Whitesands Bay
A stunning Pembrokeshire beach renowned for its surfing, golden sands, and breathtaking sunsets, perfect for coastal adventures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best for sunbathing & swimming
Whitesands Bay
Best Time
Best for sunbathing & swimming
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Pembrokeshire beach renowned for its surfing, golden sands, and breathtaking sunsets, perfect for coastal adventures.
"Beautiful beach with life guards. Not too busy. Great cafe serving pastries, coffee and ice cream."
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs £6 for the day, or £4 after 3 PM. :parking:
🌊 Surf's Up!
Known as one of Wales' best surfing beaches, great for a swim too! :surfer:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Surfing Paradise
Whitesands Bay
Catch waves at one of Wales' best surfing beaches, perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Carn Llidi Views
Carn Llidi hill overlooking the bay
Hike up Carn Llidi for panoramic views of Whitesands Bay and the surrounding Pembrokeshire coastline.
Sunset Spectacle
Whitesands Bay
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the Atlantic, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Surf's Up & Sunsets
Coastal Adventures Await
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs £6 for the day, or £4 after 3 PM. :parking:
🌊 Surf's Up!
Known as one of Wales' best surfing beaches, great for a swim too! :surfer:
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks
Explore stunning coastal paths to St Davids Head or Carn Llidi. :hiking_boot:
☀️ Lifeguard Service
Lifeguards are on duty, making it a safer spot for families. :guardsman:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking costs £6 for the day, or £4 after 3 PM. :parking:
🌊 Surf's Up!
Known as one of Wales' best surfing beaches, great for a swim too! :surfer:
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks
Explore stunning coastal paths to St Davids Head or Carn Llidi. :hiking_boot:
☀️ Lifeguard Service
Lifeguards are on duty, making it a safer spot for families. :guardsman:
🚻 Toilet Costs
Toilets are available but cost 40p to use. :toilet:
🐶 Dog-Free Zone
The beach is dog-free from April to October. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Whitesands Bay's beautiful sandy expanse, ideal for surfing and swimming, with stunning sunset views. The presence of lifeguards and a convenient cafe are appreciated, though the paid toilets are a minor drawback for some. It's praised as a fantastic local beach with good facilities and unspoiled natural beauty.
"Beautiful beach ideal for surfing and body boarding. £6 parking for the day. Toilets cost 40p and there is a cafe on site.
Lovely walks across the front to some shallow caves."
Jason Anderson
"Fantastic beach. Great facilities , unspoiled area. Good for families, easy access to coastal area.
Lifeguard in attendance .
Excellent local beach shop / coffee shop."
Lesley Pitchford
"Good local bus service, life guards on watch. Biggish carpark. Nice beach when tide not fully in. Paid toilets. See supposed to be a dog free beach April to Oct."
Chris Brooks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Whitesands Bay is located just 2 miles from St Davids in Pembrokeshire. It's accessible by car, with a large car park available. There's also a local bus service that serves the beach.
Yes, a good local bus service operates to Whitesands Bay, making it accessible without a car.
Driving is a popular option, taking only a few minutes. Alternatively, a scenic walk or the local bus service are good choices.
The drive itself offers beautiful Pembrokeshire scenery. For a more immersive experience, consider walking a section of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to reach the bay.
Cycling is possible, and you can enjoy the coastal roads. Secure bike parking might be limited, so plan accordingly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee for the beach itself, but parking incurs a charge.
Parking costs £6 for the full day, or a reduced rate of £4 if you arrive after 3 PM.
Yes, there are toilets available on-site, but they require a 40p payment to use.
No, tickets are not required for Whitesands Bay. Entry is free, and parking is paid on arrival.
Whitesands Bay is a public beach and is accessible at all times. Facilities like the cafe and toilets have their own operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Whitesands Bay is famous for surfing and bodyboarding. It's also great for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring shallow caves at low tide. The surrounding area offers fantastic coastal walks.
Yes, it's considered good for families, especially with lifeguards on duty during peak season. The sandy expanse is great for playing.
Absolutely! Whitesands Bay is renowned as one of the best surfing beaches in Wales, attracting surfers of all levels.
There is a cafe on-site serving pastries, coffee, and ice cream, as well as a local beach shop.
For surfing, check tide times. For sunsets, aim for the golden hour. For a quieter experience, consider visiting outside of peak summer hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic coastline from Carn Llidi, the expansive beach itself, and the stunning sunsets over the ocean. Drone shots offer unique perspectives.
Yes, Whitesands Bay is a prime location for sunset photography, offering beautiful light over the sea.
Drone footage is popular here, offering incredible aerial views of the bay and coastline. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
Landscape, seascape, surfing action shots, and sunset photography are all very popular here.
Generally, photography is permitted. However, be mindful of other visitors and respect any local guidelines, especially regarding drone usage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day when the weather is pleasant for sunbathing and paddling. While surfing is popular, the calmer sections of the beach are suitable for younger children. The nearby town of St Davids also offers family-friendly attractions, making it a well-rounded family outing.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Watersport Enthusiasts
Beyond surfing, bodyboarding and swimming are popular activities. The bay's conditions are generally favorable for these watersports. It's advisable to check surf reports and tide times to maximize your time in the water. Local surf schools and rental shops are often available nearby to cater to your needs.
🚶♂️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
These walks provide opportunities to experience the rugged beauty of the Welsh coastline, spot local flora and fauna, and enjoy the fresh sea air. The trails are well-marked, though some sections can be challenging. Pack sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing and Watersports
Beyond surfing, the bay is also popular for bodyboarding and general swimming. The clear waters and sandy bottom make it an inviting place to cool off during warmer months. If you're new to surfing, consider checking out local surf schools or rental shops that often operate nearby to get equipped and receive instruction.
When planning your watersports adventure, it's always a good idea to check the local surf report and weather conditions. The dynamic nature of the sea means conditions can change rapidly. Lifeguards are present during the summer season, adding an extra layer of safety for beachgoers enjoying the water.
Coastal Walks and Scenery
Another popular trek is up Carn Llidi, a prominent hill that provides unparalleled vistas. From its summit, you can see Whitesands Bay spread out below, as well as the distant islands like Ramsey Island. These elevated viewpoints are perfect for photography and offer a sense of scale to the dramatic landscape.
These coastal walks are well-maintained and offer varying levels of difficulty, catering to casual strollers and more seasoned hikers. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, bring water, and check the weather forecast before setting out. The unspoiled nature of the Pembrokeshire coast is a major draw, and these walks allow you to fully immerse yourself in it.
Visiting St Davids and Beyond
The proximity to St Davids makes Whitesands Bay an ideal destination for a day trip or as part of a longer itinerary exploring the wider Pembrokeshire region. From St Davids, you can also access boat trips to nearby islands like Ramsey Island, known for its wildlife and dramatic sea cliffs.
+1Many travelers find that the combination of coastal beauty, historical sites, and the charming atmosphere of St Davids creates a well-rounded and memorable experience. The area offers a blend of natural adventure and cultural exploration, appealing to a wide range of interests.
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