Renowned newspapers The Times and Sunday Times have named a Pembrokeshire beach as Wales' best. A tough job, no doubt, chief travel writer at The Times and Sunday Times Chris Haslam rated Freshwater West as the country's best from a top 10 of coastal spots around Wales. Describing the beach, which is a wide sand and rock beach backed by cliffs and sand dunes as a "wilderness", Chris said: "Freshwater West is a wilderness of dunes, sand and rocks that draws surfers from across the world to ride its winter waves.
" The beach, just north west of the Castlemartin range, is joined by Anglesey's Llanddwyn, Oxwich and Mewslade on Gower and Mwnt in Ceredigion , amongst others - scroll down for the full top 10 featured on the list. A backdrop for two major Hollywood films, Freshwater West saw filming for Ridley Scott's Robin Hood and also Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows where it was used as the backdrop for Shell Cottage and Dobby's grave. READ NOW: The paradise beach in Wales with lush white sands you can only get to by boat READ NEXT: The Welsh beach that is as close to perfection as is possible The guide published by The Times and The Sunday Times showcases the unrivalled beauty of the UK seaside, evaluated through a rigorous 11-point inspection checklist.
Criteria include water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car-parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene levels at restrooms and showers, and dog-friendliness. The 2024 guide only features beaches which are rated as �.