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New Quay, Wales

Looking for things to do in New Quay, Wales? New Quay has plenty of things to see and do, which is why it is so popular with tourists and the locals.

From boat trips to lazy days spent bathing on the beach, it’s a haven for those who love to be by the seaside. The village is set along the Cardigan Bay Heritage coastline – this area is internationally renowned as an incredibly important area for marine wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see dolphins and seals splashing about in the sea as you take a stroll along the beach.

Curious to find out more? Here are seven of the best things to do in New Quay…


A day out to New Quay, Wales

things to do new quay wales

Where is New Quay in Wales?

Not to be confused with the coastal town of Newquay in Cornwall, New Quay is a small yet thriving village in Cardigan Bay, along the West Wales coast. The nearest town is Aberaeron,  just under eight miles away.


1. Find the hidden cove behind New Quay’s harbour

There’s a quiet cove that can be accessed behind New Quay’s harbour, offering a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the main beach.

2. Discover the seafaring history of the village

This bustling little village is extremely popular today as a holiday resort but used to be a fishing and smuggling port in the 18th Century. Many ships were built here, as early as 1779, (a sloop called “Thomas & Mary”). Between 1800 and 1820, a total of thirty-one ships were built, greatly increasing the popularity of New Quay as a port.

New Quay’s lighthouse known locally as the pepper pot because of its shape was originally built in 1839 and used to be known as the “Pepper Pot” this was destroyed in a storm 1859 it was rebuilt and then destroyed once again in 1937.

The current New Quay lighthouse has recently been made famous, in the film “The Edge of Love” written by Welsh writer, Dylan Thomas, and stars actress Keira Knightly and actor Matthew Rhys.

3. Spend a day on the beach

The beach at New Quay has easy access from the village – a wide expanse of lovely sand which has won both a Blue flag and Seaside award. Great for children and families, offering a range of watersports as well as a safe beach.

4. Sample a delicious tray of fish and chips

New Quay is great for those who dislike cooking when on holiday; for there are plenty of restaurants and pubs in the village and neighbouring hamlets. Two well-known fish and chip shops, one Chinese take-away, plenty of pubs and restaurants such as The Hungry Trout – ideal if you just want to sit back and enjoy the views over the bay.

5. Enjoy a boat trip along the Cardigan Bay Heritage coastline

Boats leave on a regular basis from the Quay, giving visitors the opportunity to see the local marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Boat trips to see the Cardigan Bay dolphins and seal can be very busy during the summer months and it may well be worth booking in advance.

6. Spend an afternoon at the Marine Wildlife Centre

Also, worth a visit are the New Quay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay Bird and Wildlife hospice and Lifeboat station. Just outside the village, there is a small honey farm. For the more thrill-seeking holidaymakers, there is Cardigan Bay Watersports, “Walking on Water” SurfSchool and Sea Scuba Diving.

7. Take a walk along the Ceredigion Coastal Path

New Quay village is an integral part of the recently opened Ceredigion Coastal Path 69 miles of the beautiful coastline of Cardigan Bay and linking into the Pembrokeshire coastal path at St Dogmaels.

There is also a Coastal Shuttle Bus service, which is a great way of returning to the start of your walk and collecting your car.

Discover an array of things to do in Ceredigion during your stay in New Quay! Looking to explore further afield? Our list of things to do in West Wales is sure to fuel your wanderlust.


Enjoy a day out to New Quay from one of our lovely Ceredigion cottages. Whether you’re looking for a stunning sea view cottage or perhaps a remote coastal cottage away from the crowds, we’ve got a wonderful selection of homes to suit all tastes. In need of a weekend away? Have a browse through our cottage collection and get planning your next break away today!