One of the best places to wild camp in the UK is the coastal town of New Quay in Wales. Famous for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and vibrant history, this town is ideal for those who want to embark on an adventure or relax and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Though it draws thousands of visitors every year, New Quay still has plenty of tranquil and remote spots that are perfect for wild camping.
If you want to experience the joys and views of this magnificent camping destination, this guide will assist you in planning and preparing your trip. We will cover our selection of the highly recommended camping spots in the area to get you started. You shall also find in this article a brief overview of what to expect in each location and how to remain compliant with the protective laws and regulations related to wild camping.
The 7 best camping spots near New Quay, Wales
The town of New Quay, Wales offers numerous opportunities for wild campers to pitch their tents. Those who want to wake up with a breathtaking sunrise may consider the cliffs overlooking the sea. Meanwhile, campers who are avid anglers will find the woods near the river to be the ideal wild camping spot for them. Since several options are available, we will help you come up with a shortlist by sharing below the top seven wild camping spots in New Quay, Wales.
1) Cei Bach Campsite
This family-run campsite takes pride in its amazing location, friendly and helpful staff, and attractive amenities and facilities. It was built on a former dairy farm, and you can still see some of the original buildings and features to this day. Many campers use this as a base since it gives easy access to New Quay’s shops, pubs, and restaurants.
One of the qualities we genuinely appreciate about the Cei Bach Campsite is its private access to the Cei Bach beach. This sandy beach is peaceful, making it an excellent place for swimming, fishing, or sunbathing. From the shores, you may try spotting the dolphins, seals, and porpoises in the sea.
2) Cwrt Mawr Camping
If you want to try camping on a working farm and interacting with all the animals there, Cwrt Mawr Camping may be the perfect choice. Several guests remarked that this campsite near New Quay, Wales, has a warm and welcoming atmosphere coupled with clean and modern facilities. Since it has a large and flat field, it can accommodate campers with tents, caravans, and motorhomes.
Crwt Mawr is close to the Ceredigion Heritage Coast, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is also a certified Dark Sky Discovery Site. As such, we love ending our day there by admiring the stars in the Milky Way galaxy or the Northern Lights, if the time of the year permits it.
3) Dolau Tegid Farm
This 200-acre organic farm offers a secluded and idyllic location for wild camping in New Quay, Wales. In addition to the lush plants, the farm also houses sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, and horses. Since it is near Cardigan Bay, it’s easy to stroll to the beach with your binoculars and try to spot dolphins, seals, and seabirds, such as the rare red kite.
Dolau Tegid is run by a friendly and helpful couple who can advise you on the best places to include in your New Quay camping itinerary. During our stay there, we got the chance to visit the other nearby towns and villages, such as Aberaeron, Cardigan, and Lampeter. Our experiences there allowed us to discover and better understand the history, culture, and cuisine of this Welsh region.
4) Llangrannog Camping
We highly recommend Llangrannog Camping to beginner campers. It can accommodate tents, caravans, and motorhomes, but those who want an elevated experience can consider booking a glamping pod, yurt, or safari tent from this campsite. We also appreciate its convenient location, adjacent to the charming village of Llangrannog and the Llangrannog beach.
Aside from exploring New Quay, there are various activities you can engage in while staying at this campsite. If you enjoy water sports, the nearby beaches have waves ideal for surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. If you’re into coasteering, the 96-kilometre Ceredigion Coast Path promises an exciting day, for it is dotted with coves, caves, and cliffs.
5) Brynawelon Caravan and Camping Park
With its panoramic views of the countryside and the sea, the Brynawelon Caravan and Camping Park is one of the most beautiful camping spots near New Quay, Wales. Campers with tents, caravans, or motorhomes are welcome in this park. But if you don’t have one, you can rent a fully equipped and furnished static caravan to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Designating Brynawelon as your base for exploring this region in Wales will help you create an exciting itinerary. The beaches of Penbryn, Tresaith, and Llangrannog are all accessible from this site. Other nearby local attractions include the National Trust Llanerchaeron, Cardigan Castle, and the New Quay Honey Farm.
6) Tynllwyn Farm Camping
For a rustic and authentic experience, many visitors recommend the Tynllwyn Farm Camping. It appears like a traditional, family-run working farm that doubles as a campsite for those in need of pitches for tents or caravans. Though the amenities are relatively simple, Tynllwyn makes up for it through the pair of hospitable owners who welcome their guests with fresh eggs, milk, and bread.
This camping spot near New Quay is also adjacent to the secluded and rocky Cwmtydu beach. Exploring that area will give you a glimpse of the indigenous wildlife and the old lime kilns formerly used for farming and construction. When you are done, we suggest relaxing in the garden or near the pond inside the farm itself.
7) Penrallt Coastal Campsite
You can have plenty of fun without even leaving this eco-friendly campsite near New Quay, Wales. This organic farm boasts solar-powered electric hookups for caravans and compost toilets for its guests. It is managed by an environmentally conscious couple who also offer organic produce, homemade bread, and honey from the bees raised on the farm.
The spectacular location of this coastal campsite rewards its guests with marvellous views of the Cardigan Bay and the Llyn Peninsula. You can enjoy the scenery while eating pizza cooked in the farm’s oven or taking on the area’s nature trails. If you bring or rent a bicycle, you can also go cycling to the nearby coves and lighthouses.
Start Planning Your Wild Camping Adventure in New Quay, Wales
Wild camping is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty and diversity of New Quay and other regions of Wales. It allows you to immerse yourself in the fantastic scenery, history, and culture of this coastal town without the hassle and noise expected from popular tourist destinations. However, beginners should not rush and head there without a plan or itinerary.
The path to enjoying wild camping requires a good knowledge of your destination, the skills necessary for the activity, and the applicable rules that you must follow. Refer to our guide and list of the best camping spots near New Quay, Wales to kickstart your preparations. We also suggest reading through our other guides on wild camping to understand better what needs to be done to ensure a successful and unforgettable experience out in the wild.
FAQs about wild camping near New Quay, Wales
Is wild camping legal in the New Quay area of Wales?
Technically speaking, wild camping is illegal in New Quay and other parts of Wales. However, there are some exceptions and situations wherein the activity is tolerated. For instance, campers who have obtained the landowner’s permission for their preferred camping spot will likely not face any adverse reaction or legal repercussions, provided they also adhere to the golden rules of wild camping.
Do I need a permit for wild camping in New Quay, Wales?
No, there is no existing wild camping permit in New Quay, Wales. That said, you do need to seek permission from the landowner before pitching your wild camping tent. Those who ignore this rule will put the entire trip at risk of being ruined or disrupted when they get driven away from the land or reported to the authorities for trespassing on private property.
Are campfires allowed when wild camping in New Quay, Wales?
Campfires are generally not allowed when wild camping anywhere in Wales. Lighting a fire on land that does not belong to you is illegal since doing so carries significant risks of damage to the property and all the people, plants, and animals in the area. If the landowner permitted you to wild camp, check with them before starting a campfire. If allowed, remember to always observe the outdoor fire safety rules.