Goodwick Sands

Goodwick Sands is a mixed sand-shingle beach situated on the north coastline of Pembrokeshire, alongside the quaint harbourside village of Fishguard. Set between flanking cliffsides with Fishguard to the east and Strumble Head to the west, this beach is a popular family-friendly shoreline with excellent transport links.

The beach at Goodwick Sands lies on one side of a long breakwater, with Fishguard ferry port on the other. It is backed by a sea wall comprised of large rocks with wooden groynes positioned in the sand and has shallow waters ideal for bathing.

This bay is, in fact, a significant historical location as it was here at Goodwick Sands where the very Last Invasion of Britain almost took place. In 1797, an army of invading French ships attempted landing here with the aim of conquering the local land but the locals thwarted that plan by shooting canons off from Fishguard Fort on the hillside, and the attacking soldiers were forced to land further up the coast where the terrain worked against their favour and thus, local defences were able to overcome the attack.

Activities

Sheltered by the cliffs to the west, Goodwick Sands is more suited to leisurely beach-goers and bathers as opposed to adrenaline-searching watersports aficionados. The shallow flat waters are ideal for paddling and sea swimming, you can easily spend hours bathing here on those warm summer days. For a more relaxing afternoon of watersports, you might wish to bring along a kayak or canoe as the shores here can be ideal to practise your rowing techniques, particularly on calm days.

This area is somewhat of an unsuspecting haven for wildlife. On the sandy, shingle shoreline you are likely to come across hiding mussels and shellfish, especially in the wetter areas of the beach. In the waters, people have been known to spot dolphins and basking sharks, and there is often a wide selection of fish available making the shore here beloved by local fishermen and keen anglers in the area. Cast your rod in the sea for a chance to catch cod, mackerel, bass, dogfish, pollack and more.

If you love a beachside stroll, Goodwick Sands is a truly wonderful choice. Amble along the long breakwater for stunning water views out of this bay and over the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, follow the promenade up into the cliffs toward Fishguard where you’ll find numerous benches, each of which makes a great viewpoint over Goodwick Sands and the ferry port. Many adore sitting and watching the ferry arrive and depart.

Strumble Head lighthouse

You can, of course, also pick up the Pembrokeshire Coast Path here. Many recommend following the coastline around towards Strumble Head on the north-western coast of Pembrokeshire, a favourite spot for photographers as the ocean views and sighting of the lighthouse is stunning.

Facilities

Transport links from Goodwick Sands are arguably some of the best in Pembrokeshire. First of all, there is the ferry port offering sailings to and from Rosslare, Ireland twice a day – this is a great opportunity to continue your travels to explore another beautiful Celtic land.

Stena Line operates out of Fishguard Harbour

There are also two train stations, one at the ferry port itself and the other just a few minutes’ walk from the beach in the centre of Goodwick. Use the train to travel between other Pembrokeshire locations such as Haverfordwest, Tenby, Milford and Pembroke if you’re travelling without a car, or jump aboard for destinations further afield such as Cardiff, Manchester and London.

Bus stops are within a short walk of Goodwick Sands; hail the North Pembrokeshire Fflecsi Bus to take an adventure up into the rolling countryside of Strumble Head, take a day trip to the UK’s smallest city of St Davids or ride home to your base in Haverfordwest or Newport. Available 7.30-6.30 Monday-Friday and 8.30-6.30 on Saturdays, this bus service covers the zone that connects the spectacular coast between Fishguard, St Davids and Broad Haven.

If you are travelling by car though, you’ll be pleased to know there are a number of car parks within the vicinity. There is parking available along the seafront and at Fishguard Pier Car Park, as well as along the elevated promenade towards Fishguard – all of which is chargeable with Pay and Display Machines. Plus, you will find a large parking area behind Tesco.

Opposite the seafront on the other side of the road, you will find a petrol station, a Tesco Express and café. Up the hill towards Strumble Head, there are two pubs; The Hope and Anchor, and The Rose and Crown, along with a couple more cafes plus a fish and chip shop. An ice cream van is also known to frequent the promenade on sunny days.

Nearer to the beach, you will find a grassy area with some benches alongside a free outdoor children’s play area with swings, see-saws and the like. You might also wish to pay a visit to Ocean Lab, an excellent visitor attraction run by The Sea Trust who are studying the local marine wildlife. Also housing a sea aquarium, you can learn here what you might see in the local region and find out how to record your sightings. Within the Ocean Lab, there is also a handy café and just opposite, a public toilet block.

Local Top Tips

Parking in the two nearest car park to Goodwick Sands can fill up fairly quickly on warm days during the summer holidays, so you might wish to head straight to the larger car park behind Tesco however bear in mind if parking here, you will have to cross a busy road to reach the beach.

A walk along the breakwater is well worth it, especially when the ferry is coming in to dock.

Access

From the car parks, access to the beach is flat and there is a slipway opposite The Ocean Lab for easy access into the sea.

Is Goodwick Sands Beach Dog Friendly?

A portion of Goodwick Sands remains dog friendly all year round, however a section of the north end of the beach imposes dog restrictions during the summer months between 1st May and 30th September.

Award-Winning

Goodwick Sands has recently been presented with the Seaside Award indicating it as a praised beach to visit as it is a good, clean stretch of coastline. It has also been recognised as a Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Recommended Beach signifying that it has excellent water quality. 

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