Freshwater East · 4 miles from Carew
A sheltered, dune-backed crescent facing south — easy parking, safe paddling and far fewer people than Tenby.
Beaches near Carew
There are 7 beaches within about 5 miles of Carew. The closest is Freshwater East, 4 miles away as the crow flies — further by road, because almost everything here is further by road.
None of them has RNLI lifeguard cover. That doesn't make them dangerous, but it does mean nobody is watching the water, and this coast has rip currents and a big tidal range. Swim where you can stand, and dial 999 for the Coastguard if anything goes wrong.
6 welcome dogs all year across the whole beach (Freshwater East, Swanlake Bay, Manorbier Bay and 3 others); 1 is zoned — one end open all year, the bathing area restricted in season (Lydstep Haven). Signs at the access points are the authority, not us.
Parking is the constraint: only 2 have a mapped car park within half a mile, and in July and August those fill by mid-morning.
| Beach | Distance | Dogs | Lifeguards | Car park | Toilets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater East | 4 miles | All year | None | 600 m | 500 m |
| Swanlake Bay | 4 miles | All year | None | 1.7 km away | None nearby |
| Manorbier Bay | 4 miles | All year | None | 550 m | 450 m |
| Lydstep Haven | 4 miles | Part of beach all year | None | None nearby | 500 m |
| Church Doors Cove | 4 miles | All year | None | 1.3 km away | 1.3 km away |
| Skrinkle Haven | 5 miles | All year | None | 1.5 km away | 1.5 km away |
| Presipe Bay | 5 miles | All year | None | None nearby | 1.1 km away |
Dog restrictions and lifeguard dates are set locally and do change. The signs at the beach access points are the authority — not this table.
Each of them, briefly
Swanlake Bay · 4 miles from Carew
A sandy bay between Freshwater East and Manorbier with no road access at all — usually empty, and entirely tide-dependent.
Manorbier Bay · 4 miles from Carew
Red-tinged sand, a proper castle backdrop and a dependable beach break — the south coast's most characterful bay.
Lydstep Haven · 4 miles from Carew
A wide sheltered south-facing bay between Tenby and Manorbier, sitting inside a private holiday park — check access before you go.
Church Doors Cove · 4 miles from Carew
The gothic rock arch next to Skrinkle Haven — a tiny cove framed by one of the most photographed formations in the county.
Skrinkle Haven · 5 miles from Carew
Two limestone coves split by the Church Doors arch, reached by a long steel staircase — spectacular, awkward and tide-dependent.
Presipe Bay · 5 miles from Carew
Red sandstone drama east of Manorbier — a low-tide beach under toothed cliffs, earned by steps.
Places to stay in Carew
Carew · Sleeps 2 · 1 bed
The cabin is set on the owners small holding just 1 mile from the village of Cresselly. Carew Castle and Tidal Mill (2.5 miles) is a scenic spot for a walk and to explore the castle grounds before heading to the bar and restaurant across the road for a bite to eat. Cresswell Quay
from £404/week
View stay →Bookable via holidaycottages.co.uk
Keep looking
- Everything about Carew
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- Lifeguarded beaches in Pembrokeshire (13)
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