BEACH lovers heading to Wales are in for a treat – the country is known for its clean water and beautiful scenery, with plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Wales has 21 Blue Flag beaches, among them Prestatyn in North Wales, Borth in Mid Wales and Trecco Bay Porthcawl in South Wales.
Welsh beaches are also family-friendly – expect safe, sandy stretches that are ideal for children – with options for dog walking all year round, too.
Before checking into your £9.50 Holiday in Wales, you’ll want to know which beach to hit first.
We’ve spoken to local experts and holiday park staff to ask for their top tips on the best beaches in Wales, from the lesser-known gems to the best place for a day out with kids. Here’s what they said…
Steph Powell, a parent blogger from south Wales, says: “Caswell Bay is our favourite beach because of its gorgeous open, flat sands (it’s nestled in the beautiful Gower coastline).
“There’s lots of space for playing games in the sand and the sea is just gorgeous.
“There are vendors at the beach entrance to grab food, drinks and beach accessories – or bring a picnic.”
Tip: Get there early if you want a space in the car park, or catch a bus (the number 1 bus connects Swansea Bus Station to Caswell Bay via Mumbles, single fares from £1.60).
Chantelle Hawkins, Guest Experience Manager at Trecco Bay, recommends escaping the crowds by walking to Pink Bay, one of Porthcawl’s most westerly beaches.
She said: “Hardly anyone goes there. It’s so quiet and it’s such a nice walk through like the sand dunes to get there. It’s full of pebbles and is perfect for a little picnic.”
The beach – accessible via a 15-minute walk from Rest Bay – is named after the unique pink marbling effect in a certain light.
Daniel Start, author of Wild Guide Wales, recommends heading to the coast around Abereiddy in South Wales for a wild swim – whether you prefer the sea or a man-made coastal lake like Abereiddi Blue Lagoon, which was built by miners.
He said: “This spectacular and popular lagoon was created when the old slate quarry was breached, connecting it narrowly to the sea.
The winching tower ruins provide three levels for jumping. Further along the coast path is the beautiful beach of Traeth Llyfn and the rock arch of Penclegyr, which you can swim through.”
There are dog-friendly walks all along the spectacular Welsh coastline.
You could opt for the stunning Wales Coast Path, which stretches 870 miles in total beside the sea.
And while some beaches have summer restrictions (tip: check beforehand), there are plenty of year-round options for those who like to get their paws sandy.
In North Wales, Conwy Morfa is great at low tide with views across to the Great Orme.
In mid-Wales, the wild and beautiful Ynyslas Beach (neighbouring Borth) welcomes dogs all year round.
Meanwhile, Newton Beach, one of the quieter beaches around Porthcawl in South Wales, is Chantelle Hawkins’ favourite.
She says: “You can make a day of it by continuing the walk to Ogmore Beach, which is also dog-friendly. It’s a lovely walk through dunes and the Merthyr Mawr Nature Reserve.”
June Williams, 74, from Knighton in Radnorshire, Wales, stayed at Parkdean Resorts Ty Mawr.
She recommends any of Rhyl’s four beaches for a day out, saying: “They’re all lovely beaches, from Rhyl right the way down to Abergele.”
While Rhyl Central is the busiest section and safest for swimming, Rhyl East is the place to go if you want to try watersports such as kite surfing, windsurfing and paddle boarding.
Head to PKS Watersports, next to the Kite Surf Cafe, to hire equipment and book lessons (from £45).
Set just off Pendine Sands, Springwell Inn is a cosy seaside pub with a welcoming atmosphere.
The menu includes home cooked favourites, from burgers to pork loin, and portions are generous.
Sunday roasts are a highlight, and good value (£15 for one course, £19 for two courses; kids’ portions cost £7.50 for one course and £13.50 for two courses).
Choose from beef, pork, turkey and nut roast – finished with a choice of brownie, crumble or sticky toffee pudding.
