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Pembrokeshire Beaches
Pembrokeshire is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.
From wide sweeping bays backed by dunes to hidden coves tucked beneath dramatic cliffs, the coastline here has a way of surprising even seasoned travellers.
Whether you’re looking for long coastal walks, spots of a sea dip, or simply a quiet place to sit and watch the tide roll in, there is always another beach waiting to be discovered.
Staying at Grove of Narberth places many of these extraordinary stretches of coastline within easy reach. Within around half an hour to an hour’s drive, you can reach some of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful beaches, each with its own character and sense of place.
Here are some of our favourites, along with a few details to help you plan your day.
Barafundle Bay
From Grove: Approx. 35 minutes
Best for: Swimming · Families · Coastal walks
With its swathes of golden sand, clear waters and natural setting, Barafundle Bay is one of Pembrokeshire’s most celebrated beaches. Tucked between dunes and pine-covered cliffs, the small sheltered bay feels wonderfully secluded.
The beach is reached via a half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay, adding to its sense of being tucked away from the road. It’s a beautiful spot for a swim, a picnic on the sand or a walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Good to know: There are no facilities directly on the beach, so it’s worth bringing everything you’ll need for the day. Parking, toilets and refreshments are available at nearby Stackpole Quay.
Broad Haven South
From Grove: Approx. 40 minutes
Best for: Swimming · Families · Coastal walks · Nature
A wide sweep of golden sand backed by dramatic dunes, Broad Haven South is a beautiful spot for a day by the coast. At the western end of the beach, boulders and a rocky ‘island’ reveal small caves and springs, while the cliffs to the east are dotted with caves that can be explored at low tide.
The beach sits at the foot of the Bosherston Lily Ponds, making it easy to combine a visit to the coast with a walk through the famous ponds and surrounding countryside. Together, they make a wonderful day out for exploring the landscape before settling on the sand.
Good to know: The beach is reached via a walk from the National Trust car park at Bosherston. There are toilets and refreshments available in Bosherston, but no facilities directly on the beach.
Freshwater West
From Grove: Approx. 40 minutes
Best for: Surfing · Coastal walks · Dramatic scenery · Film locations
One of Pembrokeshire’s most dramatic stretches of coastline, Freshwater West is a wide, windswept beach backed by impressive sand dunes. Its exposed position makes it a favourite with experienced surfers, with some of the best waves in Pembrokeshire.
The beach has also made its mark on the big screen. Fans of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows may recognise the dunes as the setting for Shell Cottage, while the beach also featured in Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood.
Good to know: Freshwater West is exposed to strong currents, rips and undertow, and swimming is not recommended. Check local conditions and follow safety advice before entering the water. There are toilets and parking close to the beach, but limited other facilities, so it’s worth bringing everything you need for the day.
Tenby North
From Grove: Approx. 30 minutes
Best for: Swimming · Town & beach days · Families · Views
Sheltered by Tenby’s colourful harbour and historic town, North Beach is one of the town’s most recognisable spots. Goscar Rock rises from the sand at the centre of the beach, creating one of the most photographed coastal views in Wales.
With the town just behind the beach, it’s an easy place to combine time by the sea with a wander through Tenby’s narrow streets, independent shops and cafés.
Good to know: North Beach is particularly sheltered, but dogs are not permitted on the beach at any time. There are plenty of facilities in Tenby, including cafés, restaurants and public toilets.
Tenby South
From Grove: Approx. 30 minutes
Best for: Long beach walks · Swimming · Families · Coastal views
Stretching for around a mile and a half south from Tenby, this wide, sandy beach offers plenty of space to settle in, particularly at low tide. Backed by dunes and framed by the surrounding coastline, it’s a beautiful place for a long walk beside the sea.
The beach is also within easy reach of Tenby’s harbour and town, making it simple to combine a morning on the sand with lunch or an afternoon exploring.
Good to know: Dog restrictions apply to part of the beach during the summer months, so check the latest local guidance before visiting. There are plenty of facilities nearby in Tenby, including toilets, cafés and places to eat.
Saundersfoot
From Grove: Approx. 25 minutes
Best for: Swimming · Families · Coastal walks · Food & drink
A lively seaside village with a wide, sandy beach, pretty harbour and plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops close by. At low tide, the beach stretches out towards the harbour and is a lovely spot for exploring rock pools, while the surrounding Coast Path offers beautiful views along the coastline.
When you’re ready for lunch or dinner, head to Lân y Môr, Grove’s sister restaurant overlooking Coppet Hall Beach. With views across the water and a relaxed coastal setting, it’s a lovely place to pause before making your way back to Grove.
Good to know: Seasonal dog restrictions apply to parts of Saundersfoot Beach, so check the latest guidance before visiting. There is plenty of parking and a good choice of facilities within the village.
Whitesands Bay
From Grove: Approx. 55 minutes
Best for: Swimming · Surfing · Coastal walks · Families
Overlooked by the dramatic slopes of Carn Llidi, Whitesands is one of Pembrokeshire’s most spectacular beaches. Its wide sweep of pale sand opens towards St Davids Head, with views across the coast towards Ramsey Island. It’s particularly popular with surfers and bodyboarders, while the quieter southern end offers more sheltered spots.
The beach is also a great starting point for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, with walks towards St Davids Head and along the rugged coastline.
Good to know: There is a car park directly above the beach, along with toilets and a café. Lifeguards patrol during the summer season. Seasonal dog restrictions apply from 1 May to 30 September.
Newgale
From Grove: Approx. 45 minutes
Best for: Long walks · Surfing · Watersports · Families
With almost two miles of golden sand, Newgale is one of Pembrokeshire’s largest beaches. A distinctive pebble bank runs along the back of the beach, separating the sand from the road and creating a dramatic backdrop.
Facing west towards the Atlantic, Newgale is popular with surfers, kitesurfers and other watersports enthusiasts. At the southern end, a walk along the beach reveals smaller bays and a walk-through cave, while the wide expanse of sand makes it a wonderful place for a long coastal walk.
Good to know: There are three car parks along the beach, with toilets, cafés and a pub nearby. Dogs are restricted from the middle section of the beach between 1 May and 30 September, but are permitted at either end during this period. Check the tide times before visiting, as the beach can become very narrow at high tide
Abereiddy
From Grove: Approx. 55 minutes
Best for: Dramatic scenery · Coastal walks · Exploring
With its dark slate sand, rugged cliffs and brilliant blue waters, Abereiddy is one of the more distinctive beaches on the Pembrokeshire coast. The small bay was once home to a slate quarry, and the remains of the old quarry buildings and workers’ cottages can still be seen around the beach.
Just beyond the beach, a short walk leads to the Blue Lagoon, a flooded former slate quarry surrounded by dramatic cliffs. The area is also part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, with a spectacular walk linking Abereiddy with Porthgain and the surrounding coastline.
Good to know: There is a privately owned car park above the beach, with seasonal charges, and toilets are available. There are no lifeguards, and strong currents and undertows can occur, so take care if entering the water. Dogs are welcome all year round
If you’re happy to venture a little further, some of Pembrokeshire’s quieter beaches are well worth the journey. Marloes Sands, Abermawr and Caerfai each offer a different side of the coastline, from dramatic cliffs and wide-open sands to secluded coves close to St Davids.
Looking for somewhere specific? Ask our team for their current favourites.
A day by the sea, the Grove way
A beach day in Pembrokeshire rarely needs much planning. Our team are always happy to suggest beaches depending on the weather, tides and what kind of day you’re hoping for. Before heading out, the kitchen can prepare a picnic or packed lunch so you can settle in beside the sea without needing to rush back.
After a day exploring the coast, returning to Grove feels like the perfect ending. The warmth of our boutique hotel in Pembrokeshire, a relaxed meal at one of our welcoming restaurants, and the quiet countryside waiting outside. And tomorrow, perhaps another beach to discover!
There’s plenty more to discover beyond Pembrokeshire’s coastline. From historic towns and gardens to walks, outdoor adventures and experiences rooted in the landscape, the county offers plenty of ways to spend a day.
Explore our Things to Do for more inspiration, or discover our Experiences for ways to explore Pembrokeshire during your stay at Grove.