With such a plethora of beautiful beaches and secret coves, Wales offers one of the most spectacular coastlines in the UK. Despite this, many of them are still unknown to tourists which makes it one of the best destinations to find some hidden gems. In this article, with the help of other travel bloggers, I will list what we believe are the best beaches in Wales.
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The best beaches in Wales
1. Rhossili Bay, Gower – one of the best beaches in the world
Driving from Swansea – less than 1h
National Trust Rhossili: Rhossili, Swansea SA3 1PR
Rhossili Bay, Gower
Not only one of the best beaches in South Wales but also known as one of the top 10 beaches in the world deserves first place in the ranking. Rhossili Bay is unspoilt beauty with a three-mile-long sandy beach.
At the southern end of the beach, you can find the headland of Worm’s Head. It is only accessible for 2,5 hours before and after the tide. You should plan your walk there in advance by checking tide times.
It is a unique place where you can spot seals in the sea and admire amazing rock formations. On the way back to your car it is also worth checking “golden field”. It is very rare to see so many sunflowers in Wales.
2. Fall Bay, Gower – Best Beaches in Wales
Driving from Swansea – less than 1h
National Trust Rhossili: Rhossili, Swansea SA3 1PR
Fall Bay, Gower
Getting to Fall Bay is not easy, but the effort is worth it. The beach is only 30 minutes walk from the Rhossili Bay Car Park and is very remote. It offers a great spot with not many tourists and is an amazing destination for surfers.
Whether you want to see it just from the cliff or spend some time at the Fall Bay beach, you cannot miss it when visiting Rhossili. This part of the Welsh coast is beautiful so if you want to visit a unique beach, look no further than Fall Bay.
With golden sands, clean water and a secret cave at the beach, you will fall in love with this place. Not only that, but you can also spot seals and you can feel like this incredible place is just for yourself. However, during high tide, a huge part of the beach can be full of water. Make sure, to plan your visit at low tide as it is quite steep and slippery to climb back at the cliffs.
3. Three Cliffs Bay, Gower – one of the best beaches in Wales for photographers
Driving from Swansea – less than half an hour
Free Parking: Penmaen, Swansea SA3 2HJ
Three Cliffs Bay, Gower
Three Cliffs Bay is just as beautiful as Rhossili Bay. It is a bit difficult to access the beach and it is not ideal for swimming. However, it is worth going there because it offers breathtaking views. Dunes and three limestone cliffs make it one of the most photographed bays in Gower.
Where to stay near one of the best beaches in Wales – Three Cliffs Bay, Gower
If you want to stay in Gower, I recommend Bank Farm Leisure. This campsite has electric pitches available and it is close to Rhossili Bay (12 minutes drive) or Three Cliffs Bay (18 minutes drive). The pitch is generous in size and the facilities are impressive. You will find there a swimming pool, tennis courts, a restaurant and much more. This place is very clean with excellent views from the top of the hill.
4. Pobbles Bay, Gower
Driving from Swansea – less than half an hour
Free Parking: Penmaen, Swansea SA3 2HJ
National Trust Car Park, Southgate SA3 2DH
Pobbles Bay, Gower
Getting to this wonderful cove requires a bit of effort. It takes 30 minutes to walk from the National Trust Car Park in Southgate or you can walk there via Three Cliffs Bay. It is steep access to the beach, but it offers beautiful rocks to explore. In the crystal clear water, you can see starfish or sea anemones. This beach feels like a tropical paradise so make sure to stop there when exploring the Gower coast.
5. Traeth Abermaw Beach, Barmouth – one of the best beaches in Wales with sand dunes
Driving from Liverpool – 2h 16min
Main Car Park Barmouth: LL42 1NF
Traeth Abermaw Beach, Barmouth
In the southern part of Snowdonia, you will find an amazing beach for swimming or enjoying water sports. It attracts many visitors every year due to its location with incredible views of the mountains and the sea.
Barmouth is worth visiting because there are plenty of amazing things to do in the area. Whether, you want to see Barmouth Viaduct, explore the town or watch the sunsets at the beach, this place will not disappoint you.
The colourful houses overlooking the sea and dunes make it a perfect holiday destination in the UK. Make sure to also walk around the town, the lovely streets of Barmouth will make you fall in love with this place.
6. Ynys Llanddwyn Island – one of the best beaches in Wales to admire volcanic rocks
Driving from Liverpool – 1h 50min
Newborough Warren & Ynys Llanddwyn Car Park postcode: LL61 6SG
Ynys Llanddwyn Island
This is one of my favourite places to visit in Wales as you can find there plenty of secluded spots. On such a small island, you can explore sandy beaches, two lighthouses and volcanic rocks.
You can get to Ynys Llanddwyn via Traeth Llanddwyn beach in Anglesey. This island feels so remote, even with many tourists visiting it each day. Walking around Ynys Llanddwyn and admiring sandy coves or relaxing at one of the beaches is one of the top things to do in Wales.
7. Traeth Llanddwyn, Anglesey
Driving from Liverpool – 1h 50min
Newborough Warren & Ynys Llanddwyn Car Park postcode: LL61 6SG
Traeth Llanddwyn, Anglesey
A long sandy beach that offers incredible views of Snowdonia is a perfect holiday destination. Due to the huge open area and western winds is especially popular for kitesurfing. The golden sands span for miles and provide a great place to relax with the family.
The Newborough Forest or tidal island Ynys Llanddwyn next to the beach are great places to go for a walk. Beautiful rock formations and two lighthouses are must-see attractions when visiting Anglesey.
Such a diverse beach with rocks, sand dunes and views of mountains is a perfect destination for a day out in Wales. You will find there plenty of parking spaces, however, it gets really busy, especially in the summer. Who wouldn’t want to relax in such a beautiful place?
8. Freshwater West Beach – one of the best beaches in Wales for Harry Potter fans
Driving from Pembroke – 15min
Freshwater West Beach Car Park, Nr Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire, Pembroke SA71 5AH
Freshwater West Beach
Recommended by Natalie from Voyage Scribe
Freshwater West Beach is located in Pembrokeshire, one of the most beautiful parts of Wales.
The nearest big town to this beach is Pembroke, which is only a 15-minute drive away. Pembrokeshire doesn’t have any cities (unless you count St. David’s, the smallest city in the UK), so the nearest big city is Swansea, located about 1.5 hours from Freshwater West Beach.
Voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire UK, Freshwater West Beach deserves this title. It is truly gorgeous, with a long stretch of sandy beach and rolling sand dunes and dramatic cliffs surrounding it.
Why should you visit Freshwater West Beach?
It’s located just off the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, possibly one of the most beautiful coastal paths in the UK. The path leading from Angle to Freshwater West is truly beautiful, especially once you are near the beach and see it from the vantage point of the cliffs.
Freshwater West Beach is popular for surfers since it has some of the biggest waves. If you don’t feel comfortable swimming in the strong currents, it’s an excellent beach to go on a walk since it’s so big. This beach is also a great place to watch the sunset.
A reason why this beach has become even more popular in the last decade is that several scenes from the last Harry Potter movies were filmed here. This beach was the film location of Shell Cottage and Dobby’s death scene. Although the props are now gone, you can still visit the site where Dobby’s grave was filmed, which Harry Potter fans from around the world come to visit.
Although this beach is a bit in the middle of nowhere (so much so that there is a military training area nearby), a short drive will place you in many of the other beautiful places in Pembrokeshire.
The best places to stay near one of the best beaches in Wales – Freshwater West Beach
To go on a holiday here, the nearest place to stay is Angle. You can walk to Freshwater West Beach from Angle along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path if you’re looking for a more active holiday, or it’s only about five minutes by car. Angle Bay Bed and Breakfast is one option, or if you prefer a campsite then Castle Farm Camping is in Angle as well. Alternatively, you can stay in nearby Pembroke, which has much more accommodation options.
9. Talacre Beach – One of the best beaches in Wales to watch sunsets
Driving from Liverpool – 1h
The Point Bar & Restaurant Car Park, 36 Station Rd, Talacre, Holywell CH8 9RP
Talacre Beach
One of the most romantic beaches to visit in Wales due to its beautiful sunsets. The vast sandy beach with Point of Ayr Lighthouse creates a great setting for taking incredible photos with your backpacking camera. The lighthouse dates back to 1776 and is a grade II listed building. The Point of Ayr Lighthouse is a private property that was sold in 2012 for £90,000.
This historic structure also played an important role in World War Two. Not only the lighthouse but also a whole beach that allows you to step back in time. It was the perfect location for training and coastal defence. Nowadays, the beach is an ideal destination for a picnic with a family.
Just a few steps from the beach there is The Point Bar & Restaurant or Lola & Suggs cafe where you can buy some ice creams during summer. Station Rd offers many places to eat and a lot of attractions for kids. Some shops sell beach accessories and a few car parks to choose from.
10. West Shore Beach
Driving from Liverpool – 1h 20min
Dale Road Pay & Display Car Park, Dale Rd, Llandudno LL30 2BG
West Shore Beach, Llandudno
This beautiful huge sandy beach is only 15 minutes drive from Conwy Castle. It offers incredible scenery with views of Anglesey Island or Great Orme. West Shore Beach is also a great place for dog walking, so if you are looking for a pet-friendly holiday in the UK, visit North Wales.
West Shore Beach is bigger than North Shore Beach and also less crowded. During low tide, the sand creates incredible shapes and the water is so shallow that you can walk quite far to explore this amazing place. Just be careful and make sure to come back before the high tide.
I see a lot of potential for drone photographers at this beach. It is hard to believe that such a paradise is so close to Liverpool. At the back of the beach, there is also a golf club which makes it a perfect destination to visit for everyone.
11. Colwyn Bay
Driving from Liverpool – 1h 8min
Central Promenade, Promenade, Colwyn Bay LL29 0AR
Colwyn Bay Beach
If you are looking for a beach that is just a few steps from the train station, visit Colwyn Bay. This popular spot for swimming in North Wales is also a winner of the Blue Flag Award. Such a clean beach not far from the town is a perfect place to visit.
You don’t need to go far if you want to have a great meal with fantastic views. Bryn Williams Porth Eirias will allow you to enjoy afternoon tea or a delicious breakfast by the sea. If you want to try some local food, look no further than Colwyn Bay.
A few other attractions at the beach include the COLWYN sign or climbing wall, which provide a great activity for kids. They will also love the ice cream shop, which is open during summer. The nearest car park is next to West Promenade where you will find an electric vehicle charging station and public toilets.
12. Porthdinllaen Beach
Driving from Liverpool – 2h 10min
National Trust Car Park – Morfa Nefyn, Pwllheli LL53 6DA
Porthdinllaen Beach
Recommended by Karen from Are We There Yet Kids
Some beaches in Wales are easy to get to and some require a bit more effort. Porthdinllaen Beach at Nefyn falls firmly into the effort category but it is worth it. Located on the Llyn Peninsula near the delightful town of Pwllheli, Porthdinllaen beach is craggy, sandy and offers amazing views of the Irish Sea.
How to get to one of the best beaches in Wales – Porthdinllaen Beach?
The tiny village of Porthdinllaen is closed to non-residential vehicles. To access the beach you’ll need to park at the National Trust Car Park which is around one mile walk down the coast path and across a narrow stretch of sand to get to the beach. This way is inaccessible when the tide is in. Or you can park behind the golf club at Morfa Nefyn and walk across the course. Both options will take you around half an hour.
Why should you visit Porthdinllaen Beach?
Perched on the sea wall at Porthdinllaen is the Ty Coch Inn which is widely regarded as one of the best beach bars in the World. During the summer months, tables spill over onto the sand or they’ll serve you right to your picnic blanket. It’s the perfect spot for a pint and a crab sandwich and is buzzing when the sun comes out.
Things to do near one of the best beaches in Wales – Porthdinllaen Beach
Once you get bored of playing in the sand and fishing in the rock pools there are plenty of other things to do near Porthdinllaen. Criccieth, Abersoch and Pwhelli are all within half an hour’s drive or you could enjoy a hike along the Llyn Peninsula coast path.
Gimblet Rock Holiday Park is a brilliant site located next to Pwhelli Marina which is around twenty minutes drive from Porthdinllaen beach. Home to stunning holiday lodges, an indoor pool, kids’ play area and some of the best views in Wales.
13. Porth Trecastell, Anglesey
Driving from Liverpool – 1h 50min
Car Park by the beach, next to A4080 road
Porth Trecastell, Anglesey
Recommended by Annabel from smudgedpostcard
Porth Trecastell is a small, sheltered family beach on the west coast of Anglesey in North Wales. It is peaceful and unspoilt, backed by grassy cliffs and sand dunes.
The beach is also known as Cable Bay due to the historical link of telegraph cables that ran between Wales and Ireland from this point.
Porth Trecastell is quite remote – it is located midway between Aberffraw and Rhosneigr. There is a small car park but no café or toilets. If you’re visiting the beach in summer, it’s worth arriving early or in the late afternoon to get a space in the car park.
The beach is sandy and at low tide, there are great rock pools to explore. In the summer it is popular with families. Its sheltered location makes it a great destination for snorkelling, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Porth Trecastell is also a pet-friendly beach.
The beach is overlooked by a headland where an ancient burial chamber is located. Known as Barclodiad y Gawres, the chamber dates back to the Stone Age and is sometimes open to visitors. The site is on the Anglesey Coastal Path which is an excellent walking route should you wish to reach the beach on foot.
Where to stay near one of the best beaches in Wales – Porth Trecastell
The closest place to stay is near Porth Trecastell in Rhosneigr. There are lots of self-catering options in this seaside town. Alternatively, the Sandy Mount House is a contemporary beach hotel with a bar and restaurant.
There is no lifeguard at Porth Trecastell.
14. Poppit Sands Beach
Driving from Cardigan – 10min
Car Park, Cardigan SA43 3LR
Poppit Sands Beach
Recommended by Sinead from Map Made Memories
Poppit Sands Beach on the Ceredigion coast in west Wales is an expansive, clean, sandy beach. It is a picturesque spot enclosed by two headlands and backed by low sand dunes. This dog friendly, Blue Flag beach is manned by lifeguards in summer and offers plenty of space for visitors.
You can walk along the beach, following the route of the Teifi estuary inland to neighbouring St. Dogmaels. The two headlands enclosing Poppit Sands offer excellent and easy hiking opportunities. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Path starts (or ends) in Poppit Sands and the path is accessible a short walk from the beach. The initial section around Cemares Head provides fantastic views of the Welsh coast.
The nearby town of Cardigan is ten minutes by car from Poppit Sands or the nearest city, Carmarthen, is a one-hour drive away. Poppit Sands Beach has a fee-paying car park set back from the beach. The car park has a small cafe and is adjacent to the lifeguard station and public toilets. A little further up the coast from Poppit Sands is Mwnt, a picture-perfect National Trust beach with scenic coastal walks.
This beach is an ideal location for dolphin spotting. Other local attractions near Poppit Sands include Cardigan Castle, St. Dogmaels’ Abbey and the Welsh Wildlife Centre.
Where to stay near one of the best beaches in Wales – Poppit Sands Beach
Stay at Cardigan Bay Holiday Park, just a five-minute walk from the beach or The Cliff Hotel and Spa which is a ten-minute drive away.
15. Aberavon Beach
Driving from Swansea – 24min
Car Park by The Princess Margaret Way, Port Talbot SA12 7NP
Aberavon Beach
Recommended by Lowri from Many Other Roads
Wales is full of some of the most picturesque and best beaches in the UK. One of the most beautiful ones is Aberavon beach (Traeth Aberafan) in Port Talbot, South Wales. With its long sandy beaches stretching over 3 miles, amazing sunsets and lots of places to eat and drink, it’s an ideal spot to spend a day or two.
Many visit the beach just when the sun is shining, but this spot is popular all year round. Aberavon seafront is one of Wales’ longest beaches so is the perfect place for a beachfront stroll.
Why should I visit Aberavon Beach?
You will never struggle to find a good beach in Wales, So you may be thinking, “Why should I visit Aberavon?”
The beach itself is fantastic for all. Not only is it super clean but this sandy stretch is flat, so it’s super easy to explore. As the beach is so big, you will never struggle to find a peaceful spot.
Many beaches are only enjoyable in the summer months, but Aberavon is great for a paddle even in the winter. So if you are looking for a beach to explore in rain or shine, make sure you add Aberavon Beach to your list.
How to get to one of the best beaches in Wales – Aberavon Beach
Aberavon has great parking surrounding the beach so getting here by car is super easy. Lots of the free parking options are only available for 2 hours, so if you want to spend the day at the beach, use the pay and display car parks.
If you are planning on driving to Aberavon Beach, the best postcode to use for your directions is SA12 6NA.
However, if you don’t drive there are lots of great transport options available. The most popular way to get to Aberavon Beach is by train and bus. The quickest route is to get your train to Port Talbot Parkway Station then the 87 bus from the station to explore Aberavon Beach.
Things to do at Aberavon Beach
This South Wales gem is a great spot to spend the day as there are lots of things to do in the area. Within a 2 minute walk of the beach, you will find a cinema, SkatePark and a Leisure centre.
Aberavon Beach is one of the best beaches in Wales for sun worshipers and surfers. But if you want to get away from the beach for a bit, there are plenty of things to do. Aberavon seafront is super child friendly and has a pirate-themed play park and splash pool.
Strolling down Aberavon Seafront you will notice plenty of great places to grab a bag of chips or even sit down for a glass of wine and a pizza. One of the most popular spots to eat with beach views is Cafe Remo’s.
The best places to stay when visiting one of the best beaches in Wales – Aberavon Beach
Aberavon is full of great hotels for any budget. The Best Western Is one of the most popular hotels in the area as it’s so close to the beach.
South Wales is a really popular destination to explore because it is so easy to travel around it. So If you are visiting Aberavon but don’t want to be there overnight, you could easily stay in Port Talbot, Neath or Swansea.
Aberavon Beach is one of the best beaches in Wales for so many reasons. Its long sandy stretches and wonderful places to eat make this spot a locals favourite. If you are looking to explore the best beaches in Wales, Aberavon really will not disappoint!
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