Beaches
Visitors probably know Tenby’s famous South Beach which runs for two spectacular, sandy miles. Then there is beautiful Barrafundle tucked away in the Stackpole Estate which has been the star of a couple of movies.
Some of the best beaches are much less well-known and therefore less crowded even at the height of summer. Penally Beach. Technically part of Tenby’s South Beach but this end of the beach is much quieter in summer and within easy walking distance from Penally Village. Usually soft and sandy, with a small stream at one end and a concrete pier that’s good for fishermen.
Swanlake Bay can only be accessed via the coast path - nearest public carpark is Manorbier although you can sometimes park in lay-bys on the approach roads. Be warned that sometimes this beach is used by naturists and the Naked Rambler was once spotted walking the coast path here so you might see more than you wanted!
Precipe Beach is only really a beach at low tide and is accessed from the footpath behind Manorbier Range by a very steep 165 steps. The steps have been known to wash away in winter storms so sometimes the beach isn’t accessible at all but it’s worth trying for a view of the huge Church Doors natural arch that links Precipe and Skrinkle Cove.
Coppet Hall, Saundersfoot. This is the quieter end of Saundersfoot beach. Coppet Hall has its own carpark or park in Saundersfoot and walk along the beach or through the old mine railway tunnels. Another set of tunnels links Coppet Hall to the next beach along at Wiseman’s Bridge.
Freshwater West near Castlemartin. Deserves a mention as the site of Dobby’s grave and Shell Cottage from the Harry Potter films and was also used in Ridley Scott’s ‘Robin Hood’
Morfa Bychan near Pendine is accessed by 1 mile of really bumpy narrow track (Nearest postcode: SA33 4PB; OS grid ref. SN 2248 0735). This has an Iron Age hillfort on the point above it and was used as a practice beach for the D-Day landings in 1944.