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Wales has some of the most stunning beaches in the UK and it is possible to reach many of them by convenient and affordable train travel. Getting the train to beaches in Wales means you can avoid the annoyance of traffic jams and focus on enjoying your trip, whether you’re planning an active day out or a relaxing soak in the sun.

If you’re looking for a more eco-conscious way to travel to the best beaches in Wales, getting the train is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. You can also save money by booking cheaper tickets in advance and making the most of Off-Peak or Split Tickets.

In this article, we suggest some of the best beaches in Wales, including scenic spots, dog-friendly beaches and activity-packed locations for the whole family to enjoy.

1. Rhossili Bay Beach

Features: Scenic Beach, Dog Friendly, Nature Walks

Family friendly: ✩✩✩✩

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Recommendation: ✩✩✩✩✩

Considered one of the most scenic beaches in Wales, Rhossili Bay Beach is a delightful three mile stretch of coastline at the western end of the Gower peninsula. With nature all around, including many different birds nesting on the cliffs, Rhossili Bay Beach is a haven for wildlife and walkers alike. When arriving by train into Swansea, you can take a local bus straight to the beach.

Trains to Rhossili Bay Beach

Nearest train station: Swansea

What to do at Rhossili Bay Beach

Explore the beach!

Rhossili Bay Beach is well known for its remarkable landmarks, including the remains of the Helvetia, a Norwegian Barque shipwrecked here in 1887. Take a walk all around the stunning surroundings and see what features you find.

See the seals

At low tide, it’s well worth clambering across a rock causeway to Worm’s Head, a delightful tidal island. Look out for grey seals on the rocks!

Surf or swim

With high water quality, Rhossili Bay is the ideal setting to get active. Pack your swimwear and bathe in the beautiful water. Or hire a surfboard to catch some waves!

2. Colwyn Bay Beach

Features: Watersports Centre, Victorian Pier, Wide Beach

Family friendly: ✩✩✩✩

Dog friendly: ✩✩✩

Recommendation: ✩✩✩✩

A Blue Flag beach with a lot of history, Colwyn Bay remains popular for its abundant facilities and watersports facilities. This popular Victorian seaside resort is one of the best beaches in Wales to get to by train, as the train station is just a 20-minute walk from the beach.

Trains to Colwyn Bay Beach

Nearest train station: Colwyn Bay

  • Liverpool Lime Street > Colwyn Bay (Transport for Wales, 1 change, 1 hour 40)
  • Wrexham General > Colwyn Bay (Transport for Wales, 1 change, 1 hour 18)

What to do at Colwyn Bay Beach

Watersports centre

With the multi-million pound waterside development Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay is a true watersports hub in North Wales. Whether you’re into kayaking, windsurfing or sailing, there are so many ways to enjoy being out on the water.

Walk along Victoria Pier

As a popular Victoria seaside resort, Colwyn Bay Pier has been welcoming visitors since 1900. Now partly rebuilt, the distinctive feature retains much of the original’s ornate metalwork and charm.

Add Llandudno Beach to the itineray

Llandudno Beach offers another great destination for a day out at a beach in Wales, and can be reached in just 15 minutes from Colwyn Bay by train. Make a full weekend of your trip by staying over in one of these beachfront hotels and explore both beaches!

3. Prestatyn Central

Features: Sandy Beach, Cycling Routes

Family friendly: ✩✩✩✩

Dog friendly: ✩✩✩✩✩

Recommendation: ✩✩✩✩✩

Another North Wales beach that makes a great day out by train is Prestatyn. This coastal resort has three beaches that together form a five mile stretch of sand, as well as many activities that the whole family will enjoy. Sailing and windsurfing opportunities abound, while the beach’s wide promenade is popular among cyclists. Best of all, when arriving by train it's just a 10 minute walk to Prestatyn Beach from the train station.

Trains to Prestatyn Beach

Nearest train station: Prestatyn

What to do at Prestatyn Beach

Fun for all the family

A Blue Flag beach with excellent facilities, Prestatyn Central has a wide range of activities to keep the whole family busy. Whether it’s the leisure centre or amusement arcades, there is no shortage of entertainment on offer.

Take a cycle ride

The North Wales Cycle Trail is a popular route for cyclists and it goes all the way along Prestatyn Beach. Whether you’re planning to cycle for a few miles or all the way to Bangor, it is a beautiful route, with almost entirely car free trails and splendid views. If walking is more your thing, you could take a hike along Offa’s Dyke Path from Prestatyn Beach.

4. Aber Rhigian Beach

Features: Scenic Beach, Dog Friendly, Pebble Beach

Family friendly: ✩✩✩✩

Dog friendly: ✩✩✩✩✩

Recommendation: ✩✩✩✩

In North Pembrokeshire, Aber Rhigian Beach offers a unique experience for those willing to go a little further off the beaten track. A secluded pebble beach with sandy patches, Aber Rhigian boasts views of beautiful cliffs along both sides of the beach. Arrive by train into Newport station, then follow a streamside walk through ancient forest to reach this secluded cove. A scenic delight!

Trains to Aber Rhigian Beach

Nearest train station: Newport

  • Cardiff Central > Newport (Great Western Railway, direct, 11 minutes)
  • Swansea > Newport (Great Western Railway, direct, 1 hour 12)

What to do at Aber Rhigian Beach

Marvel at the beauty

A beautiful secluded beach that offers a peaceful haven for visitors. After a delightful walk from Newport, enjoy the beautiful scenery, then climb into the woods behind the cove to see the waterfall.

Paddle in the freshwater pool

Just behind Aber Rhigian Beach, you can find a freshwater pool that is ideal for family fun. Get everyone to paddle in the pool and play games in these tranquil natural surroundings. Dogs are welcome to join the fun too!

5. Tenby Beach

Features: Sandy Beaches, Dog Friendly, Historical Town

Family friendly: ✩✩✩✩

Dog friendly: ✩✩✩✩

Recommendation: ✩✩✩✩

On the western side of Carmarthen Bay, Pembrokeshire, one of the best beaches in Wales for day trips is Tenby, an ever-popular seaside resort in South West Wales. With 2.5 miles of glorious sand, Tenby has some of the prettiest beaches in the UK. From the imposing ruins of Tenby Castle that overlook Castle Beach to the soft sand dunes at Tenby South Beach, beach lovers will be spoilt for choice!

Trains to Tenby Beach

Nearest train station: Tenby

  • Swansea > Tenby (Transport for Wales, direct, 1 hour 28)
  • Pembroke > Tenby (Transport for Wales, direct, 23 minutes)

What to do at Tenby Beach

Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Beautiful water, beautiful sand… and a coast path that provides beautiful views over all of it! The stretch along Tenby Beach of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is unmissable, whether you’re walking some or all of the spectacular 186-mile route.

Explore Tenby town

After spending time at the beach, it is well worth strolling around the historical town of Tenby. With its narrow streets, independent shops, distinctive pastel colours and imposing 13th-century medieval stone wall, Tenby continues to charm visitors.

Take a boat ride

To spend some time on the water and immerse yourself in nature, take a boat trip from Tenby Harbour to Caldey Island, a conservation area regarded as “one of Britain's holy islands”.

Tips for train travel to beaches

Travelling to beaches in Wales by train provides a quick and easy way to reach the golden sands and seaside sun without waiting in traffic jams. Plus, taking the train means you will be choosing the most environmentally friendly mode of transport.

When booking advance tickets with TrainPal you can save money on your journey by keeping an eye out for Off-Peak tickets. You can be sure you have the lowest prices, as TrainPal will automatically suggest Split Tickets to help you save money without affecting your journey.

To enjoy your day out at beaches in Wales, check the luggage rules before you travel. If you’re planning a day of watersports, remember that most train operators will not allow you to bring surfboards onboard, so you might be best hiring your equipment from local shops or schools.

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