Pembrokeshire is renowned for its beautiful coastline and sandy beaches. While there is no doubt competition for ‘Most Instagrammable’ is stiff, a new study conducted by Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront has revealed the top five most picturesque beaches in the county, according to Instagram.
There are something like 88 beaches in Pembrokeshire, from ABER RHIGIAN to WISEMANS BRIDGE. As you can imagine they are really popular at this time of year, and with a bit of sunshine, they look amazing.
Pembrokeshire is home to Britain’s only National Park (the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park) which tells you everything you need to know about this incredible place. It’s the whole package too, rugged cliffs, fishing villages and some of the best you’ll find anywhere.
A lot of the area is completely unspoilt which means there is so much wildlife around, both in and out of the water. Seabirds are resting everywhere, seals are easily spotted in the water and f you’re really lucky, and on a good day, In the water there are seals a plenty and if you’re really lucky, and on a good day, you may well spot dolphins or even the odd basking shark during the summer.
With around 186 miles of coast with acres of golden sand on these lovely beaches, the coastline really is a place to grab your camera or mobile device, take a snap or two, and upload it to your favourite social site.
Here are the TOP 5 MOST INSTAGRAMABLE BEACHES
1. Broad Haven – 21,451 Hashtags
Long, sandy and sheltered by cliffs either side, Broad Haven beach ranks top of the list with 21,451 hashtags on Instagram and it is easy to see why. Nestled in the Pembrokeshire coastline, it is a popular spot for holidaymakers, with beautiful blue waters and an expanse of golden sands.
Fast Facts:
- Blue Flag: Yes
- Parking: There are two car parks available, providing up to 200 spaces
- Facilities: Free public toilet facilities at main car park
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the northern end of the beach between 1st May and 30th September. The rest of the beach is dog-friendly year-round
- Distance from Milford Waterfront: 16-minute drive
2. Barafundle Bay – 14,663 Hashtags
In second place, with 14,663 Instagram hashtags, is the golden sands and crystal-clear waters of Barafundle Bay, often recognised amongst the most beautiful beaches in the world! Accessible only by a half mile walk from the nearest car park, the surrounding pine trees and limestone headlands help add to the bay’s secluded feel.
Fast Facts:
- Blue Flag: Yes
- Parking: Car park at Stackpole Quay
- Facilities: Free toilet facilities located at Stackpole Quay Car Park
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on the beach
- Distance from Milford Waterfront: 36-minute drive
3. Newgale – 8,125 Hashtags
Third on the list is Newgale Sands. With 8,125 hashtags, this West-facing beach is open to winds from the Atlantic, making it a top spot for surfers, windsurfers, kite surfers, kayakers, and anglers. Coal was mined at Newgale and the ruins of a colliery, marked by a tall chimney, still overlook the southern end of the beach.
Fast Facts:
- Blue Flag: No – Green Coast Award, Seaside Award
- Parking: Three car parks adjacent to the beach, with disabled parking in the main car park.
- Toilet Facilities: Yes
- Dog Friendly: A dog ban is in place for the centre 3rd of the beach between 1st May and 30th September. The rest of the beach is dog-friendly year-round
- Distance from Milford Waterfront: 29-minute drive
4. Marloes Sands – 3,815 Hashtags
The golden strand of Marloes Sands stretches for over a mile at low tide. Backed by cliffs with interesting rock formations and numerous rock pools, this beach is a geologist’s dream. Marloes Sands is also a Hollywood favourite, with scenes from “Snow White and the Huntsman” – starring Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart – shot here in 2011.
Fast Facts:
- Blue Flag: No
- Parking: A National Trust car park is located 0.5 miles from the beach. Charges apply but free to National Trust members
- Facilities: Toilet facilities are located in the beside the Café at Marloes Sands
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed on the beach
- Distance from Milford Waterfront: 24-minute drive
5. Whitesands Bay – 3,330 Hashtags
As one of the best surfing beaches in Wales, Whitesands Bay is popular with canoeists, surfers and bodyboarders. Overlooked by the imposing craggy hill of Carn Llidi, this wide expanse of fine white sand curves north towards the remote rocky headland of St Davids Head.
Fast Facts:
- Blue Flag: Yes
- Parking: Parking is available for 100 cars in Whitesands Bay Car Park
- Facilities: Toilet facilities located in Whitesands Bay Car Park
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are banned from 1st May through to 30th September
- Distance from Milford Waterfront: 49-minute drive
Where to Stay
As the data highlights, there are coves and corners aplenty for visitors to explore across Pembrokeshire.
Each of these Instagram hot spots is just a short distance away from the Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront, the perfect base from which to discover the county’s most beautiful beaches. Check out our feature on the hotel HERE.
Fast Facts: Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront
- The hotel is launched in partnership with the Port of Milford Haven and Milford Waterfront
- 100 bedrooms
- 46,000 square feet
- Four floors of bedrooms
- Unbeatable views of the marina
- Activity suite
- Vibrant new bar and restaurant, dulse, named after the seaweed that grows in abundance on the Pembrokeshire coast
