A Local Guide To The Best Beaches in North Wales 

Beaches and holidays are like Welsh cakes and butter — they simply go hand in hand. However, beaches aren’t always the first thing you think of when Wales is mentioned. But we want to change this. 

The beaches in North Wales are nothing short of spectacular. With dramatic cliffs, sandy shores, and sweeping bays, this part of the British coastline is awe-inspiring. Whether you want to put your walking boots to use or learn to surf, North Wales is home to beaches that cater to all appetites. 

Journey through the highlights with us and start planning your bespoke adventure. Keep reading to learn more about the best beaches in North Wales.

Newborough – Llanddwyn Beach

Traeth Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Beach) is a long beach on the southern tip of Anglesey Island. 

This is a name to note if you’re keen to visit a sandy beach. Instead of pebbles, you’ll find fine golden sands fringed with lush grasses and the Newborough National Nature Reserve. 

On clear days, you’ll even be able to admire Snowdonia National Park from afar. There’s no shortage of dramatic views on this coastline. 

This is an excellent place to bask in the sun, but it’s also famous for the Newborough to Llanddwyn Island walk. This 6 km / 3.7-mile circular walk takes one to one and a half hours to complete and is considered moderately challenging.

You’ll traverse rocky outcrops, pillow lava rocks, and pine forests on the way. You’ll then reach Llanddwyn Island (Ynys Llanddwyn), a small headland that’s only an island during high tide. From here, you admire the Llyn Peninsula and Snowdonia from a tranquil vantage point. 

If you’re looking for the best beach in North Wales for peaceful walking trips, this could be something to add to your itinerary.

Lligwy Beach (Traeth Lligwy)

If you picture your time in Wales spent admiring wide bays, green pastures, and sandy shorelines, Traeth Lligwy (Lligwy Beach) should be at the top of your list. 

Located on the northeast coast of Anglesey, Lligwy Beach has a more untouched or ‘wild’ feel. It is surrounded by sand dunes and low, verdant hills, allowing you to soak in Anglesey’s outstanding natural beauty while also enjoying a traditional British beach day.

This beach isn’t completely removed from society, though. It’s very close to Moelfre village and has toilets, a shop, and a car park nearby.

Alongside providing stunning views and a place to relax with the little ones, Lligwy Beach offers plenty of watersports activities for those brave enough to don a wetsuit. Surfing in North Wales is a must for adrenaline seekers, and Lligwy offers a gorgeous backdrop for a laidback lesson.

Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth)

Don’t let the informal ‘Hell’s Mouth’ nickname put you off. Porth Neigwl is a heavenly three-mile strip of beach on the southern tip of the Llyn Peninsula. 

The tale behind this nickname comes from the beach’s semi-circle shape that resembles a grinning mouth. Not so scary after all. 

Porth Neigwl is a gently shelving beach, meaning it’s made of medium-sized pebbles. But at high tide, an expanse of delicate sand is revealed. Time your visit if you prefer sandy beaches!

This stretch of coastline has no facilities other than a small car park and a nearby pub in Llanengan. 

However, it’s a great place to skip the crowds of Abersoch and take on the fierce Atlantic waves via surfboard. Surfing in Porth Neigwl is a hotspot for surfers thank’s to the beaches exposed position and reliable reef break surf. Beginners and experienced surfers can ride the surf here.  

Rock up with your own board or hire one from local vendors to take part in the local scene – you won’t regret it when you catch your first wave! Jump to activity providers on the Llyn Peninsula to secure your surf.

Porth Neigwl is also a stellar day out if you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches in North Wales. Plenty of space to walk, run, and play fetch with driftwood. 

Porthdinllaen

A trip to the Llyn Peninsula isn’t complete without an afternoon in Porthdinllaen, a beach and a small village on a thin strip of land that juts out into the Irish Sea. Historically a fishing village, Porthdinllaen is home to a sandy beach, a picture-perfect bay, and one of the largest untouched seagrass meadows in the country. 

Porthdinllaen Beach is a pleasant spot to walk and admire the surroundings. However, most visitors spend time here to take in the scenery from the infamous Ty Coch (Red House) Inn. 

You’ll find Ty Coch Inn right at the water’s edge, making it a beachside watering hole. With a traditional tavern feel, casks of real ale, and classic pub fare, it’s no surprise that this cosy inn has been named one of the best in Wales. 

So, if you’re keen to visit bars by the beach, consider this world-class pick in 

Harlech Beach

East of the iconic Harlech Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Harlech Beach, another pristine seafront with views of Snowdonia National Park.

Harlech Beach has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve, all thanks to the beach’s fantastic sand dunes. Whether you fancy a relaxed stroll or want to let the little ones run free, Harlech offers a stunning backdrop for a Welsh getaway. 

While this spotless beach provides the serenity of a remote location, you’re not far from high-quality amenities. Harlech Beach has nearby shops, cafes, and Royal St David’s Golf Club. 

Dogs are welcome on Harlech Beach, but note that restrictions apply from April to September. 

Splendid Beaches in North Wales For Every Holiday – Final Thoughts

That’s the short version of our love letter to the beaches of North Wales. This coastline is jam-packed with hidden coves, vast bays, and dramatic geography. But that’s not all. You can try your hand at surfing and explore ancient castles along the way. Or why not enjoy a fresh cask ale at the pub? The choice is yours.

Before you plan your beach day, consider bringing the coast closer with holiday cottages with sea views. Oyster Hotel Cottages provides a hand-picked selection of unique places to stay along this sublime stretch of coastline. 

Explore our holiday cottages in North Wales now. 

Or jump to the Oyster Holiday Cottage blog for more inspiration.