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Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
The best beach cafés in Wales for ocean views and a proper brew
The best beach cafés in Wales for ocean views and a proper brew We've got some lovely cafes dotted along the shoreline here in Wales Here are some of our top picks for beach cafes you need to visit while the sun's out. (Image: Getty ) Wales is set to experience a heatwave this week, with the Met Office predicting temperatures of up to 30°C. So, what better time to hit the beach and soak up the views in a lush cafe? Wales' craggy coastline is among the most beautiful in the world and boasts a vast range of sandy shores, secluded bays, and pebble-strewn beaches with clear waters ideal for swimming. We've also got some lovely cafes dotted along the shoreline here, where you can enjoy a brew with glorious sea views. Here are some of our top picks for beach cafes you need to visit while the sun's out. Rest Bay Cafe Bar, Rest Bay The view from the Rest Bay Café Bar is fabulous (Image: Portia Jones ) Rest Bay is a super popular beach for walking, surfing, family beach days, and cold-water dips. Here, you'll find the glass-fronted Rest Bay Cafe Bar situated in a commanding position overlooking the shoreline. Sit on the balcony with a brew or a wine and watch the waves roll in. Article continues below Hungry? Breakfast is served until 11.30am and includes' Eggs Surfer'—poached eggs, granary toast, guacamole and salsa, pancake stacks, and granola bowls. For lunch, there are sandwiches, jacket potatoes, burgers and more. Surfside Cafe, Langland Langland Bay, a safe and sandy beach fringed by attractive beach huts and limestone cliffs, is a favourite with families and paddleboarders. (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) Langland Bay, a safe and sandy beach fringed by attractive beach huts and limestone cliffs, is a favourite with families and paddleboarders. The curved beach holds both Blue Flag and Seaside Awards and is one of the Gower Surfing hot spots, thanks to reliable surf conditions and decent breaks. Need refreshment? The promenade is lined with local cafes, where you can grab coffee and cake. Surfside Cafe is a great shout for filling toasties, bacon baps and salads with a view. Crwst Cafe, Poppit Sands Beach The bakery is next to the beach (Image: John Francis, Cardigan ) Largely sheltered from the prevailing southwesterly winds, this dreamy dune-backed sandy beach is a popular spot for windsurfing, kayaking, surfing, and wildlife watching. A large car park is next to this beach, featuring a Lifeboat station and the fabulous Crwst Cafe. Call in for delicious brioche doughnuts, Bay Roasters coffee, and Conti's Ice Cream. Bistro on the Bay, Pendine Sands For the best ocean view, head to the Bistro on the Bay (Image: Getty ) Pendine Sands, a seven-mile-long sandy beach, is perfect for long walks, sea swimming, or watching a land speed racing event. For the best ocean view, head to the Bistro on the Bay, the place to go. Perched right on the beachfront, this licensed Bistro serves breakfast, lunch, and evening meals and features evening entertainment, including cabaret nights. The small plate and tapas menu is full of tasty options, but the homemade leek and cheddar Glamorgan sausages served with rocket and sweet chilli jam, are a standout. Marcos Cafe, Barry Island Marco's Cafe can be found on the seafront on Barry Island (Image: VOG Tourism Image bank ) Thanks to its starring role in the beloved BBC series Gavin and Stacey, Marcos is a popular spot in Barry Island where you can follow in the footsteps of Gav and the gang with a steaming brew and a slice of cake. This Welsh-Italian family-owned cafe features outdoor seating right next to the beach, perfect for soaking up the lush 'Barrybados' views. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Caban Mwnt, Mwnt Beach Nearby, you'll find Caban Mwnt (Image: UGC ) Mwnt Beach is a gloriously secluded beach in the shadow of Mwnt's famous cliffs. It's one of several sites managed by the National Trust in the area. Nearby, you'll find Caban Mwnt, adorned with colourful buckets and spades, lolly and ice cream menus, and one of the greatest beach views. This family-owned cabin serves oozy cheese toasties, ice cream and freshly brewed coffee roasted at Tan-y-Groes' Cardigan Bay Roaster. Pilot House Café, Penmon Point A few paces from your cuppa, the beach rolls out in stony waves towards the black and white lighthouse. (Image: Portia Jones ) The delightfully off-beat Pilot House Cafe sits right on Penmon Point, Anglesey's wild southeast corner. Once a base for lighthouse pilots, it now serves cracking coffee with knockout views of Puffin Island and the lighthouse. A few paces from your cuppa, the beach rolls out in stony waves towards the black and white lighthouse. Wavecrest Cafe, Angle Bay West angle Bay (Image: PCNPA ) Located in Angle Bay, this cafe boasts a stunning beachside location, offering fantastic views over the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline and out to the open sea. Here, they serve locally sourced Welsh produce in a simple and unfussy style. Popular dishes include locally caught crab salad and smoked mackerel pâté. Caffi Porthor, Aberdaron The beautiful beach at Traeth Porthor, famous for its 'whistling sands' (Image: John Millar/National Trust Images ) Traeth Porthor is under the care of the National Trust, and there's a car park just a six-minute stroll from the beach. Here, you'll find Caffi Porthor, a seaside gem tucked beside the shimmering white sands of Porthor (also known as Whistling Sands) on the north side of the Llŷn Peninsula. Open for the sunny months, it's the perfect pit stop for beach ramblers looking for a brew with a view. Memo Beach Cafe, Port Talbot Aberavon beach (Image: Rob Browne ) Aberavon seafront is one of Wales' longest beaches and has a promenade that overlooks Swansea Bay. Along this sandy stretch you'll find a skate park and play areas with several cafes, restaurants, and pubs along the promenade. Independent Memo Beach Cafe is a popular, dog-friendly spot and is known for fantastic coffee, slushies, and ice cream. West Shore Beach Cafe, Llandudno Sunset at Llandudno's West Shore Beach (Image: Hadyn Iball / North Wales Live ) West Shore Beach in Llandudno is much quieter than the North Shore and is where you'll find home-cooked food just yards from the West Shore Beach in Llandudno, with views across the Bay to Anglesey and Puffin Island. Expect a decent mix of beach fare alongside Welsh favourites – using local ingredients as much as possible and supporting local suppliers. Lligwy Beach Cafe, Lligwy Beach Lovely Lligwy Beach has its very own cafe (Image: Lyndsay Jordan ) Lovely Lligwy Beach on Anglesey has its very own cafe, which The Guardian previously named as one of the top 10 beach cafes in the UK. Here, you'll find a tidy selection of pizzas, sandwiches, breakfast baps, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. Article continues below
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
The F-35, Mocked by Elon Musk, Finally Shows What It Can Do
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Back in November, fresh off the presidential election, Elon Musk took direct aim at the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Calling the $100 million-a-piece aircraft "obsolete" and a "jack of all trades, master of none," Musk argued that the future belonged to drones—not manned jets. "Manned fighter jets are outdated in the age of drones and only put pilots' lives at risk," he posted on X. But in June 2025, those same jets are proving Musk wrong. During Israel's ongoing offensive against Iran, F-35I Adir fighters—Israel's variant of the American-made stealth jet—have executed dozens of long-range strikes against fortified air defense systems, missile sites and nuclear facilities. Israeli officials say the aircraft flew deep into Iranian territory, encountered little resistance, and returned without a single recorded loss. The results were immediate and visible. According to the Israeli Air Force, their F-35s neutralized critical air defense assets and gave Israeli pilots air superiority over much of Iranian airspace—a feat that unmanned systems have yet to replicate. 'We Need Both' In interviews with Newsweek, defense experts said Musk's assertion doesn't hold up—Israel's strikes on Iran highlight exactly why manned stealth aircraft remain essential, even as drones reshape modern warfare. "Manned stealth aircraft are the most cost-effective way to achieve results against heavily defended adversaries," said retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula, who served as deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance at U.S. Air Force headquarters and is now dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. Deptula described Israel's deep-penetration raids—some stretching nearly 1,000 miles—as a blueprint for modern air campaigns. "These operations saw Israel's F-35s evade and dismantle Iran's Russian-supplied air defenses, and then go on to strike other key targets. That is far from easy and could not have been accomplished by today's drones," he said. An Israeli air force F-35 fighter lands during the "Blue Flag" multinational air defence exercise at the Ovda air force base, north of the Israeli city of Eilat, on October 24, 2021. An Israeli air force F-35 fighter lands during the "Blue Flag" multinational air defence exercise at the Ovda air force base, north of the Israeli city of Eilat, on October 24, 2021. Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), echoed that sentiment. "Those who suggest that uncrewed systems alone can replace what fighter aircraft do fundamentally do not understand what makes them such a flexible and potentially decisive military tool," Bronk told Newsweek. He added that unmanned systems, while useful for surveillance and saturation attacks, still lack the resilience and adaptability to execute complex, multi-layered strikes in contested airspace. "It's one thing to simulate uncrewed aircraft doing dogfighting in a clean, test environment," he said. "It's another to trust them in the electromagnetic chaos of modern combat, where jamming, deception, and dense airspace demand flexibility." The Human Factor Israel's strikes have included precision-guided bombs dropped on hardened targets such as the Natanz and Fordow nuclear enrichment sites. Defense analysts quickly noted the significance of using fifth-generation aircraft in such missions. "There's a significant difference between today's military operations and what might be possible in 10 or 15 years," said Guy Snodgrass, a former Navy fighter pilot and Pentagon strategist. "In today's world, manned stealth aircraft like Lockheed's F-35 are the premier tools. Their networked sensor suites, real-time battlefield awareness, and trained pilots make them unmatched for missions like these." Smoke rises from the building of Iran's state-run television after an Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran, Monday, June 16, 2025. Smoke rises from the building of Iran's state-run television after an Israeli strike in Tehran, Iran, Monday, June 16, 2025. AP Photo That's exactly what Israel's F-35s brought to the Iranian theater. Modified with extended-range fuel systems and armed with precision-guided munitions, the aircraft reached targets nearly 1,000 miles away. Israeli officials say the missions were executed without aerial refueling and with minimal radar detection—an outcome impossible without stealth and pilot-led adaptability. "The proof is there for all to see," said Deptula, the retired general. "No drone exists today—or will in the foreseeable future—that can do what we are witnessing Israeli Air Force F-35s accomplish on a daily basis. Drones are tools that facilitate the conduct of air warfare—they don't change the fundamental elements of air warfare." The Drone Revolution Still, Deptula is quick to note the drone revolution is very real—just not all-encompassing. Deptula said that Israeli forces have used small lethal drones to support their strike packages, especially in suppressing Iranian air defenses. "It's a great example of taking an effects-based approach," he said. "You match the tool to the mission." One of the clearest examples of how modern warfare is evolving came just weeks before Israel's air campaign began. In Eastern Europe, Ukraine launched "Operation Spiderweb" its most ambitious operation of the war against Russia—a sweeping drone and missile strike deep into Russian territory, damaging military infrastructure hundreds of miles from the front lines. The attack demonstrated an effective way to strike without putting costly assets like fighter jets at risk. Snodgrass sees a future where artificial intelligence and uncrewed systems play a bigger role—but not yet. "Unmanned aircraft will one day rule the skies," he said. "But current systems like the F-35 represent the pinnacle of what is on offer today and in the near future." A still image from footage of Operation Spiderweb published by Ukraine's security services. A still image from footage of Operation Spiderweb published by Ukraine's security services. SBU Bronk agreed. "Massed one-way drones are useful for disruption and suppression," he said, "but they don't replace precision strike aircraft—especially not when facing modern missile systems and electronic defenses." In a statement to Newsweek, a spokesperson for the defense giant Lockheed Martin, which makes the F-35, called it "combat proven." "Its ability to combine battlefield intelligence and technology and share it instantaneously across every domain—land, sea, air, space, cyber—gives it an overwhelming edge in capability over the alternatives," the spokesperson said. Whether that edge lasts another decade may depend on how quickly AI evolves, experts agree. For now, though, they say the skies over Iran offer a clear rebuttal to the idea that manned jets are already "relics of the past," as Musk has claimed.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'best place for camping holidays' has sandy beaches and huge nature reserve
The UK's best camping holiday spot has been revealed (Image: Getty Images) Brits planning camping holidays this summer have just been given a dose of staycation inspiration, as the UK's best camping and caravanning hotspot has been revealed. The campsite experts at scoured the UK and compared thousands of sites, based on reviews by holidaymakers in 2024. Topping the list was Lincolnshire, which had more 'gold status' campsites than any other UK county in the study. (Gold status is achieved when you have 10/10 reviews from guests). The Pitchup team explained: "Encompassing fens, marshes, wolds and coast, it's primarily known for agriculture, and great sausages. Located between Yorkshire to the north, East Anglia to the south and the Midlands to the west, it's an easy destination to reach from across large parts of the UK - and its eastern location means it enjoys more sunshine and drier weather than many counties." Lincolnshire has topped the rankings (Image: Pitchup) READ MORE: Little-known UK attraction named 'one of UK's best theme parks' despite no rides In fact, of the 26 sites that have 'gold status', four were in Lincolnshire. These were: It's not surprising to see that Lincolnshire is so popular, considering it boasts both spectacular countryside, and some of that gorgeous coast which the UK is renowned for. The Lincolnshire Wolds are particularly popular with families thanks to the plethora of beautiful towns, valleys and fun days out on offer. Home to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are countless cycling and hiking trails on offer whether you're after a challenging route or just want a scenic stroll with the family; routes such as The Lindsey Trail offer a variety of different options. As for days out? There's plenty to do whether you're on a romantic couple's holiday, want to do some exploring, or are looking for fun things to do with the kids. Highlights in the region include the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, Gunby Hall, Bolingbroke Castle and gorgeous areas such as the Red Hill Nature Reserve and Snipe Dales Country Park. READ MORE: Beautiful UK village is home to 'best hidden gem' with a Caribbean-worthy beach READ MORE: Europe's 'best value city' is stag and hen do hotspot with £22 Ryanair flights In the summer, if the British weather is being kind, then sun-seekers will have plenty of choice of sandy Blue Flag beaches (although be warned, during peak holiday seasons they can get busy as everyone flocks to the picturesque shores!). Skegness is arguably its most famous, with the nearby Butlin's resort, and its sandy beach with swim-friendly waters and plenty to see and do in the area for all ages. Meanwhile, Mablethorpe is also popular with holidaymakers for its soft sands, nearby fairground and amenities such as fish and chip shops. Sutton-on-Sea is another firm favourite with locals and visitors thanks to its golden sands, and classic British seaside offerings such as ice cream parlours and chippies. Meanwhile Cleethorpes beach usually impresses thanks to its long stretch of sand, paddle-friendly waters and variety of watersports on offer. There are also nearby shops and arcades, not to mention the beach itself boasts amenities such as a cafe. Have you got a travel story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
UK seaside town attracting 3.8m tourists branded 'rundown' despite beloved beach
Tourists have warned Brits 'not to bother' visiting a popular seaside town famed for its award-winning golden sands - but a £19.5m investment could soon turn things around A once roaring seaside town once crowned England's 'most beautiful' has been hit with a barrage of complaints. Situated on Yorkshire's idyllic coastline, and just a stone's throw from the stunning cliffs at Flamborough Head, lies the popular resort of Scarborough. The town, which has been welcoming holidaymakers since the 17th century, saw its popularity boom in 1845 after it welcomed its first railway line, connecting the historic city of York to the coast. Famed for its Blue Flag beaches, unique castle ruins, and world-class attractions including Alpamare Waterpark and Sealife centre - Scarborough ticks all of your coastal must-haves. Here, you'll find rows of flashing arcades, acclaimed fish and chip shops, and plenty of souvenir shops to pick up a stick of rock or two. According to Visit North Yorkshire, a whopping 3.8 million visitors flocked to the town in 2023. While this may seem an impressive figure, it actually marks a 6.7 per cent decrease compared to the year before. At the same time, it appears Scarborough's prestigious reputation has taken somewhat of a tumble. On TripAdvisor, the town has received a plethora of one-star reviews - with many arguing it has met its decline. "The town itself is littered with dog poop absolutely everywhere you walk," one traveller fumed back in 2024. "All you see is kebab shops, takeaways, and hairdressers amid the many many closed down shops and run-down areas. How can Scarborough be this run down and filthy when half an hour down the road is Bridlington - which is incredibly clean, tourist-focused, plenty of parking, lots of clean public toilets which were constantly being cleaned by an attendant?" Another person agreed, writing: "What has happened to Scarborough? We were saddened to see the amount of street litter and c***** shops-there was nothing good on offer except one little gem of a fossil shop on the way into town. Why did people stop caring about this place, and the locals that live there: why aren't they giving their council hell about the state of the town? It was almost like a dumping ground, we've never seen some much rubbish, including dead wild life on the street." Just two weeks ago, a third traveller penned: "Caught the bus from Whitby. It took an hour [and was a] pleasant journey. As soon as we got off of the bus wish we'd got back on. Scarborough [is] very tired and rough/ run down. We stayed an hour [then] walked to harbour and caught the bus back to Whitby." Despite the fierce criticism, there's no denying Scarborough's beaches are still worth the visit. The North Bay Beach has kept its Blue Flag status, making it one of the best in Europe for cleanliness both on the sand and in the water. "Unlike South Bay, most of the North Bay Beach is away from the road, with the chalet-lined promenade running from 'the corner' to the Sealife Centre," Visit Scarborough hailed. Back in March, North Yorkshire Council revealed almost £20 million of government funding had been allocated to Scarborough as part of a 10-year plan to transform the seaside resort. Over the next decade, £19.5 million will be pumped into the town to 'support regeneration, create job opportunities, and improve health and wellbeing across the town'. "The chance to use such a significant amount of funding in Scarborough will bring wide-ranging benefits not just for communities in the town, but also far wider across the region," hailed North Yorkshire Council's leader Carl Les. "Scarborough is one of our biggest towns here in North Yorkshire, and there is real potential to bring a new era for what is among the country's most popular seaside destinations. The fact that the scope of the Plan for Neighbourhoods has been broadened to the previous incarnation of the scheme gives us an even greater chance to transform Scarborough for residents, businesses and visitors." Previous public consultations, which reached more than 1,600 people, found key priorities included reviving the town centre to be cleaner and 'more attractive' as well as improving bus services and creating better public spaces. However, projects are not slated to be rolled out until spring next year.
Ya Biladi
12-06-2025
- Ya Biladi
Morocco leads Arab World with 33 Blue Flag certified beaches and marinas in 2025
The international Blue Flag label, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and represented in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, will fly over 28 beaches, one mountain lake, and four marinas in 2025. With 33 certified sites, Morocco ranks 21st globally out of 50 countries, making it the leading Arab nation and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations, according to a statement from the Foundation. All 27 beaches certified in 2024 have successfully renewed their Blue Flag status, reflecting the ongoing commitment of local authorities. Sol Beach, located in the Tangier-Assilah province, has been newly certified, bringing Morocco's total to 28 certified beaches for 2025. These include popular spots such as Oued Laou, Essaouira, Arekmane, El Haouzia, Sidi Rahal (4th phase), Bouznika, Ba Kacem, Mdiq, Rifienne, Sidi Ifni, Saïdia Municipal and West Tourist Station, Dalia, Achakar, Sol, Bedouza, Safi Municipal, Souiria Lakdima, Aglou, Imin Tourgha, Oum Labouir, Foum el Oued, Skhirate, Sidi Abed, Les Nations, Aïn Diab extension, Al Minaa, and East Marina Smir. In addition to the beaches, the mountain lake Aguelmam Azigza in Khenifra National Park has renewed its Blue Flag certification. Nestled between a majestic cliff and an ancient cedar forest, this gem of the Middle Atlas is Morocco's first natural lake to receive this recognition. Its development—supported by the Foundation and local authorities—includes improved hospitality, road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services. On the marina side, Tanja Marina Bay has become the fourth port site to earn the Blue Flag, joining Saïdia (2018), East Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceïma (2023). Opened in 2018 as part of Tangier port's redevelopment, it is now Morocco's largest marina, offering 1,400 berths. All Blue Flag-certified beaches participate in the Clean Beaches program, which involves 68 local authorities each summer, supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities, 25 economic partners, and over 100 local associations working together. For the 2025 edition, 45 beaches submitted applications, highlighting the growing enthusiasm among coastal municipalities for this label, which is recognized for promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing local territories.
