If you have been searching for the coolest beaches around the world, you have most probably heard about the beaches of Pembrokeshire. It is a coastal county located in the south-west of wales and home to some of the world’s most breathtaking beaches.
Pembrokeshire’s beaches have been the recipient of a couple of awards which includes the International Blue Flag, Green Coast Awards and the Seaside Awards. It was also voted by the National Geographic magazine as the second best coastal destination in the world, with Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula being the first. Thirty-nine of their beaches were also recommended by the Marine Conservation Society back in 2011.
If you are coming from London Heathrow Airport, a direct rail service from Paddington is available. From there, you can transfer to a train that will go directly to Wales. Alternatively, if you happen to land on the London Gatwick Airport, you can head to London Victoria where you can ride the London Underground all the way to Paddington.
Once there, getting around is a breeze, thanks to the Coastal Bus Services. It covers the entire 299 kilometres of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail. The best thing about these shuttles is that you just need to flag the buses down as they pass, and you can hop on.
One of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful and clean beaches is the Whitesands Bay. It has won the European Economic Community (ECC) award and has received a Blue Flag certification from the Foundation for Environmental Education. There is a rocky headland at the northern end which is known as “Carn Llidi” (roughly translates to “Cairn of the Gates), that offers a spectacular seascape. This is also a good place if you want to get into surfing as they offer surfing lessons here during the summer. There are also sequestered coves at the southern part of the beach. You need to look out for the “Puffin Shuttle” if you are hiking on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
South Beach is the least commercialised one, with its two-kilometer beach spanning from the privately owned St. Catherine’s Island to Giltar Point.
Castle Beach is the smallest amongst the four, but can be the most interesting since during low tides, you can explore the caves underneath the St. Catherine’s Island. There are also Boat trips to Caldey Island from this beach during high tide.
Harbour Beach is a small yet exhilarating shore in Tenby, having been named the most beautiful beach in Europe back in 2014. North shore boasts of the picturesque Goscar Rock. It overlooks the Carmarthen bay which is accessible through the harbour. Due to its accessibility and EC Blue Flag award, this beach can be crowded during the summer.
