Things to do at Broad Haven South Beach
With ample parking, wildlife-rich walks, and plenty of space for family-friendly activities, Broad Haven South Beach is one of the best beaches in Wales. Here are some of our favourite things to do during a visit.

Bring your bucket and spade
Masses of soft, golden sand ensure that there is more than enough room for everyone to enjoy a traditional bucket-and-spade day out at this beautiful beach in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. At low tide, the soft sandy expanse here seems to go on for miles before it meets the shimmering, turquoise waters, so pack up the rounders bat, the cricket set and the frisbee for an afternoon in the sunshine.
Families will love exploring the boulders and ‘island’ on the west side of the bay to discover mysterious caves and springs gushing out of the cliffs. And when your little ones aren’t busy carving out hopscotch grids in the sand, they will adore splashing through the clear stream that trickles across the sand from the Lily Ponds behind the beach (more on those later!).

Enjoy a Seashore Safari
Broad Haven South Beach is a playground for both young and old. The National Trust has created a self-led Seashore Safari for visitors to follow with a selection of nature-themed challenges to try along the route. Simply pick up a map from the visitor reception, set off on the trail and see what you can find.

Dive into the waves
The blissfully blue waters at Broad Haven South Beach are too inviting to refuse, so you won’t want to forget your bathers. After a couple of hours of sunbathing with a book, cool off with a refreshing dip in the waves. There’s an intriguing limestone stack just offshore, known as Church Rock, which is an ideal spot for swimming. Take care if you plan to swim at Broad Haven South Beach though as the currents can be strong and can change quickly.
The bay is also a great choice for surfers, providing the conditions are right. The surf at Broad Haven South Beach is somewhat variable and not always suitable for beginners. But on a good day, seasoned surfers have been known to enjoy large barrel waves and wedge-like breaks, particularly along the south-westerly area of the beach.
Read our guide to 9 of the best beaches for surfing in Wales for more popular surf spots nearby.

Have a go at sea angling
One of the best beaches for fishing in Pembrokeshire, Broad Haven South Beach is a huge draw for sea anglers. The most likely catches of the day include sea bass, wrasse, pollack, bull huss, and mackerel.
Younger visitors should also bring their nets as there’s a wealth of curious creatures from the deep to be found among the rock pools and hidden sea caves in the cliffsides along the headland.

Visit Bosherston Lakes
At the north end of Broad Haven South Beach, you will find Bosherston Lakes. Also known as Bosherston Lily Ponds, this 80-acre National Nature Reserve is managed by the National Trust and is one of the best days out in Pembrokeshire.
These three freshwater lakes are best known for their dazzling display of lilies each June and July. The leaves and spectacular white blooms provide shelter for frogs and nectar for insects, and there’s also a chance you may spot the resident population of otters frolicking in the water, as well as over 20 species of dragonfly. The ponds offer good coarse fishing and are well-stocked.
Walks near Broad Haven South Beach
Situated on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, it should come as no surprise that there is a myriad of scenic walks from Broad Haven South Beach. Read on to discover some of our favourites, which we think are among the best walks in Pembrokeshire.

Bosherston Lily Ponds Trail
One of the most popular Broad Haven South Beach walks is the easy 1-mile trail around Bosherston Lily Ponds. This delightful stroll is brimming with wildlife all year round, with the chance of spotting a cornucopia of birds, dragonflies, otters, and the famed water lilies. The lakeside path is mostly along even gravel paths and dogs are welcome.
Good to know
- Distance: 1 mile
- Difficulty: Easy
- Facilities: National Trust car park with WCs, plus a café and pub can be found in Bosherston village
- Stay nearby: Coastguard House 1 | Sleeps 4 + 1 dog

Broad Haven South Beach to Stackpole Quay
Set off on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path from Broad Haven South Beach on a 3-mile adventure to Stackpole Quay. En route, you will see Stackpole Head which is a breeding ground for kittiwakes, razorbills, fulmars and guillemots. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some puffins.
You will also pass through Barafundle Bay, regularly voted as one of the best beaches in the UK and only accessible via the coastal path. The final stop is Stackpole Quay, a small, picture-postcard bay nestled amongst the cliffs and a favourite with kayakers.
Good to know
- Distance: 3.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Facilities: National Trust car park with WCs at Broad Haven South Beach and Stackpole Quay, plus a café on the harbour at Stackpole Quay
- Stay nearby: Chestnut Cottage – Stackpole | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs

Bosherston to St Govan’s Chapel
This 4.4-mile circular trail will take you around the headland to see the incredible St Govan’s Chapel, built into the cliffside. This tiny hermit’s cell is full of myth and legend: make a wish at ‘Bell Rock’ and see if you can count the steps down and up again – many say that the number is never the same! Please note that access to St Govan’s Head may be restricted by the Ministry of Defence at certain times of the year.
Good to know
- Distance: 4.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Facilities: National Trust car park with WCs at Broad Haven South Beach and Bosherston village, plus a café and pub can be found in Bosherston village
- Stay nearby: Broad Haven Cottage | Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Food and drink near Broad Haven South Beach
You’ll have soon worked up an appetite after making the most of all these exciting activities. So, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to eat near Broad Haven South Beach where you can refuel after your adventures. For more inspiration, check out our Wales food and drink guide.

Ye Olde World Café
If you’re craving a spot of afternoon tea with homemade scones and delicate sandwiches, then Ye Olde World Café, also known as Bosherston Tea Rooms, is the perfect place. After a morning on the sand, sit inside this cosy cafe or outside in the sunshine, with a pot of tea and a slice of sticky cake and watch the world go by.
Good to know
- Location: Bosherston, Pembroke, SA71 5DN
- Opening times: Monday–Sunday 11.15am–5pm
- Why not try: A delicious cream tea with fresh scones laden with fruity jam and a mountain of clotted cream
- Stay nearby: Sea Gem | Sleeps 4

St. Govan’s Inn
For hearty pub fare, head to St. Govan’s Inn in Bosherston. The village’s sole watering hole, this country inn is a cosy place to dine, with its exposed beams adorned in horse brasses, and a crackling wood burner. Sit beside the fire with a fine cask ale and a newspaper or peruse the menu of delicious homemade dishes.
Good to know
- Location: Bosherston, Pembroke, SA71 5DN
- Opening times: Monday–Friday 12pm–2.30pm and 6pm–8.30pm, Saturday–Sunday 12pm–8.30pm
- Why not try: Homemade cawl, a traditional Welsh soup with cheese and crusty bread
- Stay nearby: Welcome, Croeso | Sleeps 4

The Stackpole Inn
Just 4 miles away from Broad Haven South Beach is The Stackpole Inn, an award-winning gastropub. Diners can choose between the sunny beer garden, or the atmospheric interiors with low, wooden ceilings, exposed stone walls, and a glowing wood burner. The menu changes regularly and showcases local seasonal ingredients.
Good to know
- Location: Jasons Corner, Stackpole, Pembroke, SA71 5DF
- Opening times: Food is served Monday–Saturday 12pm–2pm and 5.30pm–8pm, and Sunday 12pm–3pm and 5.30pm–8pm
- Why not try: Whole roast bream served with beurre noisette, capers, cockles, parsley, and roasted potatoes
- Stay nearby: Seathrift | Sleeps 4
Map of Broad Haven South Beach
Find all the places mentioned above in our map of Broad Haven South Beach.
Stay near Broad Haven South Beach
With so many things to do around Broad Haven South Beach, you’ll need somewhere to take the weight off your feet in between adventures.
Our holiday cottages in Pembrokeshire are peppered among the coast and countryside in a range of different sizes, so you’re sure to find somewhere special for your stay. Click the button below to browse our self-catering accommodation in Pembrokeshire.
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