Aberavon beach has 3 miles of sandy beach and the seafront has two miles of flat promenade making it very popular with cyclists and walkers alike.
The wide sandy beach has views across Swansea Bay to Mumbles. The beach has plenty of room for everyone to have fun safely, without getting in anyone’s way. It is very popular with surfers, jet skiers, windsurfers and kite surfers. It is also safe for swimming, kayaking and boating.
Aberavon Seafront is a wonderful destination for a great family day out, even in the cold…On a hot day the safe sandy beach is a haven for hundreds of people enjoying either swimming in the sea or the aqua splash play pool, which is conveniently located on the promenade and is a great draw for the kids.
The promenade
This is a two-mile section with a clearly identified cycle path. This can be very busy during the summer season. The promenade is part of the “Sustrans” Route 4 which is a long distance route between London and Fishguard. The route offers excellent views across Swansea bay.
The Beach
Aberavon beach is essentially split in two by a 900 ft pier, the original wooden pier was built in 1898, this was lost 1962 due to severe gales and the poor state it was in. This pier was replaced by the current concrete and jackstone one. Now only used as a breakwater for the river Afan. To the North of the pier there is a two mile stretch of sand which runs from the pier to the mouth of the River Neath. Care needs to be taken at the North end of the beach where it meets the River Neath as the tides mean that areas can flood quite quickly. The North side of the pier is extremely popular with Surfers as the waves can be quite big. This section of the beach is covered by a Port Talbot council Bylaw which prohibits dogs on the beach between certain periods of the year. This a bylaw in place from the 1st May through to the 30th September which prohibits dogs on the beach and requires all dogs to be on a lead at all times on the promenade. Detail can be found here on the NPT website. https://www.npt.gov.uk/1758
To South side of the pier is quite sheltered and the waves this side of the pier make this beach quite popular with families. This is also the easiest side to launch kayaks.
This beach is where the mouth of the River Afan sits, this river was redirected in the 1800s when Port Talbot docks was established. The river flows from the Afan Valley to the sea. It starts its journey at the Village of Cymmer where the rivers Corrwg and Gwynfi meet. This river then joins with the river Pelenna at Pontrhydyfen.
Whale Park
This is a great area for young children to play safely, the play sculptures provide an imaginative play area for the younger children
Sunken beach shingle gardens
This peaceful area provides shelter from the sea breeze, the area has seating and is easily accessible by all via gently sloping entrances.
Open spaces
There are several grassed areas along the promenade offering the opportunity to relax in the sun or play games with the younger ones.
There are several places along the sea front which serve food and refreshments.
RNLI and Coast guard stations.
Aberavon beach has both RNLI support and HM Coastguard support. The Aberavon RNLI website has detail on local tides and weather forecasts.
This is an excellent place to rest your feet, enjoy a coffe, ice cream and take in the stunning views across Swansea bay.
Splash zone
This area is extremely busy during the summer season, with first class splash pools for the younger children.
This mini golf course features wrecked pirate galleons, treasure chest obstacles and many other sea faring items. There is also a kiosk on the site offering tea, coffee, ice cream soft drinks and snack.
Children’s play area
This area has swings, zip wire, multiple slides and climbing frames, this park is aimed at older children
Just a short stroll away from the splash zone you will find Franco’s fish bar. Franco’s have been situated on Aberavon seafront since the early 1970’s. Franco’s has been expanded over the last few years with inside and outside seating added. The restaurant again offers first class views across Swansea bay.
Toddler play area
This area offers a safe area for your toddlers to play. It has swings a small slide and climbing frame, This park is aimed at toddlers only.
Skateboard park
This area is for older children, it has multiple skateboard ramps to stretch the older child.
Gelato Gatti Ice cream parlour
Gelato Gatti opened on June 2012 serving home-made ice-creams, which includes flavours such as Turkish delight, bubblegum, mint chocolate, peanut butter, rum and raisin, chocolate , mojito, jelly bean, tiramisu and jam doughnut.
