Latest news with #SeasideAwards
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Wales Online
The best beach cafés in Wales for ocean views and a proper brew
The best beach cafés in Wales for ocean views and a proper brew We've got some lovely cafes dotted along the shoreline here in Wales Here are some of our top picks for beach cafes you need to visit while the sun's out. (Image: Getty ) Wales is set to experience a heatwave this week, with the Met Office predicting temperatures of up to 30°C. So, what better time to hit the beach and soak up the views in a lush cafe? Wales' craggy coastline is among the most beautiful in the world and boasts a vast range of sandy shores, secluded bays, and pebble-strewn beaches with clear waters ideal for swimming. We've also got some lovely cafes dotted along the shoreline here, where you can enjoy a brew with glorious sea views. Here are some of our top picks for beach cafes you need to visit while the sun's out. Rest Bay Cafe Bar, Rest Bay The view from the Rest Bay Café Bar is fabulous (Image: Portia Jones ) Rest Bay is a super popular beach for walking, surfing, family beach days, and cold-water dips. Here, you'll find the glass-fronted Rest Bay Cafe Bar situated in a commanding position overlooking the shoreline. Sit on the balcony with a brew or a wine and watch the waves roll in. Article continues below Hungry? Breakfast is served until 11.30am and includes' Eggs Surfer'—poached eggs, granary toast, guacamole and salsa, pancake stacks, and granola bowls. For lunch, there are sandwiches, jacket potatoes, burgers and more. Surfside Cafe, Langland Langland Bay, a safe and sandy beach fringed by attractive beach huts and limestone cliffs, is a favourite with families and paddleboarders. (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) Langland Bay, a safe and sandy beach fringed by attractive beach huts and limestone cliffs, is a favourite with families and paddleboarders. The curved beach holds both Blue Flag and Seaside Awards and is one of the Gower Surfing hot spots, thanks to reliable surf conditions and decent breaks. Need refreshment? The promenade is lined with local cafes, where you can grab coffee and cake. Surfside Cafe is a great shout for filling toasties, bacon baps and salads with a view. Crwst Cafe, Poppit Sands Beach The bakery is next to the beach (Image: John Francis, Cardigan ) Largely sheltered from the prevailing southwesterly winds, this dreamy dune-backed sandy beach is a popular spot for windsurfing, kayaking, surfing, and wildlife watching. A large car park is next to this beach, featuring a Lifeboat station and the fabulous Crwst Cafe. Call in for delicious brioche doughnuts, Bay Roasters coffee, and Conti's Ice Cream. Bistro on the Bay, Pendine Sands For the best ocean view, head to the Bistro on the Bay (Image: Getty ) Pendine Sands, a seven-mile-long sandy beach, is perfect for long walks, sea swimming, or watching a land speed racing event. For the best ocean view, head to the Bistro on the Bay, the place to go. Perched right on the beachfront, this licensed Bistro serves breakfast, lunch, and evening meals and features evening entertainment, including cabaret nights. The small plate and tapas menu is full of tasty options, but the homemade leek and cheddar Glamorgan sausages served with rocket and sweet chilli jam, are a standout. Marcos Cafe, Barry Island Marco's Cafe can be found on the seafront on Barry Island (Image: VOG Tourism Image bank ) Thanks to its starring role in the beloved BBC series Gavin and Stacey, Marcos is a popular spot in Barry Island where you can follow in the footsteps of Gav and the gang with a steaming brew and a slice of cake. This Welsh-Italian family-owned cafe features outdoor seating right next to the beach, perfect for soaking up the lush 'Barrybados' views. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Caban Mwnt, Mwnt Beach Nearby, you'll find Caban Mwnt (Image: UGC ) Mwnt Beach is a gloriously secluded beach in the shadow of Mwnt's famous cliffs. It's one of several sites managed by the National Trust in the area. Nearby, you'll find Caban Mwnt, adorned with colourful buckets and spades, lolly and ice cream menus, and one of the greatest beach views. This family-owned cabin serves oozy cheese toasties, ice cream and freshly brewed coffee roasted at Tan-y-Groes' Cardigan Bay Roaster. Pilot House Café, Penmon Point A few paces from your cuppa, the beach rolls out in stony waves towards the black and white lighthouse. (Image: Portia Jones ) The delightfully off-beat Pilot House Cafe sits right on Penmon Point, Anglesey's wild southeast corner. Once a base for lighthouse pilots, it now serves cracking coffee with knockout views of Puffin Island and the lighthouse. A few paces from your cuppa, the beach rolls out in stony waves towards the black and white lighthouse. Wavecrest Cafe, Angle Bay West angle Bay (Image: PCNPA ) Located in Angle Bay, this cafe boasts a stunning beachside location, offering fantastic views over the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline and out to the open sea. Here, they serve locally sourced Welsh produce in a simple and unfussy style. Popular dishes include locally caught crab salad and smoked mackerel pâté. Caffi Porthor, Aberdaron The beautiful beach at Traeth Porthor, famous for its 'whistling sands' (Image: John Millar/National Trust Images ) Traeth Porthor is under the care of the National Trust, and there's a car park just a six-minute stroll from the beach. Here, you'll find Caffi Porthor, a seaside gem tucked beside the shimmering white sands of Porthor (also known as Whistling Sands) on the north side of the Llŷn Peninsula. Open for the sunny months, it's the perfect pit stop for beach ramblers looking for a brew with a view. Memo Beach Cafe, Port Talbot Aberavon beach (Image: Rob Browne ) Aberavon seafront is one of Wales' longest beaches and has a promenade that overlooks Swansea Bay. Along this sandy stretch you'll find a skate park and play areas with several cafes, restaurants, and pubs along the promenade. Independent Memo Beach Cafe is a popular, dog-friendly spot and is known for fantastic coffee, slushies, and ice cream. West Shore Beach Cafe, Llandudno Sunset at Llandudno's West Shore Beach (Image: Hadyn Iball / North Wales Live ) West Shore Beach in Llandudno is much quieter than the North Shore and is where you'll find home-cooked food just yards from the West Shore Beach in Llandudno, with views across the Bay to Anglesey and Puffin Island. Expect a decent mix of beach fare alongside Welsh favourites – using local ingredients as much as possible and supporting local suppliers. Lligwy Beach Cafe, Lligwy Beach Lovely Lligwy Beach has its very own cafe (Image: Lyndsay Jordan ) Lovely Lligwy Beach on Anglesey has its very own cafe, which The Guardian previously named as one of the top 10 beach cafes in the UK. Here, you'll find a tidy selection of pizzas, sandwiches, breakfast baps, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. Article continues below
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Why West Wittering Beach is one of the best in the UK
West Wittering Beach has scooped two prestigious awards. The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards mark the beach as one of the UK's top coastal destinations, celebrated for its high environmental standards, quality bathing water, safety measures, and visitor facilities. The Blue Flag award, an international marker of beach excellence, shows that the beach not only meets but surpasses strict standards for environmental management, water quality, safety, and environmental education. The Seaside Award celebrates the beach's ability to offer a well-managed and enjoyable visitor experience. A key factor in the beach securing these awards is its commitment to maintaining excellent bathing water quality. Regular testing during the bathing season consistently sees the water rated as being "excellent". Visitors can check real-time and historical water quality data on the Environment Agency's website. This is especially useful after heavy rainfall or stormy weather, which can temporarily affect water quality due to natural runoff. Visitors must book their parking space online in advance of visiting the beach. Bookings close at 11pm the night before the intended visit, and during busy periods, availability may be limited. Visitors without a pre-booked space might be denied entry to the car park, with no alternative parking options nearby. Advance booking also offers a financial advantage, with pre-booked parking often up to 25 per cent cheaper than on-the-day charges. A team of professional lifeguards is on duty daily throughout the summer season. Beachgoers are advised to swim between the clearly marked red and yellow flags and follow any safety guidance from the lifeguard team. Visitors are urged to dispose of litter responsibly, avoid using disposable barbecues, and respect the protected dune areas and local wildlife.
Western Telegraph
25-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Seven Pembrokeshire beaches scoop Wales Coast Awards
Abereiddy, Freshwater East, Manorbier, Penally, Caerfai, Druidston, and West Angle Bay have all retained their Green Coast Award status. This means Pembrokeshire has the most Green Coast Award beaches in Wales. The Green Coast Award is given to beaches that are "hidden gems" of the Welsh coastline, boasting unspoilt beauty, excellent water quality, and a high standard of environmental education. The award is part of the Wales Coast Awards, which have been managed by Keep Wales Tidy for more than 20 years. The awards play a vital role in protecting the marine environment and are recognised worldwide as a symbol of quality. Keep Wales Tidy chief executive Owen Derbyshire said: "The Green Coast Awards celebrate Wales' beautiful and diverse coastline and are a testament to the huge effort of staff and volunteers at sites across Wales who work hard to protect and preserve our natural landscape in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances. (Image: Fran Harper-Green) (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) "Most people are familiar with the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards – but it's just as important that we recognise the wild, unspoilt beaches that stretch along so much of the Welsh coast. "The Green Coast Award signifies the highest standards of water quality, environmental education, and site management. "These are the sweeping coastlines that define Wales on the world stage – and it's right that we celebrate these extraordinary places." The awards signify that a beach or marina meets and maintains the highest environmental standards and achieves tough water quality targets, as well as ensuring high standards of information provision, environmental education, safety, and site management. In addition to the 13 Green Coast Award recipients, 21 Welsh beaches were awarded Blue Flag status for 2025, recognising the excellent water quality, facilities, and safety provisions which make for a safe and fun day out at the seaside. Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: "Wales boasts some of Europe's finest beaches and water quality, and the global recognition of our coastline is a true reflection of the dedication and hard work of so many people. "Today we celebrate the announcement of the Wales Coast Awards 2025 winners. "With 21 Blue Flag awards, 13 Green Coast Awards, and 15 Seaside Awards, I commend the dedication to preserving our pristine coastal environments. "As we celebrate this achievement, let us also heed the call to protect and preserve our coastal treasures. "Let's ensure that we leave nothing but footprints, allowing these breathtaking spaces to be enjoyed for many generations to come."
Powys County Times
19-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Three Ceredigion beaches to fly Blue Flags this year
Three Ceredigion beaches will fly Blue Flags in 2025. Borth, Llangrannog, and Tresaith have been recognised for their 'excellent' water quality, facilities, and safety provisions. In addition to the Blue Flags, six other beaches have been given Seaside Awards, and four have received the rural Green Coast Award. The Seaside Award is given to beaches that meet recognised water quality standards and have adequate public facilities, safety provisions, and management. Councillor Clive Davies, Ceredigion County Council's cabinet member for the economy and regeneration, said: "I am delighted to see that Blue, Green, and Seaside Award flags/plaques will be erected at Ceredigion's most popular bathing beaches in 2025, and we are fully expecting to see many visitors and locals alike enjoying themselves on beaches along the Ceredigion coast this summer." He also expressed his gratitude to the individuals, groups, organisations, and businesses that have volunteered their time to support the Caru Ceredigion initiative. This includes regular litter picks and the promotion of environmental conservation, wildlife education, and beach/water safety activities. Mr Davies said: "Without this long-standing support, we would not be able to put forward so many of our beaches and successfully obtain these prestigious coastal awards, which places Ceredigion beaches amongst the very best of coastal destinations in Wales and the UK whilst acting as a key driver for the Ceredigion economy." The beaches that have achieved prestigious coastal awards in 2025 are: Blue Flag (Overall excellent water quality standard): Borth, Llangrannog, and Tresaith. Seaside Award (Overall good or sufficient water quality standard): Clarach, Aberystwyth North, Aberystwyth South, New Quay Harbour, New Quay Dolau/North, and Aberporth. Green Coast Award (Overall excellent water quality standard): Llanrhystud, Cilborth-Llangrannog, Penbryn, and Mwnt. Beachgoers are advised to swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags, which denote the designated swimming areas patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards at Borth, Clarach, Aberystwyth North, Aberystwyth South, New Quay Harbour, Llangrannog, Tresaith, and Aberporth beaches.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
No Blue Flags again for Yorkshire resort
One of Yorkshire's most popular resorts will not fly Blue Flags on its beaches again this year. East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) told the BBC it recognised Bridlington's north and south beaches "did not meet the criteria", so had not applied for the accolades. The authority said it was working with other organisations on "a number of improvements". In 2024, council officials said improving water quality was a "matter of urgency". Hornsea and Withernsea both retained their Blue Flags. Bridlington North, along with Wilsthorpe and South Landing at Flamborough, earned Seaside Awards, which recognise water quality while focusing more broadly on a well-managed, clean and safe beach experience for visitors. In 2024, Bridlington South beach was given a poor water quality rating for the third year running. An Environment Agency report found seabird droppings were the "main contributor" to pollution. On Thursday, the Yorkshire Bathing Water Partnership, comprising the Environment Agency (EA), EYRC, North Yorkshire Council and Yorkshire Water, said it was working to improve bathing water quality. A spokesperson for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: "The status at both Bridlington south and north beaches remains as 2024. "The Yorkshire Bathing Water Partnership is working on a number of improvements, including an awareness campaign with the public to discourage feeding the gulls and to stop littering. "It is hoped this will encourage them back to their natural environment on the cliff faces." Miles Cameron, Yorkshire Water's bathing water manager, added: "Our beaches and coastline are really important to us and to our customers." As well as the bird droppings, he said the EA report identified an "increase in human impact potentially from Yorkshire Water assets following rainfall events". He said the firm was investing £40m to upgrade storm overflows at both the north and south beaches in Bridlington, with an additional £60m being spent on upgrades to the town's waste-water treatment works. It is the fourth year running that Hornsea has been awarded a Blue Flag, and the second year in a row for Withernsea. Councillor Barbara Jefferson, the council's cabinet member for heritage and coastal, said: "It is fantastic news that Hornsea and Withernsea can fly Blue Flags this year and that three more of our beaches have been given Seaside Awards. "They have all been recognised for meeting high standards and this shows that we have excellent beaches in the East Riding for residents and visitors to enjoy. Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the Blue Flag scheme, recognises UK beaches if they meet high standards in quality, cleanliness, safety, and have a range of facilities for the public. Follow BBC East Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Boxing Day swim on despite poor water quality Bridlington kept off top beach list again Seabird poo 'main contributor' to beach pollution Blue Flag awards East Riding of Yorkshire Council Yorkshire Bathing Water Partnership
