Best beaches in Wales

Wales offers countless beaches to choose from, ranging from popular family seaside resorts to hidden sandy coves reached only on foot. For beaches with facilities and amusements head to places like Barmouth and Tenby. For solitude, and rock formations shaped by the tide, make for Barafundle Bay and Three Cliffs Bay. Whatever type of beach you’re looking for, Wales has over 150!

Wales is also home to the 870-mile Wales Coast Path. This is the first path in the world to follow a country’s coastline in its entirety and a great way to discover this beautiful region. Dip in anywhere along the route and you’ll experience stunning views, a range of wildlife and nature and thousands of years of history.

With a secluded location, only accessible on foot, Barafundle Bay is full of romantic charm. It is part of the National Trust’s Stackpole Estate which is wild, rugged and windswept. Cliffs, sand dunes and tiny coves alternate along eight miles of coastline.

Barafundle Bay is a jewel of a beach set between limestone cliffs and backed by dunes and woods. The beach is accessed by a cliff path walk from Stackpole Quay, with steep steps at either end. Stackpole Quay itself is a tiny harbour used by local fishermen and small pleasure boats.

When the tide is out the beach is vast, and at certain times of the you could find yourself in perfect solitude. If venturing here as a family in summer, be sure to take everything you need for a day at the beach with you as you can’t just nip back to the car.

One of the best surfing beaches in the country, this popular beach is overlooked by the imposing craggy hill of Carn Llidi. As the name may suggest there’s a wide expanse of fine white sand which curves north towards the remote rocky headland of St Davids Head.

The beach is close the the small cathedral city of St David’s and boat trips out to RSPB Ramsey Island can be booked in the city. Surfers favour the northern end of the beach, and on busy days there are canoeists, surfers and bodyboarders competing for the best waves. There’s also a rocky promontory to climb on.

The south end of the beach is quieter and there are some nicely sheltered bays. Dog restrictions apply to the entire length of the beach between 1 May and 30 September.

Set just on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, Barmouth beach is southern Snowdonia’s most popular seaside resort. The beach is a mixture of sand and fine shingle and ideal for bath and watersports.

Perfect for families, there are traditional donkey rides and amusement arcades open in season. A land train runs along the promenade from the town centre. In good weather and the summer season the beach will be busy but it is easily big enough to find your own space.

Leisure amenities, shops, cafés and pubs are within a short walk from the beach. It is also possible at low tide to walk all the way north to Harlech along the sands. The beach is Blue Flag, with toilets and parking. Dog restrictions apply from April to September.

Located on the stunning Llyn Peninsula, Abersoch is one of the peninsula’s most popular resorts. It is a big hit with families and watersports enthusiasts.

The main beach’s sheltered position makes it ideal for bathers and its easterly aspect means it faces the mountains of west Wales and St Tudwal's Islands giving spectacular views. Beach huts can be rented by the day or week by enquiring at the beach cafés.

International sailing events are held from this beach and a large number of yachts are moored in the bay during the summer months. There is an area of this beach where dogs are not allowed between 1 April and 30 September and this runs from the yacht club to the Golf Road slipway.
 

Rhossili Bay has quite the reputation. It is the first beach to be awarded Britain’s Best Beach by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice for the second year running and has also won accolades from UK Travel Writers and awards for being the best spot to have a picnic!

Dog owners might like to note that The Times nominated Rhossili as ‘The UK's No.1 dog-friendly beach’.

It is an iconic destination with dramatic and panoramic views and lots of walking opportunities. At low tide there is a huge expanse of beach stretching for three miles. Many different birds nest on the cliffs, so don't forget your binoculars. The beach is reached via a steep clifftop path so may not be accessible for all.