Wales has some of the most dramatic coastlines in the world, with hundreds of hidden coves, bays and more than 150 gorgeous beaches. Here at Ben's Beach we’re in love with every single beach in Wales, so just to give you a little taster, here are a few of our favourites to show you what Wales has on offer.
Rhossili Bay, Rhossili
Rhossili has been described as ‘The supermodel of British beaches’! It’s an iconic destination with dramatic, breath-taking views and a huge expanse of beach. Located on the most Western part of the Gower Peninsula, the bay is comprised of three miles of golden sand and towering cliffs making it a haven for surfers, paragliders, ramblers or just sandcastle builders!
The Basics:
The beach is reached down (and up!) a steep cliff top path, dogs are allowed, there’s refreshments and parking and a plethora of different birds nesting on the cliffs so don’t forget your binoculars!
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rhosili-and-south-gower-coast
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Often voted as one of the best beaches in the world and described as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’. The beach is backed by sand dunes and trees and forms part of the South Pembrokeshire Heritage Coast. It is east facing, wonderfully sheltered and in a simply stunning and unspoilt location.
The Basics:
Access to the beach is only possible by foot along the coastal path and includes steep steps. Dogs are allowed, there’s a café and loos approximately half a mile from the beach and a pub in Stackpole Village. http://www.pembrokeshirewalescoastalholidays.co.uk/about/stackpole-pembrokeshire/
Tenby South Beach
Tenby South Beach is a gently sloping expanse of golden sand that stretches to Penally in the east and it is possible to walk to castle Beach in the west as the tide retreats. This is a blue flag long, dune backed beach and very popular with families. The sea shore shelves very gently into clear blue water.
The Basics:
There is a very small car park next to South Beach but it fills up REALLY quickly in summer. A privately run car park off The Esplanade has more space but if you arrive after 11am during the school summer holidays, head straight for the park and ride and use the free shuttle bus.
https://www.tenbyvisitorguide.co.uk/Beaches/south-beach.html
Sixpenny Beach, Anglesey
On Anglesey’s south-west corner, this gorgeous half-moon beach is almost inaccessible without a boat therefore making it a genuine hidden treasure! It is the largest of six secret sandy coves and you can canoe here from Malltraeth village.
The Basics:
From Aberffraw (car park E off the A4080), head towards Aberffraw beach via the dunes footpath, After that, follow the foreshore one mile south-east. A more adventurous route is to canoe from Malltraeth, paddling south-west out of the Afon Cefni river towards Aberffraw.
http://www.angleseywatersport.com/canoeing-and-kayaking/
Porth Iago, Lleyn Peninsula
There is no question that time stands still on this wild rural peninsula and Iago is one of its best secret coves. It is west-facing, sheltered, with fine sands, clear waters and an ancient hill fort lookout above. You can even wild-camp here, all you need to do is pay the honesty-box fee as you pass through the farm. A walk west along the coast will take you to the beautiful white-sand bay of Porth Oer ‘Whistling Sands’ where you’ll find a little shop and café.
The Basics:
1½ miles north-east of Rhoshirwaun on the B4413. Take the second right after 2½ miles, then the first left, signed Iago and the second track on the left will take you through Ty Mawr Farm. Parking is £5, or you can simply walk from Whistling Sands.
https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/north-wales/gwynedd/porth-iago.htm
Broad Haven Coves, Bosherston, South Pembrokeshire
Broad Haven beach in south Pembrokeshire is backed with limestone sea caves and immense lily ponds that will quite simply blow you away! Just to the west are two secret coves, Trevallen and Little Horn which are connected by a sea cave. There is offshore island called Church Rock which you can easily swim to and where you’ll find brilliant rock ledges for jumping and snorkelling. To the east is a beautiful blue crater connected to the sea by a cave at mid-tide and which provides a real wild swimming adventure.
The Basics:
From the B4319 follow signs to Bosherston, then turn left after St Govan’s Inn. The path to the coves is below the MoD Range Hut around five minutes north.
https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/explore-pembrokeshire/beaches/broad-haven-south