Yahoo News The best 16 places to watch a sunset in Wales
Wales is absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic views, and no matter what town or city you live in across the country, you will find breath taking beauty on your doorstep - whether it is the sight of amazing beaches or beautiful green landscapes.
Summer solstice is being marked on Thursday, June 20, the moment when one of earth's poles has its maximum tilt toward the sun, and has been culturally important since the Neolithic era. It takes place at 9.50pm, and many people will be heading outdoors this evening to find the perfect vantage point to see the moment happen in front of their very eyes.
Here, we've put together a guide of just some of the most stunning spots in Wales for sunsets, which offer the perfect spot to mark midsummer, which is the longest day and shortest night of the year. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
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1. Barry Island
One of Wales's most well-known seaside destinations, Barry Island offers the perfect spot to pick a perfect spot on the beach or promenade and enjoy expansive views of the sunset. You might not be able to see as far over the channel as it gets darker but what you can see from the headland will be the beach and sea illuminated beautifully.
2. Oxwich Bay, Gower
Oxwich Bay is one of Gower's most popular beaches, with two and half miles of golden sand backed by sand dunes, salt marshes and woodland. And it's also a fantastic spot to take in the sunset. It is also dog friendly, with canine companions allowed on the beach all year, so you can take them along to enjoy the moment with you.
3. Barmouth Bridge
Barmouth Bridge is the longest timber viaduct in Wales and one of the oldest in regular use in Britain. Located in Gwynedd, it is a stunning sight to see as the sun comes down. With the shallow waters offering the perfect canvas for a reflected setting sun, it's not a bad view at all. There's even a little chippy nearby if you want to spoil yourself.
4. Cardiff Bay barrage
The Barrage embankment is situated in a stunning maritime setting and offers spectacular views over Cardiff Bay and the Severn Estuary. There's water, gorgeous skies and a relaxing atmosphere, especially at sunset.
5. Caernarfon Castle
A fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont, Edward I and his military architect Master James of St George erected Caernarfon Castle, town walls and a quay all at the same time, in what took 47 years to build. It offers a perfect historic setting to enjoy the sight of a sunset.
6. Dylan's, Criccieth
One of the two Dylan's restaurants set near the water. And they both offer stunning views so either one is a great place for a meal at sunset.
7. Rok Restaurant and The Lighthouse, Swansea
You could just as easily be gazing out over the Mediterranean, but it's actually Bracelet Bay in Swansea that Rok and The Lighthouse looks over. The restaurant is a great place to watch the sun go down from the comfort of your dining table with a glass of wine and a good meal.
8. Aberystwyth seafront
While you can take in the view from the seafront, Baravin is a great place on the promenade with great views of Cardigan Bay, the restaurant serves up some fantastic views with it's pizzas, grills, craft beers and cocktails. And it's open until late so you'll never miss that sunset.
9. Lan y Mor, Saundersfoot
The restaurant is in a beautiful setting, bordering the golden sands of Coppet Hall beach, offering a stunning place to enjoy the menu filled with locally caught or reared produce, and take in the sunset.
Or why not camp out on the beach itself after a dip in the crystal waters?
10. Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan
There's a rich history around this rocky beach, so basking in the sunset can be quite a poignant experience. This beach is a great place to fossil hunt and has some of the best rock pools along the coast. It has a great sandy beach, large car park and visitor facilities.
11. The Hanbury Arms, Caerleon
This is the perfect place to relax with a pint, looking over the Usk in the quaint village of Caerleon. Great for summer evenings. It is particularly popular on a summer’s afternoon, as the pub has a huge beer garden boasting views over the river and Caerleon Bridge.
12. Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay
A stones throw away from the sea and the stunning beach of Porth Eirias lies Bryn Williams' bistro. This restaurant is close to the sea and its windows are massive, so you'll definitely spot a sunset worthy of Instagram outside while you're tucking into some of the seasonal dishes on offer.
13. Kenfig Nature Reserve
This nature reserve near Porthcawl is one of Wales' top sand-dune reserves. And with all the plants, birds and insects that depend on this type of coastal habitat, seeing the wildlife at sunset is a great way to get in touch with nature.
14. Swansea Bay
Gorgeous in the day, even better at dusk. Central and easy to get to, Swansea Bay is just minutes away from the heart of the city centre. It’s also a Watersports Centre of Excellence.
15. Pontmeirion, Gwynedd
This stunning Welsh village offers plenty to see, but there's not much that can best a top quality meal overlooking the water as the sun goes down. And that's exactly what the restaurant at the Portmeirion Hotel offers.
16. Rhossili Bay
Rhossili Bay is an iconic destination with dramatic, panoramic views and good walking opportunities, and there's not many places better to watch the sun set. It is the first beach to be awarded Britain’s Best Beach by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice for the second year running, not to mention the third best beach in Europe and ninth best in the world.
