Swanlake Bay Beach

Hidden on the south coast of Pembrokeshire between Freshwater East and Manorbier, lies Swanlake Bay Beach. A bay of two halves, the western side is decorated with interesting red sandstone rocks whilst the eastern half is made up of wonderful golden sands backed by shingle.

An isolated cove, Swanlake Bay Beach is often one of Pembrokeshire’s forgotten beaches due to the fact it is so remote. Coastal footpaths here are the only source of access which perhaps explain why many opt for the easier-to-reach bays at Manorbier and Tenby nearby.

The bay is flanked by green grassy cliffs on either side; West Moor Cliff to the left and East Moor Cliff to the right. Adventurers will enjoy discovering the sea caves along these headlands, head to the East Moor Cliff where you’ll find two.

Activities

Certainly a picturesque seaside destination, Swanlake Bay Beach is ideal for dedicated beachgoers searching for some solitude. Bring along a blanket, some sunscreen and your favourite book for a peaceful couple of hours reading whilst you listen to the waves ebb against the sand. Perhaps you’re planning a picnic for two, maybe a beachside proposal? Often you’ll find you’re the only one on this beach, which makes it a great stage for such a romantic gesture.

Pack your bathers and a towel, because this bay is generally considered safe enough for bathing although beware as there can be rip currents towards the east of these waters. During your visit, you might even come across local wild swimmers enjoying a sea swim here.

Facing south, Swanlake Bay Beach enjoys much of the same swell as Manorbier Beach so it’s no wonder you’ll find the occasional surfer riding the waves here. Just make sure not to crash into the rocky outcrops on the western side if you’re surfing when the tide is high.

Manorbier Castle

The rocky portion of this coastal inlet lends itself very well to hours spent rock pooling. Discover several natural habitats where all manner of fascinating sea creatures reside; think limpets, colourful anemones, tiny starfish and small crabs – perhaps even a baby octopus if you’re lucky.

Swanlake Bay Beach is a suitable choice for fishermen although granted, you’re likely to see many sea anglers opt for other bays in the area – possibly that’s the very reason you should venture here with your rod as the harvest might be more plentiful being the only angler? The beach fishes onto a clean bottom whilst the nearby rock marks in the area fish onto a mixed ground. Expect to catch turbot, flounders, sea bass and even rays here.

Given that two ways of accessing this beach are via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, it’s safe to say that your visit to Swanlake Bay Beach can easily be combined with a coastal walk. Walking west will bring you out at Freshwater East; if you wish to continue, you can explore the Stackpole estate taking in views at Barafundle Bay (another only accessible via the Coast Path) and Broadhaven South Beach before reaching the spectacular St Govan’s Chapel built into the cliffside.

Following the path east will take you to Manorbier Beach, where you will notice the impressive medieval Manorbier Castle towering over the bay. Continue on to Skrinkle Haven Beach and Lydstep Beach where you will start to spot Caldey Island across the water.

During your visit to this secluded beach, you may well find the area teeming with birdlife. See if you can spot waders, curlew and redshanks or count how many godwits and whimbrels you sight.

Facilities

As you may have already guessed, Swanlake Bay Beach is one of those glorious remote beaches in Pembrokeshire where facilities are practically non-existent. There is no toilets, no bus stop and no beachside shop or pop-up kiosk here.

Visitors are recommended to park at Manorbier Beach or Freshwater East, taking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path as your route to the bay. However, the Swanlake Bay Guesthouse and Tearooms just inland of the bay does offer parking and refreshments.

Between Manorbier and Freshwater East, Manorbier is the better choice as it is closer and has a wider range of amenities. You’ll find public toilets in the beachside car park, with Beach Break Tearooms a short walk up the hill. A little further into the village lies the Manorbier Castle Inn, a great countryside pub, and a convenience store offering beach items, groceries and a post office. Plus, you can cap off your day by paying a visit to the wonderfully preserved castle overlooking the beach. Freshwater East has the Freshwater East Inn but you will have to take a steep walk up a fairly long hill to reach it.

Within just eight miles of Swanlake Bay Beach are the larger towns of Pembroke, Pembroke Dock and Tenby, where you will find a wider range of amenities. Think retail shops, greengrocers, supermarkets, art galleries, chemists and more.

Freshwater East Beach

Local Top Tips

Unofficially, Swanlake Bay Beach is known to be one of Pembrokeshire’s beaches frequented by a local community of naturists, so just be aware that you may stumble upon sunbathers wearing no clothes at all and swimmers wearing only their birthday suits instead of bathing suits.

Access

As aforementioned, your best route of access is via the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from either Manorbier Beach or Freshwater East. Both have public car parks within close proximity of the bays where you can join the Path, and then you simply keep walking until you reach Swanlake Bay Beach. Once you reach the beach, you will find a set of steps towards the centre of the beach taking you onto the sandy bay.

Alternatively, you can follow a footpath along farmland from the Swanlake Bay Guesthouse and Tearooms.

Is Swanlake Bay Beach Dog Friendly?

Yes, Swanlake Bay Beach is dog friendly all year round.

Award-Winning

Swanlake Bay Beach is on the list of recommended beaches compiled by the Marine Conservation Society. 

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