An industrial past
The lagoon just to the north of the beach, was formerly the main slate quarry of the St Brides Slate Company and was active up until 1910. The slate gives a brilliant aqua blue colour to the water. It is a popular spot for coasteering and climbing along the cliffs at sea level.
A former slate quarry
Pembrokeshire played a lead role in the slate industry, with around 100 quarries in the county in the late 18th century.
Slate that was extracted from Abereiddi was transported by tramway to the neighbouring Porthgain Habour and shipped out. The quarry itself was active until the early 20th century and later abandoned and flooded.
The Blue Lagoon was formed when the channel connecting the quarry to the sea was blasted, allowing the sea to flood in.
Ruined quarry buildings still sit on the clifftop, with the remains of the workmen’s cottages adjacent to the car park. You’ll also spot the foreman’s house and the powder store here.