Tiny village with own microclimate has UK’s best beaches | UK | Travel

Welcome to Dale, a tiny coastal village that might just be one of the UK’s best-kept secret seaside spots. Tucked away at the far western edge of Wales, Dale is where history and nature team up to offer a little slice of paradise that’s as adventurous as it is relaxing.

Don’t let its small size fool you—Dale is brimming with character, from its cosy cottages to its storied harbour. And you won’t find many places where rolling green hills, cliffs, and wide-open sea views come together quite like this.

Dale is where you can kick back, relax, or hop on a paddleboard and explore the shoreline. Whether you’re into epic coastal walks, watersports, or just sipping a pint in a seaside pub, Dale’s got you covered. It’s laid-back, lovely, and has that irresistible mix of charm and wild beauty that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something extraordinary.

Dale Beach and watersports

Dale Beach is the heart of the village’s coastal charm. Its microclimate makes it a surprisingly sunny spot in Wales, reports WalesOnline.

This pebble and shingle beach stretches along the sheltered Dale Bay, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors drawn to its calm waters and scenic surroundings. The bay’s natural protection from the elements means the waters remain relatively calm even on breezy days, making it an excellent spot for paddleboarding, sailing and swimming.

Dale Beach is well-equipped to ensure your visit is comfortable and convenient. There are public toilets, including accessible options, making it easy for everyone to enjoy their time by the sea. The beach also features a slipway and a pontoon, perfect for launching small boats or paddle boards or getting closer to the water.

The beach is also home to a well-established watersports centre where you can rent equipment, take lessons, or simply enjoy watching the colourful sails dotting the water.

Pembrokeshire beaches

A short journey from Dale, whether by foot along the coastal path or a quick drive, brings you to Marloes Sands, one of Britain’s most striking beaches.

With its vast expanse of golden sand, Marloes is framed by towering cliffs and unique rock formations. The beach stretches for almost a mile, its expanse revealed as the tide retreats, revealing a landscape dotted with rocky outcrops and pools teeming with marine life. Despite its allure, Marloes Sands remains refreshingly free of commercial development, preserving its wild character.

The beach is accessible via a half-mile walk from the National Trust car park. The journey offers its rewards—sweeping views over the coastline and the distant islands of Skokholm and Skomer, known for their rich birdlife. These islands are home to puffins, manx shearwaters, and other seabirds, adding to the area’s appeal for wildlife enthusiasts. Marloes Sands has also served as a filming location for major films because of its dramatic scenery.

Nearby, Albion Sands provides an even more secluded experience if you seek a little coastal solitude. This small cove is accessible only at low tide by scrambling over rocks, adding to its hidden charm.

A short distance away, St Brides Haven offers a contrasting landscape with its rocky shore, ideal for exploring tidal pools or simply enjoying the serenity of a lesser-known beach.

Exploring the coast: Walks and wildlife

Dale is perfectly positioned for exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a trail that winds along some of the most impressive stretches of coastline in the UK.

The path offers a mix of gentle walks and more challenging hikes, each offering scenic spots and coastal vistas.

The views are spectacular, whether you take a leisurely stroll from Dale to St. Ann’s Head, with its iconic lighthouse, or go on a longer trek towards Marloes.

This area is also a haven for wildlife. Look for seals basking on the rocks or dolphins playing in the surf. Birdwatchers will be in their element here, with the cliffs providing nesting grounds for various seabirds. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive chough, a rare bird with a distinctive red beak and legs.

A Visit to Skomer

Just a short drive from Dale, the small village of Martin’s Haven serves as the departure point for boat trips to Skomer Island.

Skomer is one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in the UK. It is home to thousands of seabirds, including the charismatic puffins that nest here during the spring and summer.

A visit to Skomer offers the chance to get up close with these little cuties and explore the island’s rugged beauty.

The boat trip over is also a treat, offering dreamy coastline views and the chance to spot seals and dolphins.

Once on the car-free island, you can spend the day wandering the trails, watching the puffins go about their business, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of this remote outpost.

Dining in Dale

Dale has a few excellent dining options. During the day, get a proper Welsh breakfast or fresh local crab sandwiches from the family-run Boathouse cafe, which is located right on the beach.

By night, the traditional and award-winning 300-year-old Griffin Pub is a favourite with locals and visitors. Perched right on the seafront, patrons spill out onto the pavement on balmy summer nights when the pub buzzes with energy.

You can expect a warm welcome, proper pub meals, and local flavour here. The menu features a range of dishes, many of them showcasing the best of Pembrokeshire’s produce, including fresh seafood caught just off the coast.

The menu offers a vast range of fresh seafood dishes and local produce, from mackerel to turbot, razor clams to scallops, crab to lobster and other home-cooked dishes to suit all tastes.

For a dining experience that combines delicious food with a picturesque setting, visit Coco’s Brasserie at Dale Yacht Club. Situated right by the water, this Brasserie offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the serene views of the harbour.

This swish venue is known for offering a taste of the Mediterranean through tapas, plates, and grazing boards.

Stay in a fort

For a truly unforgettable experience, why not spend the night in Dale Fort? This historic building, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, was once a military installation, part of a network of forts built to protect Britain’s coast during the 19th century.

The imposing West Blockhouse stands alone on the dramatic Pembrokeshire coast, perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the roaring Atlantic Ocean.

Built between 1854 and 1857, a battery of six heavy guns once commanded the entrance to the harbour; thankfully, guests are now welcome and offered a safe haven at this educational centre and hostel.

The fort offers unparalleled views of the sea and the surrounding coastline, and there’s something extraordinary about watching the sunrise from this historic vantage point.

Here, you’ll find a range of accommodations, from shared dormitories to private rooms, all with access to the building’s facilities and grounds.

Practicalities

Knowing a few practical details when planning your visit to Dale Beach can help make your day as smooth as possible. Parking is available right alongside the beach, but spaces are limited, so it’s best to arrive early, especially during peak times.

If the beachfront spots are full, there’s a larger pay-and-display car park just a short walk away, offering around 100 spaces.

As for facilities, Dale Beach has public toilets, a slipway and pontoon and a cafe across the road from the bay.

Dog restrictions apply to the northern end of the beach between May 1st and September 30th. A map of the beach will help you determine which section it applies to. 

For longer stays, Dale has a small but charming selection of B&Bs and self-catering accommodations, ensuring a cosy place to rest after a busy day of exploring.

How to Get to Dale

Getting to Dale is fairly straightforward but requires some planning, especially if you’re from outside of Wales.

By Car: If you’re driving, Dale is most easily accessed via the A40, which connects with major roads from Cardiff and beyond. From the A40, you’ll head towards Haverfordwest, following the signs for Dale along the B4327. The drive from Haverfordwest to Dale takes about 20 minutes, winding through picturesque countryside before you reach the coast. Once in Dale, you’ll find parking options near the beach.

By Train: The nearest train station is Haverfordwest, well-served by trains from Cardiff, Swansea, and other major cities in Wales. You can catch a local bus or taxi to Dale from the station.

By Bus: Bus services run from Haverfordwest to Dale for those relying on public transport. As of 2024, the bus service is reliable but less frequent, particularly in the off-season. Check transport apps and websites like Traveline Cymru for the latest timetables before you travel.