Guide to Broad Haven Beach

Beaches, Coastal, Days out

Posted by Stephane Lawes on 8th July 2024

Broad Haven Beach and Little Haven Beach with the Pembrokeshire countryside behind

Nestled in the glorious Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the quaint seaside village of Broad Haven charms with its surrounding hills, sandy streets and peaceful promenade. A haven for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts, the village plays host to one of our favourite beaches in Wales, Broad Haven Beach.

Otherwise known as Broad Haven North Beach, and not to be confused with Broad Haven South Beach 20 miles away, this 1.5-mile stretch of soft sand gained popularity in the Victorian era, and to this day continues to welcome families, surfers and fellow lovers of the outdoors.

Read on to explore our guide to Broad Haven Beach which highlights our favourite activities, nearby Pembrokeshire walks, the best places to eat and drink, information for dog owners, and plenty more. You can also click the button below to browse our collection of holiday cottages nearby.

Holiday cottages in Broad Haven


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Broad Haven Beach FAQs

Yes, dogs are allowed on Broad Haven Beach but there is a small, seasonal restriction. Between 1 May and 30 September dogs are not allowed on the northern third of the beach but are welcome to run freely everywhere else throughout the year.

Yes, you can park close to Broad Haven Beach. As well as on-street parking around the village, there are two main car parks. Broad Haven Beach Parking, on Marine Road, offers pay and display spaces including three disabled parking bays. Cash, card and PayByPhone are accepted.

Alternatively, Broad Haven North Car Park is at the other end of the beach. This pay and display car park offers 120 spaces including disabled bays and EV charging. Cash and PayByPhone are accepted.

Ahead of your visit check out The Beach Guide’s tide and weather report for Broad Haven Beach. For a more exciting tide and surf report, survey the beach and water from the comfort of your sofa by using Haven Sports’ Broad Haven Webcam.


Things to do in Broad Haven

If you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic day on the sand, then Broad Haven is your perfect choice. At low tide, beachgoers have almost 2 miles of shoreline to unwind on, whether that means building sandcastles with little ones, surfing, wild swimming, wildlife spotting and more.


Broad Haven Beach and village on a sunny day

Enjoy a family beach day

Golden sands, turquoise waters, and nearby shops, cafes and restaurants combine to offer all the ingredients for a memorable family day on the beach at Broad Haven. Whether you plan on sunbathing, playing beach games, rock pooling or heading for the water, Broad Haven North Beach is a delightful destination for the day. 

With RNLI lifeguards patrolling the beach from June to September, parents can rest easy knowing that little ones are in safe waters. Other activities for your family beach day include coastal walks, a choice of water sports, and guided wild swimming, all of which you can learn about in this blog.

Good to know

  • Location: Enfield Road, Broad Haven SA62 3JW
  • Opening times: Open all day, all year round
  • Prices: Free entry
  • Stay nearby: 32 St Brides Bay View Apts | sleeps 4

A person in a winter wetsuit surfing a wave

Surfing and water sports

Of all the things to do in Pembrokeshire, surfing, paddleboarding and other water sports are up there with the most popular activities, and that is certainly the case for west-facing Broad Haven North Beach. 

The large stretch of sand combines with consistent surf conditions, while the beach’s position in St Brides Bay can also allow for sheltered waters that are ideal for paddleboarding. Closer to the cliffs await hidden coves and nesting seabirds, and the best way to witness these is from a kayak. 

Take to the clear waters with the comfort of RNLI lifeguards watching over the beach in the high season, and if you don’t have any gear, nearby Haven Sports is on hand to kit you out. Just metres from the beach, Haven Sports offer a wide range of wetsuits, surf and paddleboards, beach attire, and plenty more.

Good to know


A person putting their goggles on before swimming in the sea

Guided wild swimming

Broad Haven Beach’s calm and clean waters combine with the surrounding coastline to offer a paradise for wild swimming. So, whether you’re a keen swimmer or a newbie dipper, we highly recmommend braving the cold, and Wild Swim Wales is ready to guide you all the way. 

The qualified and experienced team at Wild Swim Wales know the nearby waters like the back of their hand and offer a wide range of ocean adventures from sea safety sessions to guided swims and wellbeing courses. 

One of their most popular sessions is the three-hour Pembrokeshire Wild Swim Adventure which, depending on the water conditions, can include cave and sunset swims, snorkel safaris, breakfast on the beach, and even a spot of skinny dipping if you’re feeling adventurous!

Good to know

  • Location: Wild Swim Wales, Marine Road, Broad Haven SA62 3JR
  • Opening times: 6am–10pm every day
  • Prices: Wild swim sessions start at £30 – see their booking page for more prices
  • Stay nearby: Coach House – Broad Haven | sleeps 4 + 1 dog

Food and drink near Broad Haven Beach

If you’re on the hunt for places to eat near Broad Haven Beach, you’ll find a delightful range of restaurants, cafes and pubs serving treats from the Welsh waters and fields around. Below are three of our favourite foodie spots in the village, but we can’t fail to mention the fantastic views, pizzas and pastas at Sunshine Italian, or the traditional, battered goodies at Off The Hook Bistro.


The sandwiches and burgers at Sand and Stone Kitchen in Broad Haven Photo credit: Sand and Stone Kitchen

Sand and Stone Kitchen

Set just 10 metres from the beach, Sand and Stone Kitchen is open from breakfast through to dinner and offers a fantastic, family-friendly pause during a beach day. Known for their signature burgers, one of which won Best Burger in Pembrokeshire 2020, this welcoming restaurant is one for keen foodies who will delight in the Instagram-worthy dishes on offer. 

Expect towering burgers oozing with cheese, fries and nachos loaded with treats, and all-day breakfasts from full fry ups to salmon bagels and smashed avocados. Dogs are welcome, little ones are cared for thanks to the children’s menu, and a takeaway service allows for beach picnics.

Good to know

  • Location: Sand and Stone Kitchen, 3 Marine Road, Broad Haven SA62 3JR
  • Why not try? The Nacho Average Burger with cheese, jalapenos and chipotle
  • Stay nearby: St Brides Bay Sea View | sleeps 4

The view from The Galleon Inn in Broad Haven, and one of their sandwiches Photo credit: The Galleon Inn

The Galleon Inn

Even closer to Broad Haven North Beach awaits The Galleon Inn, one of the village’s most popular pubs where panoramic sea views, wholesome food and drink, and vibrant live music events are guaranteed. 

On chilly days, wine and dine in the cosy pub interior, or head outside on sunny days to eat alfresco at the picnic benches that overlook the water. In the day, the lunch menu boasts fresh sandwiches, jacket potatoes, toasties and salads – perfect for a midday refuel. 

On an evening, choose from their catch of the day, grilled meats from the local butchers, pub classics and homemade burgers. Little ones can choose from a children’s menu, and dogs are welcome to join you on the lead.

Good to know

  • Location: The Galleon Inn, 35 Enfield Road, Broad Haven SA62 3JW
  • Why not try? Salmon teriyaki served with rice, grilled peppers and onions
  • Stay nearby: Aeradŵr | sleeps 4

The chic interior of Ocean Cafe Bar and Restaurant in Broad Haven, and one of their takeaway meals on the beach Photo credit: The Ocean Cafe Bar and Restaurant

The Ocean Cafe Bar and Restaurant

Whether you fancy breakfast, lunch, an afternoon drink, or an evening of fresh seafood, The Ocean Cafe Bar and Restaurant is the perfect option for you. Set just off the promenade and halfway along the beach, this is a scenic and convenient spot for a beach day break. 

Popular amongst locals and holiday makers, this sun-soaked venue is open from breakfast through to dinner, and stays open for late-night drinks. In the morning, the Ocean Full Breakfast impresses, as does its veggie counterpart. At lunch, choose from sharing platters, homemade curries and more, while on an evening, the restaurant’s reputation for fresh and local seafood shines.

Good to know

  • Location: St Brides Bay View, Enfield Road, Broad Haven SA62 3JG
  • Why not try? Beer-battered jumbo cod and chips with tartare sauce
  • Stay nearby: Broad Haven Beach View | sleeps 4

Walks near Broad Haven Beach

Broad Haven and the surrounding Pembrokeshire coastline and countryside make for unbeatable walking territory. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path leads to golden beaches and hidden coves, while the region’s rich countryside is busy with wildlife and historic sites.


The Pembrokeshire Coast Path between Broad Haven and Little Haven

Discover the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

The undulating Pembrokeshire Coast Path is one of the jewels in the region’s crown, and Broad Haven Beach falls right on its course. For this reason, we could hardly mention local walks without shining a light on this popular, 186-mile national trail. 

Head to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path website to plan your walk, fitting it around picnic spots, lesser-known beaches, and charming seaside villages. From Broad Haven Beach, follow the trail northwards to find Druidston Beach within an hour, or Nolton Haven in 90 minutes.

In the opposite direction, head out of Broad Haven and reach Little Haven in under 30 minutes, or up the ante with a 6-mile walk to St Brides, which should take just over two hours to complete.

Good to know

  • Distance: Up to 186 miles of coastal routes to choose from
  • Difficulty: Easy to challenging depending on the chosen trail
  • Facilities: Vary depending on walk – see their access page for details
  • Stay nearby: Paradise View | sleeps 6

The vast beach at Newgale Sands in Pembrokeshire on a sunny day

Broad Haven Beach to Newgale Sands

If you’ve just arrived in Broad Haven and fancy seeing the very best of the surrounding coastline, with the bonus of local wildlife, panoramic ocean views and welcoming seaside villages, then the 6.7-mile, point-to-point trail to Newgale Sands beckons. 

Heading up the hill and out of Broad Haven, twisting with the cliffs and passing through neighbouring Druiston Haven and Nolton Haven before reaching the turnback point in Newgale, this is a moderately challenging yet rewarding walk.

Good to know

  • Distance: 6.7 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate 
  • Facilities: Car parks, public toilets, shops, restaurants and pubs in Druidston Haven, Nolton Haven and Newgale
  • Stay nearby: Awel Y Môr – Broad Haven | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

Solva Harbour in Pembrokeshire, surrounded by tree-lined hills

Broad Haven Beach to Solva

If you’re keen walkers with good fitness and fancy more of a challenge, then the 11-mile, point-to-point walk from Broad Haven to Solva is calling out to you. Stretching the length of St Brides Bay, this is another fantastic way to see coastal wildlife, local towns and villages, and hidden beaches. 

Along its course, you’ll find plenty of picnic spots to pause at, or you can dive into a wide choice of cafes, restaurants and pubs when passing through Druidston Haven, Nolton Haven, and Newgale. If you don’t fancy the walk back, then you’ll be pleased to find the 400 bus that runs directly from Solva’s Memorial Hall back to Broad Haven.

Good to know

  • Distance: 11.3 miles
  • Difficulty: Difficult 
  • Facilities: Car parks, public toilets, shops, restaurants and pubs in Druidston Haven, Nolton Haven, Newgale and Solva
  • Stay nearby: Ty Del | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

Broad Haven Beach for dogs

If you’re planning a day out at Broad Haven North Beach and don’t want to leave your furry friends behind, then you’ll be happy to know that dogs are made very welcome here, but there is a seasonal restriction that you should be aware of.


A person walking their dog along the beach as the tide goes out

Broad Haven Beach dog restrictions

Broad Haven’s stretch of golden sand welcomes dogs throughout the year, but there is a seasonal restriction at the northern end of the beach between 1 May and 30 September, which is clearly signposted. 

Apart from this small restriction, pooches are free to run wild everywhere else. When the tide is out, there’s plenty of room for dogs to spend all their energy. At high tide, the water is calm and sheltered, making it perfect for doggy paddles.


A dog playing with a tennis ball on a sandy beach

Other dog-friendly beaches near Broad Haven 

If your pooch loves their time at Broad Haven Beach and fancies another dog-friendly stretch of sand, then pet owners will be glad to hear that they’re surrounded by dog-friendly beaches – with three to choose from within just 2 miles. 

Half a mile away is the small stretch of sand and shingle at Little Haven Beach, where dogs are welcome throughout the year without restrictions. We recommend leaving the car at home and enjoying the scenic coast path walk with Fido to get there. 

Slightly further away in the opposite direction awaits the vast stretch of sand and pebbles at Druidston Haven Beach, where again, there are zero dog restrictions. There’s a steep drop from the clifftops to the beach, but Fido will thank you on arrival, as this beach is a paradise for pooches. 

Just under 2 miles away from Broad Haven Beach, Nolton Haven Beach welcomes dogs throughout the year without restrictions, and offers a lesser-known spot surrounded by rolling hills that dogs will love exploring on their walk back home.


Map of Broad Haven Beach

To help you locate our favourite things to do at Broad Haven Beach and the surrounding area, explore our map below.

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Holiday cottages in Broad Haven

With so much seaside fun to be had at Broad Haven Beach, why not enhance your Welsh getaway by booking a stay in one of our self-catering holiday cottages nearby? Click the button below to explore our collection and find getaways for solo travellers and couples, groups of friends, and extended families.

Holiday cottages in Broad Haven

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.