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Beaches in Mid Wales

Beaches in Mid Wales | Cardigan Bay and the Ceredigion Coast

The best beaches in Mid Wales

Mid Wales has some of the finest beaches in Britain, stretching from the wide sands of Barmouth in Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia) to the sheltered coves of the Ceredigion coast. Summer is when they come into their own, but even in spring and autumn you will often have long stretches of sand almost to yourself.

Barmouth

Barmouth has the big beach. A wide sweep of sand backed by dunes, with the Mawddach estuary on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other. It is the classic family beach: flat, sandy, shallow enough for paddling, with the town close by for ice cream and fish and chips. The beach has a Blue Flag award and lifeguard cover in summer. Walk south across the famous railway bridge for views up the estuary to Cader Idris.

Aberdyfi

Aberdyfi sits at the mouth of the Dyfi estuary in Southern Eryri. The beach is wide and sheltered, popular with families and sailors. The village itself has colourful houses along the waterfront, a sailing club, cafes and a championship golf course. It is quieter than Barmouth and feels like a well-kept secret.

Aberystwyth

Two beaches flank the Aberystwyth promenade, with the Victorian pier and Constitution Hill between them. North Beach is pebbly but dramatic, backed by the cliff railway. South Beach is sandier and better for families. The town is right there for shops, restaurants and the National Library. The seafront promenade is a proper old-fashioned seaside walk.

New Quay

New Quay is the place to combine beach time with dolphin watching. The harbour beach is sheltered and sandy, with clear water and bottlenose dolphins regularly spotted from the shore. Traeth Gwyn (New Quay beach) is a longer stretch south of the harbour. Dylan Thomas lived here and based Under Milk Wood on the town.

Llangrannog

Llangrannog is a small cove village on the Ceredigion coast. The beach sits between headlands, with rock pools at low tide and good surfing when the swell picks up. The Ceredigion Coast Path runs through the village, and the National Trust look after the headland walks. Ynys Lochtyn, the small headland south of the beach, is one of the most photographed spots on the Welsh coast.

Borth

Borth is a long village on a long beach. Three miles of sand and shingle, exposed to the Atlantic and popular with surfers. At very low tide, the stumps of a prehistoric submerged forest emerge from the sand, around 4,500 years old. Borth is also the gateway to the Dyfi National Nature Reserve and the RSPB Ynys-hir reserve.

Aberporth

Aberporth has two beaches divided by a headland. Both are sandy, sheltered and family-friendly, with rock pools and good swimming. The village is small and uncommercial, and the dolphin-watching from the headland between the beaches is excellent.

Practical information

Most Mid Wales beaches have free parking nearby, though some charge in peak summer. Lifeguard cover operates at Barmouth and Aberystwyth from late May to September. Dogs are restricted on some beaches in summer; check local signs. The Wales Coast Path connects most of these beaches if you fancy walking between them. Accommodation along the coast fills up fast in July and August, so book ahead if you want a sea view.

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Glyndwr's Way National Trail

Address

Trail Start - Knighton, Powys, LD7 1EN

Telephone
01597 827562

helen.tatchell@powys.gov.uk

Powys

A 132 mile trail set in the heart of Mid Wales breathtaking countryside, dedicated to the 15c Welsh warrior and self proclaimed Prince Owain Glyndwr
Y Bwa | The Arch (NRW)

Address

Nr Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion

Telephone
0300 065 3000

enquiries@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk

Nr Devil's Bridge

The old masonry arch spanning the road was built by Thomas Johnes of Hafod in 1810 to mark the Golden Jubilee of George III. Three circular walking trails are waymarked and start from the Hafod Arch car park and The Arch is designated as a Dark…
Cwm Rheidol | Rheidol Valley

Address

Cwm Rheidol | Rheidol Valley, Nr Aberystwyth, Ceredigion

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythTIC@ceredigion.gov.uk

Nr Aberystwyth

The Rheidol Valley or 'Cwm Rheidol' is a good choice for a touring day out, featuring typically Welsh scenery, some unexpected attractions such as major hydro-electric power station and a chance for activities such as fishing and cycling
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Address

Brecon - Newport, Powys, LD3 7EW

Telephone
01633 892167

Brecon - Newport

The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is often voted Britain's prettiest canal. It runs for 32 miles (51.5 km) through idyllic scenery in the Brecon Beacons National Park
ELDA + Support from Marcel Holdys

Address

Hafan Yr Afon, Back Lane, Newtown, Powys, SY162NH

Telephone
0753 5710 256

barry@hafanyrafon.com

Newtown

Dates

From:
15 Oct 2026

Hafan Yr Afon is delighted to welcome ELDA and Marcel Holdys to the experimental music series!
Glaslyn Nature Reserve

Address

Aberhosan, Powys, SY20 8RE

Telephone
01938 555654

Powys

Glaslyn is Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust’s biggest nature reserve, an integral part of the Cambrian Mountains.
North Clettwr Valley Walk

Address

Llandysul, Ceredigion, SA44 4DN

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Ceredigion

Part of Llandysul Trails - North Clettwr Valley Walk
Start: SN452425 - Car Park, Capel Dewi church hall
Suitable for: Moderately fit walkers
Grade: Easy
Distance: 3.2km/2M
Time: 1 hour (excluding rest stops)
The Shrine Church of Saint Melangell

Address

Pennant Melangell, Llangynog, Powys, SY10 0HQ

Telephone
01691 860408

admin@stmelangell.org

Llangynog

St Melangell's is one of the loveliest small churches in Britain, and one of the most remote. Its famous shrine attracts many visitors, but not enough to disturb its tranquillity.
Aberporth

Address

Ceredigion, SA43 2BU

Telephone
01239 613230

cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Set picturesquely overlooking two sandy beaches, the resort village of Aberporth is one of West Wales' most favoured family holiday locations. The beach is a regular recipient of Blue Flag and Seaside awards.
Taff Trail | Cardiff to Brecon

Address

Cardiff, CF10 1AH

Telephone
0300 303 2604

supporters@sustrans.org.uk

Cardiff

The Taff Trail is a 55mile/93km way-marked route for walkers and cyclists running from Cardiff to the Brecon Beacons National Park. Largely traffic-free, the 55 mile trail passes through a variety of landscapes.
Canolfan Treftadaeth | Tregaron Heritage Centre

Address

Tregaron Heritage Centre, Dewi Road, Tregaron, Ceredigion, SY25 6JW

Telephone
07799 231999

Tregaron

Tregaron is one the oldest market towns in Wales, having received a royal charter in 1292. The Tregaron Heritage Centre is situated in the old Victorian church school, and includes a reconstructed Victorian era classroom, tea room and information…
Harlech Railway Station

Address

Ffordd Morfa, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2UL

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Harlech

Harlech railway station is on the Cambrian Coast Line from Machynlleth to Pwllheli.
Llys-y-Frân Lake & Visitor Centre

Address

Llys y Frân, Clarbeston Road, Pembrokeshire, SA63 4RR

Telephone
01437 532273

llysyfran@dwrcymru.com

Clarbeston Road

Llys y Frân Lake has reopened following a £4m refurbishment with a new Visitor Centre, cafe, cycle hire, fishing, walking, watersports, adventure playground and climbing wall
Machynlleth

Address

Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8BL

Machynlleth

Unwind in the heart of the Dyfi Biosphere at Machynlleth. Part of the UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere and offers exciting activities, from mountain biking to exploring the natural beauty of Mid Wales. The Centre for Alternative Technology is an excellent…
Welshpool Railway Station

Address

Welshpool Relief Rd, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7AZ

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Welshpool

Welshpool/Y Trallwng railway station is on the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth.
Aberystwyth

Address

Ceredigion, SY23 2AG

Telephone
01970 612125

aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Welcome to Aberystwyth - a beautiful and lively seaside town on the Mid Wales coast. Enjoy stunning natural beauty, cultural attractions, unique shopping and dining, and a range of accommodation options. Easily accessible by railway, bus, or car,…
Hay Castle | Wedding Venue

Address

Hay Castle, Oxford Road, Hay-on-Wye, Powys, HR3 5DG

Telephone
01497 820079

helen.lowther@haycastletrust.org

Hay-on-Wye

Hay Castle sets the imagination soaring. Once a great medieval stronghold, the castle and the grounds in the heart of Mid Wales are alive with possibilities once again.
Bala & Penllyn

Address

Bala, Gwynedd, LL23 7AD

Telephone
01286 679686

tourism@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

Bala

Bala & Penllyn is an area within the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park surrounded by the peaks of Aran Benllyn, Arenig Fawr and the Berwyn Mountains and home to the largest natural lake in Wales,
Llanrhystud

Address

Llanrhystud, Ceredigion, SY23 5BW

Telephone
01970 612125

AberystwythTIC@ceredigion.gov.uk

Llanrhystud

Llanrhystud is a Ceredigion coastal village midway between Aberystwyth and Aberaeron. It has a half mile long sandy beach at low tide which is well suited for windsurfing and swimming.
Y Gelli Gandryll | Hay-on-Wye

Address

Hay-on-Wye, Powys, HR3 5DG

Telephone
01982 553307

Hay-on-Wye

Hay-on-Wye - in Welsh 'Y Gelli Gandryll' or just 'Y Gelli' is well known as 'the town of books' and is home to the Hay Literature Festival.
Caersws Railway Station

Address

Station Rd, Caersws, Powys, SY17 5HH

Telephone
0800 464 0000

Caersws

Caersws railway station is on the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth; most trains run from/to Birmingham International.