This secluded beach in Pembrokeshire is so beautiful, it could easily be mistaken for a tropical paradise – and it is the perfect spot for a day out in the sun
Pembrokeshire’s beaches are so stunning, the only downside is having to pick one for a day trip. Even if you reckon you’ve explored every nook and cranny of the Pembrokeshire coast path, there’s a good chance you’ve overlooked this hidden gem.
While it might not be as well-known as other Pembrokeshire hotspots like Saundersfoot or Tenby, this secluded beach could be your very own slice of paradise. What’s more, the views here are truly awe-inspiring, with the beach offering an unobstructed panorama of the Milford Haven waterway.
Welcome to Watwick Bay, tucked away on the south-west coast of the county. Its sand is the softest, most golden you’ll ever tread on in Wales, and its crystal-clear waters shimmer with a tropical-aquamarine hue. In other travel news, a British man claimed ‘I moved from UK to Benidorm – price of a pint and Full English left me floored’.
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At Watwick Bay, it’s not uncommon to spot yachts owned by the well-heeled, who’ve anchored in the bay to enjoy picnics and savour wine. If there was ever a spot where you could pretend you were lounging on the most exclusive beach in Europe, this would be it.
But, owning a yacht isn’t a prerequisite to enjoying this idyllic spot. In fact, a stroll to Watwick beach is a fantastic way to take in all the spectacular views the surrounding area has to offer, reports Wales Online. Nestled on the Dale peninsula and at the mouth of the Milford Haven waterway, Watwick Bay is a two-mile hike along the coast path from the village of Dale.
En route to the beach, you’ll encounter Dale Fort, a 19th-century construction designed to protect Milford Haven from a French invasion that never came to pass. These defence walls later earned the nickname Palmerston’s Follies, after Lord Palmerston, the Prime Minister of the era.
Upon reaching Watwick Bay, you might just have a beach all to yourself. But it’s not just about the solitude – the views are something else. The distant industrial skyline provides a stark contrast to the estuary’s vibrant blues and greens. Look in the other direction, and you’re greeted with the sight of the Angle peninsula and the vast ocean beyond.
Tucked away is Thorne Island’s Victorian fort, another one of Palmerston’s Follies, which has been converted into one of Wales’ most unique homes by tech tycoon Mike Conner. It’s crucial to check the tide times before heading to the beach as high tide leaves little sand visible, and you certainly don’t want to be caught out by an incoming tide.
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But with careful planning and preparation, you’ll be treated to one of Pembrokeshire’s most breathtaking and serene experiences. The journey to the bay along a winding, tree-lined trail adds a real sense of adventure, making you feel like you’re the first person to discover this hidden beach gem. The pristine blue waters are so clear that you can see the seabed and watch crabs scuttling across the sand. Thanks to its sheltered location, the water is perhaps a degree or two warmer than more exposed beaches.
Some might suggest that the best way to explore is to start at Dale and meander towards Dale Fort, pack a picnic and take a break at Watwick, but then carry on with your journey afterwards. You can extend your walk towards the West Blockhouse, another Victorian structure, and the remnants of the concrete gun emplacements from World War Two.
There’s a circular route right around St Anne’s head, approximately six miles in total, which takes in Mill Bay, a site of historical significance where King Henry VII landed in 1485 prior to the Battle of Bosworth, and the lighthouse at St Ann’s Head. It’s along these rugged rocks where the Sea Empress spilled 72,000 tons of oil into the sea.
On clear days, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Skokholm Island and Skomer further north, islands teeming with puffins, gannets, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Further on, you’ll pass Frenchman’s Bay and Welshman’s Bay as you steadily make your way north to Westdale Bay. From here, you’ll head back down to Dale.
Once a bustling port in Pembrokeshire, Dale has now transformed into a haven for water sports enthusiasts, particularly those keen on sailing and windsurfing. It’s also an ideal spot to enjoy a pint and an ice cream. Watwick Bay offers the perfect escape from reality, providing a sense of seclusion while still being within walking distance of modern-day comforts. It truly is worth the journey.