10 minute read
The Salt Water is Sweet in Wales
One of the most spectacular natural wonders in Wales is its coastline, which is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Head to Wales with Dream Escape in 2024 to discover its glistening ocean and alluring beaches...
Wales is home to some truly stunning beaches that offer a mix of rugged coastal scenery, soft golden sands, and crystal-clear waters. More than 40 beaches in Wales have been awarded Blue Flag status, which is a testament to their cleanliness - yet with over 750 miles of coastline surrounded by wild natural beauty to choose from, it can be difficult to know which beach to visit.
Starting south to north along the west Welsh coast, here are just a few of Dream Escape's favourite beaches to visit, from tranquil secluded spots to adventure-filled locations in pretty coastal towns:
South Wales
Best for Hiking and Wildlife Watching - Swansea and The Gower Peninsula, Three Cliffs Bay, Swansea
Three Cliffs Bay is an extraordinary beach located on the Gower Peninsula, bordered by towering cliffs, perfect for those who love hiking and wildlife watching. There are several walking trails that you can enjoy on a guided tour to explore the area, and along the way you can spot a variety of birds, including kestrels and peregrine falcons. The beach is also home to a variety of marine wildlife, including seals and dolphins.
Dream Escape will arrange a private boat trip where you can spot seals, harbour porpoises, common dolphins, and a number of different nesting and fishing sea birds. You will also see lots of jellyfish species, sometimes sunfish, and on occasion even leatherback turtles.
Best for Sunsets and Adventure - Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula
Rhossili is located at the southwestern tip of the Gower Peninsula and is one of the most popular beaches in Wales. It's also in one of the best spots for watching beautiful sunsets. But first, an exhilarating walk to Worm's Head is a must-do on your Dream Escape Welsh adventure, and once across, you will find a peaceful haven where seals are often found basking on the rocks.
From Worm's Head and the village it is a short walk down some steps to Rhossili Beach to see the Wreck of the Helvetia, or you can head in the opposite direction along the coast to discover Fall Bay and Mewslade Baytwo wonderfully secluded unspoilt beaches. After a day of rambling, kick back and relax with a sundowner or two at the traditional local village pub.
South West Wales
Best for Watersports - Newgale Beach, Pembrokeshire
Newgale Beach is a two-mile long beach that has become a popular destination for watersports enthusiasts. The beach is known for its strong waves that make it perfect for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. If you are looking for a more leisurely activity, you can take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the attractive scenery.
Best for Tranquility - Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Barafundle Bay is one of the hidden gems of Wales, and is the perfect place to escape – take our word for it, you will not want to leave this charming secluded slice of Welsh heaven. Its golden sands and crystal-clear waters have been likened to those of the Caribbean, and the beach is surrounded by magnificent cliffs.
Barafundle Bay is one of the hidden gems of Wales... Its golden sands and crystal-clear waters have been likened to those of the Caribbean, and the beach is surrounded by beautiful cliffs.
Best for Family-Friendly Surfing -Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire
Whitesands Bay is a family-friendly beach that's great for trying your hand at surfing. The beach has consistent waves that are perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike, and Dream Escape can arrange a private family lesson. The beach is backed by towering cliffs, and there are several walking trails that you can take to explore the area with a local expert and one of our Dream Escape guides.
Ceredigion
Best for Surfing - Llangrannog, Ceredigion
Llangrannog is a small village, home to one of the best surfing beaches in Wales. The beach is perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers. Dream Escape can arrange a private surf experience followed by a picnic lunch on the clifftop above the beach. Additionally, there is a statue of St Carannog to visit that casts a timeless gaze over the beach and the horizon.
Most Picturesque - Traeth Llanddwyn
If you are looking for a beach that is surrounded by natural beauty, then Traeth Llanddwyn is a must visit. Part of a nature reserve that includes Llanddwyn Island and nearby forest, there are many great footpaths and trails. Dream Escape will arrange for you to see the best of the local area, where red squirrels can be seen scampering through the pine trees. The beach itself is a long stretch of sand that is surrounded by shimmering blue waters and the island also features the ruins of St Dwynwen's Church, a lighthouse, and views of Snowdonia.
If you are looking for a beach that is surrounded by natural beauty, then Traeth Llanddwyn is a must visit... shimmering blue waters... a lighthouse, and views of Snowdonia.
Carmarthenshire
Best for Long Walks and Equestrians - Cefn Sidan, Carmarthenshire
Cefn Sidan is a seven-mile long beach that is perfect for those who love long walks. The beach is located in Pembrey Country Park and offers stunning views of the Gower Peninsula and Carmarthen Bay.
The beach is backed by sand dunes, and there are several walking trails that you can take to explore the area.
If you are looking for a more active adventure, Dream Escape will arrange for you to go horse and pony trekking on the beach and through the forest. With 2000 acres of forestry and eight miles of golden sandy beach to explore. this area is an equestrians' paradise.
North West Wales
Gwynedd
Best for Family Fun and Fishing - Aberdaron Beach, Gwynedd
Aberdaron Beach is a sheltered bay that is perfect for families with young children. The beach is located on the Llŷn Peninsula and is known for its calm waters and soft sands. There are several rock pools to explore, and the beach is also a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. Dream Escape will arrange sea fishing from the beach or perhaps a boat charter and expert fisher to guide you.
Best for Secluded Relaxation and Snorkeling - Porth Iago, Gwynedd
Porth Iago is a beautiful, secluded beach located on the Llyn Peninsula, and perfect for escaping the crowds and relaxing in peace. The beach is surrounded by rolling hills and stunning scenery, and there are several walking trails. The waters are crystal-clear, and the beach is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding.
Best for Four-legged Friends and Village Life - Burry Port Beaches, Burry Port
If you are travelling with your furry friend, then Dream Escape reccommends Burry Port Beaches. The beaches lie on either side of the marina, which was originally used for the transportation of coal.
Take time to wander around the harbour, which is where Amelia Earhart landed after becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.
The easterly beach is a mile long and is backed by dunes, while the westerly beach comprises open sands before becoming a long inlet. There is plenty of scope for exploring, and the centre of the village is just a short stroll from the beach. Take time to wander around the harbour, which is where Amelia Earhart landed after becoming the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.
Anglesey
Best for Ruins & Snorkelling - Porth Wen, Anglesey
Porth Wen is an ancient island steeped in antiquity, with lush farmlands ringed by golden beaches, islands, and coves. The beach itself is a superb hidden bay with iridescent white-quartz sand.
The dramatic ruins of an old brickworks overlook the bay, and there is an old harbour and dome-shaped beehive kilns to explore. Dream Escape will also arrange a guided snorkelling experience through the great white rock arch. Or step on board a private reserved RIB adventure boat and set off to explore the gorgeous coastline, keeping a close eye out for comical puffins, playful dolphins or even a whale.
North Wales
Conwy
Best for Victorian Charm - Llandudno Beach, Conwy
Llandudno Beach is a beautiful beach located in Conwy, perfect for experiencing the Victorian charm of the town. The beach is surrounded by stunning architecture, including the famous Victorian pier, and there are several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea. The beach itself is a long stretch of sand and a great spot for relaxing in the sun and taking a refreshing dip in the sea. But if you're in the mood for something more adventurous, there are also several walking trails that you can explore with the help of a local expert and one of our experienced Dream Escape guides. These trails will take you through remarkable scenery and offer a unique perspective on the town and its surroundings.
VISIT WALES WITH THE DREAM ESCAPE INTRODUCTION TO WALES ITINERARY
Wales is ‘the hidden gem’ of the United Kingdom – home to a plethora of majestic castles, towering mountains, verdant countryside and a coastline that is widely recognised as one of the world’s finest.
Dream Escape’s recommended once-ina-lifetime journey exploring this extraordinary country commences in the heart of North Wales and follows an incredible trip of discovery, from playing with puffins on the Pembrokeshire coast to exploring a famous local farm in the company of a best-selling author. Take an in-depth look at the Welsh way of life and fall under the spell of this enchanting and captivating country.
Stay in accommodation handpicked especially for you, visit the smallest city in Britain, as well as Wales’s capital city Cardiff, and so much more. enquiries@dreamescape.co.uk
MICHAEL DAVIES TRAVEL DESIGN MANAGER –
With over 1,500 miles of coast, Wales is fortunate to be blessed with many beaches framed by stunning scenery, picturesque harbours and historic monuments. From the popular holiday sands on the north and south coasts, to the quieter coves of Britain’s only coast-centred national park, there is a variety of different beaches to be discovered. On your journey, stop to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant at Oxwich Bay; or spend time at Pendine Sands where land speed records were set in the 1920s. The more energetic may wish to try water sports like coasteering, which had its origins in Pembrokeshire!
Words | Jessica Way
