Pembrokeshire is home to the UK’s only coastal National Park, so it comes as no surprise that the area boasts several stunning beaches and seaside havens.
If you’re staying in one of our dog friendly holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire and are looking for something to do with your pup, there are plenty of nearby beaches to explore.
All Year Round Dog Friendly Beaches in Pembrokeshire
Nearly all of Pembrokeshire’s beaches are accessible to dogs throughout the year. However, during the summer period (May to September) some of the more popular beaches will have partial restrictions in place. In most of these instances, dogs are still allowed on some parts of the beach; they’re just restricted in the main areas.
At Whitesands and Tenby North, the summer restrictions apply to the whole beach, so you won’t be able to access these at all with your dog during this time.
If in doubt, look out for the signs indicating the seasonal bans and dog-restricted areas.
Best of Pembrokeshire’s Dog Friendly Beaches
With over 50 beaches dotted along Pembrokeshire’s glorious coast, there are so many options that you really are spoilt for choice! Here are just a few of our favourite beaches where your dogs (and you) will no doubt love to roam.
- Amroth Beach
- Saundersfoot Beach
- Barafundle Bay
- Freshwater West Beach
- Marloes Sands
- Newgale Beach
- Newport Sands Beach
- Poppit Sands
Amroth Beach
At the southern start of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, you’ll find the lovely Amroth Beach. Here, flat golden sands stretch for half a mile, providing plenty of room to run, explore and play beach games.
You can sometimes see the remains of an ancient petrified forest at low tide along with intriguing rock pools at the western end, making it a great beach for the whole family.
Restrictions: dog-restricted zones across the central and western end of the beach between May and September.
Saundersfoot Beach
Another beloved family beach, the wide swathes of sand here are ideal for playing and running about. As the beach is located just in front of the village, there are lots of convenient amenities nearby. With pristine sands and clear waters, Saundersfoot is a proud Blue Flag beach (like a couple of others on our list).
There is also easy access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path if you’re planning a longer walk with the beach as your final destination.
Restrictions: dog restrictions on the main beach except for the area just before Coppet Hall between May and September.
Barafundle Bay
Barafundle Bay is often touted as one of the best beaches in Britain – with a crescent of pale yellow sands and sparkling blue water, it’s certainly not hard to see why. The well-sheltered beach is an idyllic spot that the whole family, including your four-legged friends, will love exploring. Many visitors liken it to a Caribbean beach.
The beach itself can only be reached by the Coastal Path, so it’s also a must for walkers making their way along the coastline. There is a tea room a 10-minute walk along the headland, but otherwise, it feels like a pretty secluded, out-of-the-way spot.
Restrictions: dogs are allowed on the beach all year round without restrictions.
Freshwater West Beach
Take to the wide sandy beach and network and dunes at Freshwater West for a lengthy, stunning walk. Towards the southern end, you’ll find rocky reefs, with rock pools to peer into for the complete beach experience.
The beach has served as a filming location for several productions, perhaps most famously Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, so it’s a popular pilgrimage for film lovers. It’s also a fantastic surf spot and enjoys some of the best waves in the county. All in all, another wonderful beach for you and your pup to discover.
Restrictions: dogs are allowed on the beach all year round without restrictions.
Marloes Sands
With golden sands spanning over a mile, the lovely Marloes Sands is ideal for a walk and lots of games of fetch! The beach, residing along Pembrokeshire’s most western edge, is backed by rugged cliffs, allowing for some dramatic scenery. The beach mostly disappears at high tide, so make sure you get your timings right.
The other rock formations on the beach also provide a great chance for climbing and exploring. For an unbeatable afternoon out and about, you can take the Marloes Peninsula circular walk, which is a dog-friendly 4-mile route that takes you across farmland and the Wales Coast Path.
Restrictions: dogs are allowed on the beach all year round without restrictions. Although, if you’re doing the circular walk, please ensure they’re kept on a lead.
Newgale Beach
The popular beach at Newgale offers stretches of sand backed by a pebble bank for almost 2 miles, so you’re in for an epic seaside walk. Exposed to the winds from the Atlantic, the beach is also a nice spot for various watersports, including surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and more.
There is a cafe, pub and shop just behind the Blue Flag-awarded beach, so you can make a real day of it. Again, the beach can become totally covered at high tide, so make sure you check the tide times if you’re hoping for a meander along the sand.
Restrictions: dogs are not permitted on the middle third of the beach between May and September.
Newport Sands Beach
Heading up to Pembrokeshire’s north coast, you’ll find the wonderfully picturesque Newport Sands, Newport’s biggest beach, which lies at the mouth of the River Nevern.
Enjoy over a mile of flat sands or take to the water for a dip in the bay that’s popular for swimming and other watersports. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path can also be joined from Newport, making the beach a lovely stop along the way.
Restrictions: dogs are allowed on the beach all year round without restrictions.
Poppit Sands
At the end (or the start depending on which direction you’re going) of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path lies Poppit Sands, a pretty sheltered beach where you’ve got plenty of room to ramble.
Boasting a Blue Flag Award, the pristine sands, waters and dunes are the perfect setting for a peaceful stroll. Poppit Sands is also popular for swimming and watersports, making it a great all-rounder for families. As part of the Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation, you’ll likely glimpse various examples of the local wildlife, including grey seals and dolphins.
Restrictions: dogs are not permitted on the western stretch of the beach between May and September but can access the rest of the beach all year round.
While many of Pembrokeshire’s beaches are dog-friendly throughout the year with little to no restrictions, please remain mindful of other beach-goers and clean up after your dogs to help maintain our beautiful natural environments.
For even more recommendations, check out our full map of dog friendly beaches in west Wales.
