Coastal Paradise in Mid Wales

Mid Wales is home to some of the UK's most diverse coastlines. From picture-perfect coves and wide sandy beaches to charming coastal towns and sweeping bays, discover an idyllic shoreline sanctuary within easy reach of The Royston.

Dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and whales frequent the waters of the North and West Wales coastlines and you can spot a wide variety of coastal birds and insects.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic beach walk, in search of a bustling coastal town or simply seeking a peaceful haven where the dog can happily splash about, you’ll find it all in mid Wales.

ABERDYFI
Set within the Snowdonia National Park, just a 40-minute drive from our hotel, the harbour resort of Aberdyfi is a haven for watersports, including sailing, fishing, canoeing and boat trips. Discover the historic village packed with boutique shops and galleries, enjoy a round of golf and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many excellent pubs and restaurants.

The golden sands of Aberdyfi Beach stretch for over 3 miles and offer remarkable views of Cardigan Bay and the surrounding mountains. Aberdyfi’s southern shore along the Dyfi Estuary is part of the Dyfi National Nature Reserve. This untouched area, a haven for wildlife, is also a Ramsar site (named after the convention that encourages wise use of the world’s exceptional wetlands).

BARMOUTH
As southern Snowdonia’s most popular beach resort, Barmouth is a must-visit. Abermaw Beach offers stunning views of the Mawddach Estuary and the mountains of Snowdonia and the large sandy blue-flag beach offers plenty of opportunities for walking, picnicking, sunbathing and watersports.

Barmouth is a typical British seaside town with donkey rides, arcades and a coastal promenade. It can get busy, a land train runs along the promenade, but the beach is vast and easily big enough to get away from it all. There are several delightful walks of varying distance which start in Barmouth and follow routes into the hills beyond.

HARLECH
With 4 miles of golden sand, dramatic dunes and a castle, no less, Harlech is one of Wales' most beautiful and dramatic beaches.

The beach’s Northern dunes form part of the Morfa Harlech Nature Reserve, where you can spot a range of rare birds and wildlife. In the summer months, look out for migrating leatherback turtles.

There’s plenty to do at Harlech: walk, relax, nature spot and discover 13th-century Harlech Castle, which overlooks the beach. There’s also a nearby shop, cafe and golf club.

YNYSLAS
Part of the 2,000-hectare Dyfi National Nature Reserve, Ynyslas is home to some of Wales’ most spectacular sand dunes. With three stunning miles of golden beach stretching from Borth in the south to the sand dunes in the north. It is a majestic spot for walking, picnics and windsurfing.

Ynyslas is also the location of the iconic BBC kite flying ident often used to introduce the BBC News. Visitors are allowed to drive onto the sands and park near the visitor centre. A boardwalk through the dunes leads to the stunning beaches. Ynyslas is a red flag beach, so no swimming is allowed.