5 dog friendly beaches in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is bucket-list worthy in so many different respects, from the incredibly quirky seaside towns and towering cathedrals, to breathtaking beaches and sandy paradises. This iconic Welsh county is best known for its coastline, which is 186 miles long and a national park worth writing home about.
Newgale Sands
Newgale is a well-loved village in Wales, with a beach three-mile in length as it acts as part of Pembrokeshire’s incredible national park. The beach really helps explain why the whole coastline is considered an area of outstanding natural beauty. The beach pavillion is sandy and sweeping, making for the perfect place for doggy-accompaniment. There is a cafe, car park and facilities such as bins and taps, but other than that you really feel as if you’ve stumbled upon a little piece of heaven, untouched by the modern world. Dogs are welcome year-round, but the middle strip of beach has restrictions as this is demarcated specifically for families.
Llansteffan beach
This village and community on the south coast of Carmarthenshire is often called Wales’ best kept secret – until now, where I let you in on the fact that there are few other places as incredible to visit with your dogs as this. It sits on the River Tywi estuary, and is favoured by the locals, which pays tribute to how special this stretch of beach really is. Though it has a very rustic, utilitarian set-up, such as metal bathrooms, it still has everything you could need – things like bins and taps for your dogs included. It’s recommended that you take your own bowl if you plan on giving the water to your dog – as said before, the set-up is pretty rudimentary, even if it’s all-inclusive.
Newport Sands
Newport Sands beach is so large and beautiful that you can get lost in your thoughts whilst meandering along the sandy expanse. It’s broad, on the mouth of the River Nevern, with sandy dunes and green fields on the cliff-edge. It’s a popular beach for water sports – dog wave-surfing included! It’s welcoming to dogs, though in the busy summer months it’s advisable that you keep them in constant sight. There is a cafe and there are bathroom facilities, meaning all the boxes are checked when it comes to things like bins and taps. There are also incredible camping facilities, which encourage you to appreciate the outdoors without having to sacrifice much needed family-pet time.
Barafundle Bay
This east-facing sandy beach in Pembrokeshire is a National Trust managed site that feels straight off a postcard. You’ll hardly believe what you’re seeing when faced with the azure, glittering water, the wild outback in multiple shades of green with pine trees lining the way and the golden sand shimmering in the sunshine. It sits in a little cove, and so remains quite remote and untainted by tourism crowds. Often likened to the sort of beach you’d encounter in the Caribbean, this is the perfect place to bring your dog and both you and your furry-friend will get just as much out of it as the other. Having raked in both the Green Coast Award 2019 and Seaside Award 2019, it’s a bit of a no-brainer.
Manorbier beach
The village, community and parish of Manorbier is one of Pembrokeshire’s public beaches that makes the area such an obvious choice if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy with your dog. Encaved by rocks and greenery, this beach is a beacon of joy for outdoor frolicking and walks. There are bathroom facilities, so fresh drinking water is readily available for your dogs – and there’s an ice cream van on the premises, so you can get your own sustenance needs under control, too! Head over there as soon as you get a chance – you won’t regret it. Pack the lead and get on your way.
Pembrokeshire is a great choice for dog-lovers and those who appreciate nature. No matter which beach you choose along this rolling coastline of extreme beauty, you are bound to find a spot that makes you feel like you’re enjoying a little remote island in paradise, not a couple hours drive from full-blown civilization.
View all our Pembrokeshire travel guides including:
Dog friendly cottages in Pembrokeshire
The Old Stable
Welcoming 2 guests & 2 dogs, The Old Stable is available to book from £273 per week.
Bwthyn Y Jacdo
Welcoming 4 guests & 2 dogs, Bwthyn Y Jacdo is available to book from £287 per week.
Derry Cottage
Welcoming 4 guests & 2 dogs, Derry Cottage is available to book from £371 per week.
View all our dog friendly cottages in Pembrokeshire