Bell tent glamping at
Warren Farm, Wales

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Freshwater West. Arguably the best beach in Pembs

Friends & family probably already know how this review is going to go, after all, Freshwater West is not only the closest beach to the farm, it's also been our favourite beach for many, many decades.

What it's like

Big sandy beach with extensive dunes and a moving line of shingle, west facing into the Atlantic. Fabulous beach for surfing, kayaking & kite surfing, but best avoided if you want to swim as there are rips, quicksands & submerged objects, particularly if you’re a weak swimmer or a child.
Rabbit Island is the small & easily climb-able island towards the south end.
Russell Crowe (http://warrenfarm NULL.wales/2013/05/russell-rates-relaxing-fresh-west/) is quite fond of Fresh West too.

What to do when you're there

  • Lay a pebble on Dobby's grave: it was the location of Shell Cottage in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
  • Climb Rabbit Island & do rolly-pollies on the super-bouncy grass
  • Watch the Welsh National Surf Championships (normally held around May)
  • Admire the scenery and the fabulous sunsets. At very low tides, look for evidence of submerged forests
  • Learn to surf with local surf school Outer Reef

Other things you should know about it

The main car park has toilets & is home to the amazing Cafe Mor from Easter to September.
Whilst many people try their luck, camping is NOT allowed on the beach or the surrounding land and the National Trust wardens regularly eject people.
There’s an army range to the south and access is restricted. The off-limits area includes The Pole, a renowned surf spot, but experienced surfers area sometimes granted access if they complete the necessary training and request it in advance.
Up until 2010 this beach did not have a lifeguard patrol and people used the beach at their own risk. Out of season, you’re still on your own. Please be careful.
Fresh West is extremely popular with campervans, and it’s sometimes difficult to find a parking space or even to drive past on the mainly single track road. In the height of summer it’s best to go early in the day, and allow plenty of time if you’re driving back or past it.

How to get there

Fresh West is an easy beach to get to. You can drive or even catch the Coastal Cruiser. The 387 & 388 (http://www NULL.pembrokeshire NULL.gov NULL.uk/content NULL.asp?nav=838,1629,839,1038&parent_directory_id=646&id=11492&Language=) bus routes cover circular routes from Pembroke, past the farm and out to Fresh West (or vice versa). The stop near the farm changes according to access: if the Army are using Castlemartin Range West, the bus comes right past our front door.

From Warren

  • Take the one way lane opposite the farmyard gate
  • Turn left at the top of the lane
  • At Castlemartin take the third exit (pretty much straight on) around the Cattle Pound roundabout and continue until you see the beach
  • There are two car parks as well as roadside parking, but please don’t park in passing places or other areas where cars & pedestrians have limited visibility.

Other beaches

West Angle Bay, a short drive from Warren Farm, Wales
Angle

West Angle bay. A lovely toddler-friendly beach

West Angle bay takes a while to get to, located as it is beyond Angle out on the western tip of the southern peninsular. But with its sheltered location and multiple coves, it’s a fantastic beach for toddlers and smaller kids. It’s also great for more adventurous teenagers. In fact, it’s the beach Hannah’s grandparents took her to the most often up until the age of about five. It was a regular feature of her bike expeditions with friends when she was older.

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