Wales is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse beaches in the UK, offering everything from family-friendly shorelines and hidden coastal gems to world-class surf spots. Whether you're after dramatic scenery and views, planning a classic seaside holiday with kids, searching for peaceful escapes off the beaten path, or chasing waves along wild Atlantic shores, the Welsh coastline has something to suit everyone. Stretching from the golden sands of Pembrokeshire to the rugged beauty of the Llyn Peninsula, these beaches combine natural splendour with accessibility, charm, and a strong sense of place.
Here at Coolstays, we love Wales. And we believe that Wales has some of the best beaches that the UK has to offer. So we thought we’d put together this quick guide, outlining some of our favourite Welsh beaches!
Best beaches for family holidays in Wales
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is one of the UK’s most stunning counties, with miles of outstanding coastline and some absolutely superb beaches. There are many Pembrokeshire beaches we could include on this list, but the standout for all-round family fun has to be Tenby. We’re sort of cheating too, as Tenby offers not one, but three beautiful beaches for you to explore. These are Castle Beach, North Beach, and South Beach.
Each beach has unique features, but all are perfect for family days by the sea. During the summer, lifeguards are on duty, providing peace of mind while children paddle or build sandcastles. North Beach and Castle Beach also have ramp access, making them more accessible for pushchairs and those with mobility needs. Both also offer accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. South Beach has a steeper wooden walkway, but still includes family-friendly amenities. Car parks are located nearby, beach wheelchair hire is available, and seasonal dog restrictions help ensure a clean and safe environment for everyone.
Coolstays near Tenby
Each beach has unique features, but all are perfect for family days by the sea. During the summer, lifeguards are on duty, providing peace of mind while children paddle or build sandcastles. North Beach and Castle Beach also have ramp access, making them more accessible for pushchairs and those with mobility needs. Both also offer accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. South Beach has a steeper wooden walkway, but still includes family-friendly amenities. Car parks are located nearby, beach wheelchair hire is available, and seasonal dog restrictions help ensure a clean and safe environment for everyone.
Coolstays near Tenby
Barmouth, Eyrie
We’re heading up to North Wales now to Barmouth Beach in southern Eryri (Snowdonia). This is a perfect family-friendly beach that combines classic charm with modern convenience. Its vast, sweeping sands offer plenty of space for everyone and even in the peak summer months the beach never feels overcrowded!
With a flat promenade and ramped access, the beach is easily accessible for families with pushchairs or mobility needs. Unisex RADAR key toilets and baby changing facilities are available nearby, along with accessible parking and a train station just a short stroll away.
What makes Barmouth truly special for families is the variety of activities on offer. Kids can enjoy donkey rides, trampolines, and arcade games, while adults can relax with an ice cream or take in the beautiful views of the Mawddach Estuary. There’s even a vintage steam railway just across the estuary, reached by a short ferry ride - perfect for a nostalgic family adventure. The beach also has a slipway for easy access to the sea, and a craft exclusion zone ensures safe swimming. Shops, cafés, and amusements line the resort, offering everything needed for a fun and stress-free day out.
Coolstays near Barmouth Beach
With a flat promenade and ramped access, the beach is easily accessible for families with pushchairs or mobility needs. Unisex RADAR key toilets and baby changing facilities are available nearby, along with accessible parking and a train station just a short stroll away.
What makes Barmouth truly special for families is the variety of activities on offer. Kids can enjoy donkey rides, trampolines, and arcade games, while adults can relax with an ice cream or take in the beautiful views of the Mawddach Estuary. There’s even a vintage steam railway just across the estuary, reached by a short ferry ride - perfect for a nostalgic family adventure. The beach also has a slipway for easy access to the sea, and a craft exclusion zone ensures safe swimming. Shops, cafés, and amusements line the resort, offering everything needed for a fun and stress-free day out.
Coolstays near Barmouth Beach
Port Eynon Bay, Gower Peninsula
Port Eynon Bay, on the southern edge of the marvellous Gower Peninsula, is one of Wales’s most family-friendly and beloved beaches. With three-quarters of a mile of golden sand to wander, the beach is backed by sand dunes and framed by scenic headlands. This is a safe, spacious, and stunning setting for groups of all ages to enjoy. Lifeguards are on duty from April to September, and families can feel at ease knowing there's a safe swimming zone clearly marked between the flags. There’s also accessible toilets and ramped beach access, though shifting sand levels can affect ease of entry.
Kids will love exploring the rock pools at low tide, spotting crabs and other marine creatures, while parents can relax on the beach or join in on a range of water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling. A designated dog-free zone keeps part of the beach clean and safe for young children during the summer months. Just a short stroll away, the village of Port Eynon offers ice cream, fish and chips, and cosy cafés.
Coolstays near Port Eynon Bay
Kids will love exploring the rock pools at low tide, spotting crabs and other marine creatures, while parents can relax on the beach or join in on a range of water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkeling. A designated dog-free zone keeps part of the beach clean and safe for young children during the summer months. Just a short stroll away, the village of Port Eynon offers ice cream, fish and chips, and cosy cafés.
Coolstays near Port Eynon Bay
Cefn Sidan, Carmarthenshire
Cefn Sidan Beach, part of Pembrey Country Park in Carmarthenshire, is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Wales. Stretching for over eight miles, this Blue Flag beach offers soft golden sand, shallow waters, and a safe, open space that’s perfect for children to run, play, and explore. Lifeguards patrol the main beach entrance during summer, ensuring safe swimming zones clearly marked for families. With accessible toilets, baby changing facilities, and beach wheelchair hire available, it’s also a great option for those with young children or mobility needs.
The beach’s vastness means it never feels crowded, even on warm summer days. Kids can enjoy spotting shipwreck remains - centuries-old maritime relics poking through the sand - or become mini nature detectives among the dunes, tracking grasshoppers, beetles, and more in the Marram grass. Parents will appreciate the nearby country park attractions, including play areas, a dry ski slope, and a toboggan run! There are multiple access points to the beach, with the main entrance being the most accessible and seasonal dog restrictions help keep the main area clean and safe for little ones.
Coolstays near Cefn Sidan
The beach’s vastness means it never feels crowded, even on warm summer days. Kids can enjoy spotting shipwreck remains - centuries-old maritime relics poking through the sand - or become mini nature detectives among the dunes, tracking grasshoppers, beetles, and more in the Marram grass. Parents will appreciate the nearby country park attractions, including play areas, a dry ski slope, and a toboggan run! There are multiple access points to the beach, with the main entrance being the most accessible and seasonal dog restrictions help keep the main area clean and safe for little ones.
Coolstays near Cefn Sidan
Rhosneigr Beach
If you’re after a beach that keeps the whole family happy, Rhosneigr in Anglesey ticks all the boxes. With not one but two gorgeous beaches - Traeth Crigyll and Traeth Llydan - there’s loads of space for sandcastles, beach games, and just chilling out. Traeth Crigyll is great if you’ve got little ones in tow. It’s got shallower water and gentler waves, so kids can paddle and play safely while you relax nearby. There are even rock pools to poke around in - perfect for a bit of seaside exploring!
If your crew is into watersports, then Traeth Llydan is where it’s at. From surfing and swimming to kayaking and snorkelling, there’s plenty to keep older kids (and grown-ups!) entertained.
And when you’re ready to take a break from the beach, there’s Llyn Maelog just down the road. It’s a peaceful lake with an easy-access boardwalk, ideal for a gentle stroll or a bit of bird-spotting, it’s pram and wheelchair-friendly too. Even better, the village of Rhosneigr is just a short walk away. It’s got everything you need for a fuss-free day out: cafés, little shops, ice cream, and a friendly pub if you fancy a bite or drink after the beach.
Coolstays near Rhosneigr Beach
If your crew is into watersports, then Traeth Llydan is where it’s at. From surfing and swimming to kayaking and snorkelling, there’s plenty to keep older kids (and grown-ups!) entertained.
And when you’re ready to take a break from the beach, there’s Llyn Maelog just down the road. It’s a peaceful lake with an easy-access boardwalk, ideal for a gentle stroll or a bit of bird-spotting, it’s pram and wheelchair-friendly too. Even better, the village of Rhosneigr is just a short walk away. It’s got everything you need for a fuss-free day out: cafés, little shops, ice cream, and a friendly pub if you fancy a bite or drink after the beach.
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Best hidden beaches in Wales
Musselwick Sands, Pembrokeshire
We’re heading back to Pembrokeshire now for this hidden gem that’s tucked discreetly along the southern sweep of St Brides Bay. Musselwick Beach is a quiet cove that reveals its wide golden sands only at low tide - timing is everything here, and that’s part of the charm! With steep access and zero facilities, it’s gloriously off the beaten path, making it a treasured escape for those in the know.
Step onto the sand and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled across your own private sanctuary. Enclosed by rugged black slate cliffs and fronted by the ever-changing sea, the beach is a haven of pure, natural peace. You’ll likely share it with just a few fellow wanderers - or perhaps no one at all! Sit on the sand and watch seabirds dance on the breeze and trace the tide’s edge barefoot. Whether sketching, journaling or simply breathing it all in, Musselwick offers a rare, soulful quiet. There’s no noise here, just you, your loved ones, and the rhythm of the sea!
Coolstays near Musslewick Sands
Step onto the sand and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled across your own private sanctuary. Enclosed by rugged black slate cliffs and fronted by the ever-changing sea, the beach is a haven of pure, natural peace. You’ll likely share it with just a few fellow wanderers - or perhaps no one at all! Sit on the sand and watch seabirds dance on the breeze and trace the tide’s edge barefoot. Whether sketching, journaling or simply breathing it all in, Musselwick offers a rare, soulful quiet. There’s no noise here, just you, your loved ones, and the rhythm of the sea!
Coolstays near Musslewick Sands
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Sticking in Pembrokeshire for the time being, next up is Barafundle Bay. Tucked away on the Pembrokeshire coast and accessible only by a scenic half-mile walk from Stackpole Quay, this crescent of golden sand, backed by dunes and whispering pines, looks more like the Caribbean than the UK. Its remote setting, absence of development, and crystal-clear waters create a rare, unspoiled atmosphere that’s increasingly hard to find.
What makes Barafundle truly special is its simplicity. There are no cafés, kiosks, or car parks spilling onto the sand - just pure, breathtaking nature. The view as you crest the final steps over the cliff path is breathtaking. It’s no wonder it’s been voted one of the best beaches in the world. Whether you’re swimming, picnicking, or just soaking in the serenity, Barafundle offers a timeless, elemental beauty that stays with you long after the tide rolls out.
Coolstays near Barfundle Bay
What makes Barafundle truly special is its simplicity. There are no cafés, kiosks, or car parks spilling onto the sand - just pure, breathtaking nature. The view as you crest the final steps over the cliff path is breathtaking. It’s no wonder it’s been voted one of the best beaches in the world. Whether you’re swimming, picnicking, or just soaking in the serenity, Barafundle offers a timeless, elemental beauty that stays with you long after the tide rolls out.
Coolstays near Barfundle Bay
Porthdinllaen, North Wales
Nestled at the edge of the Llyn Peninsula, Porthdinllaen offers a rare sense of peace and quiet that allows you to embrace village life. Reached by a scenic walk along the coast, the village sits at the tip of a slender stretch of land surrounded by the gentle waters of the Irish Sea. Its soft, sandy shoreline is the perfect place to pause, with the gentle hum of the village and seabirds to keep you company.
Time slows here. You can explore the rock pools, watch local fishermen at work, or sip a pint at the famous Ty Coch Inn with your toes in the sand. Whether you’re spotting grey seals by the headland or swimming in the quiet bay, Porthdinllaen promises a tranquil coastal escape steeped in nature and history.
Coolstays near Porthdinllaen
Time slows here. You can explore the rock pools, watch local fishermen at work, or sip a pint at the famous Ty Coch Inn with your toes in the sand. Whether you’re spotting grey seals by the headland or swimming in the quiet bay, Porthdinllaen promises a tranquil coastal escape steeped in nature and history.
Coolstays near Porthdinllaen
Rhossili Bay, Gower
Rhossili Bay is a beach that offers a breathtaking encounter with nature, history, and myth. Stretching for three sweeping miles along the edge of the Gower Peninsula, this vast expanse of sand is framed by towering cliffs and shaped by the full force of the Atlantic. The views from the cliff-top are nothing short of cinematic, with the iconic Worm’s Head jutting into the sea like a serpent’s tail and the wreckage of 19th-century ships haunting the tide line below.
But it’s not just the scenery that sets Rhossili apart. It’s the sense of scale, solitude, and story. The beach is rich with legends, from Viking invasions to ghostly riders, making it a place that stirs the imagination as much as the soul. Its remoteness deters the crowds, rewarding those who make the steep trek with space, silence, and wild, unfiltered beauty.
But it’s not just the scenery that sets Rhossili apart. It’s the sense of scale, solitude, and story. The beach is rich with legends, from Viking invasions to ghostly riders, making it a place that stirs the imagination as much as the soul. Its remoteness deters the crowds, rewarding those who make the steep trek with space, silence, and wild, unfiltered beauty.
Oxwich, Gower
Oxwich Bay is one of Gower’s best-kept secrets - an idyllic escape with something for everyone. Unlike the dramatic cliffs of nearby Rhossili Bay, Oxwich offers a gentler, more peaceful charm. Its two-and-a-half-mile stretch of golden sand is backed by sand dunes, salt marshes, and quiet woodland, creating a unique and scenic setting. While it can get busy in peak season, head east toward Tor Bay and Three Cliffs and you’ll find serene, hard-packed sands perfect for walking, birdwatching, or cycling.
The beach is great for families thanks to its safe, shallow waters and excellent facilities, including parking, shops, and a slipway for watersports like sailing, diving, and windsurfing. Dog owners will also appreciate that dogs are welcome year-round.
The beach is great for families thanks to its safe, shallow waters and excellent facilities, including parking, shops, and a slipway for watersports like sailing, diving, and windsurfing. Dog owners will also appreciate that dogs are welcome year-round.
Best surf beaches in Wales
Llangennith, Gower
Llangennith Beach is one of the best surf spots in Wales, and for good reason. Stretching for three miles along the Gower Peninsula, it offers reliable beach breaks that cater to all abilities, from first-timers on foam boards to seasoned surfers chasing bigger swells. The northern end, near Hillend, is the most accessible and often the busiest, with a laid-back surf scene that spills into the dunes and car park - expect post-surf BBQs and board talk.
The waves here are consistent and can get powerful on bigger swells, especially further out, so it’s a great place to progress your skills. High tide tends to suit more experienced surfers, while lower tides can be forgiving for beginners. Walk south for quieter peaks if you’re keen to avoid crowds.
There’s not much in the way of facilities, so come prepared. But that’s part of the charm - this is raw, beautiful coastal surfing with stunning views and a true sense of escape. For lessons, Gower Surf School is just up the road, and Hillend Campsite is ideal for waking up steps from the sand.
The waves here are consistent and can get powerful on bigger swells, especially further out, so it’s a great place to progress your skills. High tide tends to suit more experienced surfers, while lower tides can be forgiving for beginners. Walk south for quieter peaks if you’re keen to avoid crowds.
There’s not much in the way of facilities, so come prepared. But that’s part of the charm - this is raw, beautiful coastal surfing with stunning views and a true sense of escape. For lessons, Gower Surf School is just up the road, and Hillend Campsite is ideal for waking up steps from the sand.
Newgale, Pembrokeshire
Newgale is a top surf beach in Pembrokeshire thanks to its accessibility and consistent waves. Stretching two miles with plenty of parking along the coast, it’s easy to find your spot. The best surf is near the surf shop and campsite at the north end, where mellow beach break peaks are perfect for beginners and longboarders when swells are small. When waves get above head-high, paddling out becomes a serious workout, so scouting the beach for quieter peaks is key.
Facing west, Newgale catches Atlantic winds, making it popular not just with surfers but also windsurfers, kite surfers, and kayakers. It’s a lively spot with good facilities like parking, toilets, a lifeguard service, and surf lessons. The beach’s unique history and natural features, like the drowned forest stumps at low tide, add extra character. Overall, Newgale is a reliable, well-equipped beach that suits a range of water sports and skill levels.
Coolstays near Newgale
Facing west, Newgale catches Atlantic winds, making it popular not just with surfers but also windsurfers, kite surfers, and kayakers. It’s a lively spot with good facilities like parking, toilets, a lifeguard service, and surf lessons. The beach’s unique history and natural features, like the drowned forest stumps at low tide, add extra character. Overall, Newgale is a reliable, well-equipped beach that suits a range of water sports and skill levels.
Coolstays near Newgale
Porth Neigwl, Gwynedd
Porth Neigwl – better known as the slightly unsettling ‘Hell’s Mouth’ – is easily one of the best surf spots in Wales. Tucked away on the southern edge of the Llyn Peninsula, this sweeping stretch of sand and shingle is a magnet for swell, picking up waves when other beaches are flat. It’s a favourite among locals for good reason: mellow beach breaks run along most of the bay, perfect for beginners, while a small reef at the north-west end throws up something a bit punchier for more experienced surfers.
It’s wild and wide open here – no shops, no arcades, just wind, waves and space to breathe. Even when the swell’s pumping, it rarely gets crowded, and you’ll often have a peak to yourself. You’ll hear plenty of Welsh being spoken out in the line-up too – the Ll?n’s a stronghold of Welsh culture, and this beach feels a world away from busier spots like Abersoch.
Coolstays near Porth Neigwl
It’s wild and wide open here – no shops, no arcades, just wind, waves and space to breathe. Even when the swell’s pumping, it rarely gets crowded, and you’ll often have a peak to yourself. You’ll hear plenty of Welsh being spoken out in the line-up too – the Ll?n’s a stronghold of Welsh culture, and this beach feels a world away from busier spots like Abersoch.
Coolstays near Porth Neigwl
Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire
Exposed to the full brunt of Atlantic swells, this wide, dune-backed stretch of Pembrokeshire coast is the most consistent break in the region, picking up waves when everywhere else is flat. It works across all tides and can hold serious size, with long left-handers peeling off the reef at the southern end and powerful A-frames breaking over the sandbars at mid-beach. On the right day, it’s world-class.
But it’s not for the faint-hearted. Strong rips and shifting peaks mean this beach is strictly for confident surfers who know their limits. Its raw power is precisely why it hosts the Welsh National Surfing Championships and draws hardy locals year-round. Add the cinematic backdrop - think Harry Potter and Robin Hood - and you’ve got a dramatic, demanding surf spot that rewards those willing to brave it.
But it’s not for the faint-hearted. Strong rips and shifting peaks mean this beach is strictly for confident surfers who know their limits. Its raw power is precisely why it hosts the Welsh National Surfing Championships and draws hardy locals year-round. Add the cinematic backdrop - think Harry Potter and Robin Hood - and you’ve got a dramatic, demanding surf spot that rewards those willing to brave it.
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