When it comes to beaches in Wales, there are so many for you to choose from. No matter if you’re looking for a scenic spot to find peace and tranquillity or if you’re looking for a family-friendly destination that will entertain your kids for hours, Wales caters for the masses. Perfect for wildlife lovers, sports enthusiasts, and sun worshippers, there are fantastic beaches throughout the country that will leave you speechless.
Wales has some truly stunning beaches to visit, which offer the perfect location for family holidays or quiet retreats, at any time of year. From the Bristol estuary to the Isle of Anglesey. Here are the very best beaches to explore across the whole of Wales
The best beaches in Wales: North Wales
Rhyl Beach
Rhyl Beach is a classic beach that offers everything that you could want from your trip to the seaside. A long and sandy stretch of coastline in the resort of Rhyl, the beach goes for two miles between Clwyd Estuary and Splash Point. During the summer months, there’s enough space on the beach so that you won’t find yourself being crowded out by other beachgoers, whereas in the winter, you can enjoy a scenic walk along the shoreline.
Rhyl Beach is one of a selection of beaches in Wales that’s ideal for families, with there being loads to do. Children can enjoy building sandcastles in the golden sands or even go on a donkey ride during the peak season. There’s also the annual Rhyl Air Show towards the end of the summer season, which transfixes aviation fans. For those that want to play some sport on the beach, you can make use of the dedicated volleyball courts or, alternatively, make use of the vast space elsewhere.
Talacre Beach
Another of the many beaches in Wales that is well worth a visit is Talacre Beach. Boasting miles of golden sands, you’ll always be able to find a quiet spot to get some rest and relaxation. During the summer months, the beach can get quite busy due to the influx of holidaymakers from the nearby holiday parks, but during the winter, it’s the perfect place for a tranquil stroll. Whilst the beach is relatively quiet, you’ll still be able to find a cafe and restaurant, as well as toilet facilities and parking, which makes it a great place to spend the day.
The iconic Point of Ayr Lighthouse, which dates back to 1776, is situated in the middle of the beach and makes for a great excursion with the kids. However, it’s worth noting that the tide goes beyond the lighthouse, so be sure to check the tide times. This beach is also great for nature lovers, with the surrounding area being a Site of Special Scientific Interest that boasts a range of rare species, such as natterjack toads. Similarly, the nearby Dee Estuary has lots of wintering birds, like skylarks and meadow pipits, which can be seen flying around.
Llandudno Beach
If you’re looking for beaches in Wales that are in close proximity of one another, then a visit to the town of Llandudno should be on your list. With five beaches located only a short distance from the town, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The two main beaches in the town are Llandudno North Shore Beach and Llandudno West Shore Beach. The North Shore Beach is the busier of the two beaches and is great for entertainment, with it boasting an award-winning pier built in the late 1800s.
When you get to the end of the pier, on a clear day, you’ll get great views of the mountains of Snowdonia. The pier itself offers a range of amusement arcades, bars, cafes, shops, and even a fairground, so your kids will be well entertained for the duration. West Shore Beach tends to be much quieter, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a serene space to relax for the day. It’s a great beach for those that love walking, with it being dog friendly, too, so you can bring your furry friend along. As the evening approaches, you’ll also be treated to stunning sunsets.
Beaches in Wales: South Wales
Rhossili Bay
For those looking for scenic beaches in Wales, Rhossili Bay beach is a must-visit. With around three miles of pristine sand and clear waters, this beach is great for walkers, those wanting to do water sports, or anyone just wanting to soak up the sun. When the beach is at low tide, it becomes a huge expanse that allows you to walk across the bay to the village of Llangennith. The beach is extremely popular with surfers but also offers great swimming opportunities.
Nature lovers can also get their fix here, with many birds choosing the surrounding cliffs to nest on. The beach itself, whilst seemingly rural, offers many facilities to fulfil your needs. There are shops, toilets, and food and drink establishments. You can also use the car park at the beach, which makes it convenient to get to. One thing worth noting is that the beach is only accessible by a steep walk down to the sand, so it might not be suitable for those in wheelchairs or parents with pushchairs. A great alternative close by is Swansea Beach.
Swansea Beach
Swansea Beach is another one of the beaches in Wales that has to get a mention. As noted previously, this is a great alternative to Rhossili Bay beach if you have mobility problems. Stretching along Swansea Bay, with the promenade in the backdrop, this beach is easily accessible from the centre of the city. The beach itself is vast, clean, and accommodating.
You can spend the day sunbathing, swimming, or playing sports, meaning it caters for the masses. It’s also family-friendly, with there being lifeguards operating during peak season. Whilst the beach is very close to the city, it still gives you a feeling of solitude, so you get the best of both worlds. If you get hungry, there is a selection of restaurants and cafes nearby to satisfy your needs.
Tenby Beach
Tenby is another town in Wales that offers a selection of beaches which are all highly rated and offer pristine waters, golden sands, and great facilities. The town itself is also great for those looking to entertain their kids for a couple of hours, with there being a town museum, a castle, and a range of shops only a quick walk away.
Tenby North Beach hosts the annual Ironman Wales competition, which is great to watch if you’re visiting during September. This beach is also the perfect place for families to spend the day, with there being rock pools for kids to play in and lifeguards patrolling the beach during the summer.
Tenby South Beach is just as lovely as North Beach but slightly less commercialised, so you’ll find it more peaceful if that’s what you’re seeking. In June, you’ll also be treated to a vibrant street food festival in the car park of this beach, where you can taste a range of international cuisines. Tenby Harbour Beach is renowned for being one of Pembrokeshire’s most picturesque beaches, with the backdrop being bobbing boats and colourful houses. It’s a smaller beach than the other two, so it’s great if you have little ones that you want to keep an eye on.
Beaches in Wales: East coast
Barmouth Beach
If you’re exploring the middle of the Welsh coastline there’s a superb selection of beaches to choose from. Barmouth Beach is one of the beaches in Wales that is popular amongst tourists throughout the year. Offering stunning views of Cardigan Bay and a picturesque harbour, this is a great place to come and relax. However, if you’re after more of a classic beach holiday for your family, you can visit the promenade, where your children can enjoy donkey rides and amusement arcades.
If you’re hungry, you’ll also find a wide selection of food and drink establishments only a short distance from the beach. This beach also offers great hiking opportunities for those that want to stretch their legs and appreciate the surrounding wildlife.
Aberystwyth Beach
When you’re looking for beaches in Wales that offer something for everyone, look no further than Aberystwyth Beach. This elegant beach, which backs onto Georgian and Victorian hotels and houses, is a timeless classic. In the summer months, you can enjoy a peaceful dip in the ocean, with the sunset also being unmissable. In the winter months, nature lovers will love watching the murmurations of migrating starlings.
Kids can enjoy donkey rides and the amusement arcades at the Victorian Pier. When it’s time for food, fish, and chips followed by ice cream are sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces.
Beaches in Wales: Hidden gems
Porthdinllaen Beach
A picture-perfect beach, Porthdinllaen Beach is part of a beautiful fishing village on a delightful stretch of sand. This hidden gem is a great place to visit to get away from your normal routine and unwind. With a cafe and an inn on the beach, you’ll be able to have a well-deserved drink after a great hike along the coast. Bird watchers will be treated to some great sights, too, with nesting sand martins and cormorants aplenty.
Musselwick Sands Beach
Another hidden gem when it comes to beaches in Wales is Musselwick Sands Beach. A secluded stretch of sand that’s encircled by the cliffs of Wooltack Point and Nab Head, you’ll be able to enjoy relatively wind-free days here, as the cliffs shield you from prevailing winds. To get to this beach, you’ll have to navigate a walk across fields followed by a steep descent to the sands, so it’s not suitable for everyone.
It’s very rural with no facilities, so remember to pack provisions before you set off. You should also check tide times, as the beach tends to disappear during high tide.
Beaches in Wales: FAQs
What is the nicest beach in Wales?
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in Wales. With so many of the beaches offering stunning scenery, pristine water, and clean sands, it’s hard to say which is the nicest. However, if you’re with young children, the nicest beaches in Wales are town beaches like those at Tenby, as they offer something for everyone. For those looking for more adventure and seclusion, head to Musselwick Sands Beach, where you might be the only person there.
Where are the best sandy beaches in Wales?
Throughout Wales, the beaches have golden sands and clean waters, so you’ll never have to travel far if you’re by the coast. One of the longest stretches of golden sand is at Rhossili Bay, where the beach is almost as wide as it is long at low tide.
Where is the clearest water in Wales?
Throughout Wales, the waters are clear and clean, with many of the beaches have won awards for their water quality. The beaches in Tenby are renowned for offering clear and blue waters during the summer months, so head there for the clearest waters.
Which is the nicest beach in North Wales?
When it comes to beaches in Wales, there are plenty to pick from in the north of the country. If you are on a family holiday and want a beach that offers a great range of facilities, then head to Rhyl Beach, which is great for adults and kids. For those who want a bit more peace and tranquillity, Talacre Beach is perfect, with there being a vast expanse of golden sands to explore. In the summer months, the beach might get a bit busier, but you can just walk along further and it won’t take you long to find a quiet spot.
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