Our Favourite Beaches to Visit in West Wales
We are really spoilt when it comes to beaches to visit in West Wales. Whether you prefer a secluded sandy bay or one you can walk along with views for miles, there is one to suit you. Head west to Cardigan Bay or south to Carmarthen Bay and Pembrokeshire and you will find quiet coves, quaint seaside towns and wildlife in abundance.
Penbryn
Penbryn is a mile long stretch of golden sand with caves to explore at one end at low tide. It is around 1/4 of a mile down the road from the car park or take the beautiful woodland walk from behind the Plwmp Tart cafe. This is about 1/2 a mile and steep in places, but is totally enchanting! The Wales Coast Path leads from the beach in both directions with gorgeous views across the bay. An ideal spot for stargazing – Penbryn Beach is a designated Dark Skies Discovery site.
The drive to Penbryn is about 40 minutes from the cottages. See more here: Walking at Penbryn
Llangrannog
A popular beach with surfers and great for people-watching. There are also excellent cafes and pubs beside the beach. The views from the coast path here are some of the best in Wales. At low tide you can also access Cilborth beach to the right. Grab a pizza from Tafell a Tan and eat it on the beach.
Find out more: Visiting Llangrannog
Cilborth
A beautiful more secluded beach. Accessible at low tide direct from Llangrannog beach or by a set of steep steps from the coast path. The route is steep and unsuitable for people with limited mobility. This is one of our favourite beaches as it never seems to get too crowded and the high cliffs and rocks give it a lovely atmosphere. The cliffs are great for birdwatching too.
More Info: Cilborth Beach
Mwnt
Mwnt Beach is around 1 hour from the cottages and is situated between the towns of Cardigan and Aberporth, on the Cardigan Bay coastline. It is nestled within a designated conservation area, known for its rugged cliffs, sandy beach, and rich biodiversity. Watch out for dolphins in the sea and rare Choughs flying overhead. Mwnt is on the Wales Coast Path, and has breathtaking views along the walking trails. In Spring the Gorse is so beautiful and smells delicious. Overlooking the beach is the historic Mwnt Church, which dates back to the 14th century.
Find out more: Visiting Mwnt
Tresaith
Tresaith is a small beach with a lot to offer! It famously has an extraordinary waterfall to the right of the beach. The coastal path between Tresaith & Aberporth is a lovely walk (mostly easy). We love having lunch at the Ship Inn with views over Tresaith Beach. A perfect spot for Dolphin-Spotting.
The drive to Tresaith is about 40 minutes from the cottages. More about Tresaith.
Aberporth
Aberporth lies at the southern end of Cardigan Bay about six miles north of Cardigan and ten miles south of New Quay. It overlooks two sandy beaches both with European Blue Flag status. Dyffryn Beach is to the west of the headland and Dolwen Beach to the east. The beaches both have soft golden sand and shelve gently into the sea and there are rock pools to explore too.
The town is very pretty with some lovely cafes and pubs and the walk along the coastal path to Tresaith is one of our favourites.
Find out more: A visit to Aberporth
New Quay
New Quay is in Cardigan Bay, just 30 minutes drive from the cottages. It is a quaint and very pretty seaside town with two beaches – Harbour beach and Dolau. Just outside of the town are Traeth Gwyn (or Llanina beach) and Cei Bach – both much wilder and they tend to be quieter.
Take a walk along the harbour wall as it is a prime spot for seeing dolphins. Or take a boat trip for a better chance of seeing dolphins and seals. More on New Quay’s Beaches.
Cwmtydu
Cwmtydu is a small pebble beach in Cardigan Bay with direct access to a stunning part of the Coastal Path. You can park right behind the beach and climb the path to the right of the beach for amazing views. Walk along the cliffs to Castell Bach Bay and then to the very quiet beach of Cwm Silio. There is plenty of bird life around too – we often see kestrels, ravens and rare choughs. Cwmtydu and the surrounding coves are a popular place for seals to raise their pups so it is important during September & October not to disturb them.
Find out more: Visiting Cwmtydu
Saundersfoot
A little further than the beaches of Cardigan Bay, Saundersfoot is about an hour and 10 minutes away. It is a pretty Pembrokeshire town with a harbour and great pubs and cafes. We recommend lunch at Harbwr. The wide open beach is perfect for walking and if you fancy a longer stretch, try parking at Wiseman’s Bridge beach and follow the old tramway path along the sea front.
More Info: Saundersfoot Beach
Ynyslas
Ynyslas Beach and dunes are part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve. You can park right on the beach and there are waymarked walks to follow and a visitor centre. The beach is on the Dyfi estuary and you can see pretty Aberdyfi across the water on the other side. An abundance of birds to spot and beautiful scenery. About an hour and 10 mins drive from the cottages.
Find out more: Visiting Ynyslas
