The Pembrokeshire Coast is Britain's only coastal national park, and the drama lives up to that status. Stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and 186 miles of coastal path create exceptional dog-friendly territory. From popular Tenby to remote northern coves, the variety rewards exploration.
This guide provides detailed coverage complementing our main Pembrokeshire guide.
Pembrokeshire Coast Overview
The National Park
Unique Status: Only UK national park designated primarily for coastline.
Geography:
- 186 miles of coastline
- Varied character north to south
- Islands offshore
- Dramatic cliff formations
Character:
- Outstanding beaches
- Serious coastal walking
- Welsh culture
- Less commercialised than English resorts
Why Dogs Love It
- Exceptional beaches
- Year-round options available
- Coastal path throughout
- Space and variety
- Swimming opportunities
Best Dog-Friendly Beaches
Year-Round Dog Beaches
Beaches with Good Dog Access:
Whitesands Bay: Large sandy beach. Dramatic setting near St Davids. Dogs welcome (check any seasonal restrictions).
Newgale: 2-mile pebble/sand beach. Surfing. Dogs welcome.
Marloes Sands: Stunning National Trust beach. Dogs welcome. Walk to access.
Barafundle Bay: Often voted UK's best beach. Dogs welcome. Must walk to access (no road).
Broad Haven South: Not to be confused with Broad Haven village. Beautiful. Dogs welcome. Walk to access.
Freshwater West: Dramatic dune-backed beach. Dogs welcome.
Beaches with Seasonal Restrictions
Check Locally:
- Tenby beaches (restrictions in summer)
- Saundersfoot
- Broad Haven (village beach)
- Some other popular beaches
Strategy: Check specific beaches. Many options available even in summer. Remote beaches often unrestricted.
See our Beach Holidays guide for general beach approach.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Britain's Finest Coastal Walk?
The Route: 186 miles from Amroth to St Dogmaels. Outstanding throughout.
Dog-Friendly: Excellent. Dogs welcome throughout (lead near livestock/cliffs).
Character:
- Dramatic cliffs
- Secluded coves
- Varied terrain
- Challenging in sections
- Outstanding scenery
For long-distance walking, see our Long Distance Trails guide.
Best Sections for Dogs
Recommended Day Walks:
St Davids to Whitesands: About 3 miles. Dramatic coast. Beach destination.
Marloes Peninsula: Circular options. Marloes Sands. Deer Park.
Barafundle Bay Circuit: From Stackpole. Beach and coastal path. About 4 miles.
Strumble Head: Remote north coast. Dramatic. About 5-6 miles various routes.
Solva to Newgale: About 4 miles. Varied coast. Beach end.
Path Difficulty
Be Aware:
- Many ups and downs
- Can be challenging
- Some sections strenuous
- Weather exposure
- Fit dogs needed for full sections
Key Coastal Areas
St Davids Peninsula
Britain's Smallest City: Cathedral city. Coastal access. Good base.
Dog-Friendly Highlights:
- Whitesands Bay
- Cathedral Close (dogs on leads)
- Coastal path access
- Pubs and cafes
Tenby
Resort Town: Pretty harbour town. Castle beach. Victorian character.
Dog-Friendly:
- Town exploring good
- Beach restrictions in summer (check)
- Harbour area
- Good facilities
Solva
Pretty Harbour Village: Sheltered inlet. Sailing heritage. Characterful.
Dog-Friendly:
- Village walks
- Harbour
- Coastal path access
- Good pubs
Newport (Pembrokeshire)
Northern Base: Small town. Good walking access. Preseli Hills nearby.
Dog-Friendly:
- Town and beach
- Coastal path
- Preseli Hills access
- Quieter than south
Saundersfoot
Beach Village: Popular beach. Good facilities.
Dog-Friendly:
- Check beach restrictions
- Village exploring
- Coastal path
Stackpole
Estate Area: National Trust. Lily ponds. Barafundle Bay.
Dog-Friendly:
- Barafundle Bay
- Bosherston Lily Ponds walks
- Coastal path
- Excellent walking
Islands
Skomer Island
Wildlife Island: Puffins, seabirds. Day trips from Martin's Haven.
Dogs: Not allowed on island (wildlife protection).
Mainland Alternative: Marloes Peninsula offers coastal walking near Skomer.
Ramsey Island
RSPB Reserve: West of St Davids.
Dogs: Not allowed on island.
Caldey Island
Monastic Island: Off Tenby. Cistercian monastery.
Dogs: Check current policy (historically allowed at certain times).
Preseli Hills
Inland Option
Upland Area: Inland from north coast. Bluestone source for Stonehenge.
Dog-Friendly: Open access walking. Different character from coast.
Combining: Coast morning, hills afternoon. Or hill days in poor coastal weather.
Accommodation
Where to Stay
St Davids: Central for peninsula. Britain's smallest city. Good facilities.
Tenby: Most facilities. Resort atmosphere. Beach access.
Solva: Character village. Quieter base.
Newport: Northern access. Quieter. Preseli Hills nearby.
Rural: Cottages throughout coast. Often excellent.
For cottage options and booking advice.
Accommodation Types
Cottages: Excellent selection. Self-catering flexibility. See our Cottages guide.
Camping: Many coastal sites. See our Camping guide.
Hotels/B&Bs: Various dog-friendly options.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring
Highlights:
- Wildflowers outstanding
- Puffins arriving (boat trips)
- Quieter than summer
- Good walking weather
Summer
Highlights:
- Best weather
- Full facilities
- Long days
- Beach weather
Notes:
- Some beach restrictions
- Popular spots busy
- Book ahead
See our Summer guide.
Autumn
Highlights:
- Quieter
- Good walking weather
- Seal pupping (observe from distance)
- Beautiful light
Winter
Highlights:
- Dramatic storms
- Empty beaches
- Full dog freedom
- Atmospheric
See our Winter guide.
Dog-Friendly Pubs
Coastal Pubs
Good Options:
- Various in St Davids
- Solva pubs
- Tenby options
- Coastal villages throughout
Character: Welsh hospitality. Walker-friendly. Seafood focus often.
See our Pub Walks guide and Pub Etiquette guide.
Getting There
Access
By Car:
- M4 to Carmarthen, then A40/A477
- Long drive from England (4+ hours from Midlands)
- Worth the journey
By Train: Trains to Haverfordwest, Tenby, Pembroke. Bus connections.
Wildlife Considerations
Seals
Grey Seals: Common along coast. Pupping autumn.
Dogs: Keep away from seals. Don't let dogs approach. Observe from distance.
Seabirds
Nesting Season: Spring/summer. Keep dogs controlled on cliffs. Don't disturb nesting sites.
Choughs
Rare Corvids: Pembrokeshire speciality. Red-billed crows. Enjoy seeing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pembrokeshire coast dog-friendly?
Very. Outstanding beaches (many year-round), excellent coastal path, welcoming atmosphere.
Best beach for dogs in Pembrokeshire?
Barafundle Bay for beauty (walk to access). Whitesands for accessibility. Marloes Sands for drama.
Can dogs do the coastal path?
Yes, excellent for dogs. Lead near livestock and cliffs. Some sections demanding.
Are there beach restrictions?
Some popular beaches in summer. Many year-round options. Check specific beaches.
Is it worth the long drive?
Yes. Outstanding coastline. Britain's only coastal national park for good reason.
Best time to visit?
Late spring (May-June) for wildflowers and weather. Autumn for quiet and seals. Summer for beach weather but busier.
Britain's Coastal National Park Awaits
Pembrokeshire delivers Britain's finest coastal walking and outstanding beaches. The journey is worth it for this exceptional dog-friendly coastline.
Luke dreams of exploring Pembrokeshire coast with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack anticipates that Barafundle's beauty, the coastal path's drama, and Welsh hospitality will create unforgettable adventures.
5.0
out of 5
20 global ratings
Top reviews
★★★★★5.0
Pembrokeshire exceeded all expectations
Read this guide and booked a week near St Davids. The coastal path sections recommended were incredible - our collie Maisie was in heaven. Barafundle Bay really is as stunning as described. We did the walk from Stackpole car park and had the beach almost to ourselves in early November. Perfect dog-friendly coastline.
Helpful
Barafundle in November is pure magic! That walk from Stackpole is one of our favourites. Collies and coastal paths - perfect match!
★★★★★5.0
Wales's best kept secret
This guide convinced us to try Pembrokeshire instead of our usual Cornwall trip. So glad we did! The beaches are just as beautiful but far less crowded. Our springer Tilly had beaches to herself most mornings. The coastal path is world-class. Already booked again for next year. New favourite destination.
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Pembrokeshire converts are the most enthusiastic! Less crowded than Cornwall but equally stunning. Welcome to the Welsh coast fan club!
★★★★★5.0
Whitesands Bay was spectacular
The recommendation for Whitesands Bay was spectacular. Our lab Max had never seen such a huge beach - he ran and ran and ran. The water was cold but he didn't care! The guide's tip about the surf when the tide's coming in being exciting but manageable was spot on. Pembrokeshire is now our number one.
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Labs and Whitesands - guaranteed happiness! That beach goes on forever. Max finding his favourite place is what it's all about.
★★★★★5.0
Coastal path walks were incredible
Used this guide to plan daily coastal path walks and every single one was incredible. The section from Marloes to Martin's Haven was a highlight - dramatic cliffs, wildlife, and our two border collies were in their element. The guide's honest assessment of difficulty levels helped us choose appropriate sections.
Helpful
The Marloes section is spectacular! Border collies love that dramatic coastline. Glad the difficulty guidance helped with planning.
★★★★★5.0
Freshwater West blew us away
The guide mentioned Freshwater West as dramatic and wild - it definitely delivered! The dune-backed beach felt like another world. Our retriever Sunny loved exploring the streams running onto the beach. Less busy than more famous beaches and the dogs-welcome-year-round policy is brilliant.
Helpful
Freshwater West has that wild, untamed feel. Those streams are perfect for water-loving dogs! Glad Sunny discovered it.
★★★★☆4.0
Excellent guide, few minor updates needed
Really thorough Pembrokeshire guide that helped us plan a great week. The beach recommendations and coastal path advice were spot on. Four stars only because one café mentioned had closed and a car park price had changed. But the core information - beaches, walks, dog-friendliness - was all accurate. Great resource.
Helpful
Thanks for flagging those updates - cafés and prices do change! Glad the main content helped you plan a good trip.
★★★★★5.0
St Davids was charming
The section on St Davids as a base was so helpful. Britain's smallest city has such a lovely atmosphere and is genuinely dog-friendly. We explored the cathedral grounds with our whippet Sage, then walked to the coast. The combination of history and coastal access made it perfect. Highly recommend as a base.
Helpful
St Davids has that special atmosphere! Perfect base for exploring the peninsula. Sage doing culture and coast is living the dream.
★★★★★5.0
Quiet beaches for our anxious dog
Our rescue greyhound Willow needs quiet beaches away from crowds. This guide's suggestions for less-visited coves were perfect. Found several beautiful spots along the south coast where she could relax without stress. The honest assessment of which beaches get busy helped us plan around her needs.
Helpful
Those quieter coves are special finds. Willow getting to relax on empty beaches is what holidays should be. Well planned!
★★★★★5.0
Tenby was dog-friendlier than expected
Was worried Tenby would be too touristy but the guide's tips about where dogs can go and timing helped us enjoy it. North Beach before 10am was lovely, and the harbour area is very dog-welcoming. Our cockapoo Biscuit loved the ice cream drips from tourists! The guide managed our expectations well.
Helpful
Tenby works with the right timing! Early morning North Beach is beautiful. Biscuit on ice cream patrol sounds adorable.
★★★★★5.0
Preseli Hills were an unexpected highlight
Didn't plan to visit the Preseli Hills but the guide mentioned them for a change from the coast. So glad we went! The ancient landscape and wide open spaces were perfect for our two setters. They could see for miles and run freely. Nice to have variety beyond beaches.
Helpful
The Preselis offer that different perspective - ancient and atmospheric. Setters must have loved that open ground. Great for variety!
★★★★★5.0
Seal watching advice was helpful
The advice about seal pupping season and keeping dogs controlled around wildlife was important. We saw grey seals at Martin's Haven and our dog Milo stayed calmly on lead as advised. Amazing to see the wildlife without disturbing it. The responsible approach throughout the guide was appreciated.
Helpful
Grey seals are such a Pembrokeshire highlight! Milo being calm on lead meant you could enjoy them without stress. Responsible visiting.
★★★★★5.0
Cottage recommendations helped
The accommodation section helped us find a cottage with enclosed garden near Solva. Essential for our escape-artist beagle Harry! The guide's questions to ask about garden security were exactly what we needed. Found a perfect place with a walled garden. Harry couldn't escape and we could relax.
Helpful
Beagles and their escape plans! Solva is lovely and a secure walled garden is beagle-proof. Harry staying put means holiday success.
★★★★★5.0
Ferry to Caldey Island info useful
Didn't realise Caldey Island allowed dogs until reading this guide. Took the ferry from Tenby with our spaniel Charlie and it was a lovely day trip. The monks' chocolate is excellent! Guide was right that it's a gentle day out rather than dramatic walks. Perfect change of pace.
Helpful
Caldey with Charlie - lovely! It's such a peaceful contrast to the dramatic coastline. And yes, that chocolate is special!
★★★★★5.0
Pub recommendations were excellent
The dog-friendly pub recommendations throughout the guide were excellent. The Sloop Inn at Porthgain was a particular highlight - amazing seafood and genuinely welcoming to dogs. Our boxer Ruby was treated like a regular. Every pub suggested was properly dog-friendly, not just tolerant.
Helpful
The Sloop is such a classic! Porthgain harbour with fresh seafood and a happy dog - perfect Pembrokeshire evening.
★★★★★5.0
Stack Rocks viewpoint was worth it
The tip about Stack Rocks at Elegug was worth the detour. Those limestone stacks rising from the sea are incredible - like a natural cathedral. Our collie Jess sat watching the guillemots while we took photos. The guide's suggestion to visit on a calm day for the best views was spot on.
Helpful
Stack Rocks on a calm day is just spectacular. Jess watching the seabirds sounds like the perfect moment. Pembrokeshire delivers!
★★★★★5.0
Camping section was helpful
Used the camping recommendations for a week under canvas near Broad Haven. The site suggested was perfect - great facilities, friendly to dogs, and beach access within walking distance. Our labs Mabel and George were exhausted every night. Proper outdoor adventure holiday.
Helpful
Two tired labs every night - mission accomplished! Camping near Broad Haven is such a great location. Proper adventures!
★★★★★5.0
Newport area was quieter as promised
The guide suggested Newport for a quieter north Pembrokeshire base and it was perfect. Less touristy than Tenby but still beautiful. Our whippet Luna loved the town beach and the coastal paths north towards Cwm yr Eglwys. Exactly what we wanted - beauty without crowds.
Helpful
Newport is the perfect quiet alternative! That stretch of coast towards Cwm yr Eglwys is gorgeous. Luna found her spot.
★★★★★5.0
Made us proper Pembrokeshire fans
We've been coming to Pembrokeshire for years but this guide showed us places we'd never found. The hidden coves, the quiet coastal path sections, the local pubs. Our old labrador Bramble enjoyed her gentler walks and we discovered new favourites. Best guide to the area we've used.
Helpful
Finding new places in a familiar destination is wonderful! Bramble enjoying her Pembrokeshire at her own pace is lovely.
★★★★★5.0
Worth the long drive from Manchester
Pembrokeshire felt far from Manchester but this guide convinced us to make the trip. Worth every mile! The beaches are incredible, the coastal path is world-class, and our retriever Barney had the holiday of his life. The drive suggestion with dog-friendly stops along the way helped too.
Helpful
That drive is worth it when you arrive! Pembrokeshire rewards the journey. Barney's holiday of his life says it all.
★★★★★5.0
Local knowledge throughout
This guide has local knowledge you can't get from generic travel sites. The tide times affecting beach access, the seasonal differences, the pubs that are genuinely welcoming versus just allowing dogs. Our staffie Bruce had his best holiday ever. Felt like insider information. Brilliant resource.
Helpful
Tide times matter so much on the Pembrokeshire coast! Glad that local knowledge helped Bruce have an amazing time.
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