Surf and Kitesurf Guide: Newgale, Pembrokeshire

Most surf trips to Pembrokeshire head straight for Freshwater West or Whitesands, leaving Newgale's two miles of open sand to the surfers and windsurfers who already know it works just as well, and often when the famous beaches are too crowded to bother with.

Why Newgale?

Newgale is a long, west facing beach in St Brides Bay, backed by a shingle bank that separates the sand from the coast road. At low tide the beach spreads out wide and flat. At high tide, the sea pushes right up against the pebbles.

→ Facing west into the Atlantic, Newgale is a genuine swell magnet, picking up groundswell with real consistency through the year.

↳ The surrounding hills create a venturi effect that accelerates wind from the north, northeast and southeast, which is part of why Newgale is also rated one of the better wave sailing and kitesurfing spots on this stretch of coast.

Because it handles both surf and wind sports well, and because Pembrokeshire's bigger name breaks pull the crowds elsewhere, Newgale tends to stay relatively open even on a good day.

Getting There and Getting Around

Newgale sits on the A487 in west Pembrokeshire, between Haverfordwest and St Davids.

Fly into Cardiff Airport, roughly two and a half hours away by car, or take a train to Haverfordwest and drive the final 15 minutes.
→ From Haverfordwest, the A487 runs directly along the coast to Newgale.
↳ A car makes life much easier here. There are three pay and display car parks spread along the two mile beach, plus a smaller car park at the northern end and private parking at the Newsurf shop.

Newgale itself is little more than the beach, a shop, and a couple of cafes, so most visitors base themselves in nearby Solva or Nolton Haven, both a short drive away, or in St Davids a bit further north.

When to Surf or Kitesurf

For surfing, spring and autumn tend to offer the best balance, when Atlantic low pressure systems are a touch less fierce than in the depths of winter. Winter itself is ultra reliable for swell but often oversized and heavy. Summer can bring fun two to three foot days, though it can also go flat for stretches in June and July. For wind sports, the venturi effect off the surrounding hills means Newgale often works even when nearby spots are light, with the best wind directions running from north through northeast to southeast.

Safety notes: The biggest hazard at Newgale is the combination of a big swell and a high tide: the sea pushes straight up against the steep shingle bank and produces a genuinely nasty shorebreak, so avoid surfing or kiting here around high water when it is big. Sandbanks have shifted considerably since storms in 2013 and can change the way waves break from one season to the next, so do not assume last year's lineup is this year's. Strong rips can build at the quieter, more remote Druidston beach just south. RNLI lifeguards patrol two sections of Newgale seasonally, and it is worth staying within their zone if you are unfamiliar with the beach.

Surf and Kitesurf Spots

Newgale main beach: A long, open beach break with pebbles and sand, ranging from knee high crumblers to heavy closeouts depending on swell size.
Wave: Beach and point break, west and southwest swell, best on a pushing low to mid tide.
Level: Beginner on smaller days, intermediate to advanced once the swell builds.
Newgale (wind sports): The same beach, rated as one of the better wave sailing locations in the area thanks to the venturi effect off the hills.
Water: Open beach break swell with accelerated wind in north through southeast directions.
Level: Intermediate to advanced for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Druidston Beach: A quieter, more remote beach a short drive south, best on a mid to low tide since it disappears at high water.
Wave: Beach break, similar swell window to Newgale.
Level: Intermediate, due to stronger rips.

Outer Reef Surf School runs condition led lessons from Newgale starting around £40, moving to Freshwater West or Manorbier if the swell, wind and tide do not line up on the day. Newsurf and Big Blue Experience both rent equipment and run lessons directly on the beach, including power kiting sessions.

Where to Stay

→ Newgale itself has little accommodation, so most visitors stay in the villages just along the coast.

Budget ($)

Holiday cottages in Nolton Haven
A small village a few minutes south of Newgale, with simple self catering options close to the beach.

Mid-Range ($$)

Holiday cottages in Solva
A picturesque harbor village a short drive north, with a wider choice of places to eat than Newgale itself offers.

Luxury ($$$)

Larger self catering houses around St Davids
Britain's smallest city sits a little further up the coast, with a bigger range of upscale cottages and houses for groups.

Food and Drink

Sands Café:
→ At the northern end of the beach, a straightforward spot for a coffee and a bite after a cold session.
Pebbles Café:
↳ At the southern end, with equipment hire and lessons also available if you did not bring your own kit.
Note on the Duke of Edinburgh:
The beachside pub that was once the obvious stop after a surf is currently closed following a fire, with refurbishment pending, so check local listings before planning a pint there.

Photographing Newgale (Surf Snaps)

Two miles of open beach, a dramatic shingle bank and kites stacked up on a windy afternoon give photographers room to work without fighting for a spot on the sand. If you shoot a session at Newgale, you can upload the gallery to Surf Snaps and keep full copyright over every image you sell. Surfers and kiters can then browse Surf Snaps to find their session, with photos starting from $8 and no account needed just to look.

FAQ

Is Newgale good for beginner surfers?
Yes on smaller days, when it produces forgiving, knee high waves, though it can turn into a heavy closeout once the swell builds, so check the forecast before paddling out.

When is the best time to surf or kite Newgale?
Spring and autumn generally offer the best balance of swell for surfing, while the venturi wind effect off the surrounding hills makes Newgale work for wind sports even when nearby spots are light.

What hazards should I know about at Newgale?
A big swell at high tide produces a dangerous shorebreak against the steep shingle bank, sandbanks have shifted since 2013 storms, and rips can build at nearby Druidston beach.

How do I get to Newgale?
Fly into Cardiff Airport, about two and a half hours away by car, or take a train to Haverfordwest and drive the final 15 minutes along the A487.

How can I get photos of my session at Newgale?
Search Surf Snaps by spot and date for a gallery from your session, or upload your own if you were shooting.