There’s something magical about the wild shores of North Pembrokeshire. More remote than the south of the county, our coastline is a beguiling mix of soaring sea cliffs and well-hidden sandy coves. In the area around St Davids Head alone you’ll discover some of the prettiest inlets and quietest beaches in Pembrokeshire. Often only accessible from the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, these seaside gems are a haven for anyone looking to truly get away from it all. So if you’re dreaming of a summer spent soaking up the sun while the waves gently lap at your feet, here are some of the best beaches near St Davids Head to visit.
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Porthmelgan Beach
This may be the furthest north on our list but it’s still only a 50-minute walk (or 10 minutes by car) from Rhosson Ganol. Porthmelgan Beach is known as Whitesands’ quieter neighbour and lies in a picturesque cove at the foot of the imposing Carn Llidi, one of our most beautiful local landmarks. Smaller and more sheltered from the wind than Whitesands Beach, this charming south-west facing inlet is a great place to spend the day building sandcastles or reading a book in the warm summer sunshine. There’s also a small stream to paddle in and plenty of rockpools for the children to explore.
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Whitesands Beach
A short hop further south, Whitesands is one of North Pembrokeshire’s larger and more popular beaches. Consistently awarded Blue Flag status, it’s also one of the cleanest beaches on the Pembrokeshire coast. This long swathe of golden sand is a great place for a family day out. There is a car park and some amenities here, as well as lifeguards on patrol throughout the summer months. And if you love surfing, this is the place to catch some of the best waves in Wales as they roll in from the Atlantic. There are quieter parts of the beach too – perfect if you’ve got little ones who love a paddle, or you want to enjoy a relaxing dip without a surfer landing on your head.
(There are restrictions on dogs during the summer, so it’s best to check before you take any four-legged friends with you.)
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Porthselau Beach
On the southern edge of Whitesands Bay, you’ll find Porthselau Beach, a charming sandy cove dotted with rocks that boasts stunning views of the bay as it curves north. At very low tide, you can walk between this beach and Whitesands (although you need to time it right). Being more enclosed, Porthselau has a somewhat cosy feel and is a nice alternative to the action and adventure happening on Whitesands. It’s also really close to our campsite, so is a lovely place to unwind by the sea at the end of a hard day’s sightseeing.
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Porthlisky Beach
A little further down the coast, near the southern tip of St Davids Head, lies the peaceful haven of Porthlisky Beach. More pebble than sand, this might not be the best choice of beach for avid sunbathers but is tempting spot for snorkellers, bathers and rock-poolers alike. Like the other small beaches on this list, there aren’t any amenities and access is via the coast path, so it tends to be quieter. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic in peace or just sit on a rock and watch sea birds circling over the cliffs.
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Caerfai Bay
About an hour’s walk from Porthlisky, and just south of the city of St Davids, is Caerfai Beach. This craggy cove has a south-facing aspect and gets plenty of sun throughout the day, so is great for sunbathers who don’t fancy lying on a more crowded stretch of sand. As lovely as the water here is, the rip tides can be very dangerous and there are no lifeguards, so it’s not a particularly safe spot for a swim, especially if you’re holidaying with children. Still, if a few hours at the beach or a break from walking the coast path are what you’re after, you’d be hard pushed to find a nicer spot.
A beach holiday at Rhosson Ganol
We’ve got so many great beaches in Pembrokeshire, we’re a bit spoiled for choice. While there are many more amazing coastal gems to explore all around our shores, the above are some of our favourites and are accessible from our campsite in St Davids Head.
If you’d like to book a seaside camping or caravan holiday on the Pembrokeshire Coast this year, why not come and stay with us (and the animals!) here at Rhosson Ganol? We can’t wait to welcome old and new faces to our perfect little patch in West Wales.
You can book your camping or caravan pitch online via our online booking system. Or if you have any questions, please get in touch with us.
