New Quay in Ceredigion has been named the UK's best seaside town in Holiday Cars' latest guide to the 20 finest coastal towns in the UK. The ranking, compiled by travel experts at Ski Vertigo, highlights the town's wildlife, beaches and coastal walks as key attractions.
A tranquil alternative to tourist favourites
While holidaymakers often flock to Saundersfoot or Tenby for their scenic harbours and independent retailers, New Quay is frequently bypassed. Nestled along the Welsh coastline, it offers a more peaceful alternative to the bustling tourist hotspots while still providing plenty of activities.
Although the accolade is a guide ranking rather than an official national tourism honour, it demonstrates where authentic holidays are taking place and directs tourists towards their next Welsh getaway.
Beaches and coastal walks
The town is compact but impressive in its wildlife and nature offerings, with a harbour teeming with aquatic creatures and perfect for angling. It provides views across the water towards Cardigan Bay and boasts its own beach, called Harbour Beach, which is the most popular location people flock to.
All three of New Quay's beaches present a distinct type of day out. Harbour Beach is the obvious family option, as an accessible sun spot protected by the harbour, with fine sand and a secure swimming zone. Traeth Gwyn is a far more rugged stretch of sand near Llanina Point, ideal for lengthy strolls or dog walking, though visitors are advised to check the tides in advance as numerous sections can become isolated. Cei Bach is a tranquil cove with a coastal path running directly above it, comprising sand, pebbles, and rock pools.
One holidaymaker wrote on TripAdvisor: "Spent most days on this beach and New Quay Beach. Beautiful area and lovely views of the coastline. Accessed from Quay West lovely walk on the beach into New Quay as long as the tide is out."
For those less inclined towards sunbathing or swimming, the town serves as a superb base from which to explore the Wales Coast Path, which encompasses the village on a circular 5km route. A further 3km extension from Llanina Point is also available, with the town positioned as the halfway point along a lengthier trail.
Wildlife and dolphin spotting
At the very core of the town lies its remarkable wildlife offering. This stretch of coastline is particularly celebrated for its bottlenose dolphin population, which regularly frequent New Quay harbour. The chances of spotting these creatures are greatest between April and November, and numerous boat trips depart from the town to maximise the opportunity of an encounter.
These trips provide the opportunity to spot porpoises, Atlantic grey seals, seabirds, sunfish, basking sharks and leatherback turtles, although operators are careful to emphasise that sightings can never be guaranteed.
Having experienced one of New Quay Boat Trips' excursions, one visitor shared: "What a fantastic experience! You're always sceptical when these opportunities arise, like a boat trip to see dolphins. Nature can't be cajoled into performing for the tourists, but alas, I am happy to be wrong. Not only were we greeted with the most beautiful turquoise waters, but within 2 minutes of setting off, we were alerted to dolphins having been spotted in the harbour. No sooner had the engine been cut when we saw the distinct shapes of dorsal fins as two dipped down into the water."
Beyond the coast, but still focused on nature, families can visit New Quay Honey Farm, which frequently provides insights into the honey-making process and observing the bees at work.
Alex Dyer, Managing Director at Ski Vertigo said: "A destination becomes much easier to recommend when the same base can give a family a sheltered beach, a couple a wildlife trip or sunset walk, and a short-break visitor a compact harbour and food scene. New Quay has that flexibility, but anyone booking in peak season should check parking, tide times, beach access, seasonal dog rules and whether boat trips are running, because wildlife sightings are never guaranteed."
