A trip to Cardigan Bay, and the western coastline of Mid Wales, means exploring wild beaches and the pleasant sandy or shingle bays of colourful seaside towns.
In this post, we’ve shared the pick of our favourite Cardigan Bay beaches that you simply cannot miss when the sun is shining, plus all the practical information you need to visit.
Updated November 2023
A Quick Note On VISITING Cardigan Bay Beaches
It’s our shared duty as travellers and visitors to respect local life and landscapes.
Make sure to park responsibly, take all your litter back with you or dispose of appropriately, follow all advisory signs, leave no trace, and enjoy each beach without ruining it for others.
In Wales, dogs are banned from accessing many beaches from May to September - we’ve made a note of which this rule applies to within the specific sections.
Also, the tide can make quite a discernible difference to how much beach you have to enjoy, so do keep this in mind when setting up your spot for the day or planning a walk.
Due to lack of phone signal and card payments, we highly recommend you have enough change with you in the car to pay for parking.
Tresaith beach
This small, sheltered sandy beach is gorgeous, and appeared to be popular choice for families due to its safe swimming, rock pools, and waterfall; other beaches on this list are much easier to park by and access though.
Where | Between Aberporth and Penbryn, find it here on Google Maps
Parking | We got a little confused at the parking situation here, but worked it out eventually. The access road down to the beach is very easily missed and, depending upon which direction you enter Tresaith, you’ll have either a very sharp turn or may miss it completely. Once you are on the road, it’s a very narrow steep descent with a few sharp turns - a nightmare if you meet someone on their way up. Once down at the bottom, which is a dead-end, there are actually only a handful of spaces by the beach (less than five, including two or three reserved for disabled badge holders), though there is a bit more parking for customers and guests at the excellent Ship Inn Pub.
Therefore, our firm recommendation for visiting Tresaith is to ignore that road and simply go to the much more convenient and accessible car park here.
It’s £2.00 per car (exact change only), and then you can simply make your way down to the beach via the walkway next to the bus stop (it’s signposted, but you can find it here on Google Maps). The walk’s less than five minutes, all downhill.
Facilities | There are public toilets, a seasonal lifeguard service, and you have the Ship Inn for drinks and food as well as a cafe. No dogs (except guide ones) are permitted from 1st May to 30th September.
Stay | We’re basing this solely on first and second impressions, but the village of Tresaith seemed to be the destination of choice for quite wealthy homes and exclusive coastal retreats in Cardigan Bay.
The Ship Inn Pub has lovely rooms right on the beach, but if you don’t mind being a short drive / walk away, we recommend looking at the gorgeous (and highly rated) Bryn Berwyn Country House Tresaith.
Mwnt Beach
On a coastline blessed with beautiful coves and stretches of beach, Mwnt’s compact rectangular slice of perfection stands out as one of the most picturesque.
Where | Between Cardigan and Aberport, Mwnt is accessible via a very narrow single-track road. Find it here on Google Maps
Parking | The only option is the grass pay & display car park (Google Maps) a couple of minutes from the beach entrance. It’s large enough for something like 100+ cars - depending on how well people park throughout the day - but as it's owned and operated by the National Trust (as is the beach), the fee is higher than those run by the council elsewhere in Mid Wales. It’s a £4.00 flat fee, free for National Trust members - that price is a bargain if staying the whole day, not so much if only popping in for an hour or two. Bring coins.
Facilities | Public toilets and a surprisingly excellent little cafe. No lifeguard. No dogs (except guide ones) are permitted from 1st May to 30th September.
Stay | Most people visit for the day, rather than staying right by Mwnt. However, there are a couple of self-catering properties nearby - including this lovely looking new property just 500m from the beach - as well as a caravan & camping park only a minute from the car park.
Keep Reading // We’ve written an entire guide on How to Visit Mwnt Beach in Wales, so recommend hopping over there for further information.
Penbryn beach
Another National Trust beach, the near mile long stretch of sand at Penbryn feels like the most wild and remote stretch we visited in Cardigan Bay.
Where | Between Tresaith and Llangrannog, find it here on Google Maps. The final leg to arrive is via narrow country roads with some blind corners and summits, so do drive considerately and appropriately. Access to Penbryn beach involves a 5-10 minute walk along a flat low-to-no traffic road from the car park.
Parking | The only option is the official pay and display car park (Google Maps). Like Mwnt, it’s more expensive due to being National Trust owned (£4 all day, free for members). Bring exact change as the machine does not currently accept cards. Note that there’s a large overflow section of car park in a field on the right (no camping or overnight) - do not park along or by the access road to the beach.
Facilities | Nothing at the beach itself, but you’ll find the popular Plwmp Tart cafe by the main car park, which also has toilets available for customers during opening time. If spending the whole day here, it’s a good idea to bring everything you need.
No dogs (except guide ones) are permitted from 1st May to 30th September.
The Four Beaches of New Quay
We were big fans of the little seaside town of New Quay (not to be confused with the Cornish equivalent), and it would be our pick if we wanted a seaside location for a few days with a bit more of a holiday vibe and atmosphere. If you prefer expansive areas of golden sand, then New Quay may also be perfect for your Welsh holiday spot with not one but FOUR different beaches to choose from.
Dolau Beach
Located just south of the pier - and therefore protected from harbour traffic - Dolou Beach felt almost tropical at times with aquamarine waters and off-white sand, albeit fairly coarse to the touch.
Flanked by rocks, it’s a relatively small beach (especially when the tide is in) but its sheltered nature means it is liable to become quite busy during the summer months.
Note that dogs are allowed all year round, and there is no lifeguard service.
Find it here on Google Maps.
New Quay Harbour Beach
Lying between the town’s two piers (and within walking distance of the town centre and many holiday accommodations), Harbour Beach is New Quay’s most popular.
From the end of May until the beginning of September the beach is patrolled by lifeguards. As is standard across many Welsh beaches, dogs are not allowed between May 1st and September 30th.
Find it here on Google Maps.
Traethgwyn
Wide and sandy Traethgwyn Beach stretches around the bay, from the lifeboat station all the way to Llaina Point.
It’s the largest stretch of beach in New Quay, and retains a wonderful sense of remoteness depending on how far along you choose to park yourself.
To access it you can either walk from New Quay along the beach, via the Quay West Caravan Park or from the footpath beside Llanina Mansion. Do note that should you choose to walk from the town, you will need to play close attention to the tides to avoid being stranded on the rocks.
As we’ve mentioned above, the difference between high tide / low tide in New Quay is stark, so please do pay attention to this and plan in advance.
This is a year-round, dog friendly beach but there is no lifeguard, even in summer. Find it here on Google Maps
Cei Bach Beach
Separated from Traethgwyn by the rocky promontory of Llanina Point, Cei Bach (‘Little Bay’ in English) has a little more of wild feel than the others in New Quay, but its location means its the least busy, even in the summer months.
Given its layout and the impact of the tide, we do not recommend walking here from New Quay. There is limited on-road parking just above the beach, no lifeguard, and it’s dog friendly all year round.
Find it here on Google Maps.
More // We’ve shared all the key info in our dedicated travel guide to New Quay.
Llanrhystud beach
Bordering the countryside, this long, unsheltered stretch is very much a pebble beach primarily but, when the tide is out, there’s more sand to enjoy.
Where | Just a short, beautiful drive north of Aberaeron, find it here on Google Maps
Parking | Down the narrow, single lane track, the dusty car park right next to the beach has space for about a dozen or so cars.
Facilities | No lifeguard and no facilities on the beach, but there are quite a few options for eating and drinking in the village of Llanrhystud.
Stay | There are a couple of large caravan parks close to the beach, and a bunch of options in the village, including the lovely and highly rated Penrhos Park.
Aberystwyth North & South Beaches
The main draw of ‘Aber’ is undeniably its credentials as an old school seaside resort, and it’s arguably the most accessible from England for those looking to head west for a sunshine-inspired day trip or short break at the beach due to its well-connected train station only a few minutes walk from the waves!
The university town’s colourful and pleasant promenade will take you from the North Beach (the most popular) and the pier to South Beach and the marina (quieter but still pleasant), and we left this place with a much better impression than we expected.
NORTH BEACH (TRAETH Y GOGLEDD)
The most popular option, only a minute’s walk from the town centre and backed by several food spots and the lively promenade. With the retro Royal Pier Arcade on the left and the cracks and crags of Constitution Hill forming a natural barrier on the right, this long dark sand and shingle beach is the place where most day trippers and groups of friends and family will lay their towels in summer.
The nearest public toilet is here.
SOUTH BEACH (TRAETH Y DE)
The pebbly beach is definitely quieter than North (although in the evening time it looked like the main campfire social spot for loads and loads of locals), but that doesn’t mean it should be avoided. With ample parking behind it, food and drinks from The Hut, and public toilets nearby, you can set yourself up here for a few hours with no worries at all. Cool views of the castle and pastel houses provide the backdrop!
More // Find out everything you need to know about the beaches, where to stay & eat, plus transport connections in our main post, 10 Best Things To Do in Aberystwyth.
Poppit Sands
Whilst this isn’t technically in Cardigan Bay (it’s literally just over the border in Pembrokeshire), given that most people will visit from the town of Cardigan, we felt it deserved a place in this list! Aside from being absolutely massive when the tide is out, it’s got a pretty perfect set up for those looking for a day at a beach which feels wild and remote due to its dunes and the rolling hills in the background, but also has excellent access and facilities nearby.
Where | A 15-minute drive from the town of Cardigan, find it here on Google Maps. It’s a beautiful drive there, but do note that there are a few tight points where you’re required to give way and / or use passing places.
Parking | There’s a big tarmac pay & display car park (Google Maps) close to the beach. The first 30 minutes are free, then it’s £1 / 1 hour, £2 / 2 hours, £3 / 3 hours, and £5 for the day - coins only.
Facilities | There are public toilets, but it’s the little cafe run by CRWST which sets Poppit Sands apart. Their main place is in Cardigan but this offshoot by the sea serves up great coffee, excellent savoury snacks and sweet treats, as well as delicious Conti’s ice cream. Open 10 am - 4 pm Mon to Thurs, 10 am - 6 pm Fri to Sun.
No dogs (except guide ones) are permitted on the western section from 1st May to 30th September.
Stay | Quite a few options in the surrounding area, but this stunning cottage by the sea is the pick of the bunch.
Aberaeron Beaches
Although not our favourite Cardigan Bay beaches, the pebbles and groins of Aberaeron South and North are popular and photogenic, whilst the colourful town is also worth a stop as you make your way along the coast.
Aberaeron South
If you’re looking for a slightly more comfortable sunbathing experience, the south beach is our pick with its long sandy (albeit somewhat coarse) beach at low tide. Quite a bit of it is also blanketed with large pebble, so pick your spot according to your preference.
There are public toilets nearby, but do note that the beach’s location across the harbour means that you’re a good 10-minute walk from shops and restaurants, so do come prepared!
Although we weren’t lucky enough on our visit, it’s well-publicised that this is the best spot from which visitors can spot dolphins.
There is very limited free parking here, so don’t expect to find a space right by the beach.
Aberaeron North
Broken into multiple small sections by ‘groins’ (small wooden structures that we haven’t seen seen our time in Whitstable), the long stretch of northern beach is all shingle and small rocks. Popular with fishermen and wind surfers, it will likely still attract sunbathers in the summer months.
North beach has a long stay car park, as well as being a short walk from another one, and public toilets.
As far as we’re aware, neither of the Aberaeron beaches have seasonal restrictions on dogs, which are quite common elsewhere along the Welsh coast from 1st May to September 30th). Do have a look for signs though, and let us know if this changes.
More // Find out more about the beaches, everything else for your visit or stay, in our guide to Aberaeron.
Llangrannog Beach
This was such a pleasant surprise, and we wish we could have stayed a little bit longer.
Alas, Llangrannog beach was our final stop at the end of a long day, and we had fully expected to find an isolated beach between and beneath the cliffs. Instead, we arrived to a bit of a Sunday street party making the most of the setting sun, fuelled by a couple of beachfront pubs and people eating takeaway pizzas and fish & chips.
At low tide, it’s possible to walk over to Cilborth beach via the clifftop path, and this is a popular place for sea kayaking too.
Where | About a 30-minute drive south from New Quay and 15 minutes north of Penbryn, find it here on Google Maps. Note that the road down to the village from either side is tight and curvy, whilst the hairpin bends coming down from the south via the sculpture overlooking the bay, are absolutely mental. Drive cautiously and at appropriate speeds.
Parking | There’s only one small, awkward car park by the beach (Google Maps) and, based on our impressions, it’s likely that this will often be quickly filled on a sunny weekend. Accessing it is also only possible via narrow roads.
One very important thing to note, based on a few things we’ve read from recent visitors, is that there is a 10-minute grace period on parking and the private operators of the car park enforce this very strictly with CCTV. Quite a few people have been fined £100, despite buying tickets, because they didn’t do it within the timeslot, so you have been warned.
In short, if you arrive in the car park and can’t find a space or park & pay within 10 minutes, then just leave - even if the machine is broken, you will be expected to pay (not exactly sure how that works…)
Prices are start at £1.75 / 1 hour, and increase to £10 for the whole day.
An alternative, which we haven’t used, is the free Llangrannog Park and Ride Free Car Park (Google Maps). It’s five minutes up the road, so not the easiest to walk from apparently, but it has a village-run park & ride scheme in high season.
Facilities | You have the Pentre Arms and The Ship / Y Llong pubs, The Beach Hut offering drinks & food, and Tafell a Tân pizzas, so you’re pretty spoiled for choice.
No dogs (except guide ones) are permitted on the western section from 1st May to 30th September.
Stay | There are quite a few really lovely holiday homes in and around the village, but two of our favourites are Castle Rock and this cosy three bed cottage.
