Cardigan Bay, Wales in the Summer

The stunning coast of Cardigan Bay, Wales is a wonderful location for a week in the summer. Gorgeous cliffs and beaches make this a great UK holiday.

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Covid-19 and numerous UK lockdowns meant that for several years, travelling abroad hasn’t been possible for most people. I missed being able to travel abroad, but the Covid-19 lockdowns have helped me remember how much beautiful scenery there is in the UK. Here’s a travel guide to a week in Wales in the summer in Cardigan Bay.

Cardigan Bay is a less famous part of Wales than Pembrokeshire, but no less beautiful. The lower popularity means fewer crowds (ideal for social distancing) and also cheaper prices, while still being able to enjoy the stunning sea views.

Where to stay and having a car

I’d definitely recommend having a car in Wales. The public transport options are infrequent and irregular, if they exist at all. With a car you’ve got complete freedom to explore the more remote parts of the coast path and stay as long as you like. Plus, if the weather suddenly turns and it starts raining, you’ve got the option to head back to your car instead of waiting for a late bus in the rain.

There are plenty of self-catering cottages scattered around Wales – you can search on websites like booking.com or Welsh Country Cottages here to find some options. I’d recommend choosing one that’s a few miles inland instead of right on the coast – while you won’t be able to enjoy sea views, your money will go a lot further. I stayed in one of a small collection of cottages on a farm only a 10 minute drive from the coast, and I loved seeing all the farm animals each morning as I headed out.

The weather in Cardigan Bay, Wales in the summer

The weather in Wales can be unpredictable, even in the summer. While there can be some lovely sunny days, Wales definitely gets its fair share of wind and rain. I was in Wales in late August one year and got to see a spectacular storm coming in straight off the Atlantic. It was amazing to just stand and feel the power of the wind – but definitely not a day for trying to walk along the coast path or swim in the sea.

Before planning any activities, check the weather forecast for the day and always be prepared to change your plans if the weather chances. The sea is beautiful but it can also be dangerous, especially in high winds, so make sure you give the sea the respect it deserves.

What to pack

• Walking boots – ideally waterproof boots that give ankle support for uneven coastal footpaths. Make sure your boots are well worn in before your trip – it’s never a good idea to do long hikes in new walking boots.
• Waterproof coat – and waterproof trousers if it’s cold. Always expect some rain.
• Warm clothes – never underestimate how much a sea breeze can lower the temperature when you’re exposed on the cliff path.
• Walking trousers, not jeans – jeans are awful if they get wet, they take ages to dry and give you no warmth once they’re wet. If you’re hiking, it’s much better to wear some quick-drying trousers in case it rains
• Swimming costume or wetsuit – I love going in the sea, but the sea temperatures can be cold even in summer so I’m always much more comfortable in the sea in a wetsuit. You can hire one, or you can be brave a take a dip in your swimming costume. But I’d recommend not wearing a bikini – strong Atlantic waves really don’t mix well with a bikini if you’re trying not to expose yourself on a public beach…
• Bodyboard – for some fun in the sea! Body boarding is great fun and easy to learn, and it’s super addictive as soon as you get your first good wave.

If you’re looking for a walking guide to the area that you can pack in your pocket, I’d recommend this walking guide to the Wales coast (affiliate).

What to do in Cardigan Bay, Wales in the summer

Walk along the coast path

Miles of coastal walking paths, with new views around every corner, are one of the main attractions of a trip to Cardigan Bay, Wales in the summer. Most beaches have a car park nearby, and from here you can choose to turn left or right to choose the stretch of coast path to walk along before turning back. Often, there’s another beach only a few miles away, which means you can stop there for lunch on the beach before turning back to walk back to your car. Some of the walks I’d recommend are:

• Llangrannog to Penbryn and back – I’d recommend parking at Llangrannog, then walking to Penbryn to have lunch on the beach before either extending your walk or walking back. The path is steep in places but the views are worth it.
• Llangrannog to the nearby headland – great views from the headland in all directions
• Tresaith to either Penbryn or Aberporth (or both) – again great views in both directions on these walks.

Body-boarding in Wales

Another of my favourite things to do in Wales in body boarding! It’s much easier to learn than proper stand-up surfing (which I failed at spectacularly in Australia…) and it’s great fun. I’d definitely recommend wearing a wetsuit if you’re planning to be in the sea for long – even a short sleeved wetsuit makes a massive difference and means you can stay in the sea having fun for much longer.

While body boarding is great fun, it’s important to respect the power of the sea and stay safe. Only go in the sea on beaches that have a lifeguard on duty, and make sure to only swim in between the red and yellow flags on the beach. These flags will have been placed to mark out where the sea is safe – if you swim outside these flags, you risk getting caught in rip tides and currents that can drag you out to sea. So be safe!

A lot of the beaches in this part of Wales are quite dependent on the tide for how much beach you have. Llangrannog beach in particular almost disappears at high tide, but at low tide a whole new area of the beach opens up to enjoy. But keep an eye on the tide so you don’t get cut off!

Watch the sunset in Llangrannog

One of the many beautiful things about this coast of Wales is the west-facing beaches, which are perfect for sunsets. The colours over the breaking waves are so spectacular and make a really special evening.

Dolphin watching in New Quay

Dolphins can be seen all along this stretch of coastline, so when you’re walking along the cliff path make sure you keep an eye out! Dolphin watching boat trips are offered from the pretty town of New Quay, with a high chance of getting to see some of the local dolphins.

Or if you’re really lucky, and have a good amount of time and patience, you can sometimes stand on the harbour and spot dolphins. A good trick is to watch where the dolphin-watching boats are going, and if you see one stop, there’s a good chance there’s a dolphin nearby. I got to see a few dolphins this way and it was magical.

Eat fish and chips on the beach

No UK seaside trip is complete without eating fish and chips at least once. Most beaches have a nearby cafe or restaurant selling fish and chips and a variety of similar meals. After a day of hiking along cliff paths, body boarding and watching dolphins, nothing tastes better. Enjoy!

Visit Aberaeron, New Quay and other colourful seaside towns

The seaside towns that line Cardigan Bay, Wales are full of life in the summer. The colourful houses line the steep streets down to the water’s edge. The towns are lovely to wander around for an ice cream and to shop for souvenirs.

Enjoy your week in Cardigan Bay, Wales in the summer! Remember to check out this great guide to walks in the area (affiliate). If you’re looking for more places to explore in the UK, check out my blogs on some stunning walks in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire countryside.