With 50 miles of coastline, Ceredigion has stunning landscapes and plenty of unspoiled beaches to visit. Alternatively, you can walk the Coastal Path with its panoramic views - and maybe spot some seals or dolphins along the way.
Spring is a perfect time to visit when the area is quieter, and the countryside is full of spring flowers and newly born lambs.
New Quay's sandy beaches are the closest to us, approximately 3 miles away. Harbour Beach has a Seaside Award, and is the most popular of the three beaches. The swimming area is often shared with the local dolphins.
Just to the south of the pier, Dolau beach is below the bottom car park.
Traethgwyn is a wide sandy beach at low tide which extends from Llanina Point to the lifeboat station.
If you were to head towards Cardigan, there are additional beaches off the A road, namely:
Cwmtydu
A mainly shingle beach which is flanked by cliffs which are lined with caves. The river Dewi runs down through the wooded valley to the beach.
Llangranog
The sandy beaches nestle below the cliffs. The beaches are divided by the distinctive rock formation known as Carreg Bica, and are popular with families and surfers alike. The main beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards during the summer months.
Penbryn
Penbryn is a sandy beach owned by the National Trust which is almost a mile long. It was used for James Bond's romantic assignation in Die Another Day. There is a turning circle and dropping off point at the beach edge for disabled visitors plus a cafe. The walk down to the beach is either along the lane, or via the footpath from the car park, which takes you into a beautiful wooded valley.
Tresaith
Tresaith is a sheltered Blue Flag sandy beach with a waterfall which cascades over the cliffs to the beach. The second beach is accessed by crossing below the waterfall. There is a pub overlooking the beach. The beach is popular for sailing and surfing.
Aberporth
Aberporth has two sandy sheltered beaches with rock pools exposed at low tide making. There is a small car park above the south section of the beach. Further parking can be found in the village. You can enjoy a circular a short coast walk from Aberporth to Tresaith which is fully accessible for the first mile.
Mwnt
There are sweeping views across Cardigan Bay from the summit of the conical hill (Foel y Mwnt) that rises above the sandy sheltered beach. Mwnt, including the beach, is managed by the National Trust. It is a sheltered sandy cove. The steep steps leading to the beach make it unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Heading in the opposite direction, there are many beaches to explore; including:
Cei Bach
Cei Bach is a small sand and shingle beach just to the north of Traethgwyn at New Quay and separated by the rocky promontory of Llanina point.
Aberaeron
The town has two pebble beaches with sand exposed at low tide. The beaches are located to the north and south of Aberaeron's harbour.
Llanrhystud
The beach is a narrow shingle bank at high tide, but at low tide, it becomes wide and sandy. It is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and watersports.
Aberystwyth
The town has 2 shale beaches - North and South.
For those with dogs, there are no restrictions to which beaches they can use until May! For more information check out this blog post
Check the tide times before you head out to the beaches to make sure you don't get cut off. Tide times can be checked here