The Travel Nut

Located in Port Talbot, Aberavon Beach is a stone’s throw away from my front door. When I moved back to Port Talbot a few years ago (after living in the valleys for a few years – never again!!), I wanted to move closer to the beach that I loved so much.

We can walk to it in about 10-15 minutes, depending what things we are juggling along the way (bags/bikes/scooters) etc.

There’s three miles of sandy beach, and two miles of that has a flat promenade. The prom is split into two sections, one side for walkers, and one for bikes. The route is part of the National Cycle Network, Sustrans Route 4. This is a route over 400 miles long, from London to Fishguard. You can view the route here.

It’s fantastic for young riders, as it is away from the road, which can help build confidence whilst riding. My oldest boy learnt to ride his bike here, firstly on the grassy area, then right along the prom. It’s great for go-karts/scooters/roller skates too!

Sidenote: Please please please – ALWAYS wear a helmet!!

The promenade is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs and there is a ramp that leads you straight onto the sand. There are also plenty of benches along the whole route, to stop and have a rest, and just take in the view. On a clear day, as well as seeing Swansea Bay and the Mumbles Lighthouse, you can see all the way to Devon.

Dog’s are welcome to walk the prom, and enjoy the grassy area’s alongside.They are also allowed on the beach during the winter months, but not during the Summer (no dogs allowed on the beach between May-September).

There are a variety of places to eat right on the front, including a takeaway Fish and Chip shop, and a sit down restaurant – which also sells delicious ice cream!!

Across the road, there is also a Burger King, an Indian Restaurant that is open in the evenings, and a few local pubs.

As well as the beach itself, there are two children’s play parks, one for smaller children, and one for the older children, with the bigger and higher equipment. Next to the larger park, there is a ‘Pirates Cove’ Mini Golf course – this is only open during the summer season, and times vary. There is also a skate park.

 

One of the busiest sections of the beach in the summer months is the Splash Park. This is a smaller area, on the Prom, that is suited for younger children. There is a little pool of water, and some water jets and sprays that are in the pool. **This area does get extremely busy in warm weather.** There is a little shop there that sells ice cream, and  buckets and spades. We have only been in here once, when the boys were smaller, as we prefer the sand, as it gives the boys more choice of what to do. We usually end up burying their Dad in the sand 🙂

There are toilets available at the beach, however, I personally think there could be more along the way. It’s a long way from one end of the beach to the other, especially with younger children, who usually don’t give you much notice when they need a wee!

There is parking available at the beach. There are limited free spaces along the front of the promenade, the whole length of the beach – (these are 2hours only, and no return within 4 hours) – and these are rarely full in the colder months. However, for the busier summer months, there is a car park opposite, which is open, and it costs £2 to park, all day! I would advice arriving early though, as in really good weather, even the car park is full to capacity!

The beach is watched over by the RNLI, they watch from the Lifeboat Station – and ensure safety on the beach. The area’s are clearly marked where it is safe to swim and where it is not. They also help ensure the safety of any surfers, and users of jetski’s, that visit the beach often. You can visit their website here to find out more information, and view details of tide times and weather conditions.

Overall, whether it’s a day at the beach in hot weather, or a play in the park in the cold, wind and rain, we love coming here and make sure we visit at least once a week. Here is a selection of photos from some of our visits (some of these are taken on my phone rather than a camera, so the quality isn’t as good!).

 

Have you visited the beach or area? Do you live locally? I’d love to hear your thoughts on Aberavon Beach! Please feel free to use the comments section below 🙂