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Cardiff Bay Beach
About: Cardiff Bay is a real hot spot for both locals and visitors due to the sheer number of fun activities on site when it arrives in the summer months. From live entertainment, to fair ride activities, to the sandy beach, Cardiff Bay is the closest “beach” to the city and certainly provides the most to do too!
Parking: There is no parking available at the Beach, but there are car parking facilities in Cardiff Bay. Please use the Red Dragon Centre or Pierhead Car Park.
Facilities: Plenty of food and drink stalls on site, deck chairs, toilets also on site.
Dogs: Allowed but must be kept on leads. Access will be restricted in some areas.
Address: Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff CF10 4DQ (5-minute drive from Central Cardiff)
Whitmore Bay
About: Now, if you’re a Gavin and Stacey fan, you will no doubt already know all about Whitmore Bay, more commonly known as Barry Island Beach. It’s famous for its long, stretching sands, super soft waves, vibrant beach huts, and amusement arcades, making it perfect for families.
Parking: Pay and display available on Harbour Road, 8am – 11pm.
Facilities: Public toilets are located at both the Eastern parade next to the Beach Huts and behind the Western Shelter by Marco’s Café. All-terrain beach wheelchairs are available to hire at no cost, subject to availability.
Dogs: Allowed on the beach in winter months (from 1st October – 30th April).
Address: Whitmore Bay, Barry Island CF62 5TJ (31 minute drive from Cardiff)
Bendricks Beach
About: Just 8 miles south of Cardiff near Barry, Bendricks Beach is a lesser-known a rugged little bay, ideal for a visit if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter. It is a mixed sandy and rocky beach, with plenty of crabbing and rock exploring opportunities!
Parking: Small car park just behind the beach.
Facilities: No facilities on site.
Dogs: Allowed
Address: Bendricks Beach, Barry CF64 5XU (21 minute drive from Cardiff)
Dunraven Bay (Southerdown Beach)
About: Dunraven Bay is slightly further afield from Cardiff, but it’s definitely worth the drive as it’s often seen as one of the most beautiful beaches on the south coast. This large sandy sheltered bay offers the perfect opportunity to fossil hunt, explore the rock pools, build sandcastles and lots more.
Parking: On site
Facilities: Toilets, ice cream kiosk, refreshments from the restaurant/café all on site.
Dogs: Allowed on the beach in winter months (1st October – 30th April).
Address: Southerndown, Bridgend CF32 0RP (41-minute drive from Cardiff)
Trecco Bay
About: Trecco Bay is a large sandy beach located in the seaside town of Porthcawl, which becomes a hotspot for visitors in the summer months. Trecco Bay is often a firm favourite for families due to its gorgeous golden sand and high water quality, perfect for paddling and swimming.
Parking: Free beach car park on site
Facilities: Disabled facilities nearby.
Dogs: Dog restrictions apply, though there is an exercise area away from the main beach.
Address: Trecco Bay, Porthcawl, CF36 5DB (38-minute drive from Cardiff)