Whitesands Bay (Pembrokeshire) facts for kids
Whitesands Bay, known as Porth Mawr in Welsh, is a beautiful Blue Flag beach located in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales. This popular spot is on the St David's peninsula, about 2 miles west of St. Davids. Many people say it's the best place for surfing in Pembrokeshire.
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Exploring Whitesands Bay
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The area around Whitesands Bay is very scenic. To the northeast, you'll see a large rocky hill called Carn Llidi, which stands about 594 feet tall. It's a great landmark!
Coastal Paths and Views
You can explore the coast using the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. If you walk north, you'll find quiet bays like Porthlleuog and Porthmelgan. Walking south takes you to Porthselau and St. Justinian's. From here, you can enjoy amazing views of Ramsey Island.
Ancient History and Legends
Around Carn Llidi and St Davids Head, you can find signs of ancient life. There are old stone burial chambers, hut circles where people lived, and Iron Age field systems. These show how people lived and farmed thousands of years ago.
There's a famous story that St. Patrick sailed from this very beach in 432 AD. He was on his way to Ireland to spread Christianity. Near the car park, you can find the remains of an old Celtic chapel. It was dedicated to St. Patrick and was a stopping point for pilgrims going to St Davids Cathedral.
It's also believed that St David, the patron saint of Wales, might have been taught at Ty Gwyn. This white farmhouse overlooks the beach. His mother, St Non, may have lived here when it was a monastery.
The Submerged Forest
If you visit at very low tide, especially after big storms, you might see something amazing on the beach. The remains of an ancient, submerged forest can appear! You'll see stumps of birch, fir, hazel, and oak trees. Scientists have also found bones of animals here, like parts of an aurochs (an ancient type of cattle), red deer antlers, and even a brown bear jaw.
Facilities at the Beach
Whitesands Bay has many things to make your visit easy and fun:
- There are car parks for visitors.
- The beach has wheelchair access.
- You can find a beach shop and a cafe.
- Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months to keep everyone safe.
- Emergency equipment and a telephone are available.
- There's a 9-hole golf course nearby.
- You can rent surfboards if you want to try surfing.
- A youth hostel and a campsite (open from Easter to October) are also close by.
- Toilets are available for public use.
Rules for Dogs
To keep the beach clean and safe for everyone, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park has rules about dogs. Dogs are not allowed on Whitesands Bay beach from May 1st to September 30th.
