Beaches in Wales
Wales is home to some of the most wondrous coastal landscapes you could possibly feast your eyes on. It’s the UK’s hub of dramatic scenery, with untouched wilderness extending for mile and mile inland and out to the coast.
There are literally hundreds of beaches to be explored, each with their own charm and vigour. The relatively built-up south of the country gives way to nature the further west you go, with the UK’s only coastal national park in pretty Pembrokeshire. The more rural, Welsh-speaking Northern regions give visitors the double delight of serene seaside coupled with the remarkable sight of Snowdonia in the distance. We’ve mixed the best ingredients from North and South to bring you the quintessential list of the best beaches in Wales. Get ready for pristine sand alongside peace and tranquility.
North Wales
The more rural North Wales is perfect if you’re looking for a secluded seaside spot away from the crowds to relax to the sound of the waves. With its rugged landscapes and lush natural beauty, this part of the country is also ideal for an unforgettable coastal walk. Here are three beaches in North Wales that will not disappoint:
1. Harlech Beach, Gwynedd
Harlech Beach has to be one of the most stunning beach locations in the country. Its four miles of gorgeous golden sand sits before a backdrop made up of stunning views of the Snowdonia mountain range. Around a kilometre behind the beach, you’ll also find the imposing and well-kept 13th-century Harlech Castle, a World Heritage Site that is open to visitors throughout the year. If nature is your thing, then you’re going to love Harlech Beach during the summer when leatherback turtles migrate to this part of the coast to feed on jellyfish. Popular with families and dog walkers, this beach doesn’t get too busy, so is ideal for a chilled day of relaxing by the sea.
2. Abersoch Beach, Abersoch, Gwynedd
If you’re looking to get active on your seaside holiday, then Abersoch Beach is the place for you. International sailing events are held regularly at the beach, so unsurprisingly it’s quite a hub for water sports. Here, you can try your hand at windsurfing, jet skiing, dinghy sailing and more. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t just enjoy a nice chilled day at the beach at Abersoch. The water here is calm and great for a paddle with the family. There’s also a marked-off exclusion zone for swimmers to keep them safe from any boats or jet skis that might be whizzing around the area.
3. Gronant Dunes, Prestatyn, Denbighshire
Gronant Dunes is another great spot for a relaxed day at the beach. It’s a soft sandy stretch, so simply get a towel down and get comfy. The water is so clean it’s been awarded a Marine Conservation Society Recommendation, making it a great spot for a bit of a splash in the sea. The dunes that sit behind the beach have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and are home to all kinds of wildlife. If animals are your thing, then see if you can spot some natterjack toads or lizards that call the dunes home. What’s more, Gronant Dunes Beach is just a stone’s throw away from one of our best parks.
South Wales
South Wales has a great mix of seaside towns and secluded beaches. While the cities were once major industrial ports, they've now been redeveloped into thriving tourist hubs. South Wales’ coast is also home to some incredible natural beauty, with the UK’s only coastal national park in Pembrokeshire. So whether you’re looking for the buzz and lights of a seaside town like Barry, or a quiet spot to relax away from the crowd, South Wales has you covered.
1. Barafundle Bay, near Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
Barafundle Bay is something of a celebrity in the beach world, having won countless awards over recent years. And this beach does not disappoint. Pine-covered limestone cliffs flank Barafundle Bay’s broad stretch of golden sand. The generally calm water is a perfect turquoise, and has won a Blue Flag award for cleanliness (another one to add to the list), so is great for a bit of a swim.
2. Freshwater West Beach, Pembrokeshire, South Wales
Freshwater West is another South Wales beach with a claim to fame. Freshwater West beach has featured in a number of blockbuster films. It has featured in Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood, as well as Their Finest where the beach played the part of Dunkirk. While Freshwater West’s waves are loved by surfers from all around, swimmers will want to be careful as the rip currents can be quite strong.
3. Barry Island Beach, Barry
Over the last century and a half, Barry Island has developed into a buzzing seaside town. The golden sands of Whitmore Bay are backed by the famous Pleasure Park where you’ll find all manner of classic seaside entertainment, such as amusement arcades and crazy golf.
Start planning your Great British break
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9 of the best beaches in North Wales
10 of the best beaches in South Wales
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Important information
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset at Lydstep Beach
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
“Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset” is available at Lydstep Beach. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability.
"Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. This offer is available at Lydstep Beach only and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade) for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Site fees from as little as £150 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Lydstep Beach with a monthly site fee of £899.00 (includes purchasing discount of £29) and monthly letting income of £719.00. The monthly difference equates to £151 which will be charged to the owner's account monthly; to meet the site fee payment of £150 per month, an additional credit of £1 per month will be applied to the owner’s account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.