Overview

Pembroke Bay and L’Ancresse Bay are adjoining sandy beaches on the northern tip of Guernsey, in the parish of Vale. They are known for their long stretches of sand, clear turquoise waters and wide open spaces, and are popular for swimming, paddling, beach games and water sports, with dogs welcome outside the summer ban period.

Dog Policies & Seasonal Rules

The States of Guernsey confirm that dogs are banned on both L’Ancresse and Pembroke beaches from 1 May to 30 September. Outside these dates, dogs are allowed and the bays are highlighted as brilliant beaches for dog walking in autumn through to spring, offering a large expanse of sand for dogs to run around.

Dog owners are asked to prevent their dogs from chasing or disturbing wildlife, especially birds, which are particularly vulnerable during the February to July breeding season, and to clean up after their dogs using public litter bins or by taking waste home. No specific on-lead requirements, time-of-day restrictions or designated dog areas are listed for Pembroke and L’Ancresse in the provided sources; this information is not publicly stated, visitors should contact the managing organisation or local authority for clarification.

Beach Features & Environment

Pembroke and L’Ancresse bays together form one of the longest stretches of sand in Guernsey, with wide sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. The bays have a gentle slope, making them suitable for swimming, paddling and playing games on the beach.

The water is described as perfect for windsurfing, surfing, sailing, sea kayaking and fishing, reflecting their popularity with water sports enthusiasts. Located at the most northern part of the island, they offer open coastal views and a spacious, sweeping bay setting.

Facilities & Amenities

The Visit Guernsey listing states that there is a large car park and toilets at both ends of the wide sweeping bay. There is also the Beach House restaurant at Pembroke and a traditional kiosk at L’Ancresse, offering food and drink close to the beach.

Beach wheelchairs are available for use at Pembroke Bay and can be booked by emailing the address provided (info@gsybeachwheelchairs.com). No additional facilities such as lifeguards, drinking water points, dog waste bins, picnic areas or beach showers are mentioned in the provided sources; this information is not publicly stated, visitors should contact the managing organisation or local authority for clarification.

Parking & Access

The Visit Guernsey page confirms that Pembroke and L’Ancresse are easily accessible by bus and also have a large car park serving the bays. However, it does not specify parking charges, time limits, exact distances from the car park to the beach or opening hours; parking details are not listed in publicly available sources.

The page encourages visitors to download the VisitGuernsey app to find out more about the best times to swim and ease of access, but does not give further parking specifics. This information is not publicly stated; visitors should contact the managing organisation or local authority for clarification.

Safety Information

Pembroke and L’Ancresse are described as having a gentle slope with clear waters that are great for swimming and paddling, which suggests generally family-friendly conditions. The Visit Guernsey page recommends using the VisitGuernsey app for more information on the best times to swim, indicating that conditions vary with tide and weather.

There is no explicit mention of lifeguard presence, rip currents, tide hazards or cliff risks in the provided sources. No official safety information is provided online; visitors should follow on-site signage and take general coastal precautions.

Accessibility Information

The Visit Guernsey listing notes that beach wheelchairs are available at Pembroke Bay and can be booked via email, indicating some provision for visitors with mobility needs. It also states that the bays are easily accessible and advises using the VisitGuernsey app to learn more about ease of access.

No detailed information is provided on step-free routes from parking, ramps, surface types, gradients, accessible toilets or designated disabled parking in the cited pages. Accessibility details are not publicly available; visitors requiring specific accommodations should contact the managing organisation for up-to-date information.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Spots

L’Ancresse is also home to one of Guernsey’s best 18-hole golf courses, over 100 years old, located near the bays. The Beach House restaurant at Pembroke and the traditional kiosk at L’Ancresse are mentioned as nearby food and drink options by the beach.

The sources do not state whether any of these businesses or attractions are specifically dog friendly. No nearby dog-friendly locations are referenced in the provided sources; visitors should contact individual businesses directly to confirm their dog policy.

FAQs

Dog-Friendly Places to Eat Near Pembroke and L'Ancresse Bay

After a long trek across the common or a massive run on the white sands of the North Coast, you’ll definitely need a place to grab a bowl of water and a bite to eat. Pembroke and L'Ancresse Bay offer a fantastic range of options, from traditional kiosks to elevated terraces overlooking the golf course.

Beachfront Cafes & Kiosks (Perfect for a Quick Bite)

These spots sit directly on the edge of the sand, making them the most convenient stops for a mid-walk break:

• Brown’s Cafe (Pembroke): A legendary local spot that is explicitly dog-friendly. They even offer "doggie ice cream" for your four-legged friends, making it a mandatory stop for many local walkers.
• Beachside (Pembroke): Located right at the Pembroke slipway, Beachside has a large, high-quality outdoor terrace. It is a brilliant spot for a more substantial lunch with your dog while staying sheltered from the sea breeze.
• Pembroke & L’Ancresse Kiosks: Situated at opposite ends of the bay, both kiosks are staples of the dog-walking community. They offer plenty of outdoor picnic bench seating where you can enjoy a coffee and a snack with your pup.

Pubs & Restaurants (For Hearty Meals & Drinks)

If you want to move away from the sand for a full meal, these nearby establishments are famously welcoming to pets:

• The L’Ancresse Lodge: Located just a short stroll from the L'Ancresse end of the bay, this pub is a favorite for walkers. Dogs are very welcome in the bar area and the garden, offering a cozy retreat after a winter walk.
• No. 19 (Royal Guernsey Golf Club): Overlooking the common, No. 19 features a fantastic elevated terrace. It is a wonderful place to sit with your dog and watch the golfers and walkers across the common while enjoying a meal.

Nearby "Hidden Gems" (A Short Walk or Drive)

If you are exploring the wider common or the neighboring bays, don't miss these spots:

• Chouet Kiosk: Located just around the headland to the West, this kiosk is slightly quieter than the main bay and offers a great grassy area for dogs to rest while you grab a refreshment.
• The Puffin & Oyster: A 5-minute drive or a scenic 20-minute walk across the common brings you to Grand Havre. This pub is exceptionally dog-friendly and has a large terrace with bowls and treats often available.

🐾 Local Expert Tip: The Common & The Golf Course

While the common land surrounding Pembroke and L'Ancresse is a "freedom paradise" for dogs, please be mindful that it is also a live golf course. To keep the area dog-friendly for everyone, it is best to keep your dog on a lead or under very close control when crossing the fairways to ensure both your pup and the golfers stay safe!

View the menus and details for these nearby spots: