Newport Parrog Beach

The idyllic town of Newport is in North Pembrokeshire, just up the coast from Fishguard and Dinas, and south of the historic county town of Ceredigion, Cardigan. The town is split into two halves by the River Nevern; Newport Parrog Beach lies on the south side of the river whilst Newport Sands lies on the north.

“Parrog” is a Welsh term meaning “flat place for unloading ships”, so it should come as no surprise that Newport Parrog Beach is significant to the boating community here. In a previous life, this bay played the role of a significant port receiving goods for the trading industries in this region. If you travel further inland to the mouth of the river, you’ll even find a spectacularly preserved lime kiln once used to heat lime used in house building.

Newport Parrog Beach now has shallow waters so you won’t see trading ships coming into port these days, but you will see a lively activity of recreational boating and ocean sports. A sandy beach during low tide with a rocky edge along the quay wall, all that remains is shingle when the water comes in. At low tide, you can wade across the river to Newport Sands but you will have to return via the coast path once the tide comes in.

Activities

The curved bay at Newport Parrog Beach is constantly speckled with mooring boats of all kinds nodding in the water here at high tide. Circling the waters, you’ll spot quaint dinghies and seafaring boats with sails of all shapes and colours. Attractive rowing boats venture out across the shore for a memorable adventure along the river and into the sea.

Many of the boats you’ll see anchored in this old port are, in fact, still working boats. They are used by local fishermen who sail out in the early mornings in search of today’s catch of the day, which you will then see listed on the daily specials boards in the pubs and cafes throughout the town.

Armed with only an oar and possibly a little lunch bag, you’ll see kayakers and canoeists jump in their vessels and paddle out into the waves. Don’t be fooled into thinking these waters are blissfully calm though, the Parrog catches waves from the Irish Sea to the west so these kayakers will have to navigate the incoming swells. It is these very conditions which mean that bathing can sometimes be unsuitable here, as the undercurrents can be strong and the environment too dangerous.

On the horizon and into the sky, you’ll find small kites and power kites as kitesurfers criss-cross the waves and children are introduced to kite flying for the first time. You might even find some kitesurfers swap their surfboard for one with wheels in favour of kiteboarding across the sand.

Wildlife fans adore the walks in this district and birdlife swarms the River Nevern. Take the Parrog scenic walk along the river towards the mouth of the river, where you will find information boards highlighting regular birds to visit the area.

Ramblers will not want to miss walks along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path from Newport Parrog Beach as the views truly are magnificent. Walk along the promenade between the coastal houses and the beach, passing by the old lifeboat station which is no longer in use, and you can follow the path to Dinas Island (not actually an island) or start off in the opposite direction letting the coastline take you all the way to Cardigan. This entire stretch of the coastline is one of the best in the county for porpoise and dolphin spotting.

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Facilities

Overlooking the bay stands Newport Yacht Club where local boat-owners like to congregate and socialise. Nowadays, the club has a non-members bar welcoming boat-lovers and visitors to the area to join.

Backing the beach is the main car park for Parrog Beach which is limited and is chargeable during the summer, however further parking can be found in the town. Within the car park, you’ll also find public toilets and you can hire a beach wheelchair from the parking attendant (summer only).

Looking out over the bay is the Morawelon Waterfront Bar and Restaurant. Part of a family-run camping and caravanning site, this eatery is open to all including non-residents and offers homecooked meals and coffees all day.

Take a ten-minute walk into town and you’ll find picturesque streets bursting with shops, galleries and places to eat. Shop for antiques, hire bicycles, browse handmade gifts and more. Dine at The Golden Lion, pick up a pizza from The Canteen or grab lunch from Blas at Fronlas. Within a short drive, you can also visit the iconic Pentre Ifan and Carreg Coetan, two Neolithic burial chambers.

Pentre Ifan Burial Chamber is just a short drive away

Access

Access to Newport Parrog Beach is easy. From the car park, you can stroll down the slipway to reach the shingle beginnings of this sandy bay. Further along the shore past the houses, you will find three or four more slipways for launching boats which you can also use to walk down.

To get to the car park, simply follow the road through the town of Newport following signs for Parrog Beach.

Is Newport Parrog Beach Dog Friendly?

Yes, Newport Parrog Beach is dog friendly all year round. Your four-legged friend will have a great time splashing in the sea, running through the sand dunes and paddling in the river. 

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