New Quay: Shells, Shrimping Nets, and The Lime Crab

The Great Childhood Mystery

When I holidayed  here as a child, I was great friends with the people in the caravan next door to me, Sarah and Claire. They always went to Newquay. We never did, and I never really understood why. I think it was because Mum and Dad didn’t want to drive that far. (It’s about 20 minutes from the caravan). It’s an awesome place with beautiful sandy beaches that extend around the coast and join up with another famous beach in the area called Cei Bach.

Shells, Shrimping Nets, and The Lime Crab

New Quay is a typical seaside town with lots of  souvenir shops selling inflatable ducks, fishing nets, flip flops and household items made out of shells. There are ice cream shops, and fish and chip shops galore.  The Lime Crab is one of the best, located down by the Harbour wall.

Come to think of it that might be the reason why we never went. I would be nagging Mum to get something from the tourist shops.

Dolphin Spotting for Free

If you are so inclined, you can go on  dolphin watching trips from here, but if you take the time to walk up the coast path, you may see some for free from the top of the cliffs. I’ve actually seen them while sitting on the Harbour wall eating my chips. 

You are spoiled for places to have a pint and something to eat. I would encourage you to get there early, especially on a day when the weather is cooperating as the parking is limited and fills up quite fast.

The different regional dialects can all be heard along the streets as you jostle for pavement room.

The Moody Cow  (Bargoed Farm), and Llangrannog Secrets

On the way there or back, call into The Moody Cow. It’s a fantastic spot for a meal any time of day, and they’ve recently expanded to include accommodation. (Only book if my places are fully booked, of course!).

Further south down the coast is another beach that is worth exploring called Llangrannog. It is signposted off the main B487 on the right, but be warned the closer you get to the beach the narrower the road becomes. 

"If you want to avoid the narrow 'hairpin' heart-attack of driving into the village center, look for the Upper Car Park on your left as you come down the hill. It’s a bit of a trek back up, but in the summer, the shuttle bus is a godsend for tired legs!"

The "Secret" Free Car Park (The Park & Stride)

The car park is known locally as the Upper Car Park or the Park & Ride/Walk.

• Location: It is situated on the hill just as you enter the village from the B4334 (coming from the A487).

• Google Maps Link: You can link this text: Llangrannog Upper Car Park

• Details: It is about a 10-15 minute walk down a steep hill. In the peak summer months (usually July & August 2026), a community shuttle bus runs back and forth to save you the climb!

  
  

The Beachfront Car Park (A Warning!)

It is worth adding a little "Heads Up" about the pay-and-display lot right by the sand:

• The 10-Minute Rule: This lot uses ANPR cameras. You must pay within 10 minutes of entering the car park, or you might get a fine in the post—even if you just drove in to "have a look" and left!

• Price: It’s roughly £3 for 2 hours or £6 for the day, but it is very small.

The beach is dog friendly and until the tide goes out is quite small. Once the tide is out you can access another beach around the headland . There are several cafes and pubs to eat right at the beach front, and during the season the beach is life guarded.