A summary of the top four must-visit beaches for Welsh people based on annual tourism data
The beaches of Wales are often voted as one of the top beaches in the UK, Europe and the world. With the relaxation of the lockdown rules, these 5 most popular beaches deserve to be added to the agenda.
Dinas Dinlle, Gwynedd
As Dinas Dinlle beach straddles the bay, it offers great views of Anglesey and the Llyn peninsula. The beach has received the prestigious Blue Flag award and is recommended by the Marine Conservation Society for its pristine water quality, so it is an absolutely clean and ideal swimming spot for adults and children alike.
The beach has two slipways for speedboats and motorboats. When the weather and conditions are right, you can choose to snorkel, fish and windsurf in the sea.
Location: LL54 5TW
Distance from Cardiff: 169 miles (3h 57min by car/ 11h by train)
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs are banned on the main section of beach between the stone breakwaters from the 1st May and the 30th September.
Tenby Castle Beach, Pembrokeshire
In the summer months you will feel nothing better than sitting on the soft golden sands of Tenby Harbour Beach.The bay is picturesque and above the beach are the ancient ruins of Tenby Castle. The castle can disappear completely at high tide, but at low tide it is an absolute delight. This beach is ideal for young families and is just a few steps from Tenby’s main multi-storey car park.
After people have enjoyed their day, you will find a wide choice of restaurants, cafes and bars nearby. One can spend a wonderful evening there.
Location: Bridge St,Tenby Sa70 7BP
Distance from Cardiff: 96 miles (1h 51min by car/ 3h by train)
Dogs friendly beach? During the colder months, the beach is opened up for dog walkers
Barry Island, The Vale of Glanmorgan
Barry Island, at the tip of South Wales, has been a popular seaside resort since the first trains opened in the 1880s. A promenade lined with palm trees lines the path towards the beach. The beach glistens golden in the sunlight. Children run around the rainbow-coloured beach huts.
When you set foot on this island you can see why the locals call it Barrybados. Although it is not as warm as the Bahamas, but rather with a breeze.
Location: CF62 5AJ
Distance from Cardiff: 12 miles (31min by car/ 45min by train)
Dogs friendly beach? No dogs allowed
Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey
Llanddwyn is a sandy beach that stretches over a mile in length, backed by a forest and dunes, in Anglesey. The magical island and its beach have a rich history and are most famous for their connection with Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers. Dwynwen was a 5th century princess and daughter of the Welsh King Brychan Brycheiniog.
The beach is also home to a flat and gentle slope into the sea along with winds from the Atlantic, making it particularly well-known for its kite-surfing opportunities.
In the nearby village of Niwbwrch, you will find an array of wonderful traditional Welsh pubs, cafes, restaurants, and B&Bs.
Location: LL61 6SG
Distance from Cardiff: 186 miles (4h 40min by car / 4h 35min by train along with further travel)
Dog friendly: Dogs are not allowed on the western part of the beach from 1st May to 30th September. However, dogs are welcome on the rest of the beach all year round.