limited
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
Musselwick Beach is buried amongst the southern curve of St Brides Bay near Marloes. On arrival, take a couple of moments to admire the azure waters and golden sands, but be cautious that the beach disappears completely when the tide is in.
You may stumble upon this beach when following the Coastal Path between St Brides Haven Beach and Martin’s Haven Beach. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, this is certainly one to venture to. Expect no facilities here and only limited roadside parking, so make sure to bring along all your necessities.
It’s a great place to stop for a picnic if you’re meandering along the Coast Path. Above the bay, you’ll discover a grassy bank that overlooks the shore which is the perfect spot to soak up the views out across the ocean to Skomer Island while replenishing your energy. This western-facing bay is also well-liked by keen anglers with dogfish, mackerel and pollock known to be here.
Watwick Bay Beach
TYPE OF BEACH: Sandy
CAR PARK: The nearest parking is at Dale
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
Near Dale, Watwick Bay is a small, east-facing beach at the mouth of Milford Haven. It is set on the remote and narrow peninsula leading to St Annes Head.
This fantastic find has Coast Path-only access making it one of the best hidden beaches in Pembrokeshire and explains why Watwick Bay is so quiet, even during the summer months. The walk down to the sands is quite narrow and steep but it is well worth it once you reach the tranquil haven below.
While away the hours here as you watch passing yachts. Or head towards the eastern end of the beach where you’ll discover a few caves and some great rock pools for exploring.
Watwick Bay is often very quiet, especially in the late afternoons when the beach becomes shaded. It’s a great location for those who plan on bringing their four-legged friend along to visit at this time of the day during the summer, as you won’t have to worry about your pooch burning his paws or getting too dehydrated.
Traeth Llyfn Beach
TYPE OF BEACH: Sandy
CAR PARK: Nearest parking at Porthgain
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
Next on our guide of secret beaches in Pembrokeshire is an oasis of calm, positioned among towering slate cliffs. Traeth Llyfn Beach is certainly one of Pembrokeshire’s most remote spots. This secluded bay can be found nestled between the two old fishing villages of Porthgain and Abereiddy along the northwesterly coastline of the county.
Part of Traeth Llyfn’s charm is that it’s not easy to get to. To access the beach, you must walk along a rugged cliff path and then navigate the steep metal staircase on the cliff face to get onto the sands.
Step onto the wide stretch of golden sands for beach games or catch some rays in this fantastic suntrap. There are fascinating rock pools dotted around the edges of the beach, perfect for exploring. Expect stunning blue waters on a still day, but be wary of the powerful rip currents that are created from the exposure to the incoming seas. People do swim here but due to its remote location, lifeguards do not patrol this beach.
Monkstone Beach
TYPE OF BEACH: Sandy
CAR PARK: Verge parking only
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
Sandwiched between the popular tourist spots of Tenby and Saundersfoot is Monkstone Beach. Boasting views over Carmarthen Bay, this secluded spot along the west coast of Pembrokeshire is an unspoiled sanctuary ideal for a beach day out. You’ll also be able to spot the striking colours that overlook Tenby Harbour.
Complete with golden sands against an impressive backdrop of plunging cliffs, this is another quiet spot that doesn’t attract too many visitors due to the slightly trickier access. You can get to the beach off a coastal footpath close to the village of New Hedges. Steep steps lead you down to the sands. Alternatively, at low tide, you can go via Glen Beach which neighbours Saundersfoot Beach. You may have to climb over a few rocks to get there, but the idyllic setting makes it completely worth it.
This pebble beach is accessible at high tides but when the tide goes out, the full majesty of the beach is revealed. Imagine a large stretch of golden sand to enjoy, making it a wonderful spot to relax.
Porthlysgi Beach
TYPE OF BEACH: Sand & shingle
CAR PARK: No - Parking at Porthclais
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
Located towards the tip of the St Davids peninsula, Porthlysgi Beach is an idyllic cove backed by low grasscovered cliffs. This beautifully tranquil beach is mostly shingle but when the tide drops, a stretch of golden sand is revealed.
This secluded beach is only accessible from the Coastal Path about one mile west of Porthclais. It’s a great spot for bathing and going for a dip. Children will love exploring the rock pools but there are no amenities or facilities at this beach, so make sure to bring along a picnic and plenty of sunscreen.
The bay in which Porthlysgi sits is divided by a small headland. To the east, you’ll discover the smaller, less accessible Porth Coch Bâch Beach. This is an even more secluded spot with a low tide scramble across the rocks being the only way of getting there. Just off the mouth of the bay, you’ll also be able to spot the rugged little island of Carreg Yr Esgob which translates to Bishop Rock.
Ceibwr Bay Beach
TYPE OF BEACH: Shingle & Pebble
CAR PARK: Yes - Moylegrove (free parking for up to 25 cars)
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
Escape the crowds when you spend a day at Ceibwr Bay Beach in North Pembrokeshire. Park the car at Moylegrove, where there is free parking and take to the untouched Pembrokeshire Coast Path to reach this piece of paradise.
It’s a small shingle and pebble beach that provides a welcome sanctuary for those in search of peace and tranquillity. Look forward to clear waters with fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.
Find the famous Witches Cauldron just down the Coast Path, which is a dramatically collapsed cave. Kayakers and canoeists will delight in exploring all of the nearby caves in the district.
Whether you’re looking to explore the waters or prefer being on foot, you may be able to spot some Atlantic grey seals basking in the sun. However, access is denied in areas between mid-August and November for the safety of the seals and their pups. This part of the Irish Sea is also known for its resident pods of dolphins.
Aberfforest Beach
TYPE OF BEACH: Sand & shingle
CAR PARK: Very limited parking on main road
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
It’s definitely worth paying a visit to the north-facing cove of Aberfforest Beach. Despite being only two miles from the popular coastal town of Newport and the rural village of Dinas, it’s safe to say this fantastic find is one of Pembrokeshire’s lesser-travelled beaches.
Enjoy boating, bathing, wildlife spotting and walking along the high cliffsides of the Coast Path. There are plenty of activities to pass the time at this wonderful beach. Children will enjoy splashing in the forest stream that flows from the ancient woods into the sea. The sheltered setting of the bay provides easy boat launching for kayakers and canoeists to depart and explore the impressive coastline.
You’ll also want to venture into the woodland behind the bay and follow the stream where you’ll uncover a wonderful waterfall. It’s the perfect place for a dog walk to get muddy paws. This fairytale setting makes a fantastic spot for photographers or keen artists.
Swanlake Bay Beach
TYPE OF BEACH: Shingle
CAR PARK: No - Nearest car park is 1.5 miles away
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes
Nestled along the South Pembrokeshire coastline between Freshwater East and Manorbier, the remote Swanlake Bay Beach boasts shingle shores and inviting waters. With the likes of Tenby and Saundersfoot in the same region, it’s no wonder it often gets overlooked.
If you’re not purposely seeking out this secret spot, there’s little chance you’d stumble upon it, especially with the only way to get there being to walk the Coastal Path. Walking west will bring you out at Freshwater East where you can continue to explore the Stackpole Estate, taking in views at Barafundle Bay and Broadhaven South Beach. Following the path east will take you to Manorbier Beach and the impressive medieval Manorbier Castle that towers over the bay.
Being such an isolated cove, Swanlake Bay Beach is frequently one of Pembrokeshire’s forgotten beaches due to its remoteness. But it’s ideal for dedicated beachgoers searching for some solitude. It’s also a fantastic spot for wild swimming and surfing.
Discover More Beaches in Pembrokeshire
There are over fifty beaches in the area in total, including all of the hidden beaches in Pembrokeshire mentioned above. To find about more about the beaches in West Wales, take a look at our Pembrokeshire beach guide and if you're really set on having the very best beach holiday you can, you might also want to check out our holiday cottages on the beach.
