Highlight • Natural
Hiking
4.8
(29)
Cycling
5.0
(7)
Road cycling
5.0
(5)
West Angle Bay Beach is a picturesque, sheltered cove nestled on the western end of the Castlemartin peninsula in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Situated at the mouth of the Milford Haven Waterway, this beautiful spot is part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and lies approximately 8 meters above sea level. Known for its ecological significance, it forms part of the Pembrokeshire Marine Coastal Special Area of Conservation, offering a unique blend of golden sand and intriguing rock formations.
Visitors consistently praise…
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
July 18, 2022
Road cycling
July 21, 2022
Cycling
July 11, 2023
Hiking
Sign up for a free komoot account to get 2 more insider tips and takes.
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near West Angle Bay Beach
4.5
(16)
201
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(23)
148
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 10 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 2 April
13°C
7°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
The beach at West Angle Bay transforms significantly with the tides. At high tide, the sandy area can be quite narrow. However, at low tide, a vast expanse of golden sand is revealed, perfect for ball games, exploring rock pools, and accessing the 'secret beach' through a cut in the cliffs. For the best experience, especially with families or if you wish to explore the full beach, planning your visit around low tide is highly recommended. You can check local tide tables online before your trip.
Absolutely! West Angle Bay Beach is widely considered ideal for families. Toddlers and young children will love exploring the numerous rock pools for marine life, building sandcastles on the wide sandy expanse at low tide, and gentle paddling in the sheltered waters. The easy access via a slipway from the car park makes it convenient for families with pushchairs, and beach wheelchairs can also be booked online for those who need them.
There is a large car park conveniently located right by the beach. While charges apply seasonally, it provides easy access to the sand via a slipway. Visitors often note that the car park can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, sunny days, and weekends. Arriving earlier in the day is advisable to secure a spot, particularly if you're visiting with family.
Yes, West Angle Bay Beach is very dog-friendly! Dogs are permitted on the beach year-round, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy a coastal walk or a day out with their furry companions.
Yes, there are excellent facilities right by the beach. The Wavecrest Cafe is located by the car park, offering local produce and refreshments. Public toilets are also available year-round, though it's worth noting they do not have disabled or baby changing facilities.
West Angle Bay Beach is a fantastic starting point for family-friendly walks. It's situated along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, offering easy and scenic strolls with stunning views. You can enjoy gentle walks along the coastline, exploring the headlands and taking in the views across the Milford Haven Waterway. The terrain around the immediate bay area is generally accessible, though some coastal path sections may involve inclines.
Access to the beach itself is good, with a slipway leading directly from the car park to the sand, which is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. For those requiring additional assistance, beach wheelchairs can be booked online. While the immediate beach area is accessible, some of the coastal paths nearby may be less suitable for pushchairs due to uneven terrain.
Beyond the beautiful sandy beach, West Angle Bay is rich in natural features. Look out for the abundant rock pools at low tide, which are teeming with marine life. The cliffs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to their significant geological features, including Carboniferous Limestone with crinoid fossils. Don't miss the 'secret beach' accessible through a cut in the rocks at low tide, and enjoy the panoramic views across to St Ann's Head and the shipping traffic in the waterway.
While West Angle Bay is excellent for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities, it's important to be aware that there can be strong currents, particularly as it's located at the mouth of the Milford Haven Estuary. There is no lifeguard service at this beach, so caution is advised, especially with children. Always supervise children closely and be mindful of the tides and currents.
West Angle Bay Beach is a beautiful destination year-round, but the best time depends on your preferences. Summer offers warmer weather for swimming and sunbathing, though it can be busier. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for walking and exploring with fewer crowds. Its sheltered nature makes it a sun trap, particularly in the afternoons, and it's a fantastic spot to watch the sunset in any season. Always check the tide times for the best beach experience.
Yes, West Angle Bay is known for its geological significance, particularly its Carboniferous Limestone cliffs. These cliffs are packed with crinoids, making it a great spot for fossil hunting, especially in the rock formations and exposed areas at low tide. It's a fascinating activity for curious visitors of all ages.