Timeout has released its list of the 40 best beaches in the UK for 2026, featuring six Welsh locations. The list includes beaches from Anglesey in north Wales, Pembrokeshire in the west, and Swansea's Gower Peninsula in the south. The travel media company considered factors such as scenic views, clear waters, and marine life.
Traeth Llanddwyn, Anglesey
Also known as Newborough Beach, Traeth Llanddwyn is located at the southern tip of Anglesey. Timeout praised its "heavenly views" of the coast, white sand, whitewashed lighthouse, and the "silhouettes of Eryri National Park’s peaks in the distance." The beach's remote position and 3.5-mile stretch of sand ensure it rarely feels crowded. At low tide, visitors can access Llanddwyn Island, known as Wales' official 'Island of Love,' which features a 16th-century church and wild ponies. The travel writers recommend paddleboarding due to calm conditions.
Mwnt, Ceredigion
Mwnt Beach is renowned for its beauty and history, featuring a 14th-century church and a kiosk selling local snacks. Timeout noted: "There’s very little around Mwnt to indicate that you are in fact in the twenty-first century. But that’s part of its allure." The beach is a prime spot for dolphin spotting in summer, as Cardigan Bay hosts the UK's largest residential pod of 250-300 dolphins.
Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Barafundle Bay is celebrated for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft sand, often compared to Caribbean beaches. Timeout described it as a perfect swimming spot with access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path for walkers. The beach ranked second in Holidu's Best Beaches in Europe Index, behind Spiaggia dei Conigli in Italy.
Rhossili Bay, Gower
Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula, the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is known for its sunflower fields and wild horses. Timeout said: "Remote but by no means overlooked, Rhossili Bay has a list of accolades longer than its sandy shore, with titles like ‘best beach in Europe’ and ‘top ten beaches in the world’ among its plaudits." The steep walk down from Rhossili village offers panoramic views over three miles of golden sand and, on clear days, the coastline of North Devon.
Morfa Nefyn Beach, Gwynedd
Morfa Nefyn Beach near Pwllheli features clear rock pools and a backdrop of the Yr Eifl mountains. Timeout noted: "The distant peaks of the Yr Eifl (Rival Mountains) form a stunning backdrop to this beach on the remote North Coast of the Llŷn Peninsula. Sheltered by low cliffs, the sandy beach is a great sun trap, has beautifully clear waters and is dotted with excellent rock pools."
Morfa Bychan, Gwynedd
Morfa Bychan, also known as Black Rock Sands, is known for its tightly packed sand that allows cars to drive up to the water's edge at 10mph. Timeout recommended a walk along the Welsh Coastal Path to the village of Borth y Gest. The beach offers views of Eryri National Park and features dark volcanic rock formations with barnacles and fossils.
