Whitesands Beach in Wales

Just north of St. David’s is one of the most popular beaches in Pembrokeshire for surfing. It was April and we didn’t surf but we enjoyed this Blue Flag beach just the same. It was our second day in our weeklong stay in the area and the weather had turned – fog and drizzle in the morning. We made our way to the beach determined to give the dogs a good run on the sand – something they had not been able to do the previous day on the coast path. As soon as we got onto the beach, they were watching, expectantly waiting for the ball to appear.
Despite the misty weather, the beach was stunning – a word that got used a lot that week as each successive beach was even more stunning than the last. There was a very brisk, cool breeze but we all still had a good time walking along the beach and taking in the sights. There were some intrepid people, mostly wearing wetsuits, in the waves. Although the lifeguards weren’t technically listed as being on duty until May, there were some patrolling along the beach. The tide was on its way in, and they were making sure no one went too far over to the headland and got cut off. My uncle was getting a little close at one point and I made sure to take a photo of him to show where he had been before he disappeared. All joking aside, everyone was being careful and keeping an eye on each other.
As for the dogs, they had a grand time chasing after the ball. They didn’t care who kicked it as long as someone did. They didn’t even care if we kicked it into the waves – they have thick coats to keep them warm. When we were exploring the base of the cliffs where the seaweed was still clinging to the rocks and the sand had divided leaving rivulets on the beach, the dogs weren’t impressed. They persisted in presenting the ball to each of us in turn until someone kicked it for them to chase down the beach.
We drove from our holiday let in St. David’s as we had other plans after the beach. If you don’t have a vehicle or don’t want to pay £6 for the parking lot at the beach, there is a bus, the Celtic Coaster, that runs from the tourist centre in St. David’s to the beach in the summer. The coast path is accessible from both ends of the beach so you can also walk to Whitesands Beach.
Before going, check the tide times. If you’re there between May and September, dogs are not allowed on the beach. Facilities at the beach include toilets and a café. The beach is also accessible via a concrete ramp and there is beach wheelchair rental available.