The gorgeous beach is often overlooked because it’s near some holiday hotspots but it’s well worth the trip especially if you want to avoid the crowds
The UK’s ‘best hidden beach’ offers up some ridiculously beautiful views, a large stretch of shore, and almost no crowds.
Abermawr Bay in Pembrokeshire, Wales has recently been named the UK’s best ‘secret bay’, boasting a remote location that means visitors have to put in effort to visit; but those who have enjoyed a staycation in the area say it’s well worth it.
The pebbled beach looks like something out of a storybook with its cliff-backed coastline, pebbled shore and azure waters. One visitor on Tripadvisor wrote that it was “just stunning”, adding they “could have stayed for hours and taken a billion photos”.
But it’s not just the pretty surroundings that make this a must-visit. Abermawr boasts an ancient forest buried among golden sands, that’s revealed twice a day at low tide. Visit Pembrokeshire explains: “Low tide exposes the golden sand and buried tree stumps – the remains of a forest drowned by a sudden flood as an ice sheet melted 8000 years ago. The stumps have been perfectly preserved by salt. Behind the beach are an interesting ruined cottage, a wildlife-rich marshy area and bluebell woods climbing the hill at the southern end.”
It’s therefore no surprise that the beach continues to be a hit with intrepid explorers. “Lovely exclusive beach, out of the way and the water is a beautiful blue green, so refreshing, pebbles, went with my dogs they loved it too, small but beautiful,” wrote one happy holidaymaker. “It’ll stay with me forever,” added another impressed explorer.
However be warned; visitors have also flagged that there’s a small car park near the beach, the only one available nearby. It means that if the car park is full up, you could end up taking a detour and then still need to commit to a fairly big walk to get to the beach. As it’s so remote and hidden, it’s unlikely to get crowded, even during busier months, but if you don’t want to risk it, you can always visit off season or earlier in the morning.
If it wasn’t already established as a hidden gem, Abermawr Bay recently topped new rankings from footwear brand FitFlop that analysed Google search data to uncover some of the UK’s best underrated beaches.
The team behind the research explained: “With a 4.5 Tripadvisor rating and positioned on the wild and unspoiled north-west coast of Pembrokeshire, Abermawr Bay is a true gem for beach walkers seeking peace, beauty, and connection with nature. This secluded shingle beach is framed by rugged cliffs and backed by a whispering woodland of wind-sculpted trees to offer an atmospheric experience that feels miles away from the modern world. Stroll along the shore and listen to the rhythmic sound of waves rolling over the pebbles or follow the coastal path above the bay to admire the panoramic views over St. George’s Channel, which offers opportunities for birdwatching and spotting marine life.
“Aber Mawr is especially magical in the early morning or golden evening light, when the landscape glows and the only footprints in the sand are your own. It’s dog-friendly, rarely crowded, and perfect for those who value solitude, scenic beauty, and a refreshing sea breeze. If you park at the woollen mill you can also enjoy some delicious cake and browse the blanket shop after your walk.”
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