Dreaming of a holiday where the whole family, dog included, feels welcome? Pembrokeshire is one of the best destinations in the UK for pet owners. Its rugged coastline, golden beaches, and dog loving communities make it a top spot for dogs to roam free and humans to unwind.
Unlike some parts of Britain, Pembrokeshire has many beaches where dogs are welcome year round. A few larger beaches have small dog restrictions in summer, but there’s always plenty of open sand left for your four legged friend to run and splash.
Base yourself at Sleekstone Holidays near Neyland and you’ll be perfectly placed to reach South Pembrokeshire’s most stunning dog friendly beaches. We’ve pulled together this local guide so you can plan days out your pup will love.
Barafundle Bay: A Secluded Paradise
Barafundle Bay is the jewel in Pembrokeshire’s crown. Tucked between cliffs and backed by dunes, this quiet cove feels far from the modern world.
Dogs are welcome on Barafundle all year. It’s popular with local dog walkers and photographers because it rarely feels busy, even in peak season.
You can’t park next to the beach. Instead, leave your car at Stackpole Quay and enjoy a short scenic walk over the cliffs. Keep dogs on leads by the cliff edge but once you reach the sand, they can run free.
Bring water and a picnic — there are no shops or toilets on the beach itself. After your swim, refuel at the café at Stackpole Quay.
Parking: Stackpole Quay (National Trust)
Tip: Combine Barafundle with a stroll to Broad Haven South. Great for active dogs and their humans.
Freshwater West: Wild and Spacious
If your dog loves space, Freshwater West is the place to go. This windswept beach is a surfer’s favourite and has a wilder feel than some bays.
The beach stretches for miles, giving dogs plenty of room to chase sticks and sprint across the sand. Behind the beach are huge dunes to explore.
Be aware that Freshwater West has strong currents. Lifeguards patrol in summer but always keep an eye on adventurous swimmers.
Parking: Free parking by the dunes
Nearby: Angle village has a dog friendly pub for a well earned pint.
Broad Haven South: Great for Families and Dogs
Broad Haven South is a family favourite for good reason. The beach is wide, sandy and framed by dunes. Dogs love the freedom to run here.
To reach the beach, park at Bosherston Lily Ponds and follow the well kept path. Keep your dog close near the ponds — swans don’t like curious noses — but once you hit the sand, there’s space to roam.
Bring a picnic or walk back up to the village tearoom for cakes and tea.
Parking: Bosherston (National Trust)
Tip: Explore Church Rock and the cliffs for dramatic views.
Newgale Beach: Endless Sand for Walks
If you want a really long dog walk by the sea, Newgale delivers. It’s one of the longest beaches in Wales and perfect for tiring out energetic pups.
There’s a seasonal dog free zone in the central part of the beach but the rest stays dog friendly all year. At low tide the beach feels enormous, with plenty of room for games of fetch.
There are a few shops and cafés nearby so you can grab a snack or coffee. Be mindful of the tide as it can come in fast.
Parking: Three Large pay and display from the north to the south of the beach
Nearby: Solva is just up the coast and has plenty of dog friendly cafés.
Manorbier Beach: Sand, Surf and History
Manorbier is a scenic mix of sand, dunes and rock pools, with a medieval castle watching over it all. It feels like stepping into a storybook.
Dogs are welcome year round. There’s usually a stream running across the sand — handy for washing sandy paws before the car ride home.
Bring your own food and drinks. Manorbier village has a small shop and café.
Parking: Small car park close to the beach, gets busy in summer
Nearby: Pop into Manorbier Castle if you fancy a history fix.
Saundersfoot Beach: A Beach with Village Vibes
Saundersfoot is a classic family beach with golden sand and calm shallows. Some sections have seasonal dog restrictions but there’s always a dog friendly stretch open.
It’s easy to spend the day here. Plenty of local cafés, pubs and shops welcome dogs with fresh water bowls and treats.
A popular local walk is the coastal path to Wiseman’s Bridge. The route runs through old railway tunnels which dogs love to sniff and explore.
Parking: Several large car parks, fills up in summer so arrive early
Tip: Try the local fish and chips, best eaten on a bench with your dog by your side.
Poppit Sands: Quiet Northern Gem
If you fancy a quieter escape, Poppit Sands near Cardigan is ideal. This wide beach has dunes to shelter from the wind and shallow pools for dogs to paddle in.
There’s usually space to park even in peak season. A café and toilets are nearby so you can stay all day. Lifeguards patrol the beach in summer but keep an eye on strong swimmers.
Parking: Large car park right by the beach
Nearby: Cardigan has dog friendly shops, pubs and riverside walks.
Broad Haven (not Broad Haven South)
Broad Haven beach is home to the name of Sleekstone Holidays and a fantastic location to sit and watch the most stunning sunsets; the Sleekstone is a geopharmological featureto be found at the north end of the beach on very low tides. The beach is located within St Bride’s Bay and it is a favourite with both locals and tourists. On a very low tide you can walk around the south headland to the Settlands and Little Haven but watch you don’t get cut off by the incoming tide at the Settlands.The popularity of Broad Haven means that it is sometimes tricky to park on hot, sunny days in the summer holidays so arrive early. There are three public carparks, all Pay and Display. The village benefits from the Dog Friendly Ocean Cafe which has a bar, restaurant and serves snacks, lunches, dinner, ice creams and afternoon teas. Next to the Ocean is Rwts, a new addition to the village. The menu is diverse and includes pizzas, BBQ ribs, and Tapas using fresh, local and organic ingredients sourced from local suppliers; the restaurant is dog friendly. Along the seafront is the Galleon pub serving great food with stunning views, dog friendly downstairs. Also to be found in Broad Haven are On the Hook (fish and chip restaurant and takeaway) and Sand and Stone (burgers) both of which are owned and run by the same people. Excellent food and real chips!
Parking: 3 pay and display carparks, 2 have public toilets (pay to use)
Nearby: Little Haven a fabulous quaint village with 3 excellent pubs (the Swan, the Castle, and the St Brides’ Inn), a cafe and a high end snack bar selling lobster rolls: Lobster & Môr
Extra Tips for Dog Owners
- Bring plenty of fresh water, especially in summer.
- Check tide times so you don’t get cut off.
- Always clean up after your dog. Pembrokeshire’s beaches stay beautiful because people respect them.
- Take long leads if you plan cliff top coastal walks.
- Some beaches have seasonal bans, always check local signs.
- Rinse sandy paws back at your cottage — at Sleekstone Holidays, we provide dog towels and an outdoor hose.
Where to Stay: Sleekstone Holidays
After all those sandy adventures, you’ll want somewhere warm and welcoming to return to. Our luxury self catering cottages in Neyland are dog friendly and perfect for couples, families and their pets.
Both The Barn and The Coach House have safe outdoor spaces for dogs to sniff and play. You’ll find dog treats, a welcome hamper for you, and all the little touches that make your stay relaxing.
With local beaches like Barafundle, Freshwater West and Broad Haven South just a short drive away, Sleekstone Holidays makes the perfect base for exploring dog friendly Pembrokeshire.
Ready to Plan Your Dog Friendly Break?
Pembrokeshire’s beaches are calling. Book your dog friendly cottage at Sleekstone Holidays and enjoy sandy paws, wagging tails and fresh coastal air.
Check our cottages here, pack your wellies and treat your dog to a holiday they’ll remember.
