Three Cliffs Bay in Gower, South Wales is a tranquil haven with limestone cliffs, golden beaches and rich greenery. It is just one of the beautiful beaches around the bargain seaside settlement
The cheapest seaside town for a day out is also home to a beautiful hidden beach.
In an era of penny punching and inflation, knowing where to go for a classic British day out at the seaside that isn’t going to leave you needing to remortgage the house is key.
The UK Seaside Index 2025 looked at the cost of four different seaside staples – all-day parking, ice cream, fish and chips and all-day deckchair rental – to find out which coastal resort offers the most bang for your buck.
At the top of the list is Wales’ second city Swansea, where parking can be bagged for £3, an ice cream £1.65, fish and chips £7.06, deckchair rental £5, bringing the cost of a day out to £16.71. In sharp contrast, at the other end of the beach bargain scale is Brighton, where the same goods will cost you £38.20.
Swansea is not just good for a bargain. It is also homes to beautiful bits of landscape such as Pwll Du Bay. Tucked away at the bottom of a valley, this beach is one of the least accessible in the city, with only three footpaths leading to it.
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Those who have been there will tell you that the experience is second to none. The beach features a unique bank of thousands of pebbles, encircled by limestone cliffs, all set within a secluded and scenic location. The pebbles are piled up in waves, resembling ripples from the beach and sea, and are deep, forming dunes.
Another coastal classic is Three Cliffs Bay, a short drive out of the city. Nestled on the Gower Peninsula, it is a serene bay that delivers a slice of paradise with its dramatic limestone cliffs, shimmering golden sands and lush greenery. It’s a bit of a trek to reach this secluded beach, but that only adds to its charm.
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Just a stone’s throw from the village of Parkmill, about 15 miles west of Swansea, ramblers can follow the scenic path leading to the bay. Boasting an idyllic shoreline, dunes, salt marshes, rock pools and rugged cliffs, it’s the perfect spot for some peace and tranquillity.
Visit Wales hails Three Cliffs Bay as one of Gower’s most snapped locations, and it’s easy to see why with the Pennard Pill stream meandering through the sand and sweeping views atop the cliffs – the journey there is absolutely rewarding. But heed the advice from the official website: “Stay safe, this is one of our most beautiful beaches, but nature can be wild too – watch out for strong tides and currents at all times.”
The bay has become quite the draw for visitors, earning a stellar five-star rating on Tripadvisor. A satisfied visitor shared their experience: “We parked in the Gower Heritage Centre which had a lovely woodland walk down to the beach. It’s impressive, one minute you’re walking through magical-looking woodland with weaving streams, and the next you’re on an open expansive beach. There’s a pretty walk up to the castle which has amazing views over the beach too.”