Wales is blessed with some of the most spectacular, and if you pick the right spot, uncrowded beaches in Britain. However, the region is often overlooked in favour of the sandy stretches in Cornwall and Devon, meaning that plenty of travellers miss out on the incredible array of beautiful beaches that never feel overcrowded, even in the summer.
From surfing paradises to hidden coves and blissful bays, the Welsh Coast offers plenty of exciting things to do and gorgeous things to see. From well-loved holiday destinations like Llandudno, Anglesey, and Aberystwyth to cultural centres like Cardiff and Swansea, the choice of where to explore is extensive.
When to Visit the Welsh Coast
As with many UK travel destinations, the best time to visit the Welsh Coast if you want warm and dry weather is over the summer months. Temperatures can climb into the high twenties in July and August, providing the ideal conditions for spending time outdoors in the region’s incredible landscapes.
The most popular towns, villages and beaches along the Welsh coast can get busy over the summer because of this good weather and the school holidays, so if you’d rather enjoy the scenery in peace then a spring or autumn trip is the way forward. May or September offer reasonable changes of dry and mild weather without the addition of too many other visitors, which is ideal if you’re visiting to relax or want to appreciate the views and attractions without interruption.
Visiting Wales in the winter is not for the faint-hearted, as you should expect cold, wet and wild conditions along the coast between November and February. The off-season is the cheapest and quietest time to stay in the region however, and if you’re lucky enough to catch a clear and dry day then the coastline will look spectacular.
What to Do on the Welsh Coast
Of course, one of the best things to do when you visit the Welsh Coast is to spend time on the beach. Highlights include Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire, Llanddwyn Beach and Trearddur Bay in Anglesey, and Three Cliffs Bay in Glamorgan, all of which are praised for their beautiful views, clean water and soft golden sand or smooth pebbles.
If you want to explore every contour of the coastline then the Wales Coast Path offers 870 miles of walking trail to discover, passing through places like the stunning Gower Peninsula, Caernarfon Castle and the Snowdonia National Park. If you’re looking for a more exhilarating experience of the edge of the region, try your hand at coasteering and scramble, swim or jump from the rocks and cliffs that edge Wales.
Whilst outdoor activities are often top of the agenda when you’re exploring the Welsh Coast, there are also plenty of cultural attractions for days when the weather isn’t as dry or you’re feeling like staying indoors. Castles, forts, and historic houses are all over Wales, with a highlight being Conwy, Beaumaris, Caernarfon, and Harlech Castle, all of which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once you’ve had your fill of history, there are all kinds of independent galleries and craft shops to explore.
Where to Stay on the Welsh Coast
Dotted along the Welsh Coast are some of our best holiday properties for groups of all shapes and sizes. Choose from unique cosy cabins for two, modern beach houses with endless sea views, or lodges and cottages perfectly placed for all manner of outdoor adventures.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some of the very best holiday properties on the wild Welsh coast.
