Marloes Sands

Marloes Sands is set on the most south-western point of the Pembrokeshire coast, just a short drive from the likes of Dale, St Brides and St Ishmaels. If you’re a birdwatcher or a puffin fanatic, you’ll likely already know that Marloes Sands is one of the closest beaches to Skomer Island; an offshore isle famous for being home to the largest breeding colony of puffins in Britain.

One of the most exposed beaches to the Atlantic Ocean, Marloes Sands is somehow also one of the most isolated bays in the county. The nearest car park is some half a mile away and the village of Marloes a further mile away. That being said, there’s no denying that it is well worth the trip.

Marloes Sands is a wide expanse of golden sands with remarkable rock formations along the bay creating a rich landscape of rugged outcrops against a backdrop of high cliffsides, fair sands and blue waters. It is within the Pembrokeshire Marine Area of Special Conservation and looks out over Skokholm Island, making it a must for wildlife enthusiasts.

With a dramatic seascape and magnificent coastline, it was only a matter of time before it was noticed by Hollywood. In 1968, Marloes Sands was used as a filming location for the 1968 drama The Lion in Winter starring Peter O’Toole, Katharine Hepburn and Anthony Hopkins. It was used again more recently for a battle scene on horseback in the 2012 fairytale blockbuster Snow White and The Huntsman starring Kristin Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron.

Activities

Activity options are endless at Marloes Sands so it’s no wonder you’ll find a real mixture of beachgoers here. At low tide, the spacious sandy area here lends itself well to beach games of all varieties. Bring a ball for a game of beach footy, have a go at touch rugby, pack your frisbee and your rounders kit – whichever your favourite, you’re sure to enjoy a game here.

The rocks scattered along the shore create pockets of privacy here, making it ideal for young families and sunbathers looking to get of peace from the rest of the public. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy an alfresco lunch in one of the secluded bays or teach the children how to build the biggest and best sandcastle you can.

These very same rocks are an attraction all of their own. Geologists from far and wide adore a visit to this spectacular bay where the formations are wild and weathered. The crags and rocky ridges are vibrant and colourful, in a mixture of pinks and purples. The looming cliffsides are made up of different geological groups including red and grey sandstone. Experienced geologists will note geological ripples and marine fossils in many of the rocks sprinkled along this bay.

Hand in hand with such rocky formations comes rock pools, and if you’re a passionate rockpool explorer – Marloes Sands will not disappoint. Be careful scrambling over some of the boulders and rocks as they can be sharp, but it’s worth it for the abundance of wildlife hiding in these pools. You might even discover remnants of a shipwreck protruding from the sand along the shore.

Water babies will delight in bathing and watersports at Marloes Sands. The unprotected and exposed nature of this shoreline means it is often a top spot for surfers, with great swells and good waves. Even beginners and bodyboarders will enjoy jumping into the seas here. Calmer days are ideal for bathing, snorkelling and diving - the underwater world in this peninsula is truly incredible.

Fishermen have been known to gather a good crop here, with onshore breezes and post-storm days being highly recommended as the best conditions. Expect to catch bass and mackerel here as well as flounder and dogfish.

If you’re planning a day of wildlife spotting, make sure to bring along your camera and binoculars as you’re almost guaranteed to sight a wealth of nature on your travels at Marloes Sands. Atlantic grey seals are frequently sighted in the area; September is breeding season and many come ashore to feed their fluffy white pups who are waiting on land to shed their fluffy fur and learn to swim.

Marloes Sands boasts great sunsets

The offshore islands of Skomer and Skokholm are home to a plethora of seabirds including puffins, manx shearwaters, chough and peregrine falcons. To explore in closer detail, head over to Martin’s Haven Beach during the summer months where you can hop aboard the boat to land on Skomer – trips are popular and cannot be booked in advance though so get there early!

Nature-lovers should also make time to take the circular walk around Marloes Mere, a nature reserve and wetlands offering even more wildlife and wonderful views. Expect migrant birds, especially during the breeding season, and unforgettable Pembrokeshire Coastal Path views over the nearby islands and the lower beach at Marloes Sands.

Facilities

As mentioned above, Marloes Sands is a fairly isolated beach so whilst there are facilities available, they are not immediately backing the beach as you see at many of Pembrokeshire’s other beaches. The nearest car park is approximately a half-mile walk from the beach and it is Pay and Display during the summer months. It is, however, a National Trust car park so members will receive free parking here. It is manned in the summer, and the attendant is often a knowledgeable guide able to point you in the right direction if you need some assistance or if it’s your first visit to the area.

Just some 100 yards or so down the path you will find a public toilet block and a recent addition to Pembrokeshire’s fantastic array of eateries, Runwayskiln. Previously the old youth hostel, this building now houses a superb café offering fresh food and drinks (including a licensed bar). It is particularly recommended for seafood lovers, vegans and vegetarians with its colourful fresh menus.

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Travel a further mile inland and eventually, you will reach the village of Marloes, where you’ll find a rural collection of houses and some essential amenities. In the centre of the village, there lies an outdoor play area with swings and a slide etc., alongside which stands another toilet block.

The sole pub in the village is the charming Lobster Pot. Expect a friendly and welcoming atmosphere complete with cosy log burners, traditional homecooked pub classics and a great range of ales, ciders and soft drinks. Alternatively, you can call into The Clock House, a quaint café offering light lunches, delicious freshly made cakes, coffee and more.

Marloes Village Stores and Post Office offers daily newspapers, groceries and postal services. 

Local Top Tips

As the car park and other facilities for this beach are all located at least half a mile away from the bay, think practically about what you will need and want during your day – chances are, you’ll want to limit how many times you have to walk back and forth to the car.

But keeping mind that whatever you take with you, you’ll have to bring back, so pack as lightly as possible if you don’t want to be burdened with a heavy load!

The isolated location means that there are no lifeguards stationed here and mobile signal may be questionable, so it’s best to be vigilant when visiting. Pay close attention to the tide times, high tide results in the water encompassing the beach completely and you don’t want to get stranded.

Access

The beach is clearly signposted from the main village. From the car park, you will take a downhill gravelled bridle track for approximately half a mile to reach Marloes Sands so access may be challenging if you have mobility difficulties.

Upon reaching the beach, you will discover a patch of shingle before reaching the sandy shoreline.

Is Marloes Sands Dog Friendly?

Yes Marloes Sands is dog friendly all year round, as is The Lobster Pot pub in the village. Runwayskiln welcomes dogs but does ask you keep them on a lead though, as it is within National Trust land.

Award-Winning

It really is no wonder that the beach at Marloes is a multi-award winner. Over the years, it has become a regular to win such awards as the Seaside Award and the Green Coast Award. It is also on the recommended list of beaches to visit compiled by the Marine Conservation Society.

In 2019, it was also named one of Britain’s 40 Best Beaches by The Telegraph.

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