Flagging up beach’s case to be best in Wales
THERE’S a beach in Carmarthenshire which just might be the best in the whole of Wales.
Our country is packed with more than 150 beautiful beaches, and some counties have dozens all to themselves. More than 40 of them have been awarded Blue Flags for 2021.
Some Welsh beaches are more well-known than others, with Barafundle Bay, Rhossili Bay, Three Cliffs Bay, Broad Haven South and Tenby often coming out at the top of ‘best beaches’ lists, but one beach is statistically the best in Wales, in terms of the accolades it has won.
Since Blue Flags were first awarded in 1988, no Welsh beach has won more than Cefn Sidan, located at the south end of Pembrey Country Park. In fact, the beach has been awarded a Blue Flag every year they’ve been handed out since 2009, and has picked up almost 30 in total.
It was also the first beach in the country to be awarded the coveted status, which is only given to beaches that have the highest quality of water, environmental education and management, safety and services.
It is a world-renowned award which is trusted by millions of people around the world, and one that is handed out by a programme operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education which is headquartered in Denmark.
Cefn Sidan boasts more than eight miles of sandy beach, to which there are numerous entrances across Pembrey Country Park.
There are a number of reasons for its popularity with people across Carmarthenshire, Wales and indeed the United Kingdom, including a history which is said to have witnessed around 300 wrecked ships.
The largest and most visible which remains today is called the SV Paul, which grounded at the site nearly a century ago. In fact, the earliest known wrecked ship at Cefn Sidan dates back to the 17th Century.
Another aspect that makes the beach so popular is the fact dogs are welcome all year round.
From May 1 to September 30, a law comes into force which restricts dogs and their owners from visiting certain beaches, but at Cefn Sidan there are certain dog-friendly areas where you and your pooch can roam around 12 months of the year.
The beach is also the longest beach in Wales and offers stunning views across Carmarthen Bay and out towards Gower, while the dunes are actually designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Exercise is very popular in the area too, with walkers and cyclists able to use the Millennium Coastal Path and Celtic Trail to access the country park from the nearby towns of Llanelli and Burry Port.
It also boasts visitor toilets, a cafe and ample parking, while the adjacent country park has a restaurant, acres of land to explore, two play parks and a forest.
Carmarthenshire Council describe it as “a world class experience” for anyone visiting the county.
Councillor Peter Hughes-Griffiths said: “We’re extremely proud once again to be awarded the Blue Flag.
“Pembrey Country Park has so much to offer locals and visitors, and this award is a symbol of quality that can be depended on when looking for potential places to visit.”
Pembrey Country Park has so much to offer locals and visitors this award is a symbol of quality that can be depended on when looking for potential places to visit
Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths