Does your four-legged camper love to crash through the surf or bound across the sand? Dogs love to be by the sea as much as we do, and here in Pembrokeshire we are very proud to have some of the best coastline and coastal walks in the country. Below are some of our favourite dog friendly beaches in the local area for salty swims, secluded coves, sandy bays and canine dune exploration.
Please note – there are actually 52 awesome beaches and coves in Pembrokeshire so these are just a few. These also have no dog restrictions imposed on them and therefore welcome dogs all year round. Please do however ensure you check all relevant signage on arrival and also ensure you are a responsible dog owner in order to keep our stunning beaches clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy.
(Please note: parking charges may apply in some areas).
Sandy Haven
Sandy Haven is one of the closest beaches to the campsite. It is a small, but beautiful sand and shingle beach with good road access and ample parking – and is just a ten minute drive from us. It’s rugged and little known (so there are no facilities) but there are rock pools to explore at low tide, views of the Estuary and the old Stack Rock Fort. It’s also usually quite quiet. Perfect for an hour in the evening if you don’t want the hassle of driving far.
Freshwater West
Freshwater West is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and has a large, wide sandy beach popular for many watersports due its strong winds and currents. The area is rugged with low cliff access and is sheltered by sand dunes.
All Harry Potter fans can leave their own tribute to ‘Dobby’ (the house elf from Deathly Hallows) as he has a shrine on the beach. Freshwater West was the location of ‘Shell Cottage’ for the film in 2009, but has since been removed.
There is free parking and often Pembrokeshire Beach Food have their food van in the car park serving amazing crab rolls (note: check their website or Facebook page for opening schedule).
Freshwater East
Freshwater East is a wide beach with low dunes and plenty of space to roam free and play fetch. At the South end is a stream which runs to the sea. There is ample parking and also toilets available. Adjacent to the car park is the Longhouse Café and Restaurant which is also dog friendly.
Barafundle
Barafundle forms part of the Stackpole Estate and is managed by the National Trust. It used to be the private beach of the Cawdor family but is now open for the public and their canine explorers to enjoy. Often referred to as a ‘hidden gem’ and likened to the Caribbean, you could enjoy the sandy beach and blue waters here, or you could take a cliff edge walk through fields.
The beach is dog friendly, but please be aware of any grazing cattle in the fields on the half mile walk to the beach from the car park.
Abereiddy Bay (Blue Lagoon)
Abereiddy Bay, also known as the ‘Blue lagoon’ comes top of many Google searches for ‘beaches in Pembrokeshire’. It is a former grey slate quarry, this is what gives the water it’s brilliant blue colour. From the car park (spaces are limited) you can see the Foreman’s house and Powder Room as well as the remains of some of the workmen’s cottages and quarry building ruins on the clifftops. This spot is popular for coasteering and kayaking and has stunning clifftop walks to take in its rugged outline.
Manorbier Bay
A sandy beach popular with surfers and surrounded by dramatic cliffs and dunes. Manorbier is a very popular area and it is no wonder as it’s often been described as Wales’ most beautiful spot Manorbier village and castle are both very close to the bay if you wish to spend a little more time in the area. Please note, this is a very popular beach for walkers, swimmers and surfers and as such, gets very busy. We recommend checking the tide times and setting out early if you are planning to visit.
Marloes Sands
A walk along Marloes Sands will give you fantastic views of Skokholm and Gateholm islands. With it’s long sandy beach there is plenty of space for your pup(s) to run at full speed or paddle in the breaking waves. At low tides there are rock pools to roam and small bays to discover. At it’s western end, you may be able to see the remains of a shipwreck poking out of the sand. Any film buffs may also recognise the area from ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ where some scenes were filmed here in 2011.
There is also an awesome café just a two minute walk from the car park that serves some of the tastiest lunch dishes you will have ever had – it’s called Runwayskiln and it is one of our favourite cafes in Pembrokeshire! Dogs are welcome to sit with you while you dine on one of the tables outside.