Oak posts protrude from the beach at Rhosili Bay, Gower, Wales. They are the remains of the carcass of the Helvetia shipwreck. — The ocean-stripped oak carcass of the Helvetia shipwreck, Rhosili Bay | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Coasts and beaches in Wales

We care for 157 miles of Welsh coast which include some of the best beaches in Wales, from stretches of golden sand and hidden coves, to wild seascapes and sections of the Wales Coast Path.

From the picture-postcard village of Porthdinllaen, the 'whistling sands' of Porthor and the sandy cove of Llanbedrog, there's plenty to explore on the Llŷn Peninsula.

Explore Llŷn Peninsula

A view of the beach with the houses behind and the cliffs beyond at Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd, Wales

Place

Porthdinllaen

An old fishing village perched on the end of a thin ribbon of land stretching into the Irish Sea, with clear sheltered waters and spectacular views.

A view across Llanbedrog beach, Llyn Peninsula, towards a grassy ridge which backs the beach, and misty hills in the distance.

Place

Llanbedrog beach

A sandy beach with a wooded, craggy landscape overlooking Cardigan Bay. Well known for its colourful beach huts, Llanbedrog is a real gem of Llŷn.

Rocks on Porthor beach in Gwynedd, North Wales

Place

Porthor

A great family beach famous for its ‘whistling sands’ and glistening waters with spectacular views along the rugged northern coastline of the Llŷn Peninsula.

Porth Meudwy

A small cove at the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, which serves as a port for local fishermen and the departure point for visits to Bardsey Island.

Explore Anglesey’s industrial heritage along the Wales Coast Path at Cemaes, discover Cemlyn’s National Nature Reserve and enjoy the popular sandy bay of Porth Dafach.

A wide-angle shot of a person walking along the shoreline at Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey. The bay sweeps around in a curve, and the sea is gently lapping the shore.

Place

Cemlyn

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a ruggedly beautiful coastline of rocks, small bays and headlands to delight walkers.

Discover one of Wales' most unspoilt coastlines in Ceredigion with the hidden coves of Penbryn, Mwnt’s sandy beach and coastal walks at New Quay.

A view over Mwnt beach in ceredigion from the coast path, with a sea of purple wild flowers in the foreground

Place

Mwnt

A beautiful hidden bay with a sandy beach on the Ceredigion coast, perfect for spotting dolphins, seals and other wildlife.

Gentle white surf breaking onto Penbryn's sandy beach, viewed from the bracken covered dunes. Many people are on the beach enjoying the summer day.

Place

Penbryn

One of Ceredigion’s best-kept secrets this beautifully secluded sandy cove can be reached through the woods of a fern-clad valley.

Discover Gower, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which includes Rhosili, voted one of Britain’s best beaches, the award-winning Three Cliffs Bay and the salt marsh at Cwm Ivy.

Explore Gower

The sunset over Rhosili Bay on the Gower Peninsula, Wales. The beach can be seen in the distance and in the foreground three visitors walk along the cliff edge.

Place

Rhosili and South Gower Coast

Breathtaking Rhosili bay, has a three-mile-long sandy beach with beautiful views over the Gower peninsula, and wildlife to spot from the surrounding clifftops.

A view towards Three Cliffs Bay from near Penmaen, with a wide sandy bay visible between headlands and the ocean in the distance on a sunny day

Place

Penmaen and Nicholaston Burrows

Discover wildlife and archaeology on a walk through the heathland, sand dunes and clifftops of the burrows, nestled between the award-winning Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay.

A view looking east along the Pennard coastline with the sun breaking through the clouds, Wales

Place

Pennard, Pwll Du and Bishopston Valley

Explore an area rich in history at Pwll Du Bay, with spectacular cliffs, an underground river, ancient woodland and caves where mammoths once lived.

Sweeping view of the coastline at Whiteford Burrows, North Gower, Wales

Place

Whiteford and North Gower

A tranquil place for quiet enjoyment, birdwatching and walking with extensive dunes and salt marsh and an internationally important feeding ground for wading birds and wildfowl.

Explore Pembrokeshire’s coastline, from the Blue Lagoon of Abereiddi and St David’s historic landscape, to the popular Barafundle Bay at Stackpole and Freshwater West.

Explore Pembrokeshire

A view of Abermawr beach in Pembrokeshire

Place

Abereiddi to Abermawr

A wild stretch of coastline where industry and adventure combine with Blue Lagoon, beaches, rocks and ruins.

A coastal scene from Gupton Farm, Freshwater West, with green fields rolling down to the sea and distant hills in the background.

Place

Freshwater West and Gupton Farm

Adored by adventurous souls and nature lovers, this wild sandy stretch of coastline is backed by sand dunes and wetland, perfect for wildlife watching.

A sweeping view of the beach at Marloes Sands, Pembrokeshire. Several people are on the golden sands, and at the edge of the beach rise rocky cliffs.

Place

Marloes Sands and Mere

A hidden gem nestled on the very western edge of Pembrokeshire, the Marloes Peninsula combines dramatic coastal scenery with a wealth of wildlife and safe bathing on golden sands.

A footpath leads away from the camera along St David's Head, Pembrokeshire, a small cove and beach can be seen below.

Place

St David's Peninsula

A colourful coastline with beautiful walks and heaps of history, this pretty peninsula has been a cultural hotspot for thousands of years with its Celtic roots and shrine to Wales’s patron saint.

The Gribin, a steep sided ridge overlooking Solva Harbour, Pembrokeshire

Place

Solva Coast

Solva’s jutting headlands, gentle valleys and sweeping shores all have a tale to tell, from Iron Age settlements and industry to chilling coastal chronicles, perfect for walking adventures.

The beach at Southwood Estate, Pembrokeshire as seen from the cliff above. The beach is empty and the sea stretches away from the beach with the coast continuing into the distance

Place

Southwood Estate

Explore Southwood’s timeless landscape of wooded valleys, floral fields and craggy clifftops. Stretching straight to the sea, this charming coastal spot is full of scenic surprises.

Visitors at Stackpole Quay, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Place

Stackpole Estate

A beautiful stretch of coastline with award-winning sandy beaches, tranquil wooded valleys, wildlife-rich lily ponds, walking trails and watersports.

Coastal view of yellow gorse and green fields, cliffs and dark rocky coastline with a teal-blue sea

Place

Strumble Head to Cardigan

Pembrokeshire’s walking country, with a rugged and remote expanse of towering cliffs and rocky outcrops, punctuated with coastal paths and soaring sea views.

A walker standing on the Pembrokeshire coast looking out at the sea.

Article

Coastal walks in Wales

Discover the best walks along the Welsh coast, taking in picturesque peninsulas, rugged headlands, quaint hamlets, prehistoric monuments and outstanding wildlife.