Things to do in New Quay Wales

Set within the sweep of Ceredigion Bay, New Quay is a picturesque coastal town that beguiles its visitors with its stunning natural beauty. The town's prime location along the coast provides breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, showcased by sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and a pretty, sheltered harbour.  

There’s an array of things to do in New Quay to ensure visitors are kept entertained during their stay, from leisurely pursuits to more adventurous activities. Beyond simply admiring the scenery, you can immerse yourself in nature with boat trips, where the resident bottlenose dolphins often make spectacular appearances, or by exploring the network of scenic coastal paths that wind their way along the cliffs and through the surrounding countryside.  

This pretty seaside town is the perfect location for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy a serene escape. If you’re looking for a coastal retreat, look no further; our collection of New Quay cottages offers something for everyone, from romantic retreats to family-friendly stays. 

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• Things to do in New Quay Wales 
• New Quay restaurants and places to eat 
• New Quay Wales walks 
• Dog-friendly New Quay
• Shopping in New Quay Wales

Things to do in New Quay, Wales

From boat trips where spotting dolphins is on the cards, to long summer days on New Quay Beach, coastal fans will love visiting this delightful West Wales town. 

New Quay Boat Trips

The Dolphin Spotting and Wildlife Tour is a memorable trip you might want to plan during your stay. New Quay boat trips are very popular, and the area is renowned for its resident bottlenose dolphins. New Quay Boat Trips offer various tours, from short dolphin-spotting excursions to longer wildlife tours; with their booking kiosk located at the end of the pretty harbourside, it’s a simple excursion to plan that offers plenty of enjoyment.  

A day on New Quay Beach

The main beach, nestled within New Quay's harbour, it’s known for its golden sand and is perfect for relaxing on and building sandcastles. The harbour setting of New Quay Beach provides plenty of shelter, making it relatively safe for paddling and swimming, especially for families and during the summer, it's patrolled by lifeguards. Offering stunning views of Cardigan Bay, it is a very popular family beach and perfectly placed with plenty of conveniences nearby, no wonder it's one of our top beaches in West Wales. Some dog restrictions apply from May to the end of September. 

Afon Mel Honey Farm & Meadery

Set on the outskirts of New Quay, discover Afon Mel Honey Farm & Meadery, a traditional family-run farm that produces high-quality raw honey and mead products. Located within a beautiful old chapel, the honey farm features a bee exhibition offering a close-up view of live honeybee colonies and one of the largest collections of real mead in the UK. On site you’ll also find a coffee shop offering tasty treats, including the chance to purchase Afon Mel honey and honey-based products. 

Places to eat and drink in New Quay

Foodies will love visiting New Quay, Wales. Unsurprisingly, with its coastal location, seafood features highly on the menus in the town, but there are plenty of other choices too. Start your day in the best way with a coffee and a cake while taking in the incredible sea view.  For more inspiration on where to eat in the town, check out our guide to New Quay restaurants.

The Bluebell Bistro

This delightful New Quay restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience, perfect for couples, families and groups alike, with its inviting atmosphere and breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. The seasonal specials menu, heavily influenced by its coastal location, features exquisite seafood dishes like breaded monkfish and crab ravioli, while the standard menu offers satisfying meat options such as steak. Popular for both the quality and vibrant presentation of its dishes, The Bluebell Bistro provides visitors with a truly memorable experience within picturesque surroundings. 

The Lime Crab

Nestled along New Quay's vibrant harbour, The Lime Crab delivers an authentic and lively seafood offering and is the perfect place for casual dining. Its menu showcases fresh, locally sourced catches, from classic fish and chips to daily specials featuring lobster and crab, alongside an impressive selection of gluten-free options. The bustling harbour atmosphere, complete with picturesque views and constant activity, adds to the dining experience. Customers are encouraged to enjoy their meals, often served in convenient cardboard boxes, while soaking in the scenery. With an ever-changing specials board, The Lime Crab ensures there's always something new and exciting to sample, making repeat visits a must for seafood fans. 

Gingero’s

Gingero's is a very popular takeaway cafe in New Quay, offering a delectable combination of quick, delicious meals and stunning harbour views, perfect for on-the-go holidaymakers. With quality takeaway options ranging from fantastic coffee and homemade sweet treats to generously sized baguettes and jacket potatoes filled with fresh, flavourful combinations, Gingero's caters to diverse tastes. Grabbing a bite and enjoying it on the harbour wall is an enjoyable dining experience for any visitors, while Ginero’s excellent coffee and bakes make them an ideal stop for a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up. 

New Quay walks

With miles of coastline and a beautiful seaside town to explore, walks in New Quay are a wonderful way to spend a day. From panoramic sea views, to finding out about the town's most famous former resident, Dylan Thomas, there's a type of walk for all in New Quay.

New Quay to Aberaeron

A relatively moderate walk showcasing the area’s beautiful natural scenery, the New Quay to Aberaeron route was apparently a favourite of Dylan Thomas, who lived nearby during the war. Start within New Quay town, where the path initially hugs the coastline, presenting stunning views of Cardigan Bay.  

You'll navigate a mix of terrain, from well-maintained coastal paths to stretches that wind through wooded areas, occasionally descending onto pretty beaches, depending on the tide. The route's undulating nature means you'll encounter many gentle inclines and descents, taking in breathtaking panoramas of the rugged cliffs and secluded coves that characterise this unspoilt stretch of coastline. The walk culminates in the picturesque town of Aberaeron, known for its colourful harbour and elegant Georgian architecture; the perfect reward for your journey.  

New Quay Circular Walk

The New Quay Circular Walk offers you the chance to thoroughly explore the town and its surrounding areas, combining harbour views, coastal scenery and local history. Starting at the harbour, you'll begin by strolling along the stone pier, with the bustling harbour on one side and the quieter Traeth y Dolau beach on the other. As you pass landmarks like the Cardigan Bay Boat Place and the Yacht Club, the route transitions from the flat pier to an uphill climb. It's important to be mindful of traffic during this section, as you'll be walking along a road. 

A brief respite from the road comes as you enter a small park, marked by a colourful bus stop and public toilets. This mini park features an information board about Dylan Thomas's ‘Under Milk Wood”, along with benches and lovely views overlooking the Blue Flag Harbour Beach; so great if you’re walking with children.  

From here, the walk continues uphill along Glanmor Terrace, passing the lifeboat station and the Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre. Shortly after a distinctive house resembling a church, the Black Lion Inn comes into view. This marks a turning point in the walk, offering the option for a snack break before continuing and completing your circular route. This walk offers a nice mix of built-up areas and coastal views and is a good option for families. 

The Dylan Thomas Trail

The Dylan Thomas Trail in New Quay invites visitors to step back in time and explore many of the places that shaped the poet's life and work. This trail winds through the town, connecting key locations that held significance for Dylan Thomas during his time in New Quay throughout the war. 

Starting at the former Tourist Office, now a cafe, the trail leads to places like London House, thought to have inspired the character of Nogood Boyo in ‘Under Milk Wood’, and the Dolau Inn, which was a favourite of Dylan's wife Caitlin. 

Along the way, you'll discover the former lifeboat station - now public toilets - and the Blue Bell, once owned by Auntie Cat from ‘Under Milk Wood’ and now a wine bar and bistro. The trail also includes the "Hungry Trout" Restaurant, previously the post office where Dylan Thomas mailed his scripts, and the Black Lion Hotel, his preferred haunt. Each location provides a glimpse into the world that fuelled Thomas's creativity, making this trail a must-do for literary enthusiasts visiting the area. 

Dog-friendly New Quay

New Quay and the entire Ceredigion region embrace a dog-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for holidays with your canine companions. If you want to take your pup to explore the area, check out our dog-friendly cottages in West Wales. And whilst specific establishments may vary, the general outdoor-oriented culture of the area ensures plenty of opportunities for pooches to enjoy themselves.  

Beyond the seasonal restrictions on Harbour Beach, dogs are welcome year-round on Dolau Beach and Traeth Gwyn, providing ample space for energetic runs and playful frolics along the shoreline. Many of the scenic walking paths, including sections of the Wales Coast Path and inland trails, are also dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the stunning coastal and countryside scenery together. 

When it comes to dining, several pubs and cafes in New Quay welcome well-behaved dogs, often providing water bowls and even dog treats. Additionally, some of the boat trip operators in New Quay are happy to accommodate dogs on board, normally specifying certain seating or even a specific dog-friendly deck for you and your pup.  

Shopping in New Quay

For those who enjoy exploring boutiques and browsing galleries, you’ll discover a charming coastal shopping scene in New Quay; like many Welsh coastal towns, it features small, independent shops offering unique gifts, crafts and artwork. You can expect to find shops showcasing local artisans' work, including paintings, pottery and handcrafted items. 

Whilst you’ll find the large name-brand supermarkets are located in nearby towns, New Quay and the surrounding area benefit from local producers of homemade, seasonal produce. You can find places selling local honey, preserves and other Welsh delicacies either within the town or close by. 

And due to New Quay’s position along the coast, the availability of fresh seafood directly from the harbour means that many local businesses and eateries provide access to very fresh local produce. 

Holiday Accommodation in New Quay, Wales

New Quay offers a quintessential coastal holiday experience, with its beautiful location and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere; it also offers a diverse range of activities to ensure a memorable stay. From embarking on dolphin-watching boat trips and engaging in thrilling water sports like sailing and kayaking, to unwinding on pristine sandy beaches and exploring scenic coastal paths, there's something for every visitor to enjoy. 

For those planning a getaway to this picturesque town, we offer a variety of stays, with a fine selection of self-catered New Quay cottages providing the ideal base for your West Wales adventure. From dog-friendly holiday homes with safe gardens, to cosy romantic retreats for two, browse our collection and find the perfect home-away-from-home in this delightful coastal haven.