Pembrokeshire beaches at a glance
Pembrokeshire beaches range from the big sands near Tenby and Saundersfoot to wild bays on the west coast. Some are good for a paddle, others have strong currents and are for walking only. Facilities, lifeguards and dog rules differ from beach to beach, so check the rules for the one you pick.
If you would rather see the coast from the water, see our Pembrokeshire boat trips.
Our pick: a surf lesson at Freshwater West
A good way to use one of the big, open beaches if you want to be in the water rather than on the sand.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in British pounds (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Coast tours and beach days out
Boat trips, coastal tours and activities along the Pembrokeshire coast, with live prices and availability.
Freshwater West
Big dunes, strong currents.
Freshwater West is a wide sandy beach backed by dunes. Rip currents, an undertow and longshore currents make swimming not recommended there. The dunes are a protected site, and camping or fires can damage them.
An RNLI patrol runs daily from 20 June to 6 September 2026, from 10:00 to 18:00. The patrol does not lift the swimming warning.
Whitesands and Newgale
RNLI patrols in 2026, always 10:00 to 18:00.
| Beach | Patrol dates 2026 |
|---|---|
| Whitesands | 28 March to 12 April; weekends and bank holidays 2 to 17 May; daily 23 May to 6 September; weekends 12 September to 18 October; half term 24 October to 1 November |
| Newgale Central | Half term 23 to 31 May; weekends 6 to 14 June; daily 20 June to 6 September |
| Freshwater West | Daily 20 June to 6 September |
Dates can change at short notice. Swim between the red and yellow flags. If there are no flags, do not assume a lifeguard is present. In an emergency call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard, and do not enter the water to try a rescue yourself. The Newgale dates are for Newgale Central only.
Broad Haven South and Marloes Sands
Two beaches on estate land.
Broad Haven South
A separate sandy beach on the Stackpole Estate with Church Rock offshore. It is not the same place as Broad Haven North on St Brides Bay. From Bosherston the way in is about 1 mile through the Lily Ponds, and the path from the southern car park is steep. Dogs are allowed all year. Parking charges apply.
Marloes Sands
National Trust land, open by day. A car costs £4 for up to 3 hours or £8 for a day. Members, Blue Badge holders and motorbikes park free, and there is no overnight parking. Keep dogs under control.
Barafundle Bay
Reached on foot from Stackpole Quay with no lifeguards and no facilities on the sand. Read the full page on Barafundle Bay.
Dog rules and Blue Flag beaches
Check the local map for exact limits.
From 1 May to 30 September dogs are fully banned at Tenby North and Whitesands. Partial bans apply at Tenby Castle and South, Saundersfoot, Newgale, Broad Haven North, Dale, Amroth, Poppit Sands and Lydstep. Assistance dogs follow the local rules.
| Blue Flag 2026 | Note |
|---|---|
| Newgale | A flag does not mean a patrol all day |
| Saundersfoot | Dog rules apply in season |
| Dale | Tides and local use matter |
| Whitesands | Follow the flags on the day |
| Coppet Hall | Not the whole of Saundersfoot |
| Tenby South | Its own beach |
| Tenby Castle | Its own beach |
| Poppit Sands | Estuary conditions differ |
| Broad Haven North | North only, not South |
A Blue Flag is an award, not a daily clearance to swim. For most visitors without a dog, Whitesands in the patrol season and Tenby South suit a family day best. Read more about Tenby and Saundersfoot, or plan around the monthly weather.
Questions about Pembrokeshire beaches
Can I swim at Freshwater West?
Swimming there is not recommended, because of rip currents, an undertow and longshore currents. A lifeguard patrol from 20 June to 6 September 2026 does not change that warning.
Which beaches have lifeguards in 2026?
Whitesands, Newgale Central and Freshwater West have RNLI patrols on the dates in the tables above. Do not assume a patrol at other beaches, including Barafundle, Marloes and Broad Haven South.
Where are dogs banned?
From 1 May to 30 September Tenby North and Whitesands have full bans, and several other beaches have partial bans. Check the local map.
Is Broad Haven South the same as Broad Haven North?
No. Broad Haven South is on the Stackpole Estate, and Broad Haven North is on St Brides Bay.
How many Blue Flag beaches does Pembrokeshire have?
Nine beaches are named in the table above for 2026. Awards change between seasons, so check the flags on the day.