Beaches in St Davids Travel Guide

About Beaches in St Davids

Wales' Pembrokeshire coast is a mesmerising mix of fierce cliffs, saturated blue sea and hidden sandy coves. Just a short walk from some of the area's superb beaches is the remarkable city of St David's: a charismatic town that in the summer months fills to bursting with ruddy-faced families and surfers alike, all having a whale of a time. Around the coast to the southwest is the picturesque pastel-painted Georgian resort of Tenby, best sampled out of season.

Beach:

The Pembrokeshire coast is all fire-and-brimstone scenery: white-sand beaches, intense blue ocean, foaming surf, and colour-streaked cliffs. Close to the lovely, tiny city of St David's, Blue Flag Whitesands Bay is practically made for catching waves; swimmers should keep an eye on warning signals as currents can be strong. On rugged St David's Head there is an ancient burial chamber and fortifications.

For a quieter option, try the smaller, secluded Porthmelgan Beach, a short walk away. Sandy Caerfai Bay has beautiful views, caves and rock pools to explore. For some of Wales' best beaches, head to St Brides Bay: to magnificent Newgale, 11km (7 miles) southeast of St David's, or continue a little farther on to the fine swathes of sand at Little Haven and Broad Haven.

Beyond the beach:

Try the fantastic walk around Treginnis Head: this section of the Pembrokeshire Coast path has superb views across to Ramsey Island and to St Justinian's harbour, and observant ramblers have a chance of spotting seals, porpoises, and a myriad of birdlife.

Family fun:

There are tons of activities available on this lovely part of the Pembrokeshire coast. TWF Adventures (www.twf.com), based in St David's, run sea kayaking and surfing excursions. There are plenty of surf and sailing schools offering lessons and/or equipment hire. Canoeing, windsurfing and power boating are also popular. Several companies run boat trips - either high-speed or traditional - to Ramsey Island; as well as the island's wealth of birdlife, the journey is a good time to spot whales, dolphins and seals.

St David's is also close to the Celtic Trail national cycle route and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Finally, St David's cathedral (which is what renders it a city rather than a village) is not to be missed. It's a 12th-century beauty, and Wales' holiest site, hidden in a hollow.

Exploring further:

Head down the coast to St Justinian and head out on a whale and dolphin watching trip. Voyages of Discovery (www.ramseyisland.co.uk/whale) offer tours over to Ramsey Island and Grassholm Island to see porpoise and thousands of gannets, before skipping past the Celtic Deep, where whales and dolphins can regularly sighted.