A stunning Welsh town, far removed from the chaos of some of the country's busier coastal resorts, has been crowned the finest seaside destination in the UK.

When thoughts turn to the Welsh coastline, many will recall fond childhood memories of Pembrokeshire's Saundersfoot, sun-soaked days amid the vibrant colours of Tenby, or the breathtaking cliffs of Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula.

As magnificent as each of these coastal gems undoubtedly are, one lesser-known destination has recently been awarded the ultimate accolade.

In a comprehensive roundup of the UK's finest seaside towns, New Quay in Ceredigion claimed the coveted top spot.

"Victorian terraced houses tumble down to New Quay's main sandy bay, which is typically dotted with kayaks, sailboats, paddleboards, and families building sandcastles. But if a wilder beach sounds more like it, then Traeth Gwyn Beach and Cei Bach Beach are just the thing," the rankings from Holiday Cars enthused.

"New Quay is a small but buzzy town, yet not completely overrun with tourists, so it's a happy medium for those who seek relaxation but not isolation. The harbour is a popular boat trip jumping-off point, with sailboats taking visitors out on dolphin-spotting, seal-spotting, and fishing trips. Days end with spectacular over-the-water sunsets and, of course, fish and chips."

Cardigan Bay, where New Quay is located, hosts the largest population of resident bottlenose dolphins in the UK, with sightings from the harbour wall virtually certain during summer months. The bay has also been designated a Special Area of Conservation, with the Marine Wildlife Centre offering boat trips where visitors may additionally encounter harbour porpoises, Atlantic grey seals, and seasonal arrivals including giant sunfish, leatherback turtles, and basking sharks.

New Quay boasts three distinctly different beaches. Harbour Beach is a Blue Flag award-winning beach featuring fine sand and a designated safe swimming zone, favoured by families; Traeth Gwyn is another Blue Flag beach perfect for sunbathing and building sandcastles; while Cei Bach provides a more protected option, according to Discover Ceredigion.

The town represents the halfway point of the Wales Coast Path, the world's first trail to trace an entire nation's coastline. It provides stunning hiking routes extending both north towards Aberaeron and south to Aberporth, writes ALONG DUSTY ROADS.

Unsurprisingly, Wales' most celebrated poetic figure, Dylan Thomas, regularly visited New Quay. He resided in the town during 1944/45, amongst the most productive phases of his literary career. It's believed to have influenced his renowned play Under Milk Wood, and visitors can explore the Dylan Thomas Trail throughout the town, according to Visit Mid Wales. The New Quay Honey Farm is a charming and distinctive local attraction, where millions of bees produce honey from a vast array of flowers. Visitors can also enjoy a 'Bees Behind Glass' exhibition, browse the on-site shop, and indulge in homemade honey treats at the café.

The top 20 best seaside towns in the UK

1. New Quay, Ceredigion, Wales – Victorian terraced houses tumble down to a sandy bay dotted with kayaks and sailboats, with dolphin-spotting boat trips and spectacular sunsets from the harbour.
2. North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland – A 30-minute train from Edinburgh, this artsy coastal retreat boasts vast windswept beaches, ultra-fresh seafood, independent shops, and even its own Fringe festival.
3. Looe, Cornwall, England – A picturesque working harbour, sun-soaked sandy beach, lively promenade, watersports, fresh seafood, and independent boutiques make this a firm Cornish favourite.
4. Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire, England – A classic old English fishing village of steep narrow streets, honey-coloured cottages, brooding cliffs, and excellent pubs tumbling down to a sheltered bay.
5. Barmouth, Gwynedd, Wales – A lively seaside town backed by soaring limestone hills, offering hiking trails, estuary views, and the unique spectacle of a mountain visible from the beach.
6. Lyme Regis, Dorset, England – Pastel beach huts, fish and chips, and fossil hunting along the stunning Jurassic Coast, with a nature reserve and prehistoric museum to boot.
7. Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland – Skye's surprisingly cosmopolitan main town features a colourful harbour, artisan bakeries, handicraft shops, and easy access to iconic landscapes like the Old Man of Storr.
8. Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales – Technicolour cottages, a working harbour, maze-like streets, top restaurants, and three Blue Flag beaches make this Wales's most beloved seaside town.
9. Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland – A deep sandy beach, world-class golf, Dunluce Castle, a fun park, and the Giant's Causeway just 15 minutes away make this Northern Ireland's coastal gem.
10. Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland – A colourful waterfront town with a whisky distillery, fresh seafood, an arts centre, a lighthouse walk, and sailboat trips to spot sharks and whales.
11. Weymouth, Dorset, England – Golden sands lined with colourful beach huts, Georgian architecture, a pretty harbour, and easy access to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove on the Jurassic Coast.
12. Cullen, Moray, Scotland – A quiet, crescent-beached town on the least-visited stretch of Scottish coast, with clifftop walks, dolphin spotting, and blissfully uncrowded beaches.
13. Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland – On Ireland's northeastern tip, this charming harbour town offers windswept beach walks, fresh fish and chips, and boat trips to puffin-filled Rathlin Island.
14. Broadstairs, Kent, England – A Victorian beach town with seven golden bays, chalk cliff backdrops, surfing, dog-friendly beaches, and classic seaside arcades and fish and chip shops.
15. Bamburgh, Northumberland, England – A sweeping flat beach, an 11th-century castle rising from basalt rock, seal colonies, and boat trips to the Farne Islands define this stunning Northumberland village.
16. Staithes, Yorkshire, England – A peaceful fishing village of narrow alleyways, cosy pubs, art galleries, and coastal paths, just 10 miles from Whitby and steeped in Captain Cook history.
17. Rye, East Sussex, England – A medieval hilltop town with ancient pubs, 14th-century monasteries, and the stunning soft-sand dunes of Camber Sands just a short drive or riverside walk away.
18. Trearddur Bay, Anglesey, Wales – A quiet, off-the-beaten-path Welsh village with a beautiful beach, a sheltered yacht cove, and a dramatic lighthouse walk at South Stack Island.
19. Dartmouth, Devon, England – A refined waterfront town on the River Dart with exquisite seafood, historic pubs, fishing boat views, and the South West Coast Path on the doorstep.
20. St Andrews, Fife, Scotland – A mini-Edinburgh on the Fife coast, blending gothic architecture, galleries, student life, historic sights, and world-famous coastal golf courses.