Best lakes around Mathry are found within the broader Pembrokeshire region, as the historic hilltop village itself is known more for its panoramic views and access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Mathry serves as a tranquil base to explore the diverse natural features of the surrounding area. The region offers a variety of water attractions, from flooded quarries to natural ponds. These locations provide opportunities for walking, cycling, and various water-based activities.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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The estuary of the Afon Gwaun in Fishguard is a naturally formed old harbour. It's known as the lower town harbour and would have been the first area used commercially for fishing and trade.
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With a bit of luck you can see seals here. But please keep your distance!
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This beach is made up of pebbles and exceptionally dark sand made from crushed grey slate. The slate gives the water in the "Blue Lagoon" its bright deep blue colour. To the north of the beach is a lovely little harbour - an open-cut quarry that is also wheelchair accessible. Be careful: there are strong currents here.
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Exciting to watch the cliff divers
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Small artist place with charming cafes and pubs.
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An attractive area of Fishguard set on the harbour with fisherman’s cottages and boats. Known as Lower Town.
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The beach is closed during seal pupping season, but you can see them from above (please take care. The cliffs are very steep with a large drop!!).
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You will need to leave your bike in the car park to visit the Blue Lagoon, a short walk from Abereiddy beach. The Blue Lagoon is a breached slate quarry with a brilliant deep blue colour to the water. With a depth of 25 metres, this has been the venue for Red Bull Cliff diving. If you fancy a (cold) dip there are plenty of jump offs to step up too, from 2 metres to about 12 metres - make sure you're confident of your technique before taking on the higher jumps.
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While Mathry itself is known for its coastal views, the broader Pembrokeshire region offers several distinctive water features. These include Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy, a unique flooded slate quarry with striking aqua-blue water, and the beautiful Bosherston Lily Ponds, famous for their water lilies and diverse wildlife. Llys-y-frân Lake also provides a wide range of activities.
Yes, Llys-y-frân Lake is an excellent choice for families, offering a refurbished visitor centre, a café, a cycle hub, and an adventure playground. You can also enjoy walking trails and various land and water activities there. The Bosherston Lily Ponds are also suitable for families, with easy footpaths and abundant wildlife to observe.
The Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy, a flooded slate quarry, is a popular spot for watersports such as swimming and paddleboarding due to its calm, deep blue water. Llys-y-frân Lake also offers various water activities.
The Bosherston Lily Ponds are a National Nature Reserve, home to diverse wildlife including otters, various wildfowl, and dragonflies. The area around the ponds and nearby Broad Haven South beach is also excellent for birdwatching. You might also spot seals at Aberpwll Cove, though it's not a lake.
Absolutely. Llys-y-frân Lake features extensive mountain biking and walking trails. The Bosherston Lily Ponds have a footpath winding around their banks, leading to Broad Haven South beach. You can also access the Blue Lagoon via a short walk from Abereiddy Beach car park, and it's a well-known stop along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
The Bosherston Lily Ponds are particularly stunning in June when the water lilies are in full bloom. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and watersports. However, the natural beauty of the Pembrokeshire lakes can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience.
The Bosherston Lily Ponds themselves have a historical aspect, as they were created by the Cawdor family. Nearby, Solva Harbour is a bustling coastal village with a charming high street, cafes, shops, and galleries, making it a great spot to explore local culture. Lower Town Harbour, Fishguard, is also a naturally formed old harbour with a history of fishing and trade.
For the Blue Lagoon, you can park at Abereiddy Beach car park, which is a short walk away. Parking is charged between 8 am and 5 pm during summer. Llys-y-frân Lake also has dedicated visitor parking facilities.
Beyond the lakes, the Mathry area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can explore various running trails, including routes like 'Llwynog Arian Stone Circle – Trefin Village loop' or 'Porthgain Harbour – Porthgain Quarry Ruins loop'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes such as 'St David's Cathedral loop from Wolf's Castle'. Families can enjoy easy hikes like 'Abercastle — Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro / Pembrokeshire Coast National Park'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Mathry, Road Cycling Routes around Mathry, and Family-friendly hikes around Mathry guides.
Llys-y-frân Lake has a café within its refurbished visitor centre. Additionally, the nearby coastal village of Solva Harbour is packed with cafes and shops, making it a great place to stop for refreshments after exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
The Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy is a distinctive flooded slate quarry. The slate gives the water its iconic aqua-blue tint, creating a visually striking and unique natural feature that stands out along the Pembrokeshire coastline.
Yes, both Llys-y-frân Lake and the Bosherston Lily Ponds offer fishing opportunities. Llys-y-frân is known for its fishing, and the Lily Ponds provide good coarse fishing.


Still not found your perfect lake around Mathry? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.