In our guide to New Quay in Cardigan Bay, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan the perfect holiday or day trip to this quintessential seaside town, including the best things to do and where to stay.
There are certain scenes, smells and sights that will forever remind us of summer holidays at the British seaside.
Fluorescent plastic buckets and spades for sale in the local shop.
The unmistakable scent of vinegar on fresh fish and chips.
Slightly old-fashioned but wonderfully kitsch B&Bs overlooking the seafront.
A sea of pasty-white bodies strewn across the beach, all slowly turning pink under a midday sun.
Cones of ice cream across faces of children, and in the hands of, well, everyone.
On that uncharacteristically warm late spring day, pretty New Quay (Cei Newydd in Welsh) and its lovely beaches provided all of these - and proved in an instant why this small, colourful Welsh coastal town is such a popular seaside escape.
In this guide you’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect holiday or day trip to New Quay, with our personal recommendations on the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay.
Things to Do in New Quay
Grab a Coffee at The New Quay Coffee Company
Whilst we appreciate that coffee may not be the most important factor in determining your next adventure, for us, every day begins with coffee - and so it is with an excellent coffee shop recommendation that we must begin!
Located up the hill, a few minutes walk from the busy beachfront, The New Quay Coffee Company is passionate about creating a good cup of the dark stuff, and even roast their own beans.
Honestly, it was one of the best flat whites we’ve both had in a while!
If you’re feeling a little peckish, be sure to grab one of their delicious looking cakes or pastries too.
The Essentials | Opening hours are 9 am - 4 pm Monday to Friday, opening to 6 pm on Saturdays, and 10 am - 4 pm on Sundays. Opposite The Black Lion pub on Glanmor Terrace, you can find them here on Google Maps.
Take a Stroll along the Harbour
Straddle your visit to New Quay across high and low tide, and you’ll quickly notice that the harbour appears very different, at different times of the day; the boats lying stranded on their side upon the sands being pushed above the water as the sea comes to shore.
It’s quite transformative.
This is an active fishing harbour, and the stony pier is littered with seafaring paraphernalia (in a wonderfully photogenic sort of way), before continuing further out to become a place that you can sit and watch the world go by from a nook, look out for dolphins, enjoy a drink or tuck into a box of takeaway fish and chips (keeping one eye on the scavenging seagulls…)
It’s also a bit of a sun trap, and a popular sunbathing spot for the locals!
We loved it and, after another day out exploring Cardigan Bay, decided to come back here for a sundown drink.
Curiosity // Take a look at the three old noticeboards down there listing the exhaustive and exotic tolls and duties of the New Quay Harbour Company, a vestige of the town’s position as a thriving fishing port and shipbuilding harbour.
Hang Out on the Beach
If you prefer expansive areas of golden sand, then New Quay may well be perfect for your Welsh holiday spot with not one but FOUR different different beaches to choose from.
Dolau Beach
Located just south of the pier - and therefore protected from harbour traffic - Dolou Beach felt almost tropical at times with aquamarine waters and off-white sand, albeit fairly coarse to the touch.
Flanked by rocks, it’s a relatively small beach (especially when the tide is in) but its sheltered nature means it is liable to become quite busy during the summer months.
Note that dogs are allowed all year round, and there is no lifeguard service.
Find it here on Google Maps.
New Quay Harbour Beach
Lying between the town’s two piers (and within walking distance of the town centre and many holiday accommodations), Harbour Beach is New Quay’s most popular.
From the end of May until the beginning of September the beach is patrolled by lifeguards. As is standard across many Welsh beaches, dogs are not allowed between May 1st and September 30th.
Find it here on Google Maps.
Traethgwyn
Wide and sandy Traethgwyn Beach stretches around the bay, from the lifeboat station all the way to Llaina Point.
It’s the largest stretch of beach in New Quay, and retains a wonderful sense of remoteness depending on how far along you choose to park yourself.
To access it you can either walk from New Quay along the beach, via the Quay West Caravan Park or from the footpath beside Llanina Mansion. Do note that should you choose to walk from the town, you will need to play close attention to the tides to avoid being stranded on the rocks.
As we’ve mentioned above, the difference between high tide / low tide in New Quay is stark, so please do pay attention to this and plan in advance.
This is a year-round, dog friendly beach but there is no lifeguard, even in summer. Find it here on Google Maps
Cei Bach Beach
Separated from Traethgwyn by the rocky promontory of Llanina Point, Cei Bach (‘Little Bay’ in English) has a little more of wild feel than the others in New Quay, but its location means its the least busy, even in the summer months.
Given its layout and the impact of the tide, we do not recommend walking here from New Quay. There is limited on-road parking just above the beach, no lifeguard, and it’s dog friendly all year round.
Find it here on Google Maps.
Indulge in Really Great Fish and Chips
The problem with fish’n’chips being so ubiquitous along the British coastline (and indeed in every small village, town and inland city), is there’s plenty of potential for paying for a dud - especially in touristic hotspots when quantity can sometimes lead to a decrease in quality.
That’s why when we find a business dong it so damn well, we want to tell the world (kind of fortunate that we have a travel blog you might say!).
In New Quay, that business is The Lime Crab.
Offering all the standard dishes you’d expect from a seaside chippy (Andew’s whitebait was fan-bloody-tastic), Emily was delighted to find halloumi & chips were on the menu for veggies, and they even offered a vegan curry!
Doused in vinegar and far too much salt (in a good way), each was inhaled hidden in a stone nook along the harbour, to the sound of waves, seagulls and the impending summer. Utterly perfect!
The Lime Crab also against single-use plastic waste, and provides compostable cutlery and trays.
The Essentials | You can find The Lime Crab here on Google Maps, it’s ideally situated in the harbour.
If the Lime Crab isn’t open (or you’re in town for a couple of days), consider checking out ‘The Captain’s Rendezvous’ a little further up the hill. An achingly photogenic exterior was usually edged by queues of hungry holiday-makers, and reviews are excellent.
Walk the Coastal Path
Stretching an incredible 870 miles, the Wales Coast Path is the first trail in the world to follow a country’s entire coastline, and whilst taking on the whole thing is unrealistic for most people, a visit to Mid Wales offers plenty of easily accessible day hikes.
Notably, New Quay actually marks the mid-point of the Wales Coast Path (noted by a beautiful maiden sculpture found on the seafront), and from the town itself you have two options: follow the trail north to Aberaeron or south to Aberporth.
New Quay to Aberporth
The route between New Quay and Aberporth is considered to be a particularly spectacular section of the path, but at nearly 21 km in length and involving a little bit of climbing, it is not something that should be embarked upon without due preparation.
Allow around 4.5 hours to hike one way. From Aberporth, you can hop on the once hourly T5 bus all the way back to New Quay.
Further details on the hike can be found here.
New Quay to Aberaeron
If you’re keen to get out on a hike but 20 km in one day seems a little too much for you, consider the much more manageable route between New Quay and Aberaeron. This trail is around 9.5 km in length, and could be completed within a couple of hours.
As with above, jump on the T5 bus in Aberaeron to return to New Quay.
Further details on the hike can be found here.
Try Out SUP
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP for short) has become increasingly popular over the last few years, meaning that even if you don’t have your board, there’s ample opportunity to hire one for a few hours when holidaying at the coast.
In New Quay, the best rental spot is Cardigan Bay Watersports, located right on the beach (Google Maps).
You can hire kayaks and paddle boards for £20 per hour, and double kayaks for £40 per hour.
For further information - as well as online booking - here.
Alternatively, the SUP Shack (Google Maps) is a great watersports and surf shop on the front where you can buy paddle boards, beach gear, wetsuits, and surfboards.
Tip // On a clear day, you can spot the outline of Snowdon across the water from New Quay.
Take a Dolphin Spotting Tour
Encouraged by Cardigan Bay’s reputation as dolphin central (it’s home to the largest group of resident dolphins in the UK), we spent much of our four days in Mid Wales staring into the horizon, seeking out bottle-shaped noses in the distance, or a playful leap above the surface.
Yet despite Emily having developed a bit of a reputation as ADR’s designated wildlife spotter, these Welsh dolphins remained hidden in the blue - even in New Quay, a town where a sighting from the harbour wall is almost guaranteed in the summertime. A lot of people had binoculars with them, so bringing a pair from home isn’t a bad idea at all!
Should you be similarly keen to see some happy, wild dolphins consider increasing your chances by taking a dolphin spotting tour.
There are a variety of companies running tours in New Quay, with many having offices in and around the harbour (i.e. New Quay Boat Trips is situated here)
Prices do seem to vary a little (especially with current restrictions in place), but expect to pay around £15 per adult and £10 per child for a one-hour boat trip. April to October is the best time for sightings.
Curiosity // The famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas moved to New Quay for a period of time, and had strong family ties with the town.
Where to Stay in New Quay
New Quay isn’t a huge place and as such accommodation can be somewhat limited during the summer months. The only exception is for those looking for a chalet / static caravan, of which there are a number of sites on the outskirts.
Hotels & Guest Houses
Penwig | Super centrally located, this Inn offers clean and modern rooms some with a view over the bay. Also has an on-site restaurant offering home-cooked meals. Find out more here.
SUP Shack | Whilst we don’t rate the decor, the many excellent reviews of SUP Shack’s three suites mean that we couldn’t not include it. Find out more here.
Airbnbs, Apartments & Holiday homes
Storws Cei | This two-bedroom penthouse apartment just 200 yards from Dolau Beach is absolutely beautiful, full of light, and offers incredible views out over the bay. Definitely one to take a look at - find out more here.
Oyster Cottage | A former blacksmith’s shop, this charming little three bedroom seaside cottage has had a modern renovation with coastal vibes. Check prices and availability here.
Stowaway on the Cliff | Located on the coastal path overlooking New Quay, this super cute little one-bedroom apartment is clean and modern. Comes with a large balcony that offers awesome views over the water. Find out more here.
Cute Cabin | Located a little outside New Quay, this cosy one-bed cabin is hidden in four acres of wooded headland, with stunning views overlooking Cardigan Bay. Very private, very romantic. See more details here.
Cosy Apartment | Well-priced one bedroom maisonette in heart of New Quay. Check availability here.
Ranmore | This large four bedroom holiday home is well equipped with all mod-cons and just a few minutes walk to the harbour, is perfect for a family trip to the coast. Find out more here.
If you’re needing lots of space for a big family, this is another great option.
Caravan Parks & Chalets
As mentioned above, there are an abundance of caravan & holiday parks in and around New Quay. One excellently located and popular site is ‘Quay West’, which has a number of chalets available to holiday makers:
One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six
Alternatively, consider Escape Holidays Limited which offer a variety of chalets, with varying numbers of bedrooms.
How to Get to New Quay
New Quay is easily accessible by public bus from anywhere along the Cardigan Bay coastline. Just hop on the once-hourly T5 bus (see schedule here), which calls at Aberystwyth, Aberaeron, New Quay, Cardigan, Fishguard and Haverfordwest
Should you be visiting from anywhere further afield or as part of a Welsh road trip, arriving to New Quay by car is straightforward, but the roads to/from the beachfront are quite narrow and steep.
Parking in New Quay
You have a few options, depending on how close to the beaches you wish to be - click on the car park name to get the Google Maps location.
Rock Street Car Park | The best location with space for 70+ cars, but it does involve a drive down the tight road to the pier. £1.50 for 1 hour, £1.70 for 2 hours, £3.90 for 24 hours, and £14.00 / week. No caravans, no overnight camping. Note that there are a few car park spaces facing the sea on the right, next to this car park - they are also pay & display, but are a different operator.
Central Car Park | If Rock Street is full (likely if you arrive later on weekends), then this large car park at the top of the town is a good option to divert toward, but it does involve a 10-minute walk down to the front. It’s £3 for 12 hours (single entry), £6 for 24 hours (multiple entries), and £21 for the week, and suitable for caravans and large vehicles.
Church Road Car Park | Another top-of-town alternative if Rock Street is full, this also involves a 10-minute walk down to the beaches. It’s £1.00 for 1 hour, £1.50 for 2 hours, £3 for 24 hours, and £10 / week.
