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10 Best Hidden Beaches in Wales to visit this summer

Updated: Mar 7

Your Ultimate Guide to exploring off-the-beaten track beaches scattered across Wales.


Locations such as Cornwall, Devon and even Norfolk are often people's first thought for a beach-filled summer holiday. However, if you fancy escaping all those crowds and having the beaches all to yourself, you might want to head to Wales! Rewarding visitors with some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, Wales should be up there for all those sun seekers!


Here are 10 of the best white sand beaches in Wales, a country with breath-taking scenery that goes far beyond its mountains, lakes, and rivers.




1) Porthsychan Beach


This little gem is secluded beach which you'll be surprised to know that even majority of the locals don't know about! It's best reached via a coastal path, however it is mainly pebble and shingle so we wouldn't recommend for those looking for a golden sandy beach. Porthsychan Beach is also great for rock-pooling!


FAQs/Things to know before visiting Porthsychan Beach


1) Where is Porthsychan Beach located?

Porthsychan Beach is situated near the village of Tresinwen in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is nestled along the picturesque coastline of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, offering stunning views of the Irish Sea.


2) Is Porthsychan Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, Porthsychan Beach is dog-friendly year-round. Visitors can bring their furry companions to enjoy walks along the shoreline, but it's important for dog owners to keep their pets under control and clean up after them to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.


3) Is Porthsychan Beach suitable for swimming?

Porthsychan Beach is suitable for swimming, particularly during calm sea conditions. However, visitors should be cautious and be aware of any strong currents or tidal changes, as these can affect swimming conditions. It's advisable to swim in designated safe areas and to pay attention to any safety signage provided by local authorities.


Places to stay near Porthsychan Beach


Image of Porthsychan Beach in Wales

2) Mowingword Bay


Home to some of the most unique rock formations across all of Wales is the gorgeous beach Mowingword Bay. We recommend visiting at low tide to experience the golden sand so please do check the tide times before visiting. The best thing about this beach is there is more than enough space for everybody to enjoy!


FAQs/Things to know before visiting Mowingword Bay


1) Where is Mowingword Bay located?

Mowingword Bay is situated on the western coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is located near the village of Marloes, within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.


2) Is Mowingword Bay dog-friendly?

Mowingword Bay is dog-friendly throughout the year. Visitors can bring their dogs to enjoy walks along the beach, but it's essential to keep them under control and clean up after them to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.


3) Is Mowingword Bay suitable for swimming?

Mowingword Bay is suitable for swimming, particularly during calm sea conditions. However, visitors should be cautious of strong currents and changing tides, especially in certain areas. It's advisable to swim in designated safe zones and to be aware of any safety signage provided by local authorities.


Places to stay near Mowingword Bay



Image of Mowingword Bay in Wales

3) Conigar Pit Beach


Another beach which is best admired at low tide is Conigar Pit Beach. When at low tide, its a gorgeous wide stretch of beach with features a little cove perfect for those who enjoy fossil hunting. If you do venture into the cove, please do check the tide times so you don't get cut off here!


FAQs/Things to know before visiting Conigar Pit Beach


1) Where is Conigar Pit Beach located?

Conigar Pit Beach is located in the village of Manorbier, Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is situated along the southern coast of Wales, near the historic Manorbier Castle.


2) Is Conigar Pit Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, Conigar Pit Beach is dog-friendly throughout the year. Visitors can bring their dogs to enjoy walks along the beach, but it's important to keep them under control and clean up after them to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.


3) Is Conigar Pit Beach suitable for swimming?

Conigar Pit Beach is suitable for swimming, particularly during calm sea conditions. However, visitors should be cautious of strong currents and changing tides, especially in certain areas. It's advisable to swim in designated safe zones and to be aware of any safety signage provided by local authorities.


Places to stay near Conigar Pit Beach



Image of Conigar Pit Beach in Wales

4) Traeth Mawr Beach


It's a bit of an adventure to get to but it is definitely worth it! Traeth Mawr Beach is a lovely hidden gem of a beach which even features some cool rocks that the kids can climb on. However, it's worth noting access can be quite difficult with visitors needing to get on the ladder on the cliff face to use.


FAQs/Things to know before visiting Traeth Mawr Beach


1) Where is Traeth Mawr Beach located?

Traeth Mawr Beach is located in the village of Cemaes on the north coast of Anglesey, Wales. It is situated along the picturesque coastline of the Isle of Anglesey, offering scenic views of the Irish Sea.


2) Is Traeth Mawr Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, Traeth Mawr Beach is dog-friendly throughout the year. Visitors can bring their dogs to enjoy walks along the beach, but it's important to keep them under control and clean up after them to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.


3) Is Traeth Mawr Beach suitable for swimming?

Traeth Mawr Beach is suitable for swimming, particularly during calm sea conditions. However, visitors should be cautious of strong currents and changing tides, especially in certain areas. It's advisable to swim in designated safe zones and to be aware of any safety signage provided by local authorities.


Places to stay near Traeth Mawr Beach



Image of Traeth Mawr Beach in Wales

5) Church Door Cove


Another beach which is difficult to get to (but that's why its hidden!). You'll have to climb down around 150 steps in order to discover the beach and the famous Church Door, but just look at what's waiting for you! It is such a stunning sight to see what the waves have created across millions of years.


FAQs/Things to know before visiting Church Door Cove


1) Where is Church Door Cove located?

Church Door Cove is located near the village of Manorbier in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is situated along the southern coast of Wales, within close proximity to Manorbier Castle.


2) Is Church Door Cove dog-friendly?

Yes, Church Door Cove is dog-friendly throughout the year. Visitors can bring their dogs to enjoy walks along the beach, but it's essential to keep them under control and clean up after them to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.


3) Is Church Door Cove suitable for swimming?

Church Door Cove is suitable for swimming, particularly during calm sea conditions. However, visitors should be cautious of strong currents and changing tides, especially in certain areas. It's advisable to swim in designated safe zones and to be aware of any safety signage provided by local authorities.


Places to stay near Church Door Cove



Image of Church Door Cove in Wales

6) Musselwick Beach


Musselwick Beach is a real hidden gem perfect for those wanting to visit a secluded beach in Wales. The beach is only accessible during low to mid tide, so we recommend planning your journey and checking tide times beforehand. Musselwick Beach has everything you could ask for; rock pools, soft sand, and gorgeous clear water.


FAQs/Things to know before visiting Musselwick Beach


1) Where is Musselwick Beach located?

Musselwick Beach is located near the village of Dale in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is situated along the western coast of Wales, offering beautiful views of St. Bride's Bay and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.


2) Is Musselwick Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, Musselwick Beach is dog-friendly throughout the year. Visitors can bring their dogs to enjoy walks along the beach, but it's important to keep them under control and clean up after them to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.


3) Is Musselwick Beach suitable for swimming?

Musselwick Beach is suitable for swimming, particularly during calm sea conditions. However, visitors should be cautious of strong currents and changing tides, especially in certain areas. It's advisable to swim in designated safe zones and to be aware of any safety signage provided by local authorities.


Places to stay near Musselwick Beach


Image of Musselwick Beach in Wales

7) Porthmynawyd Beach


Porthmynawyd Beach is a small quiet beach hidden within a cove. It's about a 10 minute walk from the road so it shouldn't be too difficult to access, and the beach features a mixture of sand and pebbles. There are also some craggy cliffs perfect for climbing and rock pooling.


FAQs/Things to know before visiting Porthmynawyd Beach


1) Where is Porthmynawyd Beach located?

Porthmynawyd Beach is located near the village of Solva in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is situated along the western coast of Wales, offering picturesque views of St. Bride's Bay.


2) Is Porthmynawyd Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, Porthmynawyd Beach is dog-friendly throughout the year. Visitors can bring their dogs to enjoy walks along the beach, but it's important to keep them under control and clean up after them to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.


3) Is Porthmynawyd Beach suitable for swimming?

Porthmynawyd Beach is suitable for swimming, particularly during calm sea conditions. However, visitors should be cautious of strong currents and changing tides, especially in certain areas. It's advisable to swim in designated safe zones and to be aware of any safety signage provided by local authorities.


Places to stay near Porthmynawyd Beach



Image of Porthmynawyd Beach in Wales

8) Blue Pool Bay


An absolute stunning hidden gem perfect for those who love the beach. We definitely recommend visiting at low tide, especially if you want to take a look at the Broughton Bay Tidal Pool which is nearby!


FAQs/Things to know before visiting Blue Pool Bay


1) Where is Blue Pool Bay located?

Blue Pool Bay is located near the village of Broughton in Gower, Wales. It is situated along the southwestern coast of Wales, offering stunning views of the Bristol Channel.


2) Is Blue Pool Bay dog-friendly?

Yes, Blue Pool Bay is dog-friendly throughout the year. Visitors can bring their dogs to enjoy walks along the beach, but it's important to keep them under control and clean up after them to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.


3) Is Blue Pool Bay suitable for swimming?

Blue Pool Bay is suitable for swimming, particularly during calm sea conditions. However, visitors should be cautious of strong currents and changing tides, especially in certain areas. It's advisable to swim in designated safe zones and to be aware of any safety signage provided by local authorities.


Places to stay near Blue Pool Bay



Image of Blue Pool Bay in Wales

9) Monk Haven Beach


Monk Haven Beach is a really nice hidden bay which has some interesting castle ruins ready to be explored. It's an amazing hidden gem to relax and get some Vitamin D, and also to explore a little bit of history too.


FAQs/Things to know before visiting Blue Pool Bay


1) Where is Monk Haven Beach located?

Monk Haven Beach is located near the village of St Ishmael's in Pembrokeshire, Wales.


2) Is Monk Haven Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, Monk Haven Beach is dog-friendly throughout the year. Visitors can bring their dogs to enjoy walks along the beach, but it's important to keep them under control and clean up after them to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.


3) Is Monk Haven Beach suitable for swimming?

Monk Haven Beach is suitable for swimming, particularly during calm sea conditions. However, visitors should be cautious of strong currents and changing tides, especially in certain areas. It's advisable to swim in designated safe zones and to be aware of any safety signage provided by local authorities.


Places to stay near Monk Haven Beach



Image of Monk Haven Beach in Wales

10) Porthmelgan Beach


Porthmelgan Beach is a secluded small beach on the Pembrokeshire coast near the Whitesands. It's the perfect spot to get away from the crowds, and you'll be surprised at how many people can't be bothered to visit due to the 20 minute coastal walk!


FAQs/Things to know before visiting Porthmelgan Beach


1) Where is Porthmelgan Beach located?

Porthmelgan Beach is located near the village of Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is situated along the western coast of Wales, offering stunning views of St. David's Head and the Celtic Sea.


2) Is Porthmelgan Beach dog-friendly?

Yes, Porthmelgan Beach is dog-friendly throughout the year. Visitors can bring their dogs to enjoy walks along the beach, but it's important to keep them under control and clean up after them to maintain the cleanliness of the beach.


3) Is Porthmelgan Beach suitable for swimming?

Porthmelgan Beach is suitable for swimming, particularly during calm sea conditions. However, visitors should be cautious of strong currents and changing tides, especially in certain areas. It's advisable to swim in designated safe zones and to be aware of any safety signage provided by local authorities.


Places to stay near Porthmelgan Beach



Image of Porthmelgan Beach in Wales

There you have it! These are 10 of our favourite hidden beaches located in Wales, perfect for your next adventure! Whether you plan to do a road trip around Wales or are visiting for the summer, you should definitely check out some of these hidden beaches.


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