Broad Haven South

Dog-friendly

Broad Haven South is one of the most spectacular beaches in the county of Pembrokeshire, Wales, and is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the United Kingdom. This expansive, golden sandy beach is flanked by dramatic limestone cliffs and backed by rolling sand dunes. A prominent landmark is Church Rock, an imposing sea stack that rises from the ocean and can almost be reached on foot during low tide.

The picturesque landscape offers a rugged, unspoiled beauty that captivates nature lovers and hikers alike. What makes this beach particularly unique is the small stream that flows from the nearby Bosherston Lily Ponds and empties directly into the ocean. This freshwater stream meanders across the beach and provides a fantastic, safe environment for children to splash and play.

The beach is protected by the National Trust, ensuring it retains its wild, natural character without significant commercial development. The combination of the peaceful, lily-covered lakes, the steep cliffs, and the vast ocean creates an unforgettable backdrop that attracts visitors year-round. The wild Welsh coastline shows its best side here and invites you to take long walks along the renowned Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Practical info

Beach typesandy

WaterThe water quality is excellent, and the beach shelves gently into the sea, making it ideal for swimming. However, currents can be strong at high tide, so caution is advised.

Getting thereThe beach is best accessed by car, followed by a short walk from the car park over the cliffs or through the idyllic Lily Ponds. The path from the cliff top is steep and includes steps, making it less suitable for pushchairs.

ParkingA pay-and-display National Trust car park is located above the beach on the cliffs, about a 10-minute walk from the sand.

EntranceAccess to the beach is free, with charges applying only for the car park (free for National Trust members).

LifeguardThere is typically no lifeguard service on this beach, so extra caution is advised when swimming.

ShadeThere is no natural shade on the beach, so it is advisable to bring your own umbrellas or beach tents.

Best timeThe best months to visit are from June to September, when the weather is milder and the lily ponds are in full bloom.

NearbyThe nearby village of Bosherston is famous for its Lily Ponds. The spectacular St Govan's Chapel, a tiny chapel built into the cliffs, is also just a short drive away.

Family-friendly & For kids

Broad Haven South is highly family-friendly due to its vast expanse, soft sand dunes, and the shallow stream. Families can build sandcastles, explore the rock pools for marine life, and enjoy a picnic on the beach.

Children especially love the shallow, warmer freshwater stream that flows from the Lily Ponds across the beach into the sea. The many small rock pools at the edges of the beach are perfect for observing little crabs and fish.

Food & drink

Welsh Cakes — Available in the surrounding villages like Bosherston.
Cawl (traditional Welsh soup) — Served in local pubs in the area.
Local Ice Cream — Often sold by the ice cream van in the car park during summer months.

Facilities

Car park
Toilets
Ice cream van (seasonal)

Events nearby

Pembroke Festival annually in early-mid May · annual
A multi-day arts and community festival in the historic town of Pembroke, the nearest town to Broad Haven South, featuring live music, town-wide arts events, workshops, crafts and family activities. Source
Pembroke Music Festival 2026-10-19 to 2026-10-24 · annual
A competitive music festival held over several days at Pembroke Town Hall, with classes in singing, piano, strings and choir, masterclasses and a finale concert. Source
The Big Retreat Festival 2026-05-22 to 2026-05-25 · annual
A wellbeing, music and food festival held at Lawrenny within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, combining live music, wellbeing sessions, food, talks and outdoor experiences. Source

Tips

Bring everything you need, as there are no shops directly on the beach.
Check the tide times to avoid getting cut off by the incoming tide.
Combine your beach visit with a walk around the beautiful Bosherston Lily Ponds.
Wear sturdy footwear if you are taking the steep cliff path down to the beach.

FAQ

Are dogs allowed on Broad Haven South?

Yes, dogs are welcome all year round on Broad Haven South, making it a popular spot for dog walkers.

How do I get from the Lily Ponds to the beach?

A scenic and relatively flat walking trail leads directly from the Bosherston Lily Ponds to the beach, ending where the stream meets the sand.

Is the beach accessible for wheelchairs?

The path from the cliff top car park is very steep with steps. The route via the Lily Ponds is flatter but can be uneven and muddy, making wheelchair access challenging.

Are there places to eat nearby?

There are no cafes on the beach itself, but there is a pub and a tea room in the nearby village of Bosherston.

Places nearby

Beaches nearby

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