Four amazing spots in Wales named as the best places to live by the sea in the UK

For those harbouring dreams of waking up to the sight of the sea, sandy beaches and charming harbours- these four Welsh locations could be the perfect places for you to build a new life by the coast.

The Sunday Times has curated a list of some of the top seaside places to live in the UK, featuring several of Wales' most cherished locations. While some of these might be more recognised as holiday hotspots, the newspaper has considered factors such as property prices, local amenities and historical significance to compile a list of Britain's finest coastal towns and villages.

Seaside towns typically have lower pollution levels.. Not to mention the slower pace of life that often comes with living by the sea- so now definitely seems like an appealing time to make the move. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter

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However, those aspiring to enjoy the holiday lifestyle throughout the year should be prepared to pay a premium, with the newspaper citing data from Savills estate agency that properties within 100m of the coast are priced on average over 20% higher than similar inland properties.

In addition, with second homes becoming a significant issue in certain parts of Wales, prospective buyers may face increased council tax premiums and a deserted town for several months each year. Until April 2023, for instance, second homeowners in Gwynedd were charged 100% extra - or double - the standard council tax rate. This then escalated to 150%.

The fee was introduced after tourist hotspots including Abersoch on the Llyn peninsula saw the rising price of houses driven by people looking for second homes, in turn making it difficult for people to buy homes in the area. See more on the issue here. But for people willing to pay a bit extra to chase the coastal lifestyle, then some of these options may be a good place to start, according to The Sunday Times.

1. Penarth

Just five miles from Cardiff, the smart town of Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan is described as "a place for those who like to get outdoors while keeping the city close at hand". Whether it be mooching through the independent shops and cafes, dining out at Michelin-starred restaurants, or taking a walk down the pier for a seaside staple of fish and chips, Penarth could be a great stop-gap for those looking for leafy surroundings with the city just 15 minutes away by train.

But a home here won't come cheap with the average house prices reported as being around £418,000. For those with money to spare, the newspaper says Marine Parade is the address to look out for.

Just set back from the sea, the street was owned by 19th century shipping tycoons who built imposing mansions so they could watch their ships returning to port. These go for around £2m in today's market.

2. Tenby

Tenby, with its colourful Georgian houses, harbour and castle walls, is one of Wales' most popular coastal holiday destinations. It's no surprise that it has been named one of the best coastal towns in Wales to live in, with many people dreaming of living there all year round.

Whether it's lounging on one of the town's three beaches, enjoying an afternoon in a fantastic beer garden, or watching the world go by from a cafe as half of Wales descends on the town on a sunny day, it's easy to envisage a life in Tenby. However, according to The Times, Tenby's popularity extends beyond "sand castles and eye-candy".

"There's something for everyone and so much to do, which is why it's always such a coveted place to live," Carol Peett, owner of West Wales Property Finders, told the newspaper. But for those seeking a quieter coastal retreat, some parts of Tenby may not be ideal, especially during peak months when the cobbled streets within the castle walls can get very busy. Average house prices in what must be one of Wales' most desirable areas are around £376,500, but can rise to over £1m for the grandest townhouses. You can read more about Tenby, here.

3. Barmouth

Barmouth, a seaside town in Gwynedd, offers an unparalleled backdrop where sandy beaches meet the stunning landscape of Snowdonia. The town is marked by the impressive viaduct that spans the Mawddach estuary, making it an ideal location for those seeking easy access to Wales' highest peaks and serene seas.

From dolphin spotting in Cardigan Bay to hiking up Snowdon, Barmouth could be the perfect place to settle down and immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Wales. The town also celebrates its history as a popular tourist destination, complete with arcades and candy floss stands, while offering much more beyond that.

Those considering setting up home amidst some of Wales' most remarkable features should expect to pay more than the cost of caravans on the esteemed local campsites, with the average house price in the area around £310,000. As Barmouth is located in Gwynedd, potential homeowners should also consider the possible increase in council tax if purchasing a second property.

4. Solva

Solva, one of Wales' most prestigious villages, continues to attract attention for its charm and community spirit. Nestled in the depths of west Wales, this idyllic village offers a slower pace of life amidst a vibrant local community.

With just over 600 residents, newcomers will quickly become acquainted with the scenic beauty that Solva provides. The Times, in January 2023, described Solva as being "popular with the posh fashion crowd who can do without the crush in Cornwall". It also made it onto Condé Nast Traveller’s list of the UK’s 20 most beautiful towns and villages in September, 2023. You can read more about that, here.

The village features a lengthy harbour that stretches from the village's grey sands to the open sea, while traditional lime kilns and fishing boats serve as a reminder of Solva's enduring role as a working harbour.

For those looking to move to Solva, the property options range from quaint riverside cottages in the lower part of the village to more contemporary homes in Upper Solva, where TV personality Carol Vorderman is among the residents. On average, purchasing a home here could cost around £335,000.