Best Beaches for Couples in Pembrokeshire & Cardigan Bay.
What kind of beach day do you fancy?
Fresh sea air, the sound of the waves and secluded sandy beaches inviting you to stroll hand in hand or take a wild dip in the surf. There’s something about being by the sea that makes you want to stay a little longer and here in West Wales our coastline catches those romatic sunsets
Whatever you love to do as a couple, from surfing adventures to relaxing over a picnic feast, wild swimming or paddleboarding the coast, there’s a beach for you.
Here are six of our favourite coastal outings in Pembrokeshire and Cardigan Bay for couples staying at Top of the Woods, our dog-friendly eco-luxury glamping and nature camping site in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Choose a day of adventure, a long walk followed by dinner, or an afternoon watching the sea. Then come back to our 27 acres of meadows and woodland for a campfire evening, dark skies and some relaxing time together in outdoor Wild Spa and woodfired sauna.
1. Which is a good beach to go surfing for beginners and experts in Pembrokeshire?
Newgale Beach
The couple that surfs together stays together? There’s only one way to find out. Grab your board and take to the waves with your other half at Newgale Beach.
This glorious two-mile sandy beach is popular with surfers and other water sports enthusiasts. If you’re a newbie, book a lesson and let an instructor help you find your feet.
You don’t both need to be keen surfers to enjoy Newgale. A beach walk, a flask and somewhere to sit and watch the waves make a good day out too.
Before you go: check the surf forecast, tide times and lesson availability. Access to the sand is over a pebble bank. Seasonal dog restrictions apply to parts of the beach.
For more ways to build some adventure into your stay, explore our active adventure itinerary for couples in Pembrokeshire.
2. Where can we go for a wild sea dip with a chance to spot dolphins?
Mwnt Beach
Pack your robe and bathers, a picnic and your binoculars and head to Mwnt, approximately 25 minutes from Top of the Woods Campsite. Managed by the National Trust, this small, sheltered bay is a lovely choice for couples who enjoy a sea dip, a romantic beach picnic and time watching for wildlife. Cardigan Bay’s resident dolphins can be spotted throughout the year, while seal pupping season brings opportunities to watch seals and their pups from a respectful distance. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When conditions are suitable, take a refreshing wild swim together, then dry off, warm up and settle down with your picnic. Keep an eye out across the bay, as you might spot dolphins passing by. There’s plenty to enjoy while you wait.
Above the beach, visit the iconic little white seamen’s chapel and take in the views across Cardigan Bay. It’s another good place to watch for dolphins. Find yourselves a spot, open your flask and give yourselves an afternoon without rushing off to the next thing.
Before you go: the beach is reached by steep steps, so bear that in mind when packing your picnic. There’s a little beach café for drinks and treats, but check opening times before relying on it for lunch.
Access may be temporarily restricted to protect seals and their pups. Before setting off, check the National Trust’s Mwnt visitor information, and contact the local team if you’re unsure whether the beach is open. Follow any signs or ranger advice when you arrive, and give seals plenty of space.
Seasonal dog restrictions apply on the sand. National Trust members park free, so bring your membership card and follow the parking instructions. Otherwise, parking charges apply.
3. Where can we do a beautiful beach walk and then head off for good food & cocktails?
Newport Sands and Parrog Beach
Head to Newport for a coastal walk with your four-legged friend, then make an evening of it with good food and cocktails. Approximately 25–30 minutes from Top of the Woods eco-luxury camping and glamping site, it’s a lovely outing during a couples’ getaway.
For a wide sandy beach, choose Newport Sands. For a wander around the old harbour and along the coast, start at Parrog. Both welcome dogs all year round, so you can enjoy these dog-friendly beaches whatever the season. Follow local signs about keeping dogs on leads.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Llys Meddyg. Its enclosed Secret Garden has dining pods with overhead heating, while the Cellar Bar is another inviting spot for a cocktail together. Dog-friendly dining is available in both, so your companion can join you too.
The emphasis is on local produce, with menus changing through the seasons. Check what’s cooking, book your table and settle in for an evening without rushing dinner.
For more coastal walks and wildlife outings during your stay, explore our nature and wildlife itinerary for couples.
Before you go: Newport Sands and Parrog are on different sides of the estuary, so choose your starting point and leave time to get into town afterwards. Mention your dog when booking, and ask for a garden pod or a table in the Cellar Bar.
4. Which beach is near the Witches’ Cauldron in Pembrokeshire?
Ceibwr Bay
Ceibwr Bay is the beach to head for if you’d like to explore the Witches’ Cauldron. With folded cliffs, sea caves and wildlife, this wild stretch of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a lovely choice for couples who enjoy an adventure together.
Can we walk to the Witches’ Cauldron?
Yes. The walking route starts beside Ceibwr Beach and follows the Pembrokeshire Coast Path to Pwll y Wrach, the Witches’ Cauldron, a dramatic collapsed sea cave where the water can turn an extraordinary greeny-blue. Allow around 40 minutes each way.
The not-so-romantic local legend tells of an old sea witch living here, ready to eat anyone brave enough to visit her cave! Perhaps admire this one from the path together :-)
Spend time outdoors with each other, breathe in the fresh sea air and keep an eye out for wildlife. Depending on the season, look for fulmars and choughs along the cliffs, seals below and, if you’re lucky, dolphins further out to sea.
There are steep sections, muddy patches and cliff edges close to the path. Wear walking boots, stay on the marked route and choose suitable weather. This route follows the coastal path, rather than a tidal beach crossing.
Check the National Park’s walking route and safety guidance before setting off.
Can we visit by kayak or paddleboard?
For a different view of the coastline, book a guided kayaking or paddleboarding adventure. An experienced local guide can choose a route suited to your ability and the conditions, and advise whether visiting the Witches’ Cauldron is possible that day. This exposed coastline and its caves need local knowledge.
For more ideas during your stay at Top of the Woods, explore our active adventure itinerary for couples.
Before you go: bring food, water and suitable clothing for your outing. There’s an informal parking area where the road widens at Ceibwr. Space is limited, so park considerately, follow local signs and leave plenty of room for the coastal bus and other road users to get through.
5. Which is the closest dog-friendly beach to Top of the Woods Campsite?
Poppit Sands Beach
Poppit Sands is a popular choice for couples who can’t go anywhere without their pooch. Backed by hills and sand dunes, with views towards the mouth of the River Teifi, it’s a lovely place for a beautiful beach stroll while your dog gets busy digging and sniffing.
Although seasonal restrictions apply to one section from 1 May to 30 September, the larger stretch to your right as you face the sea welcomes dogs all year round. Follow the beach signs to find the dog-friendly areas.
On a Sunday morning, I call it the doggie disco, with plenty of dogs out enjoying themselves! If your pooch isn’t comfortable around other dogs, you may prefer to keep them on a lead. There’s plenty of space for everyone, so wander a little further to find yourselves a quieter spot.
Treat each other to doughnuts, coffee or ice cream at Crwst Poppit. They sell dog-friendly ice cream too, and there’s drinking water for dogs next to the beach toilets. A beach walk followed by something delicious for everyone doesn’t need much improving.
A little local knowledge: adders live in the dunes, so keep your dog on a lead and stick to the paths, particularly on sunny days when they may be basking. They’re shy creatures, but a curious nose can get too close. Give them space so everyone can enjoy this beautiful beach, wildlife included.
And if you can, stay for sunset. They can be pretty epic at Poppit!
Before you go: follow the signs showing where dogs are welcome, and take care around the estuary, where currents can be strong.
(Please note, dogs aren't allowed on the western section from May to September).
6. Where can we go dolphin spotting & taste some amazing Welsh Gin?
Cei Newydd (New Quay)
Dolphin spotting followed by a Welsh gin tasting, now there’s a day out worth planning. Cei Newydd or New Quay, is a harbour town on the Ceredigion coast of Cardigan Bay.
Enjoy soaking up the view, spend some time by the beach and book a wildlife boat trip to learn more about the marine life in the area.
The stars of the show are the bottlenose dolphins. You may spot them from shore or on a boat trip, although they keep their own timetable.
For couples who love wildlife, our nature and wildlife itinerary has more ideas for your holiday.
Dolphin-spotting followed by gin-tasting. Can a romantic day out get better than this?
Add a Welsh gin tasting to your day
Check availability at In the Welsh Wind if you’d like to combine your coastal outing with a distillery experience.
Book ahead rather than assuming you can drop into a tasting. Plan transport if you both want to enjoy the gin, or ask about the non-alcoholic option.
Before you go: boat trips depend on weather and sea conditions. Choose the trip length that suits you and allow time for parking and boarding.
How about finishing your perfect beach day with a wood-fired sauna at Top of the Woods Wild Spa?
After a day of sea air, sandy feet and coastal adventures, come back to Top of the Woods and give those well-walked legs a rest in our adults-only Wild Spa.
Warm up in the wood-fired sauna, refresh under the outdoor rainforest showers, then stretch out together in the nature garden. A lovely way to round off your beach day with some time to yourselves. Book your session before you leave the campsite with Soo or camp host ahead so it’s all sorted before you head to the coast.
Stay in our eco-luxury glamping accommodation or bring your tent for a nature camping break. With woodland walks, hammock afternoons and evenings around the campfire under dark skies, there’s plenty to enjoy without leaving Top of the Woods too.
Frequently asked questions about beach getaways for couples
Which are the best beaches for couples visiting Pembrokeshire and Cardigan Bay?
It depends on what you enjoy. Choose Newgale for surfing, Mwnt for a picnic and coastal views, Newport for a walk followed by dinner, Ceibwr for rugged scenery, Poppit Sands for a dog-friendly beach outing and New Quay for dolphin-watching trips.
Are all these beaches in Pembrokeshire?
No. Newgale, Newport, Ceibwr and Poppit Sands are in Pembrokeshire. Mwnt and New Quay are on the Ceredigion coast of Cardigan Bay. You can explore both areas during a stay at Top of the Woods.
Can we bring our dog?
Top of the Woods offers dog-friendly camping and glamping. Beach rules vary: Poppit Sands and Newgale have seasonal restrictions on parts of the sand, while Mwnt also has seasonal restrictions. Check the current rules for each beach and venue before heading out.
Do we need to book activities before our holiday?
It’s worth booking surf lessons, guided sea adventures, dolphin-watching trips, restaurant tables and distillery experiences ahead, particularly during busy periods. Check cancellation arrangements for activities that depend on sea conditions.
What can we do if the weather changes?
Swap a beach afternoon for a long lunch, browse the independent shops in Newport or Cardigan, or book a distillery experience. Choose coastal walks and water activities according to the conditions rather than sticking to a plan regardless of the weather.
Can we combine a beach holiday with a spa break?
Yes. Stay at Top of the Woods and add a Wild Spa session to your camping or glamping holiday. It’s an adults-only outdoor experience centred on a wood-fired sauna, with rainforest showers and space to rest in nature.
How far are the beaches from Top of the Woods?
These outings involve different driving distances, so check the route from Top of the Woods near Boncath before setting off. Choose one main coastal area for the day, leaving time for lunch, a walk and enjoying the beach.
Book a getaway for the two of you
Surfing or a picnic? A wildlife trip or a long walk followed by dinner? Pick the days out you’ll enjoy, with time back at Top of the Woods for yourselves.
Which beaches does Soo from Top of the Woods most enjoy visiting with Jon?
It’s a hard one, as they’re all brilliant and we visit them regularly! But the two we return to most are Mwnt and Poppit Sands. Both are around 20 to 30 minutes’ drive from Top of the Woods and are our closest beaches, so they’re easy favourites for a spontaneous trip to the coast.
As an adventurous couple with two fur babies, Dylan and Dirk, Poppit is our go-to for a beach walk with the dogs, especially on a Sunday morning at the doggie disco! with lovely coffee and doughnuts at Crwst. We also enjoy a summer wild sea dip at Poppit without the pooches, usually on the left-hand side when conditions are suitable. The estuary towards the right has strong currents, so we steer clear of it. For swimming, follow the lifeguards’ advice and stay between the red and yellow flags when they’re on duty.
Mwnt is simply beautiful. We love it for a swim or paddleboarding when the sea conditions allow. Many years ago, Jon had an extraordinary wildlife encounter there, with a large seal and a dolphin swimming close by. They approached him, and it remains one of those wonderful life moments you keep forever.
Book your camping or glamping stay at Top of the Woods, or call us on 01239 842208.
Holiday itineraries ideas for couples
Top of the Woods Provides the Best Eco Luxury Glamping & Camping Holidays in Pembrokeshire and Cardigan Bay in Wales, UK. Sustainable Staycations. Beaches. Nature. Woodlands. Dog Friendly.
