Visiting Wales
Wild coastlines, beaches and wildlife
West Wales is the place for big skies, sandy beaches, harbour towns and long stretches of beautiful coastline. Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and the Gower each have their own character, with wildlife, watersports, historic places and coastal walks making it easy to fill a holiday with memorable days out.
Use this guide to start planning your days out. We have picked six places and experiences to get you going, with official visitor information linked where available. Check opening details, access information and local conditions before travelling.
Historic places, landscapes, coastal experiences and ideas for a day out while you are staying in the region.
Explore a coastline of cliffs, beaches, islands and sheltered coves. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a National Trail, while the wider National Park has walking routes, wildlife spots and places to enjoy the sea views.
Official visitor information →Tenby is known for its colourful harbour, historic walls and sandy beaches. Nearby Saundersfoot has a sheltered harbour and a relaxed seaside feel. Both make good bases for beach days, boat trips and coastal walks.
Official visitor information →Visit Britain’s smallest city for its cathedral, Bishop’s Palace, galleries and independent shops. St Davids also makes a fine starting point for coastal walks around the peninsula and visits to nearby beaches and headlands.
Official visitor information →Explore Aberaeron, New Quay, Cardigan and the beaches in between. Cardigan Bay is known for its marine wildlife, while the coastal towns offer harbours, independent cafés and access to the Ceredigion section of the Wales Coast Path.
Official visitor information →Discover the wide sands of Rhossili, the cliffs and bays around Three Cliffs, and the promenade and village atmosphere of Mumbles. The Gower is a favourite for walking, surfing, wildlife and spectacular coastal views.
Official visitor information →Explore the medieval castle at Kidwelly, then head towards Pembrey and the Millennium Coastal Path for beaches, dunes and easy coastal walking. Continue west to Laugharne, closely associated with the writer Dylan Thomas, for another distinctive stop on a Carmarthenshire day out.
Official visitor information →West Wales has some of the best-known stretches of the Wales Coast Path. Explore the Ceredigion coast, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, the Carmarthenshire coastline and the Gower and Swansea Bay. You do not have to walk the whole route: choose a manageable section, plan transport and enjoy the coastline at your own pace.
Relevant sections: Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire Coast, Carmarthenshire, and Gower and Swansea Bay.
Explore the official Wales Coast Path website →Make a break of it. Here are a few properties from the current Cottage in Wales listings, matched to this region using county and location information.
Showing up to six of 2,181 matching properties in the current feed. The selection may change as accommodation providers update their listings. Check property details and availability with the provider before booking.
West Wales is one of the great regions for walking holidays, with long-distance coastal trails, circular routes, beaches and wildlife-rich landscapes. Our walking holidays page brings more ideas together.
Explore walking holidays in Wales →