Wales is one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, and its beaches are pretty spectacular too. From the stunning sandy beaches of Pembrokeshire to the dramatic cliffs of Anglesey, Wales has it all.
Whether you’re looking for a beach to relax on, or one for some adventure, Wales has something for everyone. The Welsh coast is home to some of the UK’s best surfing spots, while the sheltered bays make it perfect for swimming and kayaking.
With its rugged landscapes and stunning views, Wales provides a great backdrop for a beach holiday.
But how do you know which are the best beaches in Wales? Keep reading to find out!
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The Best Beaches in Wales
1. Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula
Rhossili Bay is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Wales, and has also been voted as one of the best beaches in Wales, and it’s easy to see why. The three-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dramatic cliffs makes it a perfect spot for a beach holiday. It’s also a great spot for surfing, while the sheltered bays make it perfect for swimming and kayaking.
Situated near Swansea in the coastal village of Rhossili, this stunning beach stretches for nearly three miles along the Gower Peninsula. As you stand on the cliffs that overlook the bay, you can admire the sweeping views of the sandy beach, turquoise waters and the famous Worm’s Head, where if you’re lucky enough you might even spot some seals!
The beach at Rhossili Bay is made up of golden sand and pebbles, and is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you prefer to take a leisurely stroll along the beach, or to take part in some of the activities that can be found here, such as swimming, surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking and windsurfing, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste.
The area surrounding Rhossili Bay is also worth exploring. Take a stroll along the coastal path, which runs along the cliff-tops, and you can enjoy views of the sea and the spectacular scenery, as shown in our photo below, we were absolutely blown away by how beautiful the views over this beach are!
There are plenty of attractions to discover nearby, including St. Mary’s church, Rhossili Village, and the National Trust’s Old Rectory Visitor Centre. Rhossili Bay is one of the best beaches in Wales and is a great place to visit at any time of year. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an exciting adventure, Rhossili Bay has something for everyone.
2. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
This secluded beach is one of Wales’ best kept secrets. With its crystal clear waters and white sand, Barafundle Bay is an idyllic spot for a beach holiday. It’s also great for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
Barafundle Bay is located in Pembrokeshire, Wales and is considered one of the best beaches in the entire country. The beach is well-known for its stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing holiday or weekend getaway.
The area is also a popular spot for surfers, as the waves are consistently high and the waters are ideal for surfing. The beach itself is made up of white sand and is surrounded by a ring of rocks and cliffs, providing a beautiful backdrop to the beach.
The beach is also well-known for its variety of wildlife, such as puffins, seabirds, and other marine life. The bay also provides stunning views of the Pembrokeshire coastline and the nearby islands, making it a great spot for a picnic or day out.
Barafundle Bay has been dubbed one of the best beaches in Wales for many years. It has been featured in many travel guides, magazines, and websites, with many people praising its stunning views and serenity.
The beach is also popular with families, as it has some great facilities for children, such as a play area and a café. Barafundle Bay is a great destination for a day trip or longer holiday, with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day or an adventurous surfing experience, Barafundle Bay is the perfect spot.
3. Newgale Beach, Pembrokeshire
Newgale Beach is one of the best beaches in Wales, and it is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. This beach is located in Pembrokeshire and it is an ideal spot for a variety of activities. The beach is two miles long and it is bordered by a wide expanse of sand dunes.
The sand is golden and soft, and the sea is an inviting blue. The beach is also a great spot for surfing and windsurfing, as the waves are quite consistent. Newgale Beach is a great place for a family holiday.
There are plenty of activities for kids, including beach volleyball, swimming, and beachcombing. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants nearby, so you can easily get refreshments. The beach also has plenty of lifeguards on duty, so you can be assured that your family is safe while they enjoy the beach.
One of the best things about Newgale Beach is that it is a great spot for wildlife watching. You can spot a variety of sea birds and marine life, including seals and dolphins. The beach is also a great spot for fishing and crabbing.
For those who prefer to stay on land, the beach also has a few walking trails that are perfect for exploring the area.
Newgale Beach is an ideal destination for a beach holiday. It has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re looking for a spot to relax and unwind, or you’re looking for an adventure, you can find it at Newgale Beach.
4. Abersoch Beach, Gwynedd
Abersoch Beach, located in the picturesque county of Gwynedd, Wales, is one of the best beaches in Wales and a top tourist destination. The beach is surrounded by the beautiful Cardigan Bay and stunning views of Snowdonia National Park.
Abersoch Beach offers a wide variety of activities, from swimming and sunbathing, to sailing, surfing, kiteboarding, and boat trips, making it an ideal location for a beach holiday. The pristine white sands of Abersoch Beach are perfect for families and visitors of all ages.
The beach is well-maintained, offering a variety of facilities, including toilets, showers, and a café. Visitors can even take part in a range of beach sports, such as beach volleyball, football, and cricket. The beach is also a great spot for fishing and crabbing, making it a popular spot for anglers.
The beach is a popular destination for surfing, with waves that can reach up to six feet in height. There is a surf school located here, offering lessons for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Abersoch Beach is also home to a range of water sports, including kiteboarding, windsurfing, and kayaking.
The beach is also a popular destination for sailing, with the nearby Abersoch Yacht Club offering sailing lessons. Abersoch Beach is a great spot for wildlife spotting, with a variety of seabirds, dolphins, seals, and even whales often spotted here.
The beach is also a great spot for fossil hunting and is home to a range of archaeological sites. Abersoch Beach is one of the best beaches in Wales and a great destination for beach lovers. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the sand or an adventure-filled day of water sports, Abersoch Beach has it all.
5. Barmouth Beach, Gwynedd
Barmouth Beach is one of the best beaches in Wales and it lies on the west coast of Gwynedd. It is a stunning stretch of golden sand, backed by dunes and overlooked by the town of Barmouth.
The beach is a great spot for walking, swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the local area. The beach is a popular spot for visitors, as it offers a stunning view of the sea and the surrounding landscape. It is also a great place for birdwatching, with numerous species of seabirds and waders.
During the summer months, the beach is often crowded with locals and visitors alike, enjoying the sunshine and the waves. The beach is also a great spot for water sports, with kayaking and windsurfing being popular activities.
There is a lifeguard service in place during the summer months and the beach is also equipped with a range of facilities such as toilets, showers, and seating areas.
Barmouth Beach is one of the best beaches in Wales, and it is a great spot to spend a day or two. With its stunning views, activities, and facilities, it is a great destination for families and couples alike.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an action-packed adventure, Barmouth Beach has something for everyone.
6. Freshwater West Beach, Pembrokeshire
If you are a Harry Potter fan like we are, then Freshwater West Beach is a must-visit spot for you, as it was a pretty significant filming location in the Harry Potter films!
Freshwater West beach in Wales is one of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in the UK. Located in Pembrokeshire county, it is a stunning sandy beach that hugs the coast and offers miles of golden sand and clear waters.
This makes it one of the best beaches in Wales and a popular destination for beachgoers. The beach offers many activities and attractions, such as rock pooling, surfing and kitesurfing.
The beach is also great for fishing and swimming, making it a perfect spot for all the family. There are plenty of places to park and the beach is well signposted, so it is easy to find.
The beach is also a great place for wildlife watching. It is home to a variety of birds, such as oystercatchers, cormorants and curlews, as well as seals and dolphins. There is also a large population of sea birds here, making it a great place for birdwatchers.
The beach has been used as a filming location for many blockbusters such as Harry Potter, and it is also a popular spot for photographers. With its stunning views and stunning scenery, Freshwater West beach in Wales is the perfect place for a day out.
It is no surprise that Freshwater West beach in Wales is one of the best beaches in Wales. With its golden sand and clear waters, it is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Freshwater West beach in Wales is the ideal place to do so.
If you’re a Harry Potter fan and you’d like to know more about Dobby’s grave, then you can check out our blog post here – Dobby’s Grave At Freshwater West Beach 2023- Harry Potter
7. Abereiddy Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire
Abereiddy Bay Beach is a stunningly beautiful beach on the Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales. It is a secluded and tranquil place, with a wide expanse of sand and fascinating rock formations. The blue lagoon, which is an old slate quarry, is a must-see when visiting the beach.
It is a truly captivating place, with its deep blue-green waters contrasting sharply with the sandy shoreline. It is great for swimming, and the adventurous can even explore the caves and tunnels formed by the quarry.
The beach is a popular spot for surfers, especially in the winter months. You can rent surfboards and wetsuits at the beach, so you can take advantage of the waves that roll in here. There are also plenty of rock pools to explore and plenty of beautiful views.
The area around Abereiddy Bay Beach is also popular with walkers, as there are some excellent coastal paths in the area. The paths run along the cliffs, offering stunning views of the sea and the Welsh coast.
You can also explore the local wildlife, with a variety of birds and other animals to spot in the area. Abereiddy Bay Beach is a great place to relax and explore. Whether you want to surf the waves, explore the rock pools, or just take in the stunning views, Abereiddy Bay Beach offers something for everyone.
The Blue Lagoon is an incredible sight, and it is an unforgettable experience to swim in its crystal-clear waters. The water is so cold, so you do have to prepare yourself for that!
We visited the Blue Lagoon in the summer, and the water was still super cold! If you’d like to know more about this must-visit spot, you can check out our blog post here – A Complete Guide To The Blue Lagoon Wales – Abereiddy Beach
If you are looking for a beach with a difference, then Abereiddy Bay Beach in Wales is the perfect place to visit.
8. Whitesands Bay Beach, Pembrokeshire
Whitesands Bay Beach in Wales is a stunning beach with some of the best views in Wales. It’s located on the St. David’s Peninsula and is easily accessible.
The bay has a long stretch of white sands and crystal blue waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the sea and the neighbouring islands, while also taking in the fresh sea air.
Whitesands Bay Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. It’s often hailed as the best beach in Wales and is a great spot for swimming, surfing, and bodyboarding. The beach has a variety of activities and services available, including lifeguards, beach huts, and cafes.
The main attraction at Whitesands Bay Beach is the surfing. There are a number of excellent surf spots along the beach, making it an ideal spot for surfers of all levels. The waves here can be quite powerful, so it’s important to take precautions before venturing into the sea.
The beach also has a number of different surf schools, so those looking to improve their surfing skills can take advantage of the excellent tuition available. Whitesands Bay Beach is also a great spot for sunbathing and relaxing.
The beach is often quite busy during the summer months, so it’s important to plan ahead and get there early to avoid the crowds. The beach also has plenty of space for picnics and barbecues, making it a great spot for families and friends.
Whitesands Bay Beach is an amazing beach and a great spot for a day out. Whether you’re looking for a great spot to surf, or just want to relax and take in the stunning views, Whitesands Bay Beach in Wales is the perfect destination.
There is also an amazing coastal hike that you can take from the beach following the cliffs around to St David’s and we’d highly recommend doing this, it was one of the most beautiful coastal hikes we have ever done.
If you do take the hike from this beach around to St David’s, you will also see the Ramsey Island Nature Reserve, which you can take a boat to. If you’d like to know more, you can read our blog post here – Ramsey Island Nature Reserve, Pembrokeshire – Wales
9. Tenby South Beach, Pembrokeshire
Tenby South Beach in Wales is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in the country. Located in the heart of the traditional seaside town of Tenby, which is one of our most favourite spots in all of Wales.
Tenby is one of the most pretty seaside towns in the whole of the UK. With its perfect pastel coloured buildings overlooking the golden sands of the beach, you won’t find many better seaside spots to visit in our opinion.
With a wide expanse of golden sand and crystal clear waters, it is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. The beach is the ideal spot for all sorts of activities, from swimming, surfing and sailing to simply lounging on the shoreline.
You can also take some fabulous boat trips from this beach. We did the Seal Safari Wildlife Adventure boat trip when we visited Tenby which was great fun on a lovely sunny day. We got the chance to see lots of seals and sea-birds and we highly recommend taking one of the boat trips.
Tenby South Beach is also home to some of the most breath-taking coastal scenery in Wales. From its majestic cliffs and pristine rocky coves, to its stunning sunsets and tranquil bays, it is a delight for the eyes.
The beach is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, with some of the rarest species of birds in the region making their home here. The best way to experience Tenby South Beach is to take a leisurely stroll along its length.
The beach is well-maintained and is regularly cleaned by the local council, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day out. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink, with a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars.
With its tranquil atmosphere, stunning views and wide range of activities, it is the perfect spot to spend a day or two. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Tenby South Beach has something for everyone.
10. Three Cliffs Bay, The Gower Peninsula
Three Cliffs Bay is a spectacular location in Wales situated in The Gower Peninsula. It is an area of outstanding beauty and natural wonder, both on land and at sea.
The beach is made up of golden sand and is framed by three towering limestone cliffs, giving the bay its name. The cliffs are a popular spot for climbers of all levels, offering a variety of routes for both the beginner and the expert.
On the beach, you can explore the rock pools and discover hidden sea creatures. The beach is also popular for swimming and surfing due to its sheltered waters. The Gower Peninsula has long been a favourite destination for tourists and locals alike, thanks to its stunning scenery and variety of activities on offer.
As well as Three Cliffs Bay, the area is home to many other beaches and coves, making it a great destination for water sports such as kayaking, sailing, and coasteering. There are also walking and cycling trails that take in some of the area’s most stunning views, as well as plenty of wildlife watching opportunities.
The Gower Peninsula is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Three Cliffs Bay is one of its most iconic locations. It’s no wonder that it’s such a popular destination, with its breath-taking views and stunning scenery.
The area is also full of history, with the remains of an Iron Age fort situated on the cliffs above the beach. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an exciting adventure, or some wonderful views, Three Cliffs Bay in The Gower Peninsula, Wales is the perfect spot.
Summary
We hope that you’ve found this guide to the best beaches in Wales useful. Wales is one of our most favourite places to visit in the UK, with some of the very best beaches, and we hope you enjoy visiting them as much as we do.
If you’d like to know more about some of the best places to visit in Wales, you can check out our blog post here – Best Places To Visit In Wales
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I love everything about travel, from seeing new places, learning about new cultures and trying new foods! I believe that travel is one of the best forms of education you can get, I have learnt so much about myself and about the world from travelling all over. Travel is something I feel so passionately about, and I love the fact that we are now lucky enough to have this opportunity to do what we love as much as we can, it’s a dream come true.
Before we started travelling, I worked in local government in administration. I had been in this job for several years and had reached a complete brick wall where I was so fed up, but didn’t know what else to do. The only thing I knew that I wanted to do was to travel, and had wanted to do that for many years.
There were hundreds and hundreds of places on my wishlist that I wanted to go to, and I knew that going on a weeks holiday maybe twice a year if we were lucky wasn’t going to cut it.
After being in lockdown due to the Covid pandemic, and working from home staring at the same 4 walls every day, 2021 seemed like the perfect time for us to take the risk to finally do what we had dreamed of for so long.
It was a hard decision to completely change our lives, but so far it has been the best decision we have ever made!
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