Amroth
with its long, glorious beach, is the perfect family retreat. It is
a small seaside village tucked away on the southern tip of Pembrokeshire,
south-west Wales and serves as the starting point, or
end point if coming
the other way, of Pembrokeshire’s Coastal Path. Conveniently located
just 8 miles from the seaside resort of Tenby, Amroth has plenty to offer
both within the village and surrounding area.
Village centre
Amroth is a Welsh name, meaning ‘On the brook called Rhath.’ Most
of the local shops are situated opposite the beach, and there are also
plenty of restaurants, cafes and public houses nearby. The New Inn behind
the beach is a 16th century public house which is highly recommended
for its good beer and delicious homemade foods. There is also a village
shop and a cafe.
Attractions
There are plenty of attractions and activities in Amroth. Because of
its coastal location it is the perfect place for beach sports such as
windsurfing, surfing and swimming and the sands offer the perfect place
for family beach games.
For those who enjoy walking, the Pembrokeshire
Coastal Path starts (or finishes) up the hill along the trail known as
the ‘greenway’ and
drops down into Wiseman’s
Bridge. When the water is at low tide, you can walk along the beach to
Wiseman’s Bridge instead. If you really want to make a day out
of walking, then it is possible to take the coastal path all the way
to Saundersfoot, Tenby and beyond.
Colby Woods and Gardens sit near the
beach and are beautiful, peaceful and relaxing areas away from the hustle
and bustle of the beach. It is well worth visiting the gardens with their
numerous flowers and gazebos, and there are open air theatres and family
events throughout the summer.
Beach
The south-facing beach stretches across the entire village and provides
glorious views of the coastline. The beach
is mostly sandy with a pebble bank, which makes it a hugely popular beach
for families and couples alike.
Interestingly, at low tide tree stumps can be seen through the sand,
the remains of a petrified forest which would have grown here during
the Ice Age. Archaeologists and history experts believe that the forest
was destroyed when the sea levels rose around 7000 years ago. The sight
of the tree stumps provides fascinating history not only of Amroth but
also of the southern part of Pembrokeshire’s coast.
This is an ideal beach to visit during the summer months, both with
its soft sand and glistening blue water. Along the beach the now unfashionable
wooden groynes , preferred by the Victorians, still protect
the village from stormy seas. As a family beach, there is a dog ban in
place between 1st May to 30th September. However, the ban does not apply
to the eastern end of the beach beyond Amroth Castle Caravan Park and
dogs are welcome to roam the sands here.
History
Like many Welsh towns and villages in Pembrokeshire, Amroth once used
to be home to a Norman castle, whose ruins still remain today. Up
until the 19th century Amroth was a prime coal and anthracite mining
area, employing many men in its pits. Some parts of the tramway and the
mines can still be seen, although they are no longer in use.
Accommodation and Services
Amroth offers many caravan
and camping sites, with Amroth Castle Caravan Park sitting upon the location
of the original Norman castle towards the eastern end of the beach. There
are also several self-catering and holiday
cottages amongst the
lovely countryside in the surrounding area. There is also a wide range
of quality serviced accommodation and
hotels
available nearby.
The beach is easily accessible
via a concrete slipway.
There is a car park in the village and also above
the west end of the beach. The beach also kindly caters for the disabled
with specific parking along the sea-front.