The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only UK national park recognised primarily for its coastline and it covers almost all of the county’s coast so it goes without saying that there are quite a few stunning beaches here. As you’re probably aware, many beaches throughout the UK ban dogs during summer months, with local councils fining owners £75 and over (some districts have higher fines than others) if they breach the rules. These bans typically run from the start of May to the end of September, so it’s handy to know where your dog will be able to enjoy the sand and surf without getting in trouble. Luckily we’ve done our research for you and found some of the very best dog-friendly beaches in Pembrokeshire.
Before you head out with that furry little angel, make sure you read up on our tips for taking your dog to the beach and check out our article, Why You Shouldn’t Walk Dogs on a Beach in Windy Weather. It’s also important to note that assistance dogs are allowed on beaches all year round.
1. Marloes Sands
Nearest town: Milford Haven
Postcode & map: SA62 3BH
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Dogs are welcome here throughout the year.
Winner of the Green Coast Award 2019 and Seaside Award 2019, Marloes Sands is a remote mile-long stretch of beach enveloped by dramatic cliffs. When the tide’s out you’ll have golden sand to stroll along, rock pools to explore, and the odd seal and seabird to watch, but at high tide the beach all but disappears so check the tide forecast to make sure you have plenty of time to safely leave the beach. Rocks and strong currents make swimming here a tad dangerous. There’s a National Trust car park half a mile from the beach and the closest facilities are further away in the village of Marloes. There are no dog bins so you’ll have to dispose of your li’l angel’s waste elsewhere.
2. Monkstone Beach
Nearest town: Tenby
Postcode & map: SA69 9DL
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: None, dogs are allowed here 365 days a year.
Nestled between the popular seaside towns of Saundersfoot and Tenby, you’ll find the surprisingly quiet and remote Monkstone Beach. This sheltered, isolated stretch of golden sand strewn with the occasional rock is the beach to head to if you’re looking to ditch the crowds. It’s generally safe to swim here but take care when you do as there are no lifeguards around. You can access the beach via the coast path which takes around half an hour from Saundersfoot or via a steep path and steps to the beach after following a footpath through Trevayne Farm. While there’s no official beach car park by the farm, there is in Saundersfoot along with public toilets with disabled access, cafes, shops and restaurants.
3. Barafundle Bay
Nearest town: Pembroke
Postcode & map: SA71 5LS
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Dogs are welcome here throughout the year.
About: Once the private domain of the Cawdor family who owned the historic Stackpole Estate, today pristine Barafundle Bay is managed by The National Trust but remains part of the estate. Its golden sands and crystal clear-waters have rightfully earned it some attention and visitors now flock here to enjoy its ever-so-slightly tropical vibe. Your dog is more than welcome to join in on the fun all year round on this award-winning beach that’s flanked by cliffs and backed by dunes and pine trees. The car park is half a mile’s walk over the cliffs and there are a number of steep steps to traverse to get down to the beach so it unfortunately isn’t suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. The closest facilities are at Stackpole Quay so you’ll have to take everything you need to the beach and back up the cliffs again when you leave.
4. Newport Sands
Nearest town: Newport
Postcode & map: SA42 0NR
Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Restrictions: None, dogs are allowed here 365 days of the year.
About: Also known as Traeth Mawr meaning ‘Big Beach’ in Welsh, this wide, mile-long stretch of sand on the Nevern Estuary is backed by a golf course at it’s northern end and sand dunes to the south. Dog walkers, families, birdwatchers, canoeists, kayakers, and surfers are all fond of this beach. In the summer months, there are safe zones marked by flags to indicate where visitors are able to swim and lifeguards are present from June to September. There’s a car park with toilets and a shop at the northern end of the beach.
5. Abermawr and Aberbach Bays
Nearest town: Fishguard
Postcode & map: SA62 5UU
Type of beach: Sand and pebble
Restrictions: None. Dogs are allowed here year round.
Remote and rural Abermawr Bay and neighbouring Aberbach Bay are separated by a large rocky headland, the Pen Deudraeth or the ‘Head of the Two Beaches.’ The two sand and pebble coves are flanked by cliffs and backed by marshlands and a lush wooded valley. At low tide you might see a very unexpected sight on Abermawr beach: the stumps of a forest that was flooded when an ice sheet melted 8,000 years ago. The remains have been perfectly preserved by the salt from the sea. The beach is popular with surfers and swimmers come summer but watch out for strong, changeable currents. There’s a narrow track that leads to the beach and only a few spots where you can park along the main road.
6. Freshwater West
Nearest town: Pembroke
Postcode & map: SA71 5HW
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Dogs are welcome here throughout the year.
About: This long sandy stretch on Pembrokeshire’s west coast is a surfing hotspot and has appeared in films including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and Ridley Scott‘s Robin Hood. It was also a favourite amongst smugglers who buried their booty on its secluded shores once upon a time. The consistent Atlantic swells draw surfers from far and wide, while the golden sands backed by an extensive dune system lure everyone else. There are two car parks that fill up quickly on holidays, and during the warmer months. Next to the southern car park you’ll find Cafe Môr, a solar-powered eatery converted from a fishing boat which serves up a delicious range of dishes from fresh seafood to laverbread to ice cream.
7. Broad Haven South Beach
Nearest town: Pembroke
Postcode & map: SA71 5DR
Type of beach: Sand
Restrictions: Dogs are welcome here all year round. Yay!
About: Broad Haven South between Stackpole and Bosherston is one of two beaches with this name—the other, Broad Haven North, is located some distance away on Pembrokeshire’s west coast and has a dog ban on part of the beach during the summer months. The large sandy bay is surrounded by cliffs and powdery sand dunes that lead to The National Trust owned Bosherston Lakes. You can pass through these lakes (which formed from flooded valleys and are carpeted with lilies) when you access the beach from its northern end. There are plenty of caves with underground springs to explore here as well as flora and fauna to watch out for, including dolphins. Though there’s a lifeguard present during the summer it’s important to take care when swimming here as the currents can be strong.
8. Manorbier Bay
image via commons.wikimedia.org
Nearest town: Pembroke
Postcode & map: SA70 8QR
Type of beach: Sand and rock
Restrictions: Dogs are welcome here throughout the year.
Popular with surfers, anglers, and walkers traversing the famous Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, Manorbier Bay has a lot to offer. The vast, sandy and pebbly beach surrounded by dunes and cliffs is also a hit with kids investigating rock pools and dogs bounding around—take care with them near the water though as there are sometimes strong currents. The medieval Manorbier Castle, a 12th century church, and the King’s Quoit—a Neolithic chambered tomb—all overlook the bay. You can park in the valley behind the beach and the village of Manobier is just a short walk away.
To make your escape to the seaside even easier, you can take up to two dogs with you on all British trains free of charge—find out more in our article Can I Take My Dog on the Train? And if you’re unable to take your dog for a well-deserved walk on the beach Rover can help you find a fantastic dog-walker in Pembrokeshire who’d love to do it for you.
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Featured image: WIKIPEDIA.ORG
