Freshwater East is a village on the coast of Pembrokeshire in South Wales with an attractive sandy bay. It grew up as a beach resort in the 20th century, and later its surrounds became open access land with dune, woodland and wetland. The name arose because sailing ships would put in for water supplies, or at least claim they did so - it was good cover for smuggling.
It is 4 miles from Pembroke via A4139 and B4584 and 9 miles from Tenby via A4139.
The nearest station is at Lamphey which is 1.6 miles away. This rail line is connected to Carmarthen, Swansea, Cardiff and Pembroke Dock.
387/388 Coastal Cruiser: summer is 4 buses daily and winter is Thursdays and Saturdays only, 3 buses.
Get around this village on foot. Note, there is a steep hill from the beach up to the top of the village (Jason Road)
Freshwater East is on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which is part of the Wales Coast Path. Whichever way you walk the path, there is stunning coastal scenery. Alternatively take walks around the Freshwater East Local Nature Reserve and enjoy wetland, dune and woodland habitats and an abundance of wild flowers.
Mountain bikes can be hired from the Longhouse.
There are no lifeguards but a sheltered bay, which is popular for paddling and open sea swimming. There is a public slipway for boating, or if you prefer paddle boarding, boards can be hired from the Longhouse. Bring your own kayak. Diving can be booked through the Longhouse.
For those who enjoy fishing, it's a popular place for beach casting and mackerel fishing, but you will need to bring your own gear. As the sea is generally calm, Freshwater East is not ideal for surfing.
The beach has ideal sand for building castles; beach art events are sometimes held here.
There is a small shop at the Longhouse and also one at the Caravan Park, both with seasonal opening
There are self catering holiday properties to suit all budgets, some bed and breakfast establishments and two camping/caravan sites (seasonal opening). In particular there is a holiday park Freshwater Bay Holiday Village (also known as Trewent Park) in the valley behind the beach which offers very reasonably priced self catering accommodation. The beach homes are privately owned but some are available to book for holidays or short breaks.
Mobile phone coverage is poor but there is a public phone box. The Longhouse and the Freshwater Inn have WiFi available.
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