Sarah Christopher
21 May 2025
Escape to the idyllic seaside village of Aberporth, where two stunning sandy beaches meet the glittering expanse of Cardigan Bay. This charming corner of West Wales offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and even those seeking a dog-friendly getaway.
Here you can unwind on pristine shores, explore hidden coves, and perhaps even try spotting the resident bottlenose dolphins that grace these waters. Whether you yearn for tranquil days by the sea or crave outdoor exploration along the renowned Ceredigion Coast Path, Aberporth provides a picturesque backdrop for unforgettable holiday memories.
Our handy guide offers plenty of information on where to go for the best days out, highlights popular walking routes, and recommends a couple of local eateries too. And if you’re on the hunt for a place to stay, have a browse of our selection of Aberporth holiday cottages, each offering a unique home-from-home experience designed to cater to your specific needs.
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Visit Aberporth beach
Aberporth boasts not one, but two beautiful beaches, each with its own distinct character and charm. The twin beaches, Dolwen and Dyffryn, are separated by a small, rocky headland that, at low tide, transforms into a causeway, effectively uniting the two into one huge stretch of sand. Sheltering headlands create a sense of tranquillity, making both beaches remarkably calm.
Dolwen Beach
Featuring a stretch of golden sand that draws families thanks to its sheltered aspect and safe bathing, the main Aberporth beach is a popular spot for visitors. During the summer months, this beach hums with activity and is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards, who ensure safe swimming and sunbathing for all. Its reputation for cleanliness is well-deserved and a testament to the care taken to preserve its natural beauty. However, during the peak season, dog owners will need to observe some restrictions.
Dyffryn Beach
This Aberporth beach stretches further, with its expanse marked by the gentle flow of the River Howni as it meets the sea. Dyffryn Beach welcomes canine companions throughout the year, making it a beloved spot for dog walkers. Historically, it served as a landing point for cargo ships, however, today, it's a place where boats are launched, further adding to its lively atmosphere.
Try water sports in Aberporth
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a great water sport for novices to try, whilst on holiday in Aberporth, it involves standing on a large board and using a paddle to glide yourself through the water. A fantastic activity for families and groups of friends, it’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The wider boards offer more stability, which is ideal for beginners and children and some boards can even fit an adult and a small child; perfect if you want to take your young family out for the first time. Marcus at FOSUP not only rents out boards but offers lessons too.
For a wider range of water sports, nearby New Quay offers lessons and courses in kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and powerboating as well as hiring of the equipment too.
Enjoy a coastal walk
Aberporth and its surrounding area offer a wide range of walking routes, catering to various abilities. The Wales Coast Path passes through Aberporth, showcasing stunning cliff-top walks with panoramic views of Cardigan Bay. For those seeking a more accessible option, there's a Cliff Top Trail specifically designed for wheelchair users, featuring a high-quality surfaced path with gentle gradients.
There are also several circular walks beginning in Aberporth, offering a chance to explore the nearby countryside and coastline.
Aberporth to Tresaith
Perhaps the most popular local walk, Aberporth to Tresaith is a family-friendly coastal ramble of approximately 2 miles, showcases the stunning beauty of Cardigan Bay. Nearly half of this route is designed for accessibility, featuring the high-quality, surfaced path suitable for wheelchair users and prams (mentioned above).
As you walk this pathway, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the bay, a historically significant maritime area, also known for its resident population of bottlenose dolphins.
The walk follows the coastline, revealing hidden rocky coves and providing opportunities for wildlife spotting, with birdwatchers often catching glimpses of stonechats, meadow pipits, and the elusive choughs.
A highlight of this route is the approach to Tresaith, where an unusual coastal waterfall cascades over the cliffs onto the sandy beach below.
Sample Aberporth’s restaurants
Visitors will discover that Aberporth is a foodie haven; for a relatively small resort town, there are a great many restaurants and cafes, all serving delicious local fare. From family-friendly restaurants to Aberporth pubs that welcome dogs, offering water bowls, doggie treats and sometimes even a warm fire to curl up beside.
The Ship Bar & Grill is one such establishment that is both family and dog-friendly, offering a children's menu, wheelchair accessibility, and allowing dogs in the bar area and outdoor seating. It's well known for its beautiful views and excellent food, with a diverse menu featuring family favourites, plenty of fresh seafood … and they even offer a coffee and cake bar until 11am daily.
For spectacular scenery and convenience – thanks to its great location – The Boy Ashore is the perfect spot for grabbing a snack, a cold beer, or a warming coffee if you’re on a coastal walk or have just enjoyed some time on the beach itself; which is where this little snack shack is located. Set on the sands of Aberporth, The Boy Ashore offers seaside seating (no booking required) and a sublime view.
Look for dolphins
Dolphin watching in Aberporth and Cardigan Bay is a truly special experience, as the latter is home to the largest resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the UK, and indeed, Europe. This makes Aberporth a prime location for spotting these playful mammals.
Dolphins can be spotted throughout the year, but sightings tend to be more frequent during the warmer months, from spring to autumn. The waters off Aberporth's beaches, particularly around the headlands, are known dolphin habitats and you can witness them from the cliffs overhead. Or head to New Quay, a short drive from Aberporth, which is a popular departure point for dolphin-watching boat trips; operators there have a great knowledge of the area and can often greatly increase the chances of seeing the dolphins. Kayaking or paddleboarding is also a fantastic way to potentially see the dolphins and gives you a much closer experience.
However, if you don’t manage to spot any dolphins during your water-based activities, you can witness a special sculpture on dry land. The ‘leaping dolphin’ sculpture in Aberporth serves as a beautiful reminder of the area's connection to these marine mammals; it’s also a great spot for taking photos.
Stay in an Aberporth holiday cottage
Our Aberporth holiday cottages provide the perfect base for your adventures, allowing you to return each evening to unwind in comfort and style. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic retreat, or a dog-friendly escape, our selection of self-catering properties ensures a memorable stay.
Browse our collection of Aberporth holiday cottages today and book your unforgettable West Wales getaway.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.