Where to stay on the Welsh coast

The Welsh coast is the place for vast beaches, friendly villages, incredible seafood and endless opportunities to go green by exploring Wales off-the-beaten-track. All experiences which you can enjoy at their best along the Wales Coast Path.

This 870-mile walking route traces the entire Welsh coastline, snaking past beaches and cosy pubs plus a whole host of castles and nature reserves along the way.

Of course, you're not going to be able to walk the whole thing in one day (!) which is why we've put together this list of great places to stay on the Welsh coast - you'll probably find our guide to 21 most beautiful beaches in Wales comes in handy too.

Plus if you're looking to travel more responsibly on the coast, take a look at our responsible travel: practical ways to travel better in Wales guide as well as our run down of10 places to stay in Wales for a sustainable trip.

Flimston Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales © BerndBrueggemann/Shutterstock

Where to stay on the Welsh coast: Gower Peninsula

Dylan Thomas House, Swansea

If you fancy a little historical context for the Gower Peninsula leg of your Welsh adventure, why not stay in the house Welsh poet Dylan Thomas was born in and where he wrote some of his works? Located in Swansea, Dylan Thomas House is beautifully restored Edwardian house-turned-hotel with period decor. Its four bedrooms are ideal for a family stay.

The Gower Hotel, Swansea

With simple, modern rooms and a garden, The Gower Hotel is a welcome retreat from the bustle of everyday life, with the added bonus of delicious food at its onsite restaurant. It's only two miles from Caswell Bay, a wide, sandy beach popular with families, surfers and visitors alike. The beach has Blue Flag status, meaning you know it's well worth a visit.

Dragon Hotel, Swansea

The Dragon Hotel may have an officious-looking facade, but this landmark central Swansea hotel is an elegant and modern establishment with plush, air conditioned rooms decorated in vivid shades of red. As well as an indoor pool, the hotel also features a gym, lounge and piano bar and restaurant.

Where else to stay in Swansea

• For family stays: Three bedroom Hael Farm Cottage in Swansea features a garden, balcony and children's playground, about five miles from Caswell Bay.
• For beachfront stays: The Swansea Marriott sits on the waterfront close to the city centre. Several rooms have sea views and the hotel restaurant overlooks the marina.
• For luxury stays: In Swansea's historic Maritime Quarter, Morgans Hotel is a beautiful Victorian building with luxuriously large bedrooms and a stylish restaurant and bar.

Find more accommodation options in Swansea

Three Cliffs Bay in Gower, Welsh coast © Thierry Maffeis/Shutterstock

Where to stay on the Wales Coast Path: Pembrokeshire

The Park Hotel Tenby

Even with the advantage of being in beautiful Pembrokeshire, The Park Hotel Tenby enjoys a prime location and spectacular views. It's situated on a cliffside above North Beach in Tenby (also Blue Flag – do we sense a theme here?).

The Wales Coast Path runs adjacent to the hotel grounds, which include an outdoor swimming pool and lovely terraced gardens. If you want to know more about Tenby, it's one of our 30 best seaside towns UK.

Twr y Felin Hotel

Built around a historic windmill but sleek and modern with arty touches inside, Twr y Felin Hotel is a stylish place to stay on all counts. The arty theme continues in the hotel's proximity to Oriel y Parc, an art gallery-cum- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Visitor Centre.

Whether you're in the mood for art or culture or nature the choice is yours at this creative hotel. And if you want even more of all three on your next Welsh trip, take a look at our five eco-friendly holiday ideas in Wales.

Roch Castle, Haverfordwest

If you've always wanted to stay in a castle, grab the opportunity with both hands at Roch Castle. This 12th-century castle is located between St David's and Haverfordwest, and most of the rooms offer panoramic views, not only out to sea across St Brides Bay, but inland over Pembrokeshire's rolling countryside.

Roch Castle isn't one of the top five castles to visit in Wales - yet - but it is just a five-minute drive to the popular surfing beach at Newgale Sands, plus nearby St. David's is the smallest city in the UK as well as one of our 8 great alternative UK city breaks.

Where else to stay in Tenby

• For luxury stays: Atlantic is South Beach’s best hotel and offers fine rooms, several with sea views. The Salt Cellar restaurant on-site is good and there's also a pool and spa.
• For boutique stays: The Carew Inn set in Carew, near Tenby, overlooks Carew Castle and Mill Pond and offers en-suite rooms with terraces, as well as a bar and cosy restaurant.
• For family stays: Habititabities is just a short walk from Tenby north beach and close to the centre of the historic town. Family rooms are available and it's also pet-friendly.

Find more accommodation options in Tenby

Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales © Billy Stock/Shutterstock

Where to stay on the Welsh Coast: Cardigan Bay

Harbourmaster Hotel, Aberaeron

A small 15-room boutique hotel with a big heart located right on the harbour in Aberaeron (no surprises there), Harbourmaster Hotel may look somewhat unassuming, but it's a splash of style on the Wales Coast Path.

The hotel views are impressive as most rooms are sea or harbour-facing. You can also look forward to imaginative menus and rustic, yet sleek rooms. Plus, places like the Harbourmaster Hotel open year round as a growing number of people now realise there's a sustainable trip for every season in Wales.

Hotel Portmeirion, Porthmadog

It may overlook Cardigan Bay rather than sit directly on it, but we can't resist mentioning the charming town of Portmeirion and Hotel Portmeirion.

Surrounded by woodlands and miles of sandy beaches, the hotel exudes exactly the same fairytale quality as the town itself, inspired as it was by Portofino's pastel facades. For more inspired Welsh thinking, take a look at our guide to sustainable Wales for all types of traveller.

Penbontbren Luxury B&B, Cardigan

Converted from a traditional 1860s farmhouse, staying at Penbontbren gives you the best of both worlds: it's only two miles from amazing beaches, but tucked away in the peaceful Ceredigion countryside with gardens and village pubs at your doorstep. Freshly cooked breakfasts every morning, featuring local Rhydlewis salmon, are a highlight.

Where else to stay in Cardigan

• For spa stays: The Cliff Hotel and Spa in Cardigan is only a 20 minute drive from Mwnt Beach.
• For boutique stays: The Old Vicarage in Cardigan offers a choice of elegantly designed rooms with sea or garden views, minutes from Cardigan Castle and a short walk to the beach.
• For beachfront stays: Gwbert Hotel sits on the banks of the River Teifi, choose a room with a view or book an outdoor table at the bistro to gaze out over the water.

Find more accommodation options in Cardigan

Aberystwyth in Cardigan Bay, Wales © M Sosnowska/Shutterstock

Ready for a trip to Wales? Check out the Rough Guide to Wales. If you travel further in Wales read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit. For inspiration use our Wales itineraries or speak to our local experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

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