Accessible beaches in Wales

This part of North Wales is sailing central. If your kids are keen to learn the ropes or improve their skills in dinghy sailing, kayaking or windsurfing, accredited local watersports schools will be happy to help. Abersoch’s sandy beach is fairly sheltered with no strong currents, so it's perfect for lazy summer days. There is access to the beach via a very gentle slope near the golf club.

Benllech Beach has easy access for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs. The beach, which is on Anglesey’s east coast, is ideal for a family day out. With wide sands, rock pools and safe clear water to enjoy, it’s an appealing place to relax in the sun or try watersports. There are cafés and shops close to the bay, with more in the small holiday town of Benllech.

Prestatyn has four miles of sandy beaches, the most accessible of which is Central Beach. The beach is only half a mile from the town centre, at the northern limit of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail. The facilities are great, with easy parking, outdoor showers, cafés, deckchairs and a new play area. There are lifeguards on duty here in the summer months.

The beach at Rhos-on-Sea is sheltered by a breakwater which ensures the sand never completely disappears, even at high tide. There’s plenty of free parking nearby. Rhos-on-Sea promenade is long and flat, making it suitable for prams and wheelchairs. It is home to the Harlequin Puppet Theatre, Britain’s oldest permanent theatre for marionettes, with regular shows in the holidays.

The Barry Island Tourist Information Centre has three all-terrain beach wheelchairs which they lend out for free – you just need to show some ID. The beach is a real family favourite, but if it’s not sunbathing weather, there's plenty to do in Barry.

The wonderful, safe beach at Broad Haven North near Haverfordwest is one of several in Pembrokeshire where all-terrain wheelchairs are available to rent. They’re comfortable, with extra wide wheels that can cope with sand and shallow water without sinking. To reserve one in advance book online. The wheelchair hire is hosted by the YHA Broad Haven, at the North end of Broad Haven Beach and needs to be booked online. See the Pembrokeshire Coast Website for information.

A number of beaches on the Gower Peninsula have good access, disabled parking and accessible toilets, including Swansea Beach, Caswell Bay, Oxwich Bay, Horton Bay and Port Eynon. There's a changing places unit in Caswell Bay and on Swansea Bay opposite St Helens Rugby ground. There are two new units being installed at Mumbles (Knab Rock) and Rhossili (Worms Head)

Two floating beach wheelchairs can be hired for free at Caswell Bay from the Council but prior booking is essential by emailing Peter.Beynon@swansea.gov.uk or calling 01792 635718.

Surfability UK CIC run surfing lessons and experiences at Caswell Bay all year round for people with additional needs.

With golden sand and a substantial slipway, Saundersfoot near Tenby is an idyllic spot for sunbathing, swimming and sailing. You can book a standard size beach wheelchair via the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. 

A fleet of 14 specially designed beach wheelchairs for use across the Pembrokeshire Coast are available through an online booking system. A minimum of 48 hours’ notice will be required but once reserved, the wheelchair will be waiting for you at your chosen beach. There are 18 beaches to choose from. A list of easy access beaches and details of their facilities can be found on the Pembrokeshire Coast website.

The characterful Victorian terraces which inspired Dylan Thomas so profoundly in the 1940s cluster above a pretty little bay, where sailing dinghies bob in the water at high tide. Many of New Quay’s streets are steep, but there’s sloping access all the way down to the sand. Bottlenose dolphins are often seen just beyond the bay. Discover more about New Quay Harbour beach.

With a long and level prom, and fabulous views over Cardigan Bay, Aberystwyth is a firm favourite for family holidays. The North Beach is a sand and shingle beach stretching from the pier to Constitution Hill, in front of the colourful Victorian and Edwardian terraces. The South Beach side of the prom takes you round the base of Aberystwyth Castle to the marina, where there's a more pebbly beach. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available on Marine Terrace and by the harbour.

Tourism For All: Travel planner for accessible holidays across the UK.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Access for All: Information on accessible walks, viewpoints, beaches and where to hire beach wheelchairs.

Piws: A useful website for information on accessible places to stay, visit, eat out or go shopping in Wales.

You can search our website to find accessible accommodation, activities, attractions and events in Wales.