Where to go...

There are large, sandy beaches scattered all round the coast with an almost continuous exposure of sand at low tide between Amroth and Tenby.

The western shore has a wilder character with Freshwater West and Marloes bearing the brunt of Atlantic swells.

Smaller bays also abound especially in the south and west, some are scenically beautiful and perhaps the claim for the most attractive would be Barafundle near Bosherston, but nearby Manorbier, with its abundant rock pool life must not be overlooked.

Marloes Sands

In the north there are scattered small coves and bays, although many are rocky or have a pebble “beach”.

Sand dune systems of note are on Caldey Island, at Tenby South Beach, at Freshwater East (a local nature reserve), Barafundle, Broad Haven south, Freshwater West and Brownslade and at Poppit. Smaller systems can be found at Manorbier, Druidstone, Newgale and Whitesands.

Pebbles at Abermawr

Conservation Status

Sand Dune systems are of great conservation concern as they have historically been damaged or obliterated by quarrying, coastal development and car parking schemes so that few remain intact. The impact of people using them for recreation has also been significant in some areas causing erosion and damage to the stabilising plants. In consequence few are in good condition but most are now actively protected.