If you’re looking for a quieter beach that works for toddlers, tweens, and four-legged family members, Cable Bay (or Porth Trecastell, as it’s known in Welsh), is a lovely option. It’s tucked between better-known neighbours like Aberffraw and Rhosneigr, so it tends to fly a little under the radar.
We often head there when we want somewhere easygoing, sandy, and not too busy. It’s not the biggest beach, but there’s enough space to spread out without feeling like you’re stepping on someone else’s sandcastle.
And honestly, the best bit? The car park is right next to the beach. It makes the whole ‘back and forth for snacks, spare socks or the forgotten sunhat’ thing so much easier.
What to Expect at Cable Bay
Cable Bay’s a little sandy cove with calm, shallow water that’s great for paddling. It’s super relaxed, and you’ll probably spot a few paddleboarders, and maybe the odd brave swimmer mooching about. I always think it’s the kind of place where you can claim your little patch for the day and just settle in.
Soft Sand and Calm Waters
We usually end up at Cable Bay when the kids want to splash about and dig. The sand’s soft underfoot and perfect for making endless castles or just burying each other’s legs. The water’s often gentle, which makes it feel a bit more manageable when you’ve got little ones in tow.
That said, it does get deeper quicker than you might think, so it’s definitely one for keeping close when they’re near the water. If you’ve got older kids who want to wade out a bit, just make sure they’ve got something like float vests or boards to give them a bit of confidence.
Sheltered Coves and Rock Pools to Explore
One of the things I really like about Cable Bay is the way it’s framed by rocky coves. It feels a bit more protected from the wind and sun, which is a blessing when you’re trying to avoid crispy shoulders.
There are a few rock pools dotted around, and mine love poking about to see what they can find. Nothing too wild, but enough to keep them curious and busy for a bit. It also gives you a nice little excuse to step out of the sun without retreating completely.
Sandcastles and Stress-Free Picnics
If you’re on a mission to find a decent sandcastle-building beach, this one’s up there. My two can spend hours just digging and decorating with seaweed and shells. And for once, the seagulls don’t seem quite as cheeky here, so you can actually eat your sandwiches without fending off an aerial attack.
There’s a little coffee van in the car park selling drinks, snacks, and ice cream. It’s decent if you’ve forgotten something, but if you’re after more than a light bite, I’d head a few minutes up the road to Llys Llewellyn in Aberffraw. They do nice food – and the cake’s worth it on its own.
Practical Stuff to Know Before You Head to Cable Bay
- Car Park – Yes, and it’s close to the beach which is ideal with little ones. The pricing’s reasonable, strating from £1 for an hour up to £4 for the day.
- Toilets & Changing – No public toilets or baby change here, which is a bit of a pain, especially with small children in tow. Plan ahead if you’re staying a while.
- Pushchair or Wheelchair Access – There’s no proper buggy or wheelchair access to the beach itself, but if you’re just after a view and some fresh air, the car park is so close you can enjoy it from there. If you need somewhere with better access, Newborough or Traeth Lleiniog might be a better shout.
- Food & Drink – That coffee trailer covers the basics with a selection of ice creams, soft drinks, and a few snacks.
What to Bring for a Smoother Day
- Suncream – even if it’s cloudy
- Hats – especially for little heads
- Snacks – never underestimate snack power
- Towels – even if they “don’t plan to go in”
- Spare clothes – because… wet sand
- Flip flops or beach shoes – handy for shingly bits
- Buckets and spades – obviously
- Swim nappies – just in case
- Float vests or armbands – peace of mind if they fancy a deeper dip
- Wet wipes – always
Tips for Visiting Cable Bay with Toddlers & Preschoolers
- Go earlier in the day — it’s usually quieter and easier to park
- Bring some shade — umbrellas or a beach tent work well as there’s not much natural cover
- Keep shoes handy — there are a few rocky spots as you get to the water
- Leave a towel or blanket near the rocks — it’s a nice shady base to retreat to
Other Family-Friendly Spots Nearby
If you want to extend your day or make a bit of a tour of it:
- Aberffraw Beach – Quieter and wild feeling, with nice dunes
- Llys Llewellyn café – Lovely stop for lunch and cake
- Newborough Forest – Big car park, toilets, and lots of walking space
FAQs: Cable Bay with Kids
Is Cable Bay worth visiting?
Absolutely, it’s scenic, the waters are gentle, and it’s generally pretty quiet.
Is Cable Bay good for swimming?
Yes, Cable Bay is a popular spot on the island for open water swimming and paddle boarding.
Is Cable Bay dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome all year round.
Are there lifeguards on duty?
No, so just keep a close eye if little ones go in the sea.
Is it safe for toddlers?
It’s one of the calmer beaches, but supervision is still a must, and water shoes can help them stay steady.
Is it ever busy?
It’s not as busy as Rhosneigr or Trearddur Bay, but sunny weekends do draw a crowd. That said, you can usually find a spot without too much stress.
Thinking About a Visit to Cable Bay?
If you’re after a beach that feels a bit tucked away but still practical with little ones, Cable Bay (Porth Trecastell) might be the one. It’s not perfect, I mean the lack of loos is a bit of a faff, but it’s easy to park, calm for paddling, and there’s just enough to keep everyone happy without feeling like you’re juggling ten things at once.
Let me know if you visit!
