Along the Pembrokeshire coastline are a number of sandy coves hidden amongst the rocky cliffs and headlands. Being the westernmost coast of Wales, this portion of coastline is open to the ocean and exposed to wind. This means the waves can be quite large and choppy and a few of the beaches are favoured by people doing water sports; particularly surfers.
Newgale beach, towards the north of St. Brides Bay, has a long, two mile stretch of sand allowing plenty of room, there are some great waves rolling in from the Atlantic, and it has also been awarded the European Blue Flag. There are facilities on the beach as well as the Newsurf sport centre offering equipment hire for surfing, coasteering and Kayaking. It also provides lessons if you are new to it and unforgettable Kayak tours.
Further round the coast toward the southern end of St. Brides Bay is the beach Broad Haven. Again it has a large stretch of sand, but this one is slightly more sheltered, thanks to the cliffs at both ends. It too has been the recipient of the Blue Flag Award and the town of the same name overlooks it, providing lots of facilities; shops, pubs, cafés and a surf shop too, for renting or buying whatever you need.
Martins Haven, even further to the south on the tip of the Marloes Peninsula, is relatively calm in comparison and, rather than surfers, tends to attract divers. It is quite a secluded, rocky cove, part of the Skomer Marine Nature Reserve and is a favourite spot for the local Grey Seals. Martins Haven is also where the boat trips to Skomer Island depart from. If diving is more your thing, St. Brides Haven is also worth a visit. The beach is shingles and pebbles, but the cove is secluded and sheltered and the water quality is good. It is tucked into a little nook close to St. Brides just round from St. Brides Bay.
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