Broadhaven South Beach

Broadhaven South Beach is set on the south Pembrokeshire coastline within the Stackpole estate and branches off from the magnificent Bosherston Lily Ponds. It is a wide bay of soft white sands backs by grassy sand dunes and flanked by limestone cliffs either side. It’s defining feature is often Church Rock, a craggy outcrop some 150 yards or so out to see.

This bay has a namesake on the west coast of Pembrokeshire overlooking St Brides Bay known simply as Broad Haven Beach, or Broad Haven North by those who reside in the south. Both are family-friendly beaches which attract surfers, but the two are not to be mistaken for each other. Broad Haven (North) is backed by a bustling village whereas Broadhaven South Beach is a more secluded bay which rarely becomes crowded.

This picturesque beach could be seen recently featured in the Sky TV series Britannia.

Activities

A top choice for families of all ages, it is a wonder that Broadhaven South is not overrun with beachgoers the moment the sun comes out. At low tide, the soft sandy expanse here seems to go on for miles before it meets the beautiful turquoise waters meaning traditional beach activities are ideal for wasting the day away.

Pack up the rounders bat, the cricket set and the frisbee for an afternoon of healthy competition with friends or make sure to bring along the bucket and spade if you’re visiting with the children. Spend your morning practising your sand art or carve out a hopscotch grid for the busy little ones you need to keep occupied.

To help relieve pressure and ease footfall at the nearby Barafundle Bay, the National Trust here have even started hosting regular Seashore Safaris encouraging visitors to opt for Broadhaven South Beach instead. Get yourself a map, follow the sandcastle trail, see what wildlife you can spot and have a go at the 50 Things to Do Before You Are 11 ½.

The blissfully blue waters at Broadhaven South Beach are too inviting to refuse so you won’t want to forget your bathers. Enjoy a leisurely paddle to cool down after a couple of hours sunbathing with a book or find a new pastime in open-water swimming.

As already mentioned, this exquisite sandy bay is a great choice for surfers, providing the conditions are right. The surf at Broadhaven South is somewhat variable here but on days when the conditions are good, they’re really good. It is not always suitable for beginners but seasoned surfers have been known to enjoy large barrel waves and wedge-like breaks. Other watersports to be enjoyed here include bodyboarding, kayaking and canoeing.

Sea anglers are likely to catch sea bass and mackerel when fishing here, along with the likes of pollack and wrasse whilst explorers will adore discovering hidden sea caves in the cliffsides along the headland. You might also spy bubbling water in areas coming up from the concealed springs underground.

Touring ramblers are recommended to visit Broadhaven South Beach as there is a wealth of walks available in the area which are truly some of the best in the county. The most obvious choice is a stroll around the Bosherston Lily Ponds, a series of valleys purposefully flooded by the Cawdor family in the late 18th Century to create a spectacular landscape of lakes, woodland and coastal farmland on the Stackpole Estate. Nowadays, the estimated 80 acre district is managed and protected by the National Trust, and is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) area. Take the circular walk between Broadhaven South Beach towards Bosherston village and back again for a delightful stroll brimming with wildlife.

Alternatively, you could join the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and follow the coastline east to Stackpole Quay passing through Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire’s most idyllic and isolated bay of all as it is only accessible via the Coastal Path. Following the Coast west will take you around the headland to sightsee the incredible St Govan’s Chapel built into the cliffside, then the Green Bridge of Wales and the Eulug Stacks until you venture into MOD territory at Castlemartin.

The Green Bridge of Wales

This entire southern region of Pembrokeshire is teeming with a diverse variety of wildlife in every direction you look. Expect to find water activity from otters, eels, waterfowl and possibly even a rare sighting of basking sharks and dolphins. The skies are alive with fulmar, kittiwakes, house martins and chough whilst the hedgerows and fields are buzzing with butterflies, bees and dragonflies. You’ll find vivid flora and fauna throughout and the Lily Ponds become awash with blossoming waterlilies in June and July.

Facilities

Facilities here are somewhat limited. The main car park for Broadhaven South Beach lies above the beach behind the sand dunes and houses a small hut run by the National Trust. It is a manned car park during the high season with charges, National Trust members park free. You can also jump on the Coastal Cruiser shuttle bus at this car park which travels between Pembroke and the rural communities such as Stackpole, Lamphey, Freshwater West Beach and Angle.

Inside the National Trust hut, you’ll find handy leaflets on the area, visitor souvenirs and gifts, plus a range of beach items such as kites, windbreakers, beach mats and more. Alongside the hut, you will find public toilets and cold showers. During the summer, a mobile ice cream van parks up in this car park offering much-needed cooling refreshments.

A second public car park is available in the main village of Bosherston, and the walkway to the beach then takes you through the Lily Ponds. This car park is also National Trust managed meaning it is Pay and Display here during the summer. There is no machine, instead the National Trust man their car parks with attendants – often fountains of knowledge who can point you in the direction with advice if necessary.

Just up the road from the Lily Pond car park, you will find two top-choice eateries which are often frequented by locals and holidaymakers. Ye Olde World Café is a must for a spot of afternoon tea with homemade scones and delicate sandwiches, sit outside in the picnic area for a superb ending to a beach day. The St Govans Inn further on is the village’s sole pub and is a popular country inn with delicious meals guaranteed.

Further amenities can be located further inland, some 7 miles away at Pembroke and the adjacent Pembroke Dock. Pembroke is a historical town where the main attraction is the remarkably preserved castle in the town centre is famous for being the birthplace of King Henry VII, whilst Pembroke Dock is set on the edge of the Cleddau estuary and is home to a more industrial centre with an active harbour where you can even board ferries across to Ireland. Both towns offer more pubs and cafes, greengrocers, post offices, convenience stores and retail shops.

Local Top Tips

Arriving before first light to enjoy the incredible sunrise here is worth the effort of getting up extra early for.

Access

From the main Broadhaven South Beach car park, the pathway to the beach is steep with a mixture of slopes and steps. As you approach the beach, the concrete pathway comes to an end taking you across the rolling sand dunes to the sandy shore.

If you are visiting with a wheelchair, pushchair or pram, it is recommended you park at the Lily Ponds car park as the pathway is much more accessible for all things with wheels. The circular walk here is fairly level with no steps to manoeuvre although there are two bridges to cross.

Is Broadhaven South Beach Dog Friendly?

Yes Broadhaven South Beach is dog friendly at all times, as is Bosherston Lily Ponds. Do bear in mind however that the Stackpole Estate is a Marine Special Area of Conservation and a National Nature Reserve, so it is recommended to keep your dogs close and on leads when visiting so as not to disturb any of the wildlife here.

Award-Winning

Broadhaven South Beach is a regular recipient of the Green Coast and Seaside Awards, and is a Marine Conservation Society recommended beach. 

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