Things to do in freshwater West beach with friends

Freshwater West is the perfect spot if you’re on holiday with your friend in the UK, specifically in Pembrokeshire, Wales, and looking to spend quality time at the beach. Located on the south coast of Wales, this beautiful beach offers plenty of activities and attractions that will make your trip unforgettable.

You can indulge in watersports like bodyboarding, surfing, swimming, and snorkeling. Plus, it has been used as a filming site for both Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows, parts 1 & 2. So if you’re planning an adventure with your buddies or just want to spend some laid-back days in the sun, read on to find out why Freshwater West Beach should be on your list.

Where is freshwater West beach
Freshwater West beach is located near Castlemartin in South Pembrokeshire National Park, one of ten national parks throughout England and Wales. The beach lies at the southwest tip of the Welsh coast and is bordered by rocky cliffs, making it ideal for water sports enthusiasts. It was awarded the Blue Flag award due to its cleanliness standards, making it one of the best beaches in Wales.

Note that barbeques and camping are not permitted because of the fragility of the sand dunes.

Means of getting to freshwater West beach
Getting to Freshwater West beach from Pembrokeshire is relatively easy since there are several ways to reach this fantastic destination. If you are coming from the Village of Angle and fancy a walk, it is about 8 miles and 3 miles from Castlemartin.

If you are coming by bus from Pembroke, you can take bus 387 or 388, which will take about 45 minutes and drop you near the beach. However, if driving from Pembroke, take route B4320, which will take roughly 15 minutes.

Note that two small car parks are free. One is at the northern end of the beach, where you’ll be required to walk through the sand dunes to access the beach.

The second car park is at the beach’s southern end, and here you have access to facilities such as toilets and a mobile food van. And the beach is just a walk away via a ramp.

Why should you and your friends visit freshwater West beach
Freshwater West beach is an excellent choice for you and your friends if you want to experience some of the best nature offers. The beach is backed by sand dunes and strong waves, making it ideal for a day in the water.

It is not crowded
Freshwater West is just what you need if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful spot away from the hustle of city life. Despite its popularity, it rarely gets crowded, making it even more attractive to those who want peace and quiet.

The best time to visit the beach is early in the morning, between 8 am and 9 am, and the people you’ll see are dog walkers and surfers. Note that the beach gets overcrowded during the summer, so it’s wise to go early as the parking lots fill up quickly with cars and vans.

Lots of water sport activities
As mentioned, Freshwater West Beach offers plenty of water sports activities such as surfing, bodyboarding, snorkeling, and swimming, making it perfect for having fun with your friends.
You can rent surfboards or wetsuits from several local shops located nearby. In addition, many experienced instructors can show you how to get started in these adrenaline-filled activities.

• Surfing
  If surfing is your thing, this is the perfect spot. Plenty of waves are rolling in from St George’s Bay, making it ideal for those wanting to catch some serious swells.
• Windsurfing
  Another great way to enjoy yourself at Freshwater West Beach is by windsurfing. The strong winds that blow through here provide excellent conditions for sailing and boarding. However, you must wear a life jacket when participating in water sports. You can rent windsurfing boards and sails from local shops.
• KiteSurfing
  If you’re looking for a more extreme watersport, why not try kitesurfing? This activity is becoming increasingly popular at Freshwater West, offering some of the most thrilling experiences on the water. Plus, with plenty of space on the beach to launch your kites, there’s no need to worry about crowding or sharing waves with other riders. Ensure you follow all safety regulations when trying this sport since it can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
• Bodyboarding
  Freshwater West also offers excellent opportunities for bodyboarders as strong waves crash onto the shore year-round. Whether you’re an experienced rider or someone just starting, you will find plenty of spots here to enjoy your ride with friends.
• Swimming
  You can also go swimming. However, the currents and waves can be pretty rough. Therefore, swimmers are encouraged to stay within the flags.

Amazing rock pools and clear water
One of the most attractive features of Freshwater West is its amazing rock pools that are scattered across the beach. You’ll find plenty of marine life here, such as starfish, crabs, and anemones. And due to its crystal clear waters, visibility underwater is excellent.

It’s a great spot for snorkelers who want to explore up close or just take in the beauty of nature while swimming around in these shallow areas. It would also be a great place to explore with a clear kayak, allowing you to view marine life.

Collect colorful rocks and shells
If exploring rock pools isn’t your thing, why not collect colorful rocks and shells along the shoreline? This is a great activity for kids and adults since plenty of these treasures are hidden away, just waiting to be discovered.

You can take the rocks home and cover the planters to enhance aesthetics. Alternatively, you can choose to creatively compete with each other by creating art using colorful stones, then take photos and sell them on stock sites. It can also be a great way to collect souvenirs, like shells.

Clean toilets
If you and your friends plan on spending the whole day at Freshwater West, plenty of facilities are available such as clean toilets and showers. These are ideal for freshening up after a long sunny day or taking a break. Plus, there is plenty of parking space, so you don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to leave your car while you enjoy all these amazing activities the beach offers.

Lobster roll at Café Mor
If you love seafood, head down to Café Mor, which serves freshly prepared lobster rolls and is perfect for refueling after a long day of exploring the beach.

Visit Dobbies grave
Freshwater West is known for its natural beauty and rich history; it is also home to Dobby’s grave. This grave’s size grows yearly as visitors keep piling up painted pebbles and socks every time they visit.

This mysterious grave remains shrouded in mystery and legend. However, visitors can still pay their respects and explore the area, so you don’t have to worry about it disappearing.

Finding Dobby’s grave can be challenging as it’s tucked deep in the sand dunes. And for easy access, you should park near Café Mor and take the laid-out path.

Walk on the Golden Sand Dunes
When visiting Freshwater West Beach, take some time from swimming and exploring rock pools to walk on its golden sand dunes. These beautiful hills are perfect for enjoying stunning views and offer the ideal backdrop for taking Instagram-worthy photos with friends.

Fly kites
Flying kites is always fun, but even more so when it’s done at Freshwater West beach, which offers plenty of open spaces and strong winds. So let the kids in you and have fun flying kites. You can opt for the traditional paper kite or something more modern such as an inflatable dragon, and let them soar in the sky.

Taking photos
Freshwater West is not only great for watersports but also for taking photos. With its golden sand dunes, crystal clear water, and stunning rock pools, there are endless opportunities to capture beautiful memories that will stay with you forever. Don’t forget about Dobbies Grave, an interesting background for Harry Potter fans.

Go for a hike
If your friends want to explore more of what this area offers, then why not go for a hike? Plenty of trails lead up into the hills, where you can take in spectacular views and spot wildlife such as wild ponies.

It was used as a filming site for Harry Potter and deathly Hallows
Harry Potter fans will be pleased to know that Freshwater West Beach was used as a filming site for the final two parts of The Deathly Hallows. So if you’re looking for a magical experience with your friends, why not head down here and see what the fuss is about?

Gupton farm has plenty of accommodation
If you and your friends are planning an extended trip out of it, don’t forget to check out Gupton Farm, which has plenty of accommodation options available, including camping and self-catering cottages. This way, you can stay close by while enjoying everything the beach offers.

Final thoughts
Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is a hidden gem that you should definitely not miss out on when visiting the UK. The fact that it has been used as a filming location for Harry Potter, its clear waters, plenty of parking space, and lots of water sport activities make it the perfect place to spend time with friends.