Our Favourite Beaches in Wales
Home to over 500 beaches, 21 proudly awarded Blue Flag status, and 157 miles of coastline card for by the National Trust, Wales is the perfect place to enjoy a breath of fresh sea air. If your idea of a great day out includes stunning coastal views and sparkling waters, we’ve collected ten of the most beautiful Welsh beaches for you to explore.
This National Beach Day (30th August), why not wander across golden dunes, take a refreshing dip in the sea, or hunt for ancient fossils? Whether you’re after adventure or relaxation, Welsh beaches offer something for everyone.
Before you head out, be sure to check the beaches’ official websites for any local guidelines or seasonal restrictions—so you can enjoy your visit safely and responsibly.
Shell Island (Mochras), Gwynedd
With its sweeping golden beaches, rolling dunes and breath-taking views of the Welsh countryside, it’s no surprise that Shell Island was the top Welsh Beach in the Times’ 2025 Top 50 UK Beaches.
Shell Island is home to three sandy beaches, offering plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking in panoramic views across Cardigan Bay, Castell Harlech, and the Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) range. For a more laid-back activity, the island is famous for its abundance of seashells—over 200 varieties can be found throughout the year, making it a perfect spot for family beachcombing adventures.
What truly sets Shell Island apart is that it hosts the largest campsite in the UK, making it an ideal base for those looking to explore Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park. Whether you’re after coastal relaxation or mountain exploration, Shell Island offers the best of both worlds.
Whitesands Beach, Pembrokeshire
A sweeping stretch of golden sand, Whitesands Beach is one of Wales’s most popular beaches for surfing and coastal walks, offering spectacular views and plenty of space to relax or explore.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a hike up the rugged hill of Carn Llidi rewards you with panoramic views over the bay and out to Ramsey Island, a haven for wildlife and seabirds.
History lovers can visit the ruins of a 6th-century chapel nestled in the dunes overlooking the beach. Dedicated to St Patrick, it’s believe this was the very spot from which he set sail for Ireland. And if you time your visit just right—during very low tides or after storms—you might catch a glimpse of a submerged prehistoric forest, a fascinating reminder of the area’s ancient past.
Mwnt, Ceredigion
Tucked away on the Ceredigion coast, Mwnt is a beautifully secluded bay known for its golden sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and exceptional wildlife spotting. It’s one of the best places in Wales to see dolphins, seals, and porpoises—and if you’re lucky, even a passing basking shark.
For breathtaking views, take a short walk up Foel y Mwnt, the hill overlooking the bay, where you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of the coastline.
For a step back in time, visit the nearby 13th century Church of the Holy Cros (Eglwys y Grog). This medieval sailor’s chapel, nestled above the beach, adds a peaceful and spiritual touch to the area’s rich heritage.
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Go to the shopRhossili Bay, Swansea
Stretching across three miles of golden sand, Rhossili Bay is one of Wales’s most iconic beaches—perfect for hikers, watersports enthusiasts, and dog owners alike. Regularly ranked among the UK’s top beaches, it offers dramatic coastal views and is proudly one of the country’s most dog-friendly seaside spots.
While exploring the beach, keep an eye out for seals basking on the rocks or dolphins playing in the surf. At low tide, you might even spot the skeletal remains of the Helvetia, a Norwegian shipwreck dating back to the late 1800s.
For a truly memorable adventure, follow the trail to Worms Head, a striking tidal island named by Viking sailors who thought it was a sleeping dragon. Access is only possible 2.5 hours either side of low tide, so be sure to check tide times before setting off.
Llantwit Major (Cwm Colhuw), Vale of Glamorgan
If you’re curious about ancient history, Llantwit Major Beach (Cwm Colhuw) is one of the best places in Britain for fossil hunting. The most commonly found fossils are molluscs, but with a bit of luck, you might uncover fish remains or even fragments of ichthyosaur bones. When exploring, be sure to keep a safe distance from the cliffs, as they can be unstable and hazardous.
To help you make the most of your fossil-hunting adventure, check out our guide to fossil hunting—packed with tips on what to look for and how to search responsibly.
After your fossil search, take a moment to relax on the rocky shoreline and enjoy the scenic views across the Bristol Channel. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including the Small Blue Butterfly, Britain’s smallest resident butterfly. And if you’re in the mood for something more active, the beach’s waters are well-suited for both beginner and experienced surfers.
Barmouth (Abermaw), Gwynedd
Located on the edge of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, Barmouth Beach offers sweeping golden sands and stunning views of Cardigan Bay. A favourite family destination, the beach offers traditional seaside attractions, including amusement arcades and donkey rides.
Each summer, Barmouth hosts a vibrant kite festival, attracting expert kite fliers from across the UK and adding a splash of colour to the skies above the bay.
Beyond the beach, Barmouth offers access to a variety of scenic walking and cycling trails, including coastal paths and inland routes through the surrounding hills and countryside—perfect for those looking to explore more of the area’s natural beauty.
Castle Beach, Pembrokeshire
Tenby, Wales, is home to several beautiful beaches, each offering a unique coastal experience. Among them, Castle Beach is the most popular—thanks to its stunning scenery and close proximity to the town centre. At low tide, visitors can walk across the sand to St Catherine’s Island, where you’ll find a historic Napoleonic fort perched above the sea. The island is also a haven for wildlife and, interestingly, once housed a small zoo.
While Castle Beach is picturesque, it’s well worth exploring North Beach and South Beach too. North Beach offers postcard-perfect views of Tenby Harbour and features the striking Goscar Rock, a unique natural landmark. South Beach, Tenby’s largest stretch of sand, is ideal for families, with its soft sands, gentle waves, and plenty of space to relax or play.
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Go to the shopDunraven Bay (Southerndown Beach), Vale of Glamorgan
With its wide sandy beach, dramatic cliffs, and some of the best rockpools along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Dunraven Bay is a stunning destination in Wales for nature lovers and beach explorers alike. The bay is rich in wildlife, so keep an eye out for the rare chough—a striking member of the crow family with a distinctive red bill and legs.
If you’re interested in the area’s ancient past, the rockpools often reveal fossils, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric life that once thrived here. Just be sure to stay clear of the cliffs, as they can be unstable and dangerous.
Should the weather turn, there’s still plenty to explore. Visit the nearby Dunraven Castle ruins, or wander through the peaceful Dunraven Gardens, both of which offer a fascinating look into the bay’s history and heritage.
Broad Haven North, Pembrokeshire
At high tide, Broad Haven North is a long, narrow stretch of sand and pebbles, but as the tide recedes, it reveals a vast expanse of golden sand—perfect for beachgoers and families. This Blue Flag beach has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s, when it first became popular with sunbathers, and it remains a favourite spot for those looking to relax or enjoy the water.
When conditions are right, Broad Haven North is also a great location for surfing and windsurfing.
If you’re in the mood to explore, low tide opens up access to a scenic section of the Wales Coast Path, offering breath taking coastal views and opportunities to discover nearby coves and rock formations.
Port Eynon Bay, Swansea
A Blue Flag beach known for its expansive sandy shores and stunning coastal scenery, Port Eynon Bay is a fantastic destination for both relaxation and adventure. The calm, clear waters are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and other water-based activities, while the surrounding landscape offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploration.
From the bay, you can follow scenic trails along the Wales Coast Path to nearby beaches like Horton Beach and Oxwich Bay, each offering their own unique charm. At low tide, the beach reveals rock pools teeming with marine life—perfect for curious explorers and families. The area is also a haven for birdwatchers, with regular sightings of coastal and migratory species.
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