A weekend in New Quay

A harbour town in Cardigan Bay, famous for its bottlenose dolphins

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

New Quay is a steep, colourful harbour town on Cardigan Bay, with a sandy beach, a small harbour and a long history of boatbuilding. It is one of the best places in Britain to see wild bottlenose dolphins, which live in the bay all year, and are often seen from the headland.

The poet Dylan Thomas lived here for a time in the 1940s, and local pubs and views are said to have inspired Under Milk Wood.

Best forBeach days, Wildlife lovers, Families, Dog owners

Best time to goMay to September for dolphin trips and beaches. Autumn is quieter, with coast walks and grey seals.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£240–£430, excluding travel

Getting thereCardiff: About 2 hours 30 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in New Quay

Plan your weekend in New Quay

Top attractions in New Quay

Dolphin boat trips

Small boats leave the harbour to see dolphins, porpoises and seals in the bay.

New Quay Head

A headland with cliff paths, where dolphins are often seen from the shore.

The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre

A small centre on the headland, with displays and volunteers.

The harbour beach

A sheltered sandy beach right in town, suitable for families.

Cwmtydu and the coast path

A quiet cove and cliff walks along the coast, a few miles from town.

Best things to do in New Quay

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Cardigan Bay dolphin watching

Cardigan Bay is home to the largest resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the UK, and small boat trips from New Quay, Aberaeron and Cardigan offer a good chance of seeing them. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Coasteering in Pembrokeshire

Coasteering means travelling along the rocky coastline by swimming, scrambling and jumping into the sea, with a guide, helmet and wetsuit. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

A day on Tenby's beaches

Tenby is a walled harbour town in Pembrokeshire, with pastel-coloured houses and four sandy beaches including North Beach, South Beach, Castle Beach and Harbour Beach. Allow a half day to a full day.

Best areas to stay in New Quay

The harbour

Close to boats, cafes and the beach.

Town centre

Walkable to pubs and shops.

Llanarth or Aberaeron

Nearby places with more choice.

Best hotels in New Quay

Prices for a double room in New Quay typically fall around £60–£100 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in New Quay

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit New Quay

May to September for dolphin trips and beaches. Autumn is quieter, with coast walks and grey seals.

Seasons that suit New Quay well: summer, spring, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in New Quay

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£60–£100
Food and drink, per day for two	£45–£70
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£240–£430

Budget-friendly destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to New Quay

From Cardiff: About 2 hours 30 minutes by car.
From Birmingham: About 2 hours 45 minutes by car.
From Aberystwyth: About 45 minutes by car or bus.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in New Quay

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The harbour.
Saturday: Start with Dolphin boat trips, then New Quay Head. In the afternoon, head to The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre.
Sunday: Visit The harbour beach or Cwmtydu and the coast path, then head home.

Packing list for New Quay

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Wet-weather gear

Good to know

There is no railway station, so most visitors drive.
The streets are steep, so wear comfortable shoes.
Boat trips depend on weather, so book ahead.

New Quay weekend FAQs

Is New Quay good for dolphins?

Yes. It is one of the best places in the UK for dolphin watching, from the shore or on a boat.

Is New Quay good for families?

Yes. It has a beach, boats and wildlife, and is a relaxed seaside town.

More weekend ideas

AberaeronCeredigion

A harbour town of pastel-painted Georgian houses and honey ice cream

AberystwythCeredigion

A Victorian seaside resort and university town on Cardigan Bay

PembrokeshireWales

A rugged coast of golden beaches, seabirds and a famous coast path

St DavidsPembrokeshire

Britain's smallest city, with a cathedral in a hollow and the coast on its doorstep

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Birmingham and the Midlands · Best weekend breaks in Wales · Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.