New Quay named UK's top coastal town in Holiday Cars guide
New Quay in Ceredigion has been named the number one coastal town in the UK in a guide by Holiday Cars, which ranked the 20 finest coastal towns across the country. The ranking, compiled by travel experts at Ski Vertigo, highlights the town's natural beauty, wildlife, and beaches, positioning it as a quieter alternative to more crowded destinations such as Saundersfoot and Tenby.
While the accolade is a guide ranking rather than an official national tourism honour, it draws attention to a town that remains under the radar despite its attractions. Holiday Cars' guide aims to steer tourists toward authentic holiday experiences, and New Quay's top spot underscores its appeal for those seeking a peaceful coastal escape.
Beaches and coastal walks
New Quay boasts three distinct beaches, each offering a different experience. Harbour Beach is the family-friendly option, sheltered by the harbour and featuring soft sand and a safe swimming area. Traeth Gwyn, meanwhile, is a wilder stretch of sand that extends toward Llanina Point, making it a tranquil spot for long walks or dog exercise. Visitors are advised to check tide schedules, as parts of Traeth Gwyn can become cut off by changing tides.
A recent TripAdvisor traveller praised the area, writing: "Spent most days on this beach and New Quay Beach. Beautiful area and lovely views of the coastline. Accessed from Quay West lovely walk on the beach into New Quay as long as the tide is out."
Cei Bach, the third beach, is a cove with a coastal path running overhead, composed of sand, pebbles, and rock pools. For walkers, the Wales Coast Path offers a circular 5km route around the village, with an optional 3km extension from Llanina Point.
Wildlife and attractions
New Quay's harbour is renowned for its bottlenose dolphin population, which visits regularly, with the best chances of sightings between April and November. Boat excursions from the harbour also offer opportunities to see porpoises, Atlantic grey seals, seabirds, sunfish, basking sharks, and leatherback turtles, though sightings are never guaranteed. One TripAdvisor user described a boat trip as "What a fantastic experience! You're always sceptical when these opportunities arise..."
Beyond the water, New Quay Honey Farm provides insights into honey production and the chance to observe bees up close.
Expert comment
Alex Dyer, Managing Director at Ski Vertigo, commented on New Quay's flexibility as a destination, advising visitors to check parking, tide times, beach access, seasonal dog rules, and boat trip availability before travelling.
While the ranking is not an official award, it reflects the town's growing reputation as a destination for nature lovers and families seeking a quieter coastal getaway.