5 Best Surfing Beaches In Pembrokeshire
Serious surfers consider Pembrokeshire one of the best surfing destinations in the UK. For others, it flies under the radar – which is all to the good when you’re paddling out into deliciously clear ocean.
Pembrokeshire has over 50 beaches, spread out over the three jagged peninsulas that make up the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Many face west, in prime position to catch the Atlantic Ocean’s south-west swell channels. If you like wild beaches, you’re in luck: Pembrokeshire’s are generally unspoilt and pristine. These include Blue Flag beaches like Whitesands and Manorbier, plus more rugged options like pro surfers’ favourite Freshwater West. Read on to discover our top five surfing beaches in Pembrokeshire.
Whitesands Bay
Pretty Whitesands Bay is a good all-rounder. Sometimes known as Porthmawr (Welsh for ‘Big Harbour’), it’s a long stretch of white sand that’s popular with swimmers, kayakers and kitesurfers as well as surfers. At the north end of the beach is a ruined 6th-century chapel, and out to sea are the ‘Bishops and Clerks’ – a collection of rocky islands and jagged reefs that have claimed many shipwreck victims over the centuries.
Whitesands is a popular spot, so it can be busy. It’s an exposed beach break with fairly consistent waves year-round, and plenty of small waves for beginners to practise safely on.
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Freshwater West Beach
Often shortened to ‘Fresh West’, this is one for experienced surfers (if you’d like to learn to surf, take lessons at the surf school here instead of jumping in solo). Dunes roll into the secluded sandy beach, which also has some of the biggest and most consistent waves in Wales. Expect lots of tubes to ride through (on waves taller than eight feet).
All this means that it’s a popular spot for surfing tournaments, and the site of the Welsh Nationals each May. While you’ll generally see a fair few surfers here, the beach is long enough that it never feels too crowded (especially if you’re happy to walk away from the busiest areas).
Freshwater West is mostly a beach break, with some reef breaks towards the south of the beach.
Newgale Beach
Three large car parks along its long sandy length make Newgale one of the most accessible beaches in Pembrokeshire. Waves here also aren’t that powerful (the Marloes peninsula helps to shelter the beach), making this a good choice for beginner and intermediate surfers. There’s a surf school where you can get lessons or simply hire equipment, and in summer there are lifeguards on duty. It’s best surfed at the midpoint between low and high tides.
Not just here to surf? Read our guide to the best beaches in Pembrokeshire for dog walking, nature reserves and more.
Manorbier Beach
Marnorbier is a golden sandy bay, just below a medieval castle and church. The accompanying cliffs and dunes – plus dramatic landscapes all around – mean that it’s a popular spot with walkers. This is helped by the fact that it’s on a rather scenic section of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, connecting Manorbier to Tenby.
In terms of surfing, it’s a south-west facing beach with a fairly exposed point break. Cliffs at either side shelter the waves at mid-high tide (it’s best just before high tide, unless you want to risk falling over, as the shore break dumps powerfully into the beach’s pebble bank). Avoid the reef area unless you’re an experienced surfer.
Looking for more points of interest to visit? We’ve hand-picked the Pembrokeshire coast’s top attractions for you to visit.
Marloes Sands
Marloes Sands faces directly south west into the Atlantic, which means it catches some of the best swells around. It’s a little bit remote, so you won’t be jostling for space. It’s best for experienced and intermediate surfers, as there can be strong rip currents.
Raring to go? Wake up at one of these beachside campsites in Pembrokeshire and you could be catching waves before you’ve rubbed the sleep out of your eyes.