Best beaches in Wales: a guide

From Pembrokeshire to Anglesey, explore the top-rated beaches in Wales. Includes expert tips on accessibility, local surfing spots, and year-round dog-friendly sands.

Welcome to our quintessential guide of the best beaches in Wales. This magnificent country is home to coastal gems galore, so we’ve done the leg work and whittled down an illustrious list of scenic spots into the cream of the crop.

In this blog, we feature our favourites based on a range of different categories to help meet the needs of your next beach holiday in Wales.

Best beaches close to our UK Club campsites

Freshwater East Beach, near Freshwater East Club Campsite.

1. Traeth Bychan, Anglesey

Type: sandy, pebble

This sheltered, east-facing bay is a natural playground for water-lovers. Protected by rocky cliffs, the calm sea provides a safe environment for younger children to paddle, while the bustling slipway offers endless entertainment as yachts and kayaks launch into the blue.

At low tide, the beach transforms into a vast expanse of sand and rock pools

Stay at: Cae Mawr Anglesey Club Campsite - 1 mile away

2. Pembrey Beach

Type: sandy

Often compared to the vast shorelines of California, this eight-mile stretch of golden sand is huge.

The shoreline is so wide and flat that it feels like an endless canvas for sandcastles, kite-flying and beach games. It’s set within the sprawling Pembrey Country Park.

Stay at: Pembrey Country Park Club Campsite - 1 mile away

3. Freshwater East Beach

Type: sandy

This wide, sweeping bay is a true haven for dog walkers, offering a sense of freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere, even in rural areas of Wales.

It’s dog-friendly all year round, allowing your four-legged companions to dash across the fine sands and weave through the dunes regardless of the season.

Stay at: Freshwater East Club Campsite - less than 1 mile away

Best scenic beaches

Rhossili Bay Beach. Photo by Metheven. Near Gowerton Club Campsite.

1. Rhossili Bay Beach, Gower

Type: sandy

This incredible sight isn’t just one of the best beaches in Wales, but one of the best in the world. A consistent award-winner, Rhossili Bay is framed by the iconic 'Worm’s Head' and dramatic cliffs, it offers three miles of breathtaking views.

It feels vast and cinematic; at low tide, the remains of the Helvetia shipwreck emerge from the sand, adding a hauntingly beautiful touch to your coastal walk.

Stay at: Gowerton Club Campsite - 16 miles away

2. Barafundle Bay, near Stackpole

Type: sandy

Often described as a ‘tropical paradise’ in Wales, this secluded bay is accessible only via a half-mile cliff-top walk. It feels like a secret discovered only by those willing to trek, offering a serene atmosphere without a shop or road in sight. You’ll truly escape the hustle and bustle here.

Stay at: Freshwater East Club Campsite - 2 miles away

3. Harlech Beach, Harlech

Type: sandy

A massive, wild expanse of dunes and sand with the towering 13th-century Harlech Castle and the peaks of Snowdonia providing a cinematic backdrop.

It’s remarkably quiet even in summer, offering a sense of ancient solitude where the mountains truly meet the sea.

Stay at: Coed-Y-Llwyn Club Campsite - 12 miles away

Best dog-friendly beaches

Near Cae Mawr Anglesey Club Campsite.

1. Traeth Crigyll Beach, Rhosneigr, Anglesey

Type: sandy

Dogs allowed: all-year-round

A massive, open bay that’s a favorite for local dog owners. There are no seasonal restrictions, so your dog can run free from January to December.

It’s a social hub for pet owners, where you’ll find plenty of space and a refreshing breeze that keeps even the most energetic furry friends cool.

Stay at: Penrhos Club Campsite - 15 miles away

2. Cwmtydu Beach, near New Quay

Type: pebble/ shingle

Dogs allowed: all-year-round

Known locally as ‘Seal Bay,’ this former smugglers' cove is tucked at the end of a deep, wooded valley.

It’s wonderfully wild and secretive - perfect for dogs who love to explore rock pools and for owners who enjoy a quiet, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere.

Stay at: Shawsmead Club Campsite - 8 miles away

3. Traeth Lligwy, Rhoslligwy, Anglesey

Type: sandy

Dogs allowed: all-year-round

A wonderfully wild and rugged beach on the northeast coast of Anglesey. It’s unrestricted for dogs all-year-round and the nearby beach cafe is equally welcoming to four-legged guests.

It has a low-key, rustic charm that makes it feel like a local secret, perfect for a long, undisturbed morning walk.

Stay at: Cae Mawr Anglesey Club Campsite - 2 miles away

Best family beaches

New Quay. Photo by Terry Davies.

1. Black Rock Sands, Morfa Bychan

Type: sandy

This is a family dream because you can drive your motorhome directly onto the beach. It makes setting up for a day of sandcastles and picnics incredibly easy.

The water is shallow for a long way out, creating a safe natural playground where the kids can paddle for hours while you relax by the van.

Stay at: Coed-Y-Llwyn Club Campsite - 11 miles away

2. Barry Beach, Barry

Type: sandy

A classic British seaside experience with a colourful promenade, fairground rides and shallow waters perfect for paddling. It's vibrant and high-energy. Between the arcades and the famous Gavin & Stacey landmarks, there’s never a dull moment for kids and teenagers alike.

Stay at: Tredegar House Country Park Club Campsite - 20 miles away

3. New Quay Beach, New Quay

Type: sandy

This is the heart of the town, tucked safely behind the harbour wall to ensure the waters remain calm, shallow and perfect for young paddlers.

It has a classic, lively Mediterranean feel with colourful houses rising up the cliffs behind you. There’s so much for the kids to do and a range of restaurants to choose from.

Stay at: Shawsmead Club Campsite - 5 miles away

Best surfing beaches

1. Newgale Beach, Newgale

Type: sandy, with a pebble bank

Newgale is an exposed two-mile stretch that catches the full force of the Atlantic swells. It’s a magnificent spot with plenty of space for everyone from beginners to pros.

The sheer scale of the beach means you always have room to catch a wave without clashing with other surfers, all while under the gaze of the towering cliffs.

Stay at: St David's Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite - 9 miles away

2. Llangennith Beach, Gower

Type: sandy

Located at the northern end of Rhossili Bay, this is the spiritual home of Welsh surfing. It has a distinctive energy - laid back, friendly, and very consistent.

It’s the kind of place where you’ll find surfers gathered at the local pub after a session, whilst admiring the incredible views in this coastal gem.

Stay at: Gowerton Club Campsite - 12 miles away

3. Hell’s Mouth (Porth Neigwl), near Abersoch

Type: pebbles (high tide), sandy (low tide)

Don't let the name scare you! It’s one of the best and most consistent breaks in North Wales, set in a rugged, unspoiled landscape. Because there are no shops or cafes nearby, it feels like a true wilderness experience where the focus is entirely on the waves and the raw beauty of the coastline.

Top tip: while it's a bit of a drive, it’s the go-to spot for members staying on Anglesey who want a serious ‘big wave’ day. If you’re touring, it’s a perfect day-trip destination between your stay at Cae Mawr and moving south.

Stay at: Coed-Y-Llwyn Club Campsite - 32 miles away

Best accessible beaches

Near Whitesands Bay and St David's Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite. Photo by Nigel Bowsher.

1. Whitesands Bay

Type: sandy

One of Pembrokeshire's best beaches, featuring a wide slipway and a Changing Places toilet. Beach wheelchairs are available to book online via the National Park website.

It’s also a great beach for watersports, attracting surfers and kayakers.

Stay at: St David's Lleithyr Meadow Club Campsite - less than 1 mile away

2. Cefn Sidan, Pembrey

Type: sandy

This 8-mile long beach is famous for its accessibility. Located within Pembrey Country Park, it offers beach wheelchair hire and has a flat, tarmac path leading right to the shore.

It’s a hassle free experience with a beautiful backdrop.

Stay at: Pembrey Country Park Club Campsite - 3 miles away

3. Caswell Bay Beach, near Mumbles

Type: sandy

Caswell Bay is of the most accessible beaches in South Wales, featuring a Changing Places facility and beach wheelchairs for hire.

It’s also home to Surfability UK, which offers adaptive surfing lessons so everyone can make the most of this beautiful beach.

Stay at: Gowerton Club Campsite - 9 miles away