Freshwater East · 700 yards from Freshwater East
A sheltered, dune-backed crescent facing south — easy parking, safe paddling and far fewer people than Tenby.
Beaches near Freshwater East
There are 10 beaches within about 5 miles of Freshwater East. The closest is Freshwater East, 700 yards 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.
9 welcome dogs all year across the whole beach (Freshwater East, Swanlake Bay, Manorbier Bay and 6 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 3 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 | 700 yards | All year | None | 600 m | 500 m |
| Swanlake Bay | 1.4 miles | All year | None | 1.7 km away | None nearby |
| Manorbier Bay | 2.5 miles | All year | None | 550 m | 450 m |
| Stackpole Quay | 2.6 miles | All year | None | 350 m | 300 m |
| Barafundle Bay | 3 miles | All year | None | 1.1 km away | 1.0 km away |
| Church Doors Cove | 4 miles | All year | None | 1.3 km away | 1.3 km away |
| Skrinkle Haven | 4 miles | All year | None | 1.5 km away | 1.5 km away |
| Presipe Bay | 4 miles | All year | None | None nearby | 1.1 km away |
| Lydstep Haven | 4 miles | Part of beach all year | None | None nearby | 500 m |
| Broad Haven South | 5 miles | All year | None | 0.9 km away | 1.0 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 · 1.4 miles from Freshwater East
A sandy bay between Freshwater East and Manorbier with no road access at all — usually empty, and entirely tide-dependent.
Manorbier Bay · 2.5 miles from Freshwater East
Red-tinged sand, a proper castle backdrop and a dependable beach break — the south coast's most characterful bay.
Stackpole Quay · 2.6 miles from Freshwater East
Reputedly Britain's smallest harbour, with a National Trust car park, café and toilets — and the start of the walk to Barafundle.
Barafundle Bay · 3 miles from Freshwater East
The golden cove with no road — half a mile's clifftop walk from Stackpole Quay, and regularly voted among Britain's best beaches.
Church Doors Cove · 4 miles from Freshwater East
The gothic rock arch next to Skrinkle Haven — a tiny cove framed by one of the most photographed formations in the county.
Skrinkle Haven · 4 miles from Freshwater East
Two limestone coves split by the Church Doors arch, reached by a long steel staircase — spectacular, awkward and tide-dependent.
Presipe Bay · 4 miles from Freshwater East
Red sandstone drama east of Manorbier — a low-tide beach under toothed cliffs, earned by steps.
Lydstep Haven · 4 miles from Freshwater East
A wide sheltered south-facing bay between Tenby and Manorbier, sitting inside a private holiday park — check access before you go.
Broad Haven South · 5 miles from Freshwater East
White sand, Church Rock offshore and the lily ponds behind — Bosherston's beautiful back door to the sea.
Places to stay in Freshwater East
Freshwater East · Sleeps 4 · 2 beds
Located far from the hustle and bustle of some of Pembrokeshire s busier towns Freshwater East offers the perfect space to truly get away from it all. From your doorstep wander the 300 metres down to the nearest beach where ball games and surfing are on hand to keep you busy. A w
from £369/week
View stay →Bookable via holidaycottages.co.uk
Freshwater East · Sleeps 2 · 2 beds
Walk to beach
Make the most of your proximity to the beach by enjoying mornings out on the golden sands of Freshwater East and afternoons exploring your verdant surroundings from this two-bedroom terraced holiday chalet. Nestled in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this welcoming holiday h
from £371/week
View stay →Bookable via holidaycottages.co.uk
Freshwater East · Sleeps 2 · 1 bed
Walk to beachLog burner
Tucked away on the owners working farm in the lovely Pembrokeshire village of Lamphey and with an abundance of walks straight from the doorstep this is a paradise for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Take a stroll into the village and visit the local pub or explore the sandy beach
from £447/week
View stay →Bookable via holidaycottages.co.uk
Freshwater East · Sleeps 4 · 2 beds
Sea view
Located in the cliffside village of Freshwater East this apartment provides superb sea views from the living and kitchen area. You can access the beach and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path which runs just past the lawn. The beach itself is backed by sand dunes known as The Burrows a
from £450/week
View stay →Bookable via holidaycottages.co.uk
Keep looking
- Everything about Freshwater East
- Dog-friendly beaches in Pembrokeshire (50)
- Lifeguarded beaches in Pembrokeshire (13)
- Pembrokeshire beaches you can get onto without steps (22)
- Where to borrow a beach wheelchair in Pembrokeshire (6)
- Pembrokeshire beaches with parking (28)
- Pembrokeshire beaches with toilets nearby (30)
- Pembrokeshire beaches with a pub or café nearby (37)
- Pembrokeshire beaches for families (8)
- Quiet beaches in Pembrokeshire (16)
- Surfing beaches in Pembrokeshire (8)
- All 64 beach guides