The Wales Coast Path stretches 870 miles with plenty of pretty towns and villages to explore along the way. In this post I’ve shared 8 of my favourites to date, how many have you been to?
Tenby, Pembrokeshire
The pretty coastal town of Tenby is a popular summer holiday destination for Brit’s looking for a staycation – and it’s easy to see why. Tenby’s colourful harbour (pictured above) is one of Wales’s most Instagrammed tourist spots, and you’re never too far away from a fish and chip shop or ice-cream parlour. The nearby beaches are also some of the finest in Europe, including the tropical-like Barafundle and top stargazing spot, Broadhaven South.
Portmeirion (Porthmadog), Gwynedd
Famed for being the filming location of ’60s drama The Prisoner, Portmeirion’s charm is down to architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who designed an Italian-style village near the coastal town of Porthmadog. September is a great time to visit the area as Portmeirion hosts an arts and music festival called Festival No.6. Porthmadog itself has a strong maritime history and is a great base for walkers hiking Snowdon and the surrounding National Park.
Llandudno, Conwy
See where the Victorian’s used to spend their summer holidays in Llandudno by visiting the sweeping promenade that’s lined with grand 19th century buildings containing several seaside restaurants and hotels. No visit is complete without a ride on the century old Great Orme tramway for spectacular views over the Irish Sea and pretty coastal town.
Aberaeron, Ceredigion
Colourful Georgian houses line the quaint harbour of Aberaeron which makes it a lovely spot for a seaside stroll. Alternatively walk or cycle a little further inland to Llanerchaeron where you can explore the grounds of a 18th century National Trust property.
Mumbles, Swansea Bay
Even though it’s technically part of the city of Swansea, The Mumbles has a small town feel on the western edge of the city. Named as one of the best places to live in Britain, it’s full of lovely seaside shops and cafes and is the perfect starting point to explore the Gower peninsula along the Wales Coast Path, visiting stunning beaches such as Three Cliffs Bay and Rhossili.
Conwy, Conwy
The historic market town lies in the shadow of the soaring fortress built by Edward I in the 13th century. It’s from the top of Conwy Castle where you can enjoy panoramic views of the pretty walled town, sailing boats and northern edge of Snowdonia National Park. Down by the river you’ll find one of Conwy’s most famous tourist attractions, the smallest house in Great Britain!
Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan
The restored Victorian pier is an iconic landmark of Penarth that now hosts many local events and weddings. The attractive town is just a few miles outside of Cardiff, making it a very desirable place to live for city workers and retirees, particularly along Penarth Marina where you can walk or cycle along the barrage to the restaurant and entertainment hub of Cardiff Bay.
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion
Aberystwyth is a thriving University town in Cardigan Bay that, like Llandudno, has a pretty promenade and pier to walk along. In fact you’ll see many locals doing laps up and down here to ‘kick the bar’ at the northern end, a tradition started many years ago. You can also take The Cliff Railway during peak season or walk up the Ceredigion Coastal Park to the nearby hill top where you’ll find a play park and cafe.
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Explore With Ed
Established in 2014, Explore With Ed is an award nominated travel blog sharing destination inspiration and cruises in the UK and Europe.
Jamie, or "Ed", is a content creator from South Wales. You may be wondering "who's Ed?", well, Ed is actually one of Jamie's nicknames - feel free to use Jamie or Ed interchangeably!
He has a passion for filmmaking and photography which he's been able to do freelance over the past few years, as well as for Blogosphere Magazine in London as their resident content creator.
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