​Best beaches in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is home to more than 50 beaches, boasting 12 Blue Flag beaches and many more Green Coast and Seaside Award-winning bays.

In fact, the Pembrokeshire is home to more Blue Flag beaches than any other county in the country, making it the perfect place for a seaside staycation.

Whether you’re looking for a beach with nearby facilities for your family or a secluded cove to enjoy peace and tranquillity, the Pembrokeshire Coast has a beach to match your mood.

The best family beaches

Those looking for a quality beach with clean waters and nearby facilities to suit the whole family need look no further than Pembrokeshire’s 12 Blue Flag beaches.

Whitesands - Image// PCNPA

From Poppit in the north to Amroth in the south, they are dotted around the coast meaning they you’re never too far from one, if not more. The prestigious Blue Flag is an internationally recognised honour that is only awarded to beaches that have the highest water quality, environmental education and management, safety and services.

Image (clockwise): Amroth, Tenby, Poppit. Credit: PCNPA

The beaches on the Pembrokeshire Coast that have been awarded the Blue Flag in 2016 are: Amroth, Broad Haven (North), Coppet Hall, Dale, Lydstep, Newgale, Saundersfoot, Tenby Castle Beach, Tenby North Beach, Tenby South Beach, Whitesands and Poppit Sands.

RNLI lifeguards patrol many of these beaches, offering advice on where it is safe to bathe and where the areas suitable for more high-octane activities such as surfing.

Please bear in mind that some of these beaches have dog restrictions in place between the beginning of May and the end of October.

The best secluded beaches

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a quiet stroll along the sand, the Pembrokeshire Coast has many bays and coves that can help you find the peace and quiet you crave.

In fact, during the less busy winter months you may find you’re the only person on some of the more popular beaches, but even in the busy summer months there are “secret” beaches that can offer you an escape from the crowds

As well as offering walkers one of the finest long distance walking routes in the world, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail also provides access to some beaches that can only otherwise be accessed via the sea.

As these beaches are often remote, the coastal buses offer a great way to avoid the struggle to find somewhere to leave your car as many don’t have large car parks nearby. There are often little or no facilities at these beaches, which means you’ll need to take any litter home with you.

Traethllyfn

Traethllyfn - Image: PCNPA

Traethllyfn (Welsh for ‘smooth beach’) is located between the popular tourist spots of Abereiddi and Porthgain. It is reached by taking the Coast Path from either Abereiddi or Porthgain and is accessed via a series of metal steps. Although you’ll need to walk a few miles and descend some steep steps to get there, this beach is a great place to go for a peaceful stroll. The best way to reach Traethllyfn is taking the Strumble Shuttle bus to either Abereiddi or Porthgain.

Druidstone

Druidstone - Image: PCNPA

The beach at Druidstone is another that you’ll need to walk to reach but please bear in mind the paths leading to it aren’t suitable for wheelchairs, buggies or anyone with walking difficulties. The best way to access this beach is via the Puffin Shuttle bus.

For more details about Pembrokeshire’s beaches and a coastal bus timetable download the Coast to Coast app. Coast to Coast is the National Park Authority’s visitor newspaper, which you can pick up in over 500 locations around Pembrokeshire. There’s also an online version which you can view on your computer. For more information please visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/coasttocoast.

For more information about easy access walks visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/walksforall.

Do you have your own favourites? Tell us in the comments!