Tucked away along the picturesque UK coastline lies a charming little seaside town that’s just earned a coveted spot on the list of the UK’s best beaches, according to travel experts. With its golden sands, quaint promenade, and timeless colourful cottages, this pretty destination in Wales might just be your next favourite escape.

Despite the UK’s reputation for less-than-tropical climes, there are whispers of an upcoming heatwave, making this destination a prime candidate for a road trip getaway. New Quay, a picturesque town tucked away in Ceredigion and neighbouring the coveted Cardigan Bay in Wales, is being touted as one of the UK’s top seaside towns. HolidayCars.com has compiled a handy list of the best coastal towns, complete with intriguing day trips, popular eateries, and plenty of family-friendly activities – and New Quay happens to have secured a spot among the elite.

Despite its small size, this town packs a punch and remains relatively untouched by the tourist masses, making it an ideal location for a sun-soaked weekend break. With three unique beaches on offer, there’s ample opportunity for exploration.

The main attraction, Harbour Beach, forms the heart of New Quay, framed by quaint terraced houses that gaze out over the water, often dotted with kayaks, boats, and paddleboards. The town rose to prominence following the 19th century construction of its stone pier, which bolstered trade and fishing in the area, a legacy that continues to this day.

Additionally, the bustling harbour is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts, offering top-notch opportunities for fishing, sailing, and seafaring adventures, complete with sightings of both dolphins and seals. Topping the list of unmissable experiences is the SeaMor Dolphin Watching Boat Trip, described by many travellers as a “fantastic from start to finish” affair.

Those drawn to high seas hijinks have a smorgasbord of excursions at their disposal, with both residents and visitors frequently embarking on the highly regarded fishing trips on offer. Meanwhile, Traeth Gwyn beach makes for an idyllic spot boasting a touch of wild beauty—ideal for canine strolls and nature exploration.

Dolau beach also presents a charming and secluded space, nestled just west of the cheerful harbour.

Esteemed poet Dylan Thomas had a profound connection with this enchanting town, often weaving its spirit into his literary creations. During 1944-1945, Thomas, along with his wife, resided in an attractive bungalow perched atop a cliff with captivating views of the bay.

His affection for New Quay and a local pub is beautifully manifested in the poem Sooner than you can water milk, while his wife’s testimony reaffirmed his deep fondness for the locale.

The celebrated poet Dylan Thomas is intimately connected to the idyllic town, believed to have immortalised its spirit in his literary works. During 1944 and 1945, the Welsh bard took up residence in a quaint cliff-top bungalow with his wife, gazing out over the bay.

His poem “Sooner than you can water milk” pays tribute to a local New Quay pub, while his wife has openly expressed his fondness for the locale.

Caitlin Thomas once referred to New Quay as the poet’s “kind of place”, noting “with the ocean in front of him…and a pub where he felt at home in the evenings”. It’s this unassuming way of life that continues to draw visitors from across the UK to the charming town years on.

For those keen to explore this secluded treasure, a drive from Cardiff, the capital city, would take just shy of two and a half hours, and from the hustle and bustle of Swansea, approximately an hour and a half.