Hidden gem seaside village has pub by one of UK’s best beaches | UK | Travel

The summer holidays may be nearly over but there’s no end to the sunshine in sight. With an Indian summer forecast in many places in September, a seaside getaway will be on many sun-seekers’ minds – and one coastal village in the UK has been described as ‘one of the best places anywhere to spend a sunny day’.

Wales is a popular spot for tourists flocking to the coast, particularly to the renowned western destinations of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. But venture slightly north and you’ll discover the lesser-frequented Ceredigion is every bit as beautiful – if not more.

Writing for Wales Online, reporter Robert Harries said: “It has a little bit of everything – cute towns and villages, incredible landscapes, and spots that almost redefine the word beauty.”

One of the county’s gems is the dinky village of Llangrannog, which ‘still feels like something of a secret’ compared with larger destinations such as Tenby, Saundersfoot, Newport and New Quay, he wrote.

Robert has hailed the spot as ‘one of the best places anywhere to spend a sunny day’. During a visit on a bustling sunny weekday in August, he spoke with visitors and locals who all raved about it too.

Mike Rutherford, landlord of beachside pub the Pentre Arms, relocated to the area from Liverpool four decades ago.

“I just fell in love with it. It has that effect,” he said.

“Pembrokeshire is a wonderful place but Ceredigion is beautiful as well. I think some people are still discovering it, as we see some people who have never been here before.

“I often give people lifts to Aberporth so they can walk back to Llangrannog on the coastal path and they all come back saying the same thing – they can’t believe how marvellous this stretch of the Welsh coastline is.”

“It’s obvious that it’s even more marvellous in the sunshine. “The sun being out just boosts everything. It makes people happy!”

Down on the sand, a family from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire were enjoying their annual holiday together. Among them was Dai Rich, who spent some of his childhood in the area and described the ‘real sense of community’ he had found.

“It’s a beautiful place to come, it’s safe, the beach is great and the surrounding countryside is phenomenal. It just makes you want to come back,” he said.

This year’s glorious weather has boosted business for Mickey Beechey, who runs kayak and paddleboard rental business Caiacs Carreg Bica. But its beauty makes it a year-round, all-weather destination, he added.

“The coastal walks are a big draw, so Llangrannog does survive even without the nice weather. But you’re more dependent on local customers,” he explained.

“The uniqueness of the coastline makes it. Wherever you look, left and right, you have some of the most dramatic cliffs and coves – from Traeth y Bilis to the north to Carreg Dol-y-Fran to the south, all within a couple of miles radius. It’s a lovely place and it keeps drawing people back.”

Just beyond the village and looking out to sea sits the tranquil Troedrhiwgam Caravan Park. It’s a slice of paradise so popular that Paul Williams, from Caerphilly, has been returning for 40 years.

“The beach is just exceptional, and the fact that you can quite easily get to different bays as well. It’s got everything, Llangrannog,” he said.

“The lifeguards on the beach are excellent, the job they do keeping everyone safe, especially if you’ve got children, is amazing. The Pentre Arms is a brilliant pub, they put different events on, and from here it’s a nice walk down to the pub and the beach.

“We’ve always brought the kids down here and it’s something that you want to continue within the family. Our family is full of little stories and traditions built around Llangrannog. It’s just a place that’s good for the heart and soul. There’s a relief you feel when you come down here; it’s like being in a different world.”