hideaway

Nestled in the southwest of Wales is a true hidden gem of a beach with beautiful and picturesque views – and it was once home to criminal smugglers hiding their loot in the caves

This idyllic beach in New Quay, Wales, is the perfect scenic beach stop – but it was once home to criminals taking advantage of the picturesque location.

Cwmtydu Beach, also known as “Seals Bay,” is a small cove in the southwest, surrounded by cliffs and caves. It’s known for its views There are small caves cut into the cliffs, where French brandy and precious salt were hidden until they could safely be taken inland on horseback after being smuggled in.

The cliffs are also topped by a National Trust trail which is a great place for a walk taking in the views across Cardigan Bay, and the beach is dog friendly all year round. The beach is made up of soft pebbles and you will also find a great collection of rock pools. Fishing is also a popular activity with species such as flounder, plaice, dogfish, bass and gurnard in the waters.

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The nickname Seals Bay comes from the resident seals that live in the waters, with a population of around 5,000 in the west part of Wales. You may also spot a bottlenose dolphin if you are lucky, that are sometimes found in the waters of Cardigan Bay.

There is also an old lime kiln on the beach that has been restored, and was originally used to burn limestone, brought by boat from Pembrokeshire and Cornwall, for use by farmers as fertiliser for crops grown in the area.

North of Cwmtydu also lies Castell Bach with the remains of a third century BC iron age fort. A spokesperson for Visit Ceredigion said: “Cwmtydu is a small cove that was once a harbour used as a traditional smugglers’ hideaway.

“Surrounded by cliffs and caves that were once used to hide French brandy and precious salt until they could safely be taken inland on horseback. The caves and rocks are known locally for being a favourite haunt of seals.”

Wales is home to a number of hidden gem beaches, including this sandy paradise that’s hailed as “one of Ceredigion’s best-kept secrets.” Penbryn Beach stretches for a mile through a picturesque cove, accessible via woodland paths through a fern-covered valley under National Trust stewardship, reports Wales Online.

This pristine coastline sits nestled between dune systems and dramatic clifftops, positioned between the more celebrated destinations of Llangrannog and Tresaith. Whilst it may lack the recognition of busier beaches, Penbryn has previously earned acclaim as amongst Britain’s finest.

The Telegraph featured this stunning location in their compilation of the nation’s 20 ‘greatest beaches’, with charming Penbryn securing a coveted spot.

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THIS is officially Love Island’s sauciest season for nearly a decade, with crew forced to take action on behalf of frisky cast.

It comes after Islanders coined a new term for one sex act based on footballer Andy Carroll.

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For the first time since 2016, production took the step of ordering in more condoms to ensure there was protection available.

They took action after it became apparent this year’s cast were keen to get hands on.

A source said: “It’s been a long while since there’s been as much action in the bedroom as this year.

“When Harry and Helena went into the Hideaway just 56 hours into the series it set the ball rolling and it’s been a particularly feral year.

“There’s been duvet tents most nights.

“Obviously duty of care is paramount so producers stocked up on condoms to ensure there were enough for the run.”

Viewers were shocked when the ITV2 dating show aired scenes of randy Harrison Solomon asking Harry Cookseley, who slept in the next bed, to pass him a condom in the middle of the night.

Harrison slept with Lauren Wood twice before she lost her place in a vote and he followed her out.

But others have gone all the way too, including girlfriend and boyfriend Meg Moore and Dejon Williams.

As part of their duty of care process, ITV are careful what they air and usually wait for the Islanders to consent to sex scenes being screened.

The girls admitted to performing “Handy Carolls” on their boys, though, in cheeky new terminology.

But ex-Islander Mitch Taylor told the Sun he was put off going all the way in the villa during his 2023 series because of show procedure.

He said: “Even if you shuffled about it in bed a bit, you’d go to the beach hut the next day and production are going ‘did you wear a condom?’

“It’s like instant production c*ckblock for me, the next day production asking 21 questions.

“That killed it for me to be honest.”

Fans have always considered Love Island’s 2016 series its sauciest year, when Alex Bowen and now wife Olivia plus Zara Holland, Terry Walsh and Emma Jane Woodhams set the screen alight.

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Love Island fans hit out at Megan and Conor’s actions as the Irish duo left their current partners to share a night together in the Hideaway following their kiss on the Terrace

Love Island fans were left unimpressed as Irish duo Megan and Conor went for a cosy getaway in the hideaway. Despite not being coupled up, the duo are growing closer following a sneaky kiss on the terrace while Conor’s partner Emily was away from the villa.

After returning, Emily wanted clear the air talks with her man and headed to the Snug for a chat. There, however, he told her about his kiss with Megan.

Speaking of his actions, Emily said: “That’s quite intense… I thought Megan was more into Tommy to the point where she wouldn’t have done that…”

And in an honest confession, Conor told her: “My head has been with her [Megan].” Emily replied: “I wouldn’t have cared about the kiss…the words ‘while you were away my head was with her’ pushes me out of the equation.”

And later that evening, Conor told Emily that he and Megan will be spending the night together in the Hideaway. Megan and Conor then shared a kiss in and Conor went as far as giving Megan his bracelet.

His actions upset fans online, with one user on Twitter /X saying: “Conor didn’t care one bit about dumping Emily. She basically did it without him asking.” Another fumed: “OMG not Megan and Conor going to the hideaway MINUTES after dumping Emily and Tommy.”

While speaking to Tommy and Harry and the bathroom, Emily said: “I don’t expect anything from him, but from her [Megan], I would’ve expected more.”

The next day, Tommy and Emily caught up by the mini Firepit, as he told her: “I don’t know why I’ve been moving so closed off,” before Emily told him: “Now is your time to shine darling.”

Elsewhere, tensions in the villa have reached an all-time high as not one but two couples split after the fallout from unexpected Sleepover. Yasmin found herself hit with a difficult truth when Ben finally admits that his feelings have cooled.

After pulling his partner for a chat, Ben said directly: “I feel like we went from 0 to 100 real quick and I’m going to be taking a step back.”

The timing of Ben’s confession is particularly brutal, coming just one night after fans were left speculating about what may have happened between the two under the covers. Yasmin, unaware of his growing doubts, could be blindsided by the sudden change in tone.

Love Island continues tomorrow at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX

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