This beauty spot offers stunning views, turquoise waters and soft luxurious sand perfect for those looking for a quiet trip away
With its turquoise blue waters, yellow sands and leafy green foliage, many of us dream of a Caribbean escape – but it turns out you can actually find the same experience closer to your doorstep. The UK is home to hundreds of beautiful beaches, and one of them looks just like it belongs in a tropical paradise.
Found on one of the furthest tips of Wales, Freshwater West is easily one of Britain’s most stunning beaches. It spans about a mile of coast and is composed of soft golden sand and surrounded by the rolling green Castlemartin ranges, creating an untouched, awe-inspiring landscape that has inspired filmmakers worldwide. In particular, Harry Potter fans will be excited to discover that it was the location used to film Dobby’s iconic shell college in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2. A shrine dedicated to the gentile elf can be found nestled away in the sand dunes, complete with inscribed pebbles and a cross.
One five star TripAdvisor review reads: “Gorgeous expansive beach with sand dunes and great rock pools. Unspoilt and un-commercialised. Narrow roads to get there but reasonable parking with NT toilet facilities and a hot drinks van. The “Dobby Shrine” is massive and wonderfully odd but worth a look especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan as this beach was a film location for Deathly Hallows.”
Located just a 15 minute drive from the picturesque town of Pembroke, the beach is relatively accessible. Visitors can enjoy a stop in the castle before ambling down the remote, narrow roads to this secret seaside paradise.
Even better, the beach is ideal for both adventure-seekers and those looking for a quiet retreat. The long stretch of sand and stunning views means that it is perfectly suited for leisurely picnics, sunbathing and strolls. However, its strong waves also make it a great location for surfers. Although, water sports enthusiasts should be advised to take safety precautions. According to visit pembrokeshire.com: “This south-westerly facing beach has the best waves in the county BUT it’s only for the experienced and strong swimming surfer. Strong rip currents occur off this beach. It’s the best place to go to watch surfing.
“The beach is wide, sandy, and backed by an extensive system of dunes. The dunes are fragile so no camping or barbeques are allowed. There’s a rocky reef at the southern end and some quiet bays at the other.”