Everything you need to know about the Blue Lagoon in Wales
The Blue Lagoon Wales is a former slate quarry that closed in 1910. It was created when fishers blasted the quarry and the sea channel, and the water flooded inside. Today, it is a natural adventure playground – a 25m deep blue pool – where you can swim, jump, paddleboard, or just simply admire from different angles.
The Blue Lagoon has become increasingly popular, and with the rise of the UK staycation, crowds are flocking to the quarry, especially in the summer months. It was also home to the Red Bull Diving World Series in 2012, where people jumped from 27m, becoming a must-see sight!
If you are lucky enough to have this magical place to yourself (go early, especially in summer), the emerald, deep blue colours will undoubtedly impress. On the other hand, if it is busy, it is pretty entertaining to watch and see people enjoying themselves in the lagoon, especially overlooking it from the clifftop with a bird’s eye view. The surrounding area is also lovely, with empty beaches and beautiful coastal walks.
Our guide includes everything you need to know, including where to find it, parking options, facilities, eight things to do in or near the Blue Lagoon and FAQ about your visit.
Good to know: the path from Abereiddy Beach is wheelchair and pushchair friendly around to the Blue Lagoon. However, the car park is uneven and rocky and unsuitable for wheelchair access.
Where is the Blue Lagoon Wales?
The Blue Lagoon is in southwest Wales in Pembrokeshire, just around the corner from Abereiddy Beach in Pembrokeshire National Park. It is around 5-miles from St David’s – the smallest city in the UK.
How to get to the Blue Lagoon
Of course, you can drive to the Blue Lagoon, but the roads are narrow and steep, and the parking is limited. There is also the option to catch either the Coastal bus service or the Flesci bus. In addition, you can catch the 404 bus from St David’s, which stops at Porthgain and Abereiddy Beach.
Blue Lagoon Pembrokeshire Car Park Information
Blue Lagoon postcode: SA62 6DT
You have two options for parking for the Blue Lagoon.
Option 1: Abereiddy Beach
The first car park is at Abereiddy Beach, or if it’s full, there is an overflow on the cliff where you will have to walk down to reach the beach before making your way around to the Blue Lagoon.
The positives of this car park are the short proximity to the lagoon (around a 7-minute walk), but the negatives are that it is a pebble beach and the people running the car park are trying to fit as many cars in as possible. It also fills up very quickly, especially in the summer.
Young teenagers also run it, which has not gone down well on Tripadvisor, with many calling it a money-making scheme run by Blue Lagoon Management Ltd. We think this is because the car park was once free, but now a parking space costs £4. It can be paid by cash and card, and someone will approach you and lead you to a spot for your car.
At Abereiddy beach car park, there are toilets, an ice cream van selling drinks, ice-creams etc., and there are kiosks where you can book adventure sports for the Blue Lagoon.
Option 2: Park at Porthgain
Another option is to park in Porthgain village. The positives are that there is free parking here, plenty of restaurants, cafes and toilets. However, you will have to walk roughly 45-minutes to reach the lagoon. It is a beautiful walk through and one that you will enjoy as you can stop along the way to admire the views.
Blue Lagoon Wales Weather
If you are planning a trip to the Blue Lagoon, it is good to check the weather and tides before you go. We found the Beach Guide helpful, as it included the 7-day tide forecast and monthly weather averages.
8 Exciting Things to do at Pembrokeshire Blue Lagoon
Coasteering
One of the most popular activities at the Wales Blue Lagoon is coasteering. You can go on a coasteering tour and jump from 2m to 11m into the impressive Blue Lagoon. They are group tours that will provide you with all the equipment you need, from life jackets to wetsuits and a helmet. The tours are a lot of fun and will make for a highly memorable visit!
It is recommended that you do not attempt to do this yourself due to safety concerns, as the guides are knowledgeable and understand where any shallow rocks maybe. They can also tailor the tours to the ability of their groups as there are slight jumps, high jumps and everything in between. Adrenaline will be pumping in no time.
The company MUUK Adventures is highly recommended.
Swimming
If you do not fancy cliff jumping, that does not mean that you cannot enjoy the waters of the Blue Lagoon. Although it is worth mentioning that the water is extremely cold and deep, we noticed the majority of the brave souls who were swimming were wearing wetsuits. It’s a good idea not to swim alone and remember that the water will get colder the deeper you go.
Kayak or Paddle Board
A fun and unique way to see the Blue Lagoon is to hire a kayak or a paddleboard (or, if you are lucky enough to own your own). You can hire these through MUUK Kayaking Tours, and they will help you navigate the area and show you secret spots that you might miss by yourself.
Relaxing
Relaxing and watching others enjoy themselves in the cold water might be more attractive than braving the elements yourself. Hands down, one of the best parts of visiting the lagoon is to watch those jumping in, kayaking and swimming. When will they jump? 3,2,1….
You can watch several viewpoints, and we recommend going to the top to look over them. But remember to stay away from the edge if you are going to do this, as it could be pretty dangerous.
Have a picnic on Abereiddy Beach
Abereiddy Beach won a Green Coast award in 2021 and is, therefore, a great spot to have a picnic. The beach is well-known for its black sand and pebbles. You can also spot tiny fossils (graptolites) here. So pull up a deckchair or grab a blanket and enjoy yourself. Remember to leave no trace and take all litter with you.
Stroll to Traeth Lynn Beach
From the Pembrokeshire Blue Lagoon, we decided to walk to Porthgain along the cliffside. On our way, we were delighted to come across the beautiful Traeth Lynn Beach, one of our favourite beaches in Wales. It takes roughly 15-minutes to reach the beach, and you will descend a beautiful staircase.
Camping
Another exciting thing you can do is camp on the cliffs, less than a mile away from the Blue Lagoon. Noddfa Farm has 28 pitches, and if you stay, you can experience the Blue Lagoon long before or long after the tourists arrive and depart. You can walk down the hill, explore the coastal delights and then admire the clear skies at night, as the area does not suffer from light pollution. It will make your trip to the Blue Lagoon Wales unique!
Walk to Portgain along the Coastal Path
If you enjoy hiking and sea views, then this coastal path will blow your mind. It is beautiful, and you can see many exciting ruins and attractions along the way. Take your time to discover nature and feel the sea breeze on your face. You can return along the path or catch a bus service (404) from Porthgain back to Abereiddy Beach. The National Trust protects the rugged coastline, and it’s wild and wonderful to explore. Remember to wear suitable footwear!
FAQ about the Blue Lagoon Quarry Wales
Is the Blue Lagoon Wales dog friendly?
Yes, the Blue Lagoon and Abereiddy Bay beach welcome dogs but remember to keep them under control and on leads. It is a bustling spot.
Where is the Blue Lagoon Wales?
The Blue Lagoon is in Pembrokeshire in South Wales and is around 5-miles from St David’s. The smallest city in the UK.
Is the Blue Lagoon Wales safe?
Yes, the Blue Lagoon is safe to visit, but we recommend caution in the water and on the cliffside as there are steep drops and cold water. It is recommended to go on a tour if you want to coasteer or kayak and use the proper equipment.
How deep is the Blue Lagoon Wales?
The Blue Lagoon is said to be 25m deep.
Can you swim in Blue Lagoon Wales?
Yes, it is free to swim in the Blue Lagoon. However, most people swim with others and wear wetsuits (even in summer) as it is known to be very cold.
What makes the Water Blue in the Blue Lagoon Wales?
The slate stone causes the beautiful blue colour to the water due to the mineral content. The colour change occurred when the local fishermen blasted the channel.
If you have any other questions about visiting, please let us know in the comments, and we will get back to you. Happy exploring in this beautiful part of the world.
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