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Aberafan Margam Sands is a long sandy beach located near the town of Port Talbot, offering a unique blend of industrial and natural landscapes.
Aberafan Margam Sands is a long sandy beach situated to the south of Port Talbot. The beach is overlooked by a large steel works at its northern end, but as you move south, the surroundings transition to moorland, dunes, and the Kenfig Nature Reserve.
The beach presents a study in contrasts, with industrial influences in the north giving way to a more pristine natural landscape in the south. The southern section of the beach borders ecologically significant areas with diverse coastal wildlife, including rabbits, shorebirds, and foxes. The beach serves as an important feeding ground for wading birds, particularly during winter months.
Margam Sands experiences dramatic tidal variations, with the beach expanding significantly at low tide and reducing considerably at high tide. Visitors should check local tide tables before visiting. Unlike some nearby beaches, Margam Sands offers minimal facilities, with no permanent toilets, cafes, or lifeguard services. Visitors should come prepared with water, snacks, and other necessities.
The beach remains relatively quiet, even during peak summer periods, and is dog-friendly throughout the year. The wide open spaces make it perfect for energetic dogs, though owners should keep pets under control near sensitive dune areas and wildlife habitats. Limited designated parking areas are available, with the main access point located off Harbour Way. Alternative access is available via the Wales Coastal Path.
Harbour Sand
Today | ![]() |
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Chance of rain | 58% |
Max temp. | 20°C |
(feels like | 20°C) |
Wind 11mph | ![]() |
Max UV Index | ![]() |
Tonight | ![]() |
---|---|
Chance of rain | 42% |
Min temp. | 18°C |
(feels like | 18°C) |
Wind 4mph | ![]() |
The tide at Aberafan Margam Sands is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 5:26 PM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 12:01 AM tomorrow.
Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low
Approximate sea surface temperature:
18.5°C
Parking available towards the southern end of the beach.
There are seasonal restrictions at Aberavon: https://www.npt.gov.uk/PDF/DogExclusionZone.pdf
No information available
Water quality not measured here
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Margam Park (1.9 miles)
Go Ape (2.1 miles)
The Margam Ghost Walk (2.2 miles)
Kenfig National Nature Reserve (2.9 miles)
Baked Bean Museum of Excellence (3.7 miles)
Adventures Activity Centre (4.5 miles)
Porthcawl Surf School (4.7 miles)
Porthcawl Museum (5.6 miles)
All distances are approximate
around 4 miles south-southeast as the seagull flies, around 10 miles by road.
around 6 miles southeast as the seagull flies, around 10 miles by road.
around 6 miles southeast as the seagull flies, around 11 miles by road.
around 8 miles southeast as the seagull flies, around 16 miles by road.
around 10 miles southeast as the seagull flies, around 16 miles by road.
around 4 miles northwest as the seagull flies, around 7 miles by road.
around 9 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 15 miles by road.
around 8 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 15 miles by road.
Location: Cwrt-y-defaid
Location type: Village
Nearest village: Eglwys Nunydd
OS Grid: SS771846
Country: Wales
Local Authority: Neath Port Talbot
Parish: Margam Moors
Nearest postcode: SA13 2NT
(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)
Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.
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