Beaches in Wales

Beaches in Wales

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Wales is home to some of the most striking coastal areas on the planet. It’s a land full of space, meaning you’re never too far away from an undiscovered seaside paradise. 

There are literally hundreds of hidden beaches, bays, coves and rocks waiting to be appreciated. Some require a substantial journey to get to, but when you do arrive, the picture that greets you makes the extra effort instantaneously worth it. We cover seaside favourites, shoutout underrated masterpieces, and pay homage to staples of the wonderful Welsh seaside in this, the quintessential guide to beaches in Wales.

Looking for the cream of the crop? Check out our list of the best beaches in Wales.

Beach walks: stunning stretches of sea and sand

Beach walks: stunning stretches of sea and sand

We’re so fortunate to be able to say that our holiday parks in Wales are located in some of the most breathtaking areas of the country. Beaches in Wales are perfect for a stroll along the sand; a great example of this is Lydstep Beach, where you can set foot from and end up in the historic town of Tenby after a 3.5 mile walk. You’ll actually pass our Kiln Park and Penally Court sites too, so simply join the walking route to Tenby here if you decide to stay at either of these gems. Tenby is a brilliant place for a stroll in its own right, and perfectly showcases why Pembrokeshire has become a key beneficiary of the 2020s staycation boom. Further west you’ll find Quay West, looking out on the wild Atlantic coastline in an area famous for beaches in Wales. 

Further north, Hafan y Môr and Greenacres occupy a magnificent area around Harlech Beach, brilliant for a stroll where you can admire the surroundings of the sea on one side and the spectacular Snowdonia on the other. On the Wales’ north coast, head for Presthaven and take a scenic walk into the town of Prestatyn, a perfect pit stop for some refreshments before you head back to your van. 

Beach history: Wales' wild past

Beach history: Wales' wild past
Freshwater West: bringing pretty Pembrokeshire to the next level

Including the Isle of Anglesey, Wales boasts over 1,680 miles of coastline, so there’s history in abundance whether you’re heading. Pembrokeshire’s Freshwater West Beach has hundreds of years’ worth of smuggling history behind it, with the west Wales beach in relative proximity to the Irish coast. In recent years Freshwater Beach has been rejuvenated as a star of the big screen, featuring in the Harry Potter trilogy as Dobby the house elf’s place of death in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

The 13th-century Harlech Castle is a stark reminder of more turbulent times along the coast when you visit Harlech Beach in Gwynedd, just a stone’s throw from Hafan y Môr and Greenacres, and Barafundle Bay’s aristocratic history is illustrated by its position on part of the grand Stackpole Estate. Stay at our Quay West park and enjoy a spectacular drive on your way down to it. 

Discover breaks in South Wales

Quay West self catering holidays

Quay West, South Wales

4 nights from £49
Kiln Park self catering holidays

Kiln Park, South Wales

4 nights from £49
Presthaven self catering holidays

Presthaven, North Wales

4 nights from £59
Lydstep Beach self catering holidays

Lydstep Beach, South Wales

4 nights from £99
Greenacres self catering holidays

Greenacres, North Wales

4 nights from £55
Hafan Y Mor self catering holidays

Hafan y Môr, North Wales

4 nights from £49
Penally Court self catering holidays

Penally Court, South Wales

4 nights from £75

Beach attractions: all about the spectacular scenery

Beach attractions: all about the spectacular scenery
Rhossili Bay: rugged and spectacular

An incredible one in 10 steps taken along Wales’ coastline is within the borders of National Trust ownership, making beaches in Wales some of the most untouched places in the whole country and probably the world. It’s no wonder that beaches like Rhossili Bay have become household attractions in their own right. The Gower peninsula’s famous stretch of sand has been named the UK’s best beach several times and has featured as one of the top 10 beaches in the world in TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards. The beach is easily accessed from Swansea or our South Wales parks surrounding Tenby: Lydstep Beach, Penally Court and Kiln Park. 

Snowdonia dominates the north’s skyline and coastline, with the National Park containing over 823 square miles of bliss. Such is the size of this natural wonder; you can stay at any of our North Wales parks and be within reaching distance. Heading to the peak is what childhood memories are made of. To do this, simply hop on the Snowdon Mountain Railway and get the camera at the ready. 

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