The charming coastal village of Aberporth offers the perfect Welsh escape. Full of stunning views, local charm and an unmistakable serenity, it’s a wonderful place in which to unwind and enjoy the important things in life.
Despite its quaint size in comparison to nearby towns such as Cardigan to the south and New Quay to the north, Aberporth offers plenty of activities to please even the most active visitor. Whether you want to explore the history of West Wales or simply relax and take in its natural beauty, here are our favourite recommendations for your time here.
Our Favourite Things to Do in Aberporth
- Relax on Aberporth’s Beaches
- Try Out Some Watersports
- Explore Rock Pools & Coves
- Discover Stunning Clifftop Walks
- Spot Some Marine Wildlife
- Enjoy Delicious Food in Aberporth
Relax on Aberporth’s Beaches
Aberporth’s most famous attraction is its beautiful golden sands, which attract many visitors during the summer months.
Aberporth has one long sandy beach with a gentle slope and a headland that juts out from the middle, dividing it into two during high tide: Dolwen and Dyffryn.
Dolwen is the popular family beach (on the left-hand side if looking out to sea). This award-winning beach has everything you need, including parking, toilets, refreshments, and lifeguard cover for swimmers during the traditional holiday season.
On the other side of the headland, Dyffryn is a longer beach and is open to dogs year-round, meaning you can enjoy your Aberporth holiday with your favourite furry friends!
Both beaches are well sheltered by the cliffs that dot the region, meaning there tends to be less wind than on more exposed beaches – perfect for lying back and relaxing under the sun.
Try Out Some Watersports
As a village formed around the coast, there are plenty of watersports enthusiasts who call Aberporth home, making it a great place to try your hand at some yourself!
The sea here is relatively gentle, which makes it really popular amongst swimmers. There’s also a strong paddleboarding presence here, which is a wonderful and relaxing activity that invites everyone to have a go.
While Aberporth doesn’t have the big waves for experienced surfers, there’s enough of a swell here on occasions for beginners to have some fun. Plus, it’s always a good time to try some bodyboarding!
Explore Rock Pools & Caves
Aberporth’s rocky cliffs are bursting with life and secrets to discover, particularly when the water’s at low tide.
Thanks to their gentle slopes, Aberporth’s beaches are a rock pooler’s dream. There’s no shortage of little shelters for children (and those young at heart) to peer into. You’ll discover mussels, crabs and more in the little pools that form around the cliffsides and headlands – just make sure you leave them alone so our coasts can continue to thrive for years to come.
There are even some small caves around Aberporth’s coast that you can discover when the tide is out, perfect for some exciting adventures.
Discover Stunning Clifftop Walks
No visit to Aberporth is complete without enjoying some of the stunning views that you can discover from atop the nearby cliffs. Aberporth sits on the Wales Coast Path, which allows you to enjoy serene walks along the nearby cliffs, offering incredible views out to sea and also of the village itself.
A particularly popular amble is from Aberporth to nearby Tresaith, a two-mile walk that’s great for families. The first half of the route is a wheelchair and pram-friendly path with picnic benches – a wonderful way to see a different side of the village.
Spot Some Marine Wildlife
Whether you’re walking Aberporth’s cliffs or relaxing on the beach, it’s always worth having a look across the water – you never know when you might spot a fin above the surface!
Aberporth was historically a very successful fishing village, and the vitality of the local water is still seen today through the incredible variety of wildlife that calls it home.
Dolphins are regularly sighted off the coast of Aberporth, so much so that there’s a famous sculpture in the village celebrating these beautiful creatures. Orcas and basking sharks have also been spotted offshore around here, so there’s always a chance you’ll see majestic sea creatures playing in the distance during your stay.
Enjoy Delicious Food in Aberporth
No stay in West Wales would be complete without trying some wonderful food made with locally-sourced ingredients. There are plenty of places to eat in Aberporth serving up a treat:
- The Ship Inn – A traditional bar and restaurant with stunning views over the beach, ideal for family favourites like burgers and fish and chips.
- Shibwns – A lovely independent cafe/bistro in the village that celebrates local food.
- The Boy Ashore – A very cool beachside kitchen offering classics like burgers or prawns to eat in or take away. Only open during the summer season.
There are also popular Indian (Sugandha) and Chinese (Golden Dragon House) restaurants and takeaways in the village – perfect for enjoying a treat at your self-catering holiday cottage!
Holiday Cottages in Aberporth
Aberporth is a wonderfully charming place to visit. Whether you’re looking for a romantic couple’s retreat or a relaxing escape for the whole family, our collection of self-catering Aberporth holiday cottages has everything you’ll need for a wonderful holiday.
