Exploring South Pembrokeshire
South Pembrokeshire is special. Within a radius of about 10 miles you have about 10 stunning sandy beaches joined together by the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Beyond the coast, and inland on the river Cleddau waterways, there are pubs, castles, and pretty little quays. A week is not enough. 50+ years is not enough!! Many of the car parks are National Trust. The ordnance survey map will make all these places easy to find!
Beaches and Coast
Clockwise from St Florence.....
- The wonderful trio of Saundersfoot, Wiseman's Bridge and Amroth: Saundersfoot has a little harbour, small selection of shops and eateries. At low tide you can walk as far as Amroth along the beach (pub in both Wiseman's Bridge and Amroth); alternatively walk through the network of tunnels between the coves.
- Tenby - even when it is busy in the height of summer, you can still find a quiet place to enjoy the views, and the charm of the town. The view across to Caldey is spectacular as it the much photographed view of the harbour at both low and high tide. Look our for the little alley way where the Tenby Harbour Brewery sell their wares!
- Lydstep Cove - follow the small lane to the west side of the bay, leads to a National Trust car park. The bay itself is dominated by a holiday park, but you can walk down from the NT car park.
- Skrinkle Haven - known as the nudist beach a few decades ago, but now far too popular. Accessible from the Manorbier Youth Hostel car park, it is a short walk to the top of the steps down to Skrinkle. At low tide you can walk round to the sandy cove.
- Presipe Beach - along the coast path from Skrinkle - another hidden gem accessible only at low tide.
- Manorbier - a favourite destination and as the crow flies the closest beach to St Florence. Boasts a castle, a beach great for surf and rock pooling, a pub and great cafe 'The Beach Break' - for breakfasts and lunches! (Shuts at 4pm, but that's when the pub opposite opens!).
- Swan Lake Bay - accessible from the coast path either from Manorbier or Freshwater East
- Freshwater East Beach - childhood favourite - a beautiful long sandy beach, best accessed from the top road and walk down the paths to the far end of the beach. The Freshwater Inn is on the top road (Jason Road). Good little licensed cafe at the lower car park.
- Stackpole Quay - park here to explore the once quiet Barafundle Bay and the whole Stackpole Estate, with access to the Lily Ponds and Broadhaven South
- Broadhaven South - another stunning sandy beach, accessible via the Boasherston Lily Ponds or its own NT car par above the bay
- St Govan's Head - a breezy headland with incredible views over the coast line and access to St Govan's Chapel
- Stack Rocks - west of St Govan's are where you will find the Green Bridge of Wales, and Bullslaughter Bay - but if the red flag is flying and the military range is in use - these will not be accessible.
- Freshwater West is the highlight of the far West of south Pembrokeshire. Famous for the filming of Harry Potter, this is where you will find Dobby's grave, and in season the Cafe Môr mobile cafe and it's famous lobster (££££) and seaweed burgers!
- Combine a blustery walk on Freshwater West, with a walk round the headland at Angle, where in season there is a great cafe and a spectacular walk around the headland with stunning views of Milford Haven.
Castles
- Pembroke Castle
- Carew Castle
- Lamphey Bishops Palace