Newgale Beach
Panoramic views out over the coast, golden sand that seems to stretch forever and an adventurers’ paradise, the vast Newgale beach is an unforgettable spot nestled in the corner of St Bride’s Bay.
The beach is enormous, at least 2.5 miles wide, room enough for everyone to enjoy on a sunny day, which is lucky as it is popular with everyone from families, to coastal explorers and water sports enthusiasts.
Backed by a high pebble bank, the vast beach is enclosed by gentle slopping cliffs on either side, with rockpools and caves to explore towards the southern end. At low tide you even can walk round to the smaller Cwm Mawr beach, just don’t get caught out by the tide.
When the breeze is brisk, you might need a windbreaker, but otherwise it’s the perfect place for a family day out. The sand shelves gently, so the shallows are ideal for small children to get used to the water.
It’s not just little children who will enjoy a splash, with its position on the far westerly and its size, it’s one of the top locations in Pembrokeshire for watersports with surfers, windsurfers, kitesurfers and kayakers and is suited to beginners as well as those more experienced. Surfboards, bodyboards and other equipment can be hired at the north end of the beach, and if you want some expert tuition, lessons are available too – just make sure to book ahead.
Did You Know?
The pebbled bank isn’t man-made – it was a result of a ferocious storm in 1857 and is now a natural storm defence that protects the village against the sea.
How To Get There
Newgale is at the top corner of St Bride’s Bay on the west coast of Pembrokeshire, not far from Haverfordwest, between Solva and Nolton Haven. The coastal path passes directly through the beach, or if you’re travelling by car it’s an easy drive (SA62 6AR). There are a choice of two carparks directly next to the beach, so it’s just a case of finding a spot and letting the fun begin.
Closest Carpark
Choose from two carparks adjacent to the beach that are clearly signposted.
Accessibility
There’s easy access to the beach from the road, but beware that you will have to cross the pebble bank to reach the sand, which will be a struggle for those with limited mobility and could cause a problem for buggies and wheelchairs.
Facilities
There are public toilets, cafes, surf shops and pub at the north end of the beach, with another shop and café at the southern end but, remember it’s 2.5 miles long so check what facilities are nearby before picking your spot. If you want to hire watersports equipment it is best to head to the northern end, where you’ll find a cluster of outlets.
Awards
2019 Blue Flag
Nearby
If you’re in Newgale, don’t miss the chance to explore the rest of St Bride’s Bay. At Nolton Haven to the south you can ride horses on the beach and beyond that is the hidden gem of Druidston Bay. To the north there’s the enchanting Solva harbour and just further up the coast, St Davids the smallest city in the UK.
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