How to Visit Mwnt Beach Wales and 6 Things to Do
Mwnt Beach in Wales (pronounced Munt) is one of the UK’s most charming and beautiful beaches. The beach, once a battlefield and pilgrimage site, is now owned and looked after by the National Trust. It has plenty of amenities for somewhere that feels so secluded. Mwnt gets its name from Foel y Mwnt, the colonial hill above the beach.
Mwnt Beach is only five miles away from Cardigan and is on the Ceredigion coast, and yet you feel transported to somewhere isolated and wild. The beach is clean, beautiful and the water is clear – perfect for a swim on a warm day. However, it is good to know that Mwnt Beach is only accessible via concrete steps, so it is not easily accessible to everyone.
However, we believe that you do not need to go down to the beach to appreciate its beauty, and the solitary white church alongside the rolling green hills is beautiful to see. It is also a fantastic place to watch the sunset over the horizon. In 2021 Mwnt Beach was awarded a Green Coast (hidden rural gem) and a Seaside Award (for its facilities and water quality).
Mwnt Beach Wales Parking
At Mwnt Beach, there is paid parking (£4 all day) on a grassy area, and the money goes towards maintaining the site unless you are a National Trust Member, as it is free for members.
You will need to pay with coins. There is a phone option, but the signal is limited, so it may not work. However, if the cafe is open, you can go and ask for a change, and the staff are amiable so that they will help you out!
The only downfall is that the car park is now a very narrow road, which is not the easiest to navigate if you aren’t a confident driver, busy, or have a large vehicle. However, there are passing places, so you should be ok if you take your time. If you are visiting when the weather is good, it will likely be busy, so arrive as early as possible to get your spot.
You can follow the Google Maps directions to Mwnt Beach here.
Unfortunately, there is no local bus service to Mwnt, and you cannot park overnight.
Mwnt Postcode: SA43 1QH
When is the best time to visit Mwnt Beach?
One of the best times to visit Mwnt is in Spring when wildflowers are on the headland. However, the school holidays are arguably the busiest at Mwnt Beach, especially in summer on a sunny day, so if you want to avoid the crowds, then try and visit outside of these times.
You may find seal pups on the beach from August to December as it is their breeding season. However, it would be best not to approach the pups because they need to be fed by their mother.
Mwnt Beach Facilities
There are free public toilets that Ceredigion Council maintains. A cafe and shop are selling a range of snacks and drinks. There is no lifeguard service, although the beach is said to be safe to swim in. There is Lifesaving equipment, though.
Mwnt Beach Tide Times
Before you go, you can check out the Mwnt Beach tide times here.
Mwnt Beach Weather
Mwnt Beach is secluded and is often called a ‘sun trap’. However, it is a good idea to check out the weather conditions before you go. We use MET Office Weather to plan our days out.
Are dogs allowed on Mwnt Beach?
No, dogs are not allowed on Mwnt Beach from 1st May to 30th September, unless the dog is a guide dog. However, there are plenty of other beaches you can visit with dogs in the area.
6 Best Things to do at Mwnt Beach
Visit Eglwys y Grog (Church of the Holy Cross)
You can visit the Church of the Holy Cross, a white 14th-century church, and it was a sailors’ chapel of ease. There are still services at this church that you can attend, and you can go inside to soak up the peace. It is a Grade I listed building and is part of Y Ferwig’s parish.
Go For a Walk up the Colonial Mwnt Hill
Get your trainers on and head up to Foel y Mwnt for a 1km walk to see Mwnt Beach and Cardigan Island from 76m above. The circular walk begins and ends at Mwnt Car Park and is quite steep to the top of the hill. It is said that you can see Snowdonia’s mountains on a clear day.
Please be careful as there are sheer drops on this walk, so take care. We also recommend sitting at the top to watch the world go by over the coast. It is a beautiful experience.
Mwnt Dolphins
Arguably, Mwnt Beach is one of the best places to spot bottlenose dolphins on the coastline. Bring your binoculars, and you might be in luck to see them feeding or playing in the bay. The National Trust Rangers gather data on the dolphins every year. You can also see seals and rare choughs (birds) from here, which is an extraordinary sight.
Relax on the Beach
Mwnt Beach has golden sand and is a popular place for families to come. The water is clear, the beach is clean, and the amenities are excellent for a day out. It is also a great place to watch the sunset because of its location, so if you decide to stay, you’ll be in for a treat!
Seasonal Refreshments Kiosk
There is a small shop and cafe where you can get ice cream, drinks and food, including bacon sandwiches in the summer. For more information, you can check out the Mwnt Kiosk Facebook page. Of course, if you cannot make it down to the beach, you can always come to the Kiosk, grab a coffee and sit on one of the picnic benches overlooking the bay.
Good to know: the cafe is closed from October – Easter
Walk Wales’ Coastal Path
You can find Mwnt Beach by walking the famous Wales coastal path. If you access the beach this way, you will be able to enjoy the sensational coastal views as you approach overlooking Cardigan Bay. It is a circular walk from Cardigan or Mwnt!
Stay the night at Mwnt Beach.
You can book into the Holiday Cottages at Mwnt, which are self-catering converted farm buildings. There is also Tŷ Gwyn Caravan and Camping Park, which has sensational views and clean shower and toilet blocks.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to Mwnt Beach, one of the most unspoiled spots on the Ceredigion Coast. If you are exploring Wales, please read our guides below to some other beautiful places you’re bound to love.
Visiting Church Doors Cove Wales
Best things to do in St Davids
Visiting the Blue Lagoon Wales
Photo Credits: Averagelives.com