Wales might be renowned for its rolling countryside and dramatic mountain ranges, but the beaches in West Wales are among some of the best in the UK.
From the hustle and bustle of Swansea Beach to the wild and wonderful surroundings of Marloes Sands, there’s a whole host of gorgeous golden beaches to be discovered across the county. If you’re planning a visit but haven’t decided where to stay, we’ve put together a handy guide to the best West Wales beaches.
Curious? Here are the best beaches in West Wales …
Beaches in Pembrokeshire
Staying in one of these Pembrokeshire holiday cottages? Pembrokeshire is home to over 100 beaches, so we decided to narrow it down a little!
1. Lydstep Beach
A small yet beautiful bay with dramatic views across to Caldey Island, Lydstep Beach is a wonderful place to spend the day. It’s a popular spot with watersports enthusiasts, offering plenty of opportunities to try your hand at jet-skiing, snorkelling, and swimming. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months.
For those bringing their four-legged friends along for the adventure, Lydstep beach is a dog-friendly beach in Pembrokeshire. Dogs are allowed year-round on the southern section of the beach. Much like many other beaches in the county, there are some seasonal restrictions on the northern side of the beach between May and September.
Nearest place to eat: Pop into the nearby Lydstep Tavern for freshly-baked pizzas and classic pub lunches. If you’re stopping nearby, you can even get a takeaway to bring back to your cottage.
2. Marloes Sands
Brimming with local wildlife, Marloes Sands is a gorgeous stretch of coastline that forms part of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Bird watchers will be in their element here – from puffins and choughs to ravens and kestrels, there are so many bird species to be spotted as you walk along the shores.
This popular beach in West Wales is backed by a vibrant heathland, which is well worth a walk around if you have the time. The views of the coast from the top are absolutely spectacular.
Nearest place to eat: Set above Marloes Sands, Runwayskiln is an excellent cafe serving up a variety of freshly prepared lunches. Open seven days a week, you can always rely on a tasty meal from here.
3. Newport Sands Beach
A long stretch of sand backed by big dunes, Newport Sands Beach is a hotspot for outdoor activities. Newport Sands is also a popular dog-friendly beach in West Wales, with no dog restrictions throughout the year.
Canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing are all popular watersports here, so you fancy trying out a new hobby then this is the place to do it! You’ll find an onsite cafe and toilets, but the amenities of Newport are just a short walk away.
For golf fans, an 18 hole course backs onto the beach. Newport Links is open to all members of the public, and you can even book yourself a slot online.
Nearest place to eat: Cat Rock Cafe serves up freshly cooked breakfasts and lunches, as well as homemade cakes. Set within the Newport Links Golf Club, it’s just a short walk from the beach.
4. Poppit Sands Beach
A sandy beach, backed by dunes, Poppit Sands Beach is located on the southern side of the River Teifi near Cardigan. The beach is a popular surfing beach in Pembrokeshire, producing smaller waves which are ideal for less experienced surfers. Lifeguards are on duty between July and August, making it an ideal holiday location and a popular family-friendly beach in Pembrokeshire.
Nearest place to eat: Crwst Cafe is set just off the beach, serving sweet and savoury treats, 7 days a week.
Check out our guide to the best beaches in Pembrokeshire for some more gorgeous beaches in West Wales.
Beaches in Carmarthenshire
Planning a holiday to Carmarthenshire? Here are a few of our favourite beaches in the area.
1. Pendine Sands
Backed by sandy dunes, Pendine Sands is a long stretch of beach that spans seven miles along the shores of Carmarthen Bay. It stretches from Laugharne Sands to Gilman Point but gets its name from the small village of Pendine which can be found close by.
The beach has a unique history – while you might associate the coast with surfing, swimming, and sailing, Pendine Sands was actually a racing hub for cars and motorbikes! The flat sand along the shores lets visitors drive a car over without the worry of getting stuck.
Nearest place to eat: As the name suggests, Tea By The Sea serves up indulgent afternoon teas along the seafront. A lovely (and well-deserved) treat after a good walk along the beach!
2. Cefn Sidan Beach
Set within the picturesque Pembrey County Park, Cefn Sidan Beach was the first in Wales to receive the Blue Flag award and is one of our favourite beaches in West Wales. With over eight miles of soft, golden sand to discover, there’s plenty of room for everyone – even in the busy summer months. Given its size, you’ll find a variety of amenities and facilities along its shores, including a beach kiosk, toilets, and lifeguard patrols between May and September.
The lovely thing about the beach is that you’ll also be close to all the scenic walking routes through the park and the nearby woodlands. Visitors can also take part in a whole host of activities, from toboggan rides to laser tag and even ski lessons!
Nearest place to eat: For homecooked food made from fresh, Welsh produce, head over to the Ship Aground Pembrey. Less than a ten-minute drive from the park, this friendly offers a great menu and an excellent selection of local ales and gins.
3. Ferryside Beach
A narrow, sandy beach tucked away at the mouth of the River Tywi, Ferryside Beach is the perfect choice for those who prefer escaping the crowds and finding their own private paradise! A lovely spot to sit and watch the boats sail by or even have a picnic, it’s no wonder that the bay is part of the Wales Coast Path.
Once a popular spot for cockle gathering, you’ll find a number of rock pools along the shore – a great way to keep the kids entertained as they search for signs of marine line within them!
Nearest place to eat: Ferry Cabin Cafe in Ferryside serves a mouthwatering array of dishes, from fresh fish and chips to tasty burgers, perfect after enjoying a sunset stroll along the beach.
Planning on visiting one of these West Wales beaches? Our delightful selection of West Wales cottages might just be what you need. Or for an extra dose of inspiration, check out our guide to West Wales.
