About

Freshwater West Beach is a popular destination for experienced surfers. Freshwater West is a wide sand and rock beach backed by cliffs, sand dunes and a promenade.

Located north-west of Castlemartin, this beach is wide, sandy and backed by an extensive system of dunes which are fragile so no camping or barbeques are allowed. There’s a rocky reef at the southern end and some quiet bays at the other. Freshwater West beach is the hunting ground of the surfer always on the lookout for that perfect wave - a surfer’s paradise. This south-westerly facing beach has the best waves in the county BUT it’s only for the experienced and strong swimming surfer as strong rip currents occur off this beach. It’s the best place to go to watch the surfing but when the surf is up, parking is hard to find; crowded on Bank Holidays.

Freshwater West has featured in two films - Ridley Scott's Robin Hood and also Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows where it was used as the backdrop for Dobby's Shell Cottage, which was built on site down to the smallest detail including the seaweed. Although the cottage was taken down after filming, you can still walk in the footsteps of Harry, Hermione and Ron.

The Pembrokeshire Coast Path ends here.
Toilets, two small car parks and some parking is available along the very narrow road.
RNLI Lifeguard service provided: Mid June - Early September 
Dogs are allowed.