Best Dog Swimming Spots in Pembrokeshire | Top 5 Coastal & Riverside Picks
Pembrokeshire’s coastline and inland waterways make it one of the best regions in Wales for a dog that genuinely loves to swim. From wide sandy bays where the tide rolls out for hundreds of metres to quiet freshwater ponds tucked behind the dunes, there’s a spot here for every dog, from a nervous first-time paddler to a Labrador that won’t get out of the water. Below are the five best-rated dog swimming spots in Pembrokeshire, ranked by Google rating, with practical notes on access, parking, and safety so you can plan a trip with confidence.
Quick answer: the top-rated dog swimming spots in Pembrokeshire are Broad Haven South Beach (4.9), Barafundle Bay (4.8), Bosherston Lily Ponds (4.8), Pwllgwaelod Beach (4.8), and Llys-y-Frân Reservoir (4.7) — a mix of coastal bays and calm freshwater alternatives for dogs that prefer still water.
Complete UK database of dog swimming spots can be found here.
1. Broad Haven South Beach — 4.9 stars
Tucked beneath the National Trust car park near Stackpole, Broad Haven South is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Pembrokeshire, and it’s a firm favourite with dog owners. The sand is soft and the water is notably clear, and several visitors specifically mention well-behaved dogs swimming and running freely along the bay. There’s no café directly on the beach, so bring water for both yourself and your dog, and note that the walk down (and back up) involves a sandy slope.
- Address: Pembroke SA71 5DZ
- Good to know: Toilets at the National Trust car park; combine with the nearby Bosherston Lily Ponds walk for a full day out
2. Barafundle Bay — 4.8 stars
Often listed among the best beaches in the UK, Barafundle is reached via a short but hilly walk from the car park, which helps keep it relatively unspoilt even in peak season. The turquoise water and soft sand make it an excellent swimming spot for dogs once you’ve made the walk down. There are no facilities directly on the beach itself, so this is one to plan ahead for with water and a lead for the path down.
- Address: Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Stackpole, Pembroke SA71 5LS
- Good to know: Car park fee applies; steep steps down to the beach, so older or less mobile dogs may need a hand
3. Bosherston Lily Ponds — 4.8 stars
For dogs that prefer calm, still water over waves, the Lily Ponds at Bosherston are a brilliant alternative. This network of National Trust freshwater lakes near Stackpole is explicitly noted as dog and child friendly, with flat, easy walking paths around the water and the chance to spot otters if you’re patient. It pairs naturally with a visit to Broad Haven South or Barafundle, since all three sit within a short walk of one another.
- Address: Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Pembroke SA71 5DH
- Good to know: National Trust car park on site; multiple route lengths depending on how far you want to walk
4. Pwllgwaelod Beach — 4.8 stars
A smaller, quieter bay near Dinas Cross, Pwllgwaelod is explicitly dog friendly and reviewers note it’s a great spot for a swim throughout the year, not just in summer. It’s reached via a single-track road, so allow a little extra time getting there, but the reward is a peaceful beach with toilets, parking, and a coastal path leading up to dramatic cliff-top views if you fancy extending the walk afterwards.
- Address: Dinas Cross, Newport SA42 0SE
- Good to know: Wheelchair accessible once on the sand; single-track approach road with passing places
5. Llys-y-Frân Reservoir — 4.7 stars
If you’d rather swap salt water for a freshwater lake, Llys-y-Frân Country Park near Clarbeston Road is a strong choice. It’s set up for dog walking with well-maintained paths around the reservoir, plus a café and watersports centre if the rest of the family wants to paddleboard while the dog cools off nearby. Designated swimming areas apply around the watersports zone, so it’s worth checking on arrival where dogs are permitted in the water.
- Address: Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire SA63 4RR
- Good to know: First hour of parking is free; café and toilets on site
Water safety tips for swimming dogs
A few basics make a big difference on a Pembrokeshire trip. Check tide times before heading to any coastal spot, since several of these beaches change dramatically between high and low tide. Rinse salt water and sand out of your dog’s coat as soon as you can, since both can irritate skin if left to dry in. A well-fitted, secure collar is worth checking before any beach trip too, since dogs often pull harder when excited by open water — dog training experts suggested collars at calmshops.co.uk are designed to stay comfortable and secure through exactly this kind of energetic day out. If your dog tends to get overstimulated or anxious around new environments or busy beaches, it’s also worth looking at calming aids that can take the edge off the journey there and back.
Most Pembrokeshire beaches allow dogs to swim freely outside of the main lifeguarded summer season (typically May to September), when some beaches restrict dogs to certain sections. Always check local signage, as rules vary beach to beach and can change seasonally.
Bosherston Lily Ponds or Llys-y-Frân Reservoir are better suited to nervous swimmers than open coastal beaches, since the water is calm, sheltered, and free of waves or strong currents.
Yes — Llys-y-Frân has an on-site café, and Pwllgwaelod and Broad Haven South both have nearby cafés or pubs that welcome dogs on outdoor seating.
