South Wales Beaches:
The Traveling photographer’s Guide
WHETHER YOU'RE AN EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHER OR A TRAVELER SEEKING The Best beaches in south Wales or looking for something a ‘little different’, THIS GUIDE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH VALUABLE INFORMATION ABOUT SOME OF THE MOST Photoshoot-worthy Beach & coastal locations In South Wales, UK.
South Wales offers a variety of beaches, each with its unique beauty and charm, perfect photographic locations for all levels of photographer.
From the famous Rhossili Bay, with its sweeping coastline and dramatic cliffs, to the secluded Mewslade Bay, there's something for everyone..
I’ve compiled this list of beaches from personal experience - from commercial shoots in the burrows at Three Cliffs Bay through to wandering with the family in the middle of a bright sunny day armed with just my iPhone around Aberthaw Powerstation. Most of these shots are a mix - with the majority taken to remind myself to revisit later on with my camera and the right equipment. Personally, I’m not just about the obviously beautiful, so have included interesting locations that are also great photo opportunities.
Overall, South Wales is a fantastic destination for photographers and independent travelers alike. So grab your gear, pack your bags, and get ready to discover some of the most stunning beaches in the UK.
Notes on using my Beaches of South Wales guide
Prepare for the weather. Whether you’re shooting on your phone or packing your mirrorless camera with a suite of lenses, make sure you have some wet weather gear. If you’re getting your camera out, take extra measure. Check the kit list further down this page.
Check the time of day if you want sunsets. The best time of day to visit the beach will depend on what you're looking to capture - but, with being on the South coast of Wales, you have to think about the spot a bit more than if you were out in West Wales.
Check before you travel. Do your own recce before you head anywhere - as a lot of the facilities are seasonal, you might need to plan a bit ahead.
Found somewhere I should add? I’d love to hear from you
South West BEACHES (From Marloes to Swansea)
📸 = Photo-worthy items & interesting features* 📍= Address & Google map link
Burry Port lighthouse from the car-park by the lifeboat station.
BURRY PORT East / WEST
📍 Burry Port Beach West, Burry Port SA16 0HE, google maps
📸 Lighthouse, Marina, Millennium statue
Facilities: Car park, RNLI station, food take-away vehicles, SUP hire
Rhossili bay / Llangennith
Rhossili Bay out towards Llangennith in the distance
A stunning three-mile-long sandy beach with panoramic views of the Gower Peninsula. This expansive beach is a favorite with surfers and windsurfers, thanks to its consistent waves and strong winds. It's also a great spot for walking and birdwatching, with several coastal trails and nature reserves nearby. Park up by Hill End campsite to access from further down.
📍 Llangennith, Swansea, SA3 1HU, google maps
📸
Facilities: Toilets, car park, beach shop, and lifeguards during summer months.
Three Cliffs Bay
Three Cliffs Bay
A picturesque bay with three rocky outcrops and a tidal river that runs down to the sea.
📸 Pennard Castle / Three Cliffs / vistas of beach / caves
🗺️ Pennard, Swansea, SA3 2HB, google maps
Facilities: Car park, public toilets
Oxwich Bay
A long sandy beach that is popular for watersports and family fun.
📍 Oxwich, Swansea, SA3 1LS, google maps
📸 Watersports
Facilities: Car park, toilets, cafes, beachside restaurants
Port Eynon Bay
A sheltered bay with golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
📍 Port Eynon, Swansea, SA3 1NN, google maps
📸 Port Cynon Salt House
Facilities: Car park, toilets, cafes, shops
Limeslade Bay
Limeslade Bay is a small rocky cove located near Bracelet Bay and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic views.
📍 Limeslade Bay, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4JT, google maps
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Facilities: Limited parking available nearby, no toilets or other facilities
Pobbles Bay
Pobbles Bay just after high tide
Pobbles Bay is a small, rocky cove located near Three Cliffs Bay and is popular with surfers and rock climbers.
📍 Pobbles Bay, Gower, Swansea, SA3 4JP, google maps
📸
Facilities: No facilities, limited parking available nearby
Saundersfoot Beach
Saundersfoot Beach is located in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, near the town of Saundersfoot. This sandy beach stretches for over a mile and has stunning views of the Carmarthen Bay. Saundersfoot Beach is a popular destination for families, as it has easy access and plenty of facilities.
📍 Saundersfoot Beach, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA69 9HE, google maps
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Facilities: Toilets, car park, cafes, shops, deckchair and umbrella hire, water sports equipment rental.
Tenby South Beach
Tenby South Beach is a long, sandy beach located south of the town of Tenby. This beach has stunning views of Caldey Island and is popular for swimming and water sports. The beach has a range of facilities, including a promenade, shops, and cafes.
📍 Tenby South Beach, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA70 7EN, google maps
📸 Tenby town centre, Tenby North beach, St Catherine’s Island, Tenby Castle
Facilities: Toilets, car park, cafes, shops, deckchair and umbrella hire, water sports equipment rental.
Rotherslade Bay
Situated round the corner from Langland Bay.
📍 Rotherslade Rd, Langland, Swansea SA3 4QW, google maps
📸
Facilities: Toilets, car park, seasonal lifeguard service, cafes, and restaurants nearby
Cefn Sidan Beach
This award-winning beach is located within Pembrey Country Park, which also offers a range of recreational activities such as cycling, horse riding, and nature trails. The beach itself is a long stretch of golden sand that's great for walking and swimming, and there are designated areas for watersports.
📍 Pembrey Country Park, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0EJ, google maps
📸 Shipwreck
Facilities: Toilets, car park, beach shop, cafes, and lifeguards during summer months.
more info website
Langland Bay Beach
This small but beautiful bay is popular with locals and visitors alike. It's a great spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing, and there are plenty of rock pools to explore at low tide. A sheltered beach with picturesque views and a beach hut-lined promenade - plus several cafes and restaurants.
📍 Langland Bay Road, Swansea, SA3 4SQ, google maps
📸 Beach huts
Facilities: Toilets, car park, beach shop, cafes, and lifeguards during summer months.
Caswell Bay
A sandy beach that is popular with families and surfers.
📍 Caswell Bay, Swansea, SA3 3BT, google maps
📸
Facilities: Car park, toilets, cafes, shops, year round surf school
more info website
Mewslade Bay
A secluded bay with dramatic cliffs and great surf.
📍 Gower, Swansea, SA3 1PL, google maps
📸
Facilities: Limited parking, no toilets or facilities
Bracelet Bay
Bracelet Bay is a small cove located in the affluent village of Mumbles and offers stunning views of the Bristol Channel.
📍 Bracelet Bay, Mumbles, Swansea, SA3 4JT, google maps
📸
Facilities: Toilets, car park, seasonal refreshment kiosk
Rotherslade Bay
Rotherslade Bay is a secluded sandy cove located near Langland Bay and is popular with families and water sports enthusiasts.
📍 Rotherslade Bay, Langland, Swansea, SA3 4SQ, google maps
📸
Facilities: Toilets, seasonal refreshment kiosk, limited parking available nearby
Horton Bay
Horton Bay is a picturesque sandy bay located on the Gower Peninsula and is backed by cliffs and sand dunes.
📍 Horton Bay, Gower, Swansea, SA3 1LB, google maps
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Facilities: Toilets, seasonal refreshment kiosk, car park
Tenby North Beach
Tenby North Beach is a large, sandy beach located in the town of Tenby. This beach is backed by colourful Georgian houses and has a range of facilities, including a promenade, shops, and cafes. The beach is popular for swimming and water sports, and there are lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
📍 Tenby North Beach, Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA70 7EN, google maps
📸 Large rock on beach, harbour, Tenby town centre
Facilities: Toilets, car park, cafes, shops, deckchair and umbrella hire, water sports equipment rental, lifeguards.
Amroth Beach
Amroth Beach is a long, sandy beach located in the village of Amroth. This beach has a long history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Stone Age. The beach is popular for swimming, fishing, and walking, and there are plenty of facilities nearby.
📍 Amroth Beach, Amroth, Pembrokeshire, Wales, SA67 8NG
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Facilities: Toilets, car park, cafes, shops, deckchair and umbrella hire, water sports equipment rental.
Pendine Sands
Pendine Sands is a wide, sandy beach located on the south coast of Carmarthenshire. It is a popular spot for land-speed record attempts, and visitors can also enjoy walking, swimming, and kite-surfing.
📍 Pendine Sands, Carmarthenshire, SA33 4NY, google maps
📸
Facilities: Toilets, cafes, shops, and car park available.
Scot’s Beach / Llansteffan castle
Round the corner from Laugharne Sands, Scot’s beach is on the mouth of the estuary of the Taf. Close to Dylan Thomas’s writing cabin and Llanstefan Castle. Also, filming of the Prisoner was shot on the estuary (Patrick McGoohan being chased by the giant blob).
📍 Laugharne Sands, Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, SA33 8JP, google maps
📸 Laugharne Castle
Facilities: No facilities available.
Broughton Bay
Broughton Bay is a remote, secluded beach located on the Gower Peninsula, offering visitors a peaceful escape. The beach is backed by cliffs and offers stunning views across the Bristol Channel with great opportunities for rockpooling and walks along the coast.
📍 Broughton Bay, Gower Peninsula, SA3 1JL, google maps
📸
Facilities: Limited parking, no toilets or other facilities
SOUTH TO SOUTH EAST BEACHES (After swansea to Chepstow)
📸 = Photo-worthy items & interesting features* 📍= Address & Google map link
Aberavon Beach
Surfers & the industrial backdrop make this an interesting beach to explore
The Port Talbot docks in the background
📍 Aberavon Seafront, Port Talbot, SA12 6QP, google maps
Aberavon Beach is a popular seaside resort with three miles of sandy beach. The beach has a promenade, children's play area, and many facilities. It is also a popular spot for water sports such as kiteboarding, windsurfing, and surfing.
📸 Surfers, long promenade, manmade jetty, dock cranes in background
Facilities: Toilets, cafes, restaurants, beachside shops, very long promenade and a children's play area.
more info website
Llantwit Major Beach
Llantwit Major Beach is a rocky and pebbly beach that is popular for rock pooling and coastal walks. The beach is backed by cliffs and has a picturesque location. At low tide the beach becomes sandy, at high tide it becomes a pebble beach. Check tide times to avoid disappointment.
📍 Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan, CF61 1YX, google maps
📸
Facilities: Toilet, car park, cafe
Ogmore-by-Sea Beach
Ogmore-by-Sea Beach is a wide sandy beach backed by sand dunes and is popular with families. The beach has a car park, toilets, and a cafe.
📍Ogmore-by-Sea, Vale of Glamorgan, CF32 0PB, google maps
📸 Craggy beaches, beach-goers,
Facilities: Toilets, cafe, car park
Rest Bay
Rest Bay is a sandy beach located in the town of Porthcawl. The beach is popular with surfers and other water sports enthusiasts, and is known for its excellent waves.
📍 Porthcawl CF36 3UP, google maps
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Facilities: Car park, toilets, surf school, beach cafe, lifeguard station.
Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is a small and secluded beach located on the coast of Porthcawl. The beach is popular for its scenic surroundings and clear waters.
📍 Porthcawl CF36 5NG, google maps
📸
Facilities: Limited parking, no toilets, dog-friendly.
Newton Beach
A quiet beach a stones’ throw from Porthcawl attractions lined with sand dunes and a small boat jetty. Great for low-key barbecues and Sunday strolls.
🗺️ Newton Beach, Newton, Porthcawl CF36 5NE, google maps
📸
Facilities: No facilities on site
Penarth Beach
The non-beach-side of the pier provides some interesting angles of Penarth Pier.
Penarth Pier - an early morning dip for the Dawnstalkers
Penarth Beach is a pebble and shingle beach located on the south side of the Bristol Channel. The beach offers visitors stunning views across the channel and towards the Somerset coast.
Tip: The pier only gets morning sun due to location.
📍 Penarth Beach, Vale of Glamorgan, CF64 3AU, google maps
📸 Victorian pier, rugged coastline and concrete, nighttime neon and reflections.
Facilities: Toilets, cafes, and car park available.
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay at sunset
Cardiff Skatepark - keep your eye out for events over the summer months!
A redeveloped bay-side area that includes a wide range of things to do and look at. This includes a wetland, shops and restaurant areas, older dock side areas plus barrage walk over to Penarth.
Tip: Go time, take advantage of the Bay Circular Walk which will take you around all the main areas
📍 Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 5BZ, google maps
📸 Wetlands, skatepark, barrage, Wales Millennium Centre & Millennium basin, Marina, Norwegian Church, Modern Architecture, Old docks elements, …
Facilities: Toilets, cafes, car parks, train station, bike hire, boat trip.
Merthyr Mawr
📍 Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend CF32 0ND, google maps
📸 Candleston Castle,
Facilities: Toilets - only at car park (which is far from beach! You have been warned 😜 )
Whitmore Bay
Barry Island funfair - iPhone.
Whitmore Bay, also known as Barry Island Beach, is a wide sandy beach that is popular with families. The beach is backed by a promenade and has a variety of amenities including a funfair, cafes, restaurants, and shops.
📍 Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 5TQ, google maps
📸 Holiday makers, beach huts, Gavin & Stacey related venues, old school arcades & fun fair, palm trees.
Facilities: Toilets, showers, cafes, restaurants, promenade and beachside shops.
Dunraven Bay / iPhone
DUNRAVEN BAY (a.k.a Southerndown Beach)
A beautiful secluded bay located between Southerndown and Ogmore-by-Sea, with sand dunes, rock pools and cliffs, providing excellent views of the coast. At high tide, the it becomes a pebble-beach backed by cliffs and is popular with surfers and walkers. Check tide times to avoid disappointment.
📍 Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan, CF32 0RP, google maps
📸 High vistas from coastal walk, Dunraven Castle a short walk away,
Facilities: Toilets, seasonal cafe, limited car park
more info website
Trecco Bay
Trecco Bay is a large and popular beach in the town of Porthcawl. The beach is known for its long stretch of golden sand and its excellent facilities.
📍 Porthcawl CF36 5NG, google maps
📸
Facilities: Car park, toilets, showers, changing rooms, beach shops, restaurants, amusement park, nearby campsite.
Coney Beach
Coney Beach is a popular beach located in the town of Porthcawl. The beach is known for its amusement park and its close proximity to the town centre.
📍 Porthcawl CF36 3UL, google maps
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Facilities: Car park, toilets, showers, amusement park, nearby cafes and restaurants.
Splott Beach
Splott Beach in Cardiff, iPhone.
Splott Beach is a small, sandy beach located on the east side of Cardiff Bay that most people didn’t know existed! It offers visitors views across the bay and is apparently a popular spot for fishing and bird watching. An interesting spot for sure - left my trainers pretty stained on my visit.
📍 Splott Beach, Cardiff, CF24 2JE, google maps
📸
Facilities: No facilities available.
Sully Beach
Sully Beach is a small shingle and pebble beach located in the village of Sully, Vale of Glamorgan. It is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and coastal walks, offering beautiful views of the Bristol Channel.
📍 Beach Road, Sully, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, CF64 5SY, google maps
📸 Sully Island (walkable at low tide), shipwreck (small), WW2 Battery & Observation post (short walk).
Facilities: Public toilets, car park, and a slipway for launching small boats.
Limpert Bay Beach (AKA Aberthaw Beach)
A quiet pebble beach located on the Heritage Coast between Fontygary and St Athan, offering views across the Bristol Channel to Somerset. Situated by the side of a power station, you can walk round to enjoy a more rugged view of the Bristol Channel.
📍 Aberthaw Power Station, Barry CF62 4ZW, google maps
📸 Power station, Boy’s Village (located nearby)
Facilities: No facilities available
Jackson's Bay
A small sandy bay located in Barry, popular with local families and surfers.
📍 Jackson's Bay, Barry CF62 5BE, UK, google maps
📸
Facilities: Limited parking, toilets, seasonal refreshments available
Nash Point (Monknash)
Lord of the Flies for Sherman Theatre - shot at Nash Point.
A beautifully rugged headland with quiet pebble beach and lighthouse. It’s a great point for starting out along the Wales Coastal path in either direction.
📸 Lighthouse, Nash Point rock
Facilities: Parking, toilets, seasonal refreshments available
Travel advice For exploring & photographing beaches in South Wales
Check the weather, sun & Stars position
Being on the South Coast of Wales, the sunset and sunrise positions don’t necessarily fall where you want them to. Ok, so 90% of the time I just happen to have my camera with me, but when I do want to go out and do something ‘proper’, I do check where the sun will be.
If you’re into astral photography, the stars is something you might want to know too.
I use two apps to help plan:
TPE (The photographers Ephemeris) - website
PhotoPills - website
Check the tide
A lot of the beaches on the South Wales coastline become inaccessible at high tide - which can be an absolute pain if you were hoping for a certain shot or wanting to have a kick about or picnic on the beach.
Check the tide times before you head out so you can get the shot you want of to get the most out of your visit.
Check out tidetimes.org.uk
Essential Photographer’s kit-list
For sea, beach and seaside shooting you have a few common enemies to photographers: sea water, sand and Welsh rain!
Some things I find of use are:
Small tripod (optional - but great for long exposures)
UV / Polarising filter (for protecting your glass and killing reflections and enhancing skies)
Rain cover for rucksack
Rain cover for camera
Rainproof cover for phone with lanyard
ND filters for long exposures ( I use a variable ND for ease)
Blower brush
Batteries & memory cards
Microfibre lens / bodycloth
iPhone app: photo pills & TPE (The Photographer’s Ephemeris)