Freshwater East
Freshwater East is a village in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The majority of the village is on the cliff overlooking the bay. It is approximately 7 miles (11 km) from Pembroke by road, and 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Lamphey, and is in the parish and community of Lamphey. Freshwater East is the site of a Green Coast Award Beach.[1]
Freshwater East
| |
---|---|
Freshwater East Beach | |
Freshwater East Location within Pembrokeshire | |
Population | 250 |
OS grid reference | SS016984 |
Principal area | |
Ceremonial county | |
Country | Wales |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Postcode district | SA71 |
Police | Dyfed-Powys |
Fire | Mid and West Wales |
Ambulance | Welsh |
History
There is evidence of prehistoric occupation to the east of the village, where there is an earthwork.[2] Freshwater is marked on a 1578 parish map, but apparently as a coastal place, rather than a parish.[3]
In more modern times, the stream would provide fresh water for ships, giving it its name. In Victorian times it became established as a bathing venue.[4] The beach is named as Freshwater East on a pre-1850 parish map, with little sign of a settlement, apart from a large house named Portclew (probably built around 1800[5]), and a chapel.[6]
In 1860, county horse races were held on the beach.[4]
The 2011 census population was 250.[7]
Situation
The village is on the Wales Coast Path and in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.[2] To the west is Trewent Point, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), covering some 64 hectares.[8]
Amenities
A coastal bus service connects with Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, and the surrounding area including Lamphey railway station on the Pembroke Dock branch of the West Wales Line operated by Transport for Wales Rail. Trains stop on request.[9][10][4]
Surfing is possible in winter, and the beach is popular in summer. There is a cafe, toilet and parking.[11] The Freshwater Inn is the village pub, serving food. The dunes, known as The Burrows, are a nature reserve.[4]
References
- http://www.visitwales.com/latest-news/2015/may/blue-flag-beaches-2015
- "Ordnance Survey: Freshwater East". Retrieved 19 June 2020.
- "Penbrok comitat". British Library.
- "Pembrokeshire County Council: Visit Pembrokeshire: Freshwater East". Retrieved 19 June 2020.
- "GENUKI: Lamphey". Retrieved 19 June 2020.
- "GENUKI parish map 148". Retrieved 19 June 2020.
- "ONS: Freshwater East built-up area". Retrieved 19 June 2020.
- Countryside Council for Wales website (Natural Resources Wales since 2013); Archived 2014-01-01 at the Wayback Machine accessdate: 30 December 2013
- "Lamphey". The Train Line. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
- Coastal Cruiser timetable on Pembrokeshire County Council website.
- Tracey Cole. "Wales nature and outdoors: Freshwater East". BBC. Retrieved 19 June 2020.