IT IS ankle-deep in soft, white sand. Its waters run crystal clear. A tidal stream trickles across one end, perfect for children to dam and splash in. And rising from the shallows like something from a folk tale, the twisted limestone pinnacle of Church Rock stands sentinel over the whole scene.
These are the qualities that persuaded Chris Haslam, chief travel writer for The Times and The Sunday Times, to name Broad Haven South as Wales's Beach of the Year for 2026 — and few who know this corner of south Pembrokeshire will argue with him .
Haslam spent five weeks on the road, driving 4,307 miles and personally inspecting 607 longlisted beaches before producing his definitive top 50 . Each was assessed against a rigorous 12-point checklist covering cleanliness, water quality, parking, accessibility, lifeguard provision, the condition of toilets and showers, and dog-friendliness . Broad Haven South passed with distinction.
Water quality sits at the heart of the award. The beach is a long-standing Marine Conservation Society recommended beach and a regular Seaside Award and Green Coast Award recipient — accolades that reflect consistently excellent water cleanliness over many years . The south-facing bay, sheltered within the National Trust's Grade I listed Stackpole Estate, benefits from the clean Atlantic swell that sweeps into this remote stretch of Pembrokeshire coastline .
Then there is the sand itself — and Haslam was particularly taken with it. He described Broad Haven South as a "perfect example of a Pembrokeshire beach," with sand so fine and so deep you sink into it with every step . Backed by extensive dunes that link the bay to the world-famous Bosherston Lily Ponds nature reserve, and flanked by dramatic limestone cliffs that frame the view in every direction, the beach offers a landscape that is both wild and welcoming .
For families, it ticks every box. The beach is vast at low tide, giving ample room for children to roam. Rock pools emerge with the ebbing water. The tidal stream that crosses the beach provides its own natural play area. Dogs are welcome all year round, and the coast path connecting Broad Haven South to Stackpole, Barafundle Bay and beyond provides some of the finest cliff walking in Wales .
Perhaps most significantly, the Sunday Times added a new criterion to its judging process this year: community engagement . The judges argued that "the passion and commitment of local people can make all the difference, turning a beach from a soulless summer money-making machine into a year-round destination with genuine heart" . In a beach cared for by the National Trust, treasured by local walkers, swimmers and wildlife enthusiasts, and flanked by the living community of Bosherston village, that spirit was clearly there in abundance .
Crystal water. Exceptional sand. Unspoilt scenery. A community that genuinely cares. The Sunday Times did not just pick a pretty beach — it picked a beach that earns its title every single day .
