White sands or Freshwater East Pembrokeshire?

[rainydogday]

We are thinking of heading to wales this summer. Never been. We like to surf so have been looking at cottages near either Whitesands or Freshwater East. Also keen for bike trails. Any advise? One cottage is near castleMartin I think. Any recommendations or advice will be great!

[VivaLeBeaver]

There’s more to do in the area round Freshwater East. You’re nearer to places like Tenby.

Whitesands Bay is a bit more remote but a nice cafe and surf school. Whitesands probably has slightly better surfing most of the time but Freshy is good and close to Manorbier which is my all time favourite surfing beach.

I used to live 2 miles from Manorbier....but 20 years ago so my info may be out of date!

[Lavendersquare]

Both wonderful beaches, Whitesands is the best for surfing, Freshwater East isn't really a surfing beach and certainly isn't a patch on Whitesands if it's surf you want. Freshwater West is better for surfing although the tides there can be dangerous so not great for swimming with children etc.

[rainydogday]

Thanks all. Kids aged 11 and 13 surf too. But never really out the back only waist height. Do
Both beaches have life guards? Oh decisions decisions

[mamaduckbone]

Freshwater east is really lovely but not a surfing beach at all. As others have said freshwater west is, and I've heard manorbier is good but we didn't make it there.
Whitesands is gorgeous and near St David's, which I love. Both areas are beautiful but for surfing I'd go for Whitesands.

[MinnieMountain]

Whitesands. It's stunning. It has lifeguards. You have St Davids for pubs and shops.

There's plenty of other outdoor stuff to do if you're not surfing one day. Your DCs would probably love coasteering.

Where is the Whitesands cottage you're looking at?

I'm biased though as I grew up there.

[Kaleidoscope93]

I'd vote whitesands, fresh west is great for surfing but no lifeguards and lots of currents. Whitesands is close to St David's, plus you've got the blue lagoon at abereiddy, Newport and cardigan up the coast and it's less than half hour to haverfordwest where there are big shops if needed. (I live in Pembs )

[mumonthehill]

White sands is the best option. Better surfing and stunning. Good places to eat and lots to do. Freshwater is nearer Tenby which is much more touristy and as a local to St David’s a place we avoid in the summer. White sands does get very busy.

[rainydogday]

All booked! It's about 15-20
min drive away from
Whitesands and St David's. Llanrhian.

[FthisS]

Whitesands is my beach of choice because it has a complete dog ban. So if you are bringing a dog please check which beaches allow.

[DefConOne]

I was going to say Whitesands. DH is local and I prefer the area around St David's to S Pembs. All lovely though. We camped for a week near Whitesands last year as we don't see enough of that part of the county when staying with the in-laws. Boat trips out of St Davids (St Justinians) are great for wild life spotting and tall tales from local history. The coast is wonderfully dramatic round there.

[ThePartyArtist]

Llanrhian is very near a good pub, The Sloop Inn (Porthgain Harbour). From there you can walk to Abereiddi beach which has the blue lagoon - brilliant for adventurous kids!

Whitesands is pleasant a day's walk away along the coastal footpath, or 20 min drive. Carpark at Whitesands is expensive and crowded in nice weather. Better to get the local bus which runs in tourist season- details on the Pembrokeshire tourism website.