If you fancy a change from your usual beach, then this could be just what you're looking for. It's got nothing like the profile of Wales' most popular beaches but is an absolute gem. Thanks to the relative difficulty of accessing it, it's rarely busy so you should be able to take your pick of perfect spots to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
You can only reach the beach at Monknash on foot, by walking down a footpath through woodland beside a stream called Nash Brook. Even before you reach the woodland, you'll need to walk a little while down a narrow country lane, having parked in a farmer's field (charges apply — there's an honesty box) or further away at the nearest pub (more on the pub later).
So while the walk can be a bit of a challenge for those of you carrying or pushing small children, you'll realise the effort was worth it when the beach opens up in front of you with a dramatic cliff backdrop. It's part of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, and there are rocks and rock pools as well as wide open golden sands when the tide is out. You can see our pick of the 40 best beaches in Wales here.
Read more: The tiny Welsh beach with its own 'world class' pub that's well worth the drive
Google reviews of the beach are glowing. Kailee Carella wrote "when the tide is out there is a large sandy beach, and the cliffs make for a spectacular backdrop to your sunbathing" while others praised the "amazing cliffs" and "beautiful scenery".
And once you've had your fill of the fresh air, you can head to one of the finest pubs in Wales, the Plough and Harrow, for a well-earned drink or meal. The pub dates back to the 14th century and is everything you want in a traditional country inn. It's open every day and serves really good food and a wide selection of drinks and guest ales. Inside, its low ceilings and open fireplace make it really cosy, and there's a good-sized beer garden outside to get more sun. The pub also has cottages you can hire, which you can read more about here. You can see our pick of the 50 best pubs in Wales here.
Visitors reviewing the pub on TripAdvisor give it glowing reviews. Roger Crigg wrote: "This pub is a perfect example of a really welcoming and first class pub serving an excellent range of well kept real ales. Those who operate the so-called gastro pubs should visit the Plough & Harrow to see how pubs were always meant to be."
Another wrote: "What a gem of a pub. Extremely friendly staff and a great selection of beers. Highly recommend. Great walks in the area" while another visitor said: "Such a friendly pub with great food for adults and kids alike. Staff were helpful, cheery and friendly. One of our party has not stopped talking about the steak pie since he got home."
How to get to Monknash beach and where to park
To park in the nearest car park, a field opposite a working farm with an honesty box, you need to head from the village of Monknash and follow the country lane that goes past the Plough and Harrow. The field will be on your left 0.6 miles down the road (a two-minute drive). Don't go any further as it's hard to turn around and there is a private home at the end of the lane. From the car park continue on foot down the same lane you were driving down to the very end, where you'll see a gate and little wall you'll need to get over. That takes you to the footpath which leads all the way to the beach (it's around a 15-minute walk).
What's on the menu at the Plough and Harrow?
Here are some example meals from the Plough and Harrow menu. The bar is open from 12pm till late and food is served from 12-4 on weekdays and Sundays and from 12-8pm on Saturdays.
- Traditional lamb cawl with crusty bread £13.95
- Salmon, prawn and dill fish cake with chilli, lime mayonnaise £13.50
- Plough and Harrow’s gourmet beef burger served with tomato, gherkin, lettuce, and chips £13.50
- Plough and Harrow’s gourmet lentil and spinach burger served with tomato, gherkin, lettuce, and chips £13.50
- Chef’s homemade pie of the day served with chips and garden peas £14.95
- Homemade authentic chicken curry served with chips/rice, popadom and mango chutney £13.95
