The ultimate family guide to the Wales Coast Path this summer

School’s out, the days are longer, and there’s no better time to get outside and make memories together on the Wales Coast Path. Stretching for 870 miles around Wales’ spectacular coastline, the path offers countless opportunities for family adventures, whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teenagers or grandparents in tow.

From traditional seaside fun and wildlife encounters to buggy-friendly strolls, cycling routes and fascinating historic landmarks, there’s something to capture every imagination. 

Along the way, families can discover hidden coves, spot dolphins, build sandcastles, explore castles, try crabbing in picturesque harbours and even unlock interactive digital experiences through the Wales Coast Path app.

Whether you’re planning a full day out during the summer holidays or looking for inspiration for a shorter coastal walk, these family-friendly experiences showcase some of the very best ways to enjoy the Wales Coast Path together this season.

Classic seaside scenes

Nothing beats a traditional seaside day out and families are spoilt for choice around the Welsh coast in July and August.

Enjoy Victorian seaside

Enjoy the long curved promenade in Llandudno, where families can enjoy traditional puppet shows and ice cream on the pier, or relaxing in a classic striped deckchair while watching the kids build sandcastles, followed by a fish and chip sunset supper on the promenade. Old-school (holiday) bliss. 

If you feel like stretching your legs the Llandudno Promenade to Conwy walk along the coast path is a must. Ranging from 4 – 8 miles depending on which specific route you take, you could take in a visit to Conwy castle or a stroll around the historic town of Conwy.

Family ramble and rockpools

A great family ramble with rockpools and the perfect pub beer garden along the way. The Nefyn to Porthdinllaen walk is under 5km and takes in sandy beaches and excellent rockpooling opportunities near the Lifeboat Station during low tide, with August also being the best time to spot seals in the area. Finish the day with a cold drink for all at one of the top ten beach bars of the world – the Tŷ Coch Inn is right on Porthdinllaen beach.

Arcade games on Barry Island

What better way to fill an hour or two for kids than trying to beat the slots? The iconic ‘Nessa’s Slots’ in Barry Island is a spot which Gavin and Stacey fans of all ages will enjoy. A walk along the coast path from Cold Knap car park in Barry takes you right through the famous TV filming location overlooking Whitmore Bay’s sandy beach, with the option to stop for a coffee at Marco’s Café too. Check out a multi-day itinerary for this area

Crabbing at Solva Harbour

One of the best locations in Wales for this simple but fascinating fun, Solva Quay is often full of children on a summer’s day with lines, nets, buckets and baits trying catch a crab at high tide.  After a couple of hours crabbing, you can continue to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and even eat locally caught seafood from spots like Mrs Will the Fish. Find out more walks in Pembrokeshire

Walk on the wild side 

Summer in Wales is prime time for wildlife spotting and nature experiences for curious and kids and adults alike. Families can try:  

Dolphin-spotting in Cardigan Bay

The summer months are the peak time to see Britain’s biggest resident population of dolphins, simply by watching for breaches near the shoreline, particularly from headlands on the Wales Coast Path between Cardigan and New Quay or for extra wow-factor, joining a sunset boat trip. Find out how to walk between Ynyslas and Cardigan, with public transport options. 

Flamingos in Llanelli?

Correct! Along the Millenium Coastal Path stretch, stop off at the Llanelli Wetland Centre where families can get a taste of the Caribbean this summer and see the distinct coral breed of flamingos, among many other species of birds and wildlife. A great picnic stop off for a family bike ride. Try this 10 mile circular walk in Llanelli

Join a bat walk at Stackpole Estate

Visit Stackpole Estate in Pembrokeshire in August for guided walks at dusk. This is a gentle walk that visits the site of two bat roosts, including the greater horseshoe nursery roost. Bat detectors are provided to share and are used to hear the bats.

Buggy and bike walks

Unusually for coastal trails there are many areas of the Wales Coast Path that are pushchair and wheelchair accessible for families with options including:

The flat promenades at Llanfairfechan are perfect for pushing prams and summer holiday toddler picnics and wildlife spotting along the way.

The bike-friendly Millennium Coastal Path is a traffic-free route along the Carmarthenshire stretch of the coast path and makes for a fun family day out. Along the trail you’ll pass one of Britain’s rare sand dune forests and the picturesque Sandy Water Park.

The path goes through Newport Wetlands nature reserve which is super baby friendly. This area of the coast path covers 438 hectares of stunning reedbeds, tranquil lagoons, lush wet grasslands, and wild estuary mudflats - all pushchair accessible, with baby changing facilities, toilets and a café and play area to boot.

History and ‘wow’ stops

A family walk needs points of interest along the way to distract tired legs. Break up walks with memorable landmarks this summer:

Historic Conwy

The Wales Coast Path runs straight through the town of Conwy with the UNESCO World Heritage site of Conwy Castle and its nearly intact medieval town walls. Cadw run plenty of family fun events at the castle through the summer months, including Conwy Jester Days with magic, comedy shows and fun within the castle walls. Try this 3 mile walk between Deganwy and Conwy and sample this historic town with a "wow" factor.

A little bit of Italy in North Wales

Portmeirion Village in North Wales offers a magical, Italianate stop off for families who can purchase a day entry ticket, featuring colourful Mediterranean-style buildings, sandy beaches, 70 acres of woodland gardens and a central piazza with a giant chessboard. Try the 7 mile walk between Portmeirion to Black Rock Sands

Interactive app walks

For tech savvy tweens in particular, the Wales Coast Path app is certainly worth downloading and includes 7 Family Walks with a Difference offering a unique digital experience. Once the app is downloaded and open on a device, simply point it at the information board to unlock the special features in the app.

This activates a game, an augmented reality feature or a 3D video telling you a unique story about that section of the path that might not otherwise be obvious. These boards can be found at:

• The Great Orme near the Rest and be Thankful café in Conwy County
• Menai Bridge town on the Belgian Promenade on Anglesey
  
• y Gest, near the car park in the village on the Llyn Peninsula
• New Quay town on the green near the official halfway sculpture in Ceredigion,Saundersfoot beach in Pembrokeshire,
• Pendine Sands near the beach car park in Carmarthenshire,
• Cardiff Barrage near Roald Dahl’s famous enormous crocodile bench in Cardiff Bay.