Welsh beaches are known across the world for their beauty. The picturesque Welsh coastline is filled with over 150 gorgeous beaches and, although it lacks the dramatic edge of some other places, Aberavon beach is a spectacular location.
Aberavon beach was a popular “bucket and spade” seaside resort for the South Wales Valleys from the 1940s through to the 1960s. Just like the majority of Sandfields and Aberavon, the beach was originally an area of sand known as the Aberavon Burrows.
It is an impressive 3 miles in length, making it one of the longest beaches in the country. It’s known for its contemporary promenade, which is littered with cafes and bars, as well as children play areas and it’s very own cinema. It’s also a popular spot for fishing and water sports alike (such as kayaking). As well as this, it was awarded the Blue Flag status in 2007 and it’s a part of the Celtic cycling trail and offers fantastic views overlooking both Aberavon and Swansea Bay with its designated cycling path.
Aberavon itself lies between Porthcawl and Swansea and is a calmer alternative to the Gower Peninsula, making it a perfect family spot. The cafes and restaurants on the promenade hold history themselves.
Franceso standing outside the orginal Francos
Franco’s is a fish and chip shop which has been serving the area for over 50 years. It originally started out as a summer business, before becoming a permanent site to welcome customers all year round. In 2005, the Di Francesco family saw another opportunity of the increasing annual tourism to Aberavon and Cafe Remo’s was built. Cafe Remo’s is a popular local attraction and is a cafe, ice cream parlour and restaurant all in one.
As well as these two restaurants, there are also two famous local pubs, Bar Gallois and The Four Winds and the Aberavon hotel, owned by the Best Western group.
Afon Lido as it was in back in the 80s
Another prominent part of the promenade used to be the original Afan Lido, a leisure center which unfortunately burnt down in a fire in 2009. It has since been replaced by another leisure center of the same name, but without the addition of the aqua park it had before.
The Kitetail Structure Aberavon Beach Front
The promenade also has Wales’ largest sculpture, the Kitetail, which stands at an impressive 12 meters and weighs 11 tonnes.
The beach holds many a found memory from people of all ages around wales. My father-in-law speaks fondly of his trips to the beach on the bus from the Rhondda.
New gardens, mini golf, a new splash park and the Front Restaurant and all attractions that make Aberavon a much visited location for many welsh families.
Nautical Products Available at Lush and Tidy
Why not visit our Beach Life section and add bring some sunshine in doors with our range of nautical products. Beach Life
