Explore North Wales’ Beaches & Coastlines
Discover Beautiful Beaches in North Wales
While we might be biased, you should trust us when we say that the beaches in North Wales are among some of the very best in the world. Seemingly abundant and wildy varied, the coastline here is home to everything from immaculate Victorian promenades to remote coves and sparkling azure bays. Known for their rugged romance and breathtaking views out over the mountains of Snowdonia, many of Anglesey’s beaches have been used as filming locations for film and TV, most recently for the Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon. Elsewhere, on the Llyn Peninsula, you’ll find one of the World’s Best Beach Bars in the form of an ancient pub which was once the heart of a ship-building community – but don’t go telling too many people about it….
Whether you’re staying with us in one of our North Wales holiday cottages or simply want a local insight into the best beaches of North Wales, we hope you’ll find our individual guides helpful. Along with tide times and parking information, you’ll also find some helpful tips on visiting with your four-legged friend and any dog restrictions that apply.
Machroes Beach
Machroes Beach is near the Abersoch golf course and joins Abersoch Beach at its end. This sandy spot offers many watersports and is a popular coastal walk.
Rhosneigr Beach
Set along a buzzing coastal town, this spot is great for watersports enthusiasts, from kite surfing to paddle boarding or playing with a bucket and spade, there’s something for everyone.
Harlech Beach
Prepare for breathtaking Snowdonia views and the mighty Harlech Castle. This stretch of beach is sandy and fringed by verdant grass.
Red Wharf Bay, Traeth Coch
Experience the sweeping sandy views of Red Wharf Bay (Traeth Coch) on Anglesey Island. With 2.5 miles of pristine coastline and limestone plateaus, this is a must-see in north Wales.
Lligwy Beach
Lligwy Beach, or Traeth Lligwy, is a spacious sandy bay on Anglesey’s northeast coast, near the village of Moelfre. It’s a favourite among walkers, families and water sports enthusiasts. The…
Porth Padrig
Porth Padrif Beach is an incredible sandy expanse with jagged rock formations and vivid green neighbouring fields.
Abersoch Beach
Abersoch Beach is one of the most popular seaside destinations on the Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales. With its soft golden sand, calm sheltered waters and stunning views across Cardigan Bay,…
Trefor Beach
This pebbled and sandy beach is a small but sheltered area with a beautiful coastal walk just a stone’s throw away with spectacular views of the Llyn Peninsula.
Llanbedrog Beach
A beloved beach with a vast expanse of sand, lovely colourful beach huts, and many facilities.
Abersoch Harbour Beach
Situated by the River Soch and the Warren Beach, Abersoch Harbour Beach is a small area loved by all. It’s a great place for watersports.
Pwllheli Beach
The beach is divided into two parts – Glan y Don Beach and South Beach. South Beach is shingle and Glan Y Mor Beach muddy and sandy.
Borth Wen (Rhoscolyn Beach)
Rhoscolyn Beach, also known as Traeth Borth Wen, is a secluded sandy cove located on the southern coast of Holy Island, Anglesey. Surrounded by rolling dunes and rocky headlands, it…
Black Rock Sands
Black Rock Sands is a large expanse with fine sands. Visitors can admire spectacular mountain views. Parking is available on the beach.
Newry Beach
Newry Beach, nestled in Holyhead on Anglesey’s northwest coast, is a charming spot with a mix of shingle and rock. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll along the…
Porth Ysgo
Porth Ysgo is a small, secluded cove on the Llyn peninsula. There’s a steep track to the beach, and it’s best to visit when the tide is out.
Barmouth Beach
Set against the bustling Harbour town of Barmouth, this vast beach is perfect for planting the deckchairs, setting up camp and enjoying a quintessential seaside ice cream.
Traeth Porthor(Whistling sands)
One of only two beaches in the whole of the UK known for its unique whistling sands, this idyllic spot offers walkers and visitors a coastal backdrop rich in history.
Penrhos Beach
Penrhos Beach (Traeth Penrhos) is a stunning sandy bay with white sand and calm waters. It’s also a prime location for watching the Holyhead ferries depart for Dublin.
Ynys Llanddwyn
A beach of breathtaking beauty and rich in legends, this magical island is associated with the saint of lovers. A firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike.
Traeth Bychan
Traeth Bychan is a lovely sandy beach nestled between Benllech and Moelfre on Anglesey’s east coast. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. The beach…
Porth Diana Beach
Tucked away in a quiet bay, Porth Diana Beach is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. The waters here are calm, and the beach is sheltered by headlands.
Porth Swtan/Church Bay
Church Bay, also known by its Welsh name Porth Swtan, is a peaceful beach on Anglesey’s northwest coast. It’s a mix of sand and pebbles, with rock pools and cliffs…
Trearddur Bay Beach
Trearddur Bay Beach is a picturesque sandy beach located near Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey. Known for its clear blue waters and expansive sandy shores, it’s a haven for…
Llandonna
Situated between Red Wharf Bay and Beaumaris, this Angelsey beach is a must for those looking to experience the elements without busy crowds.
Porth Dafarch
Located on the western coast of Anglesey, Porth Dafarch is a sheltered beach with views of Snowdonia and the Wales Coast Path.
Penmon Point
Penmon Point, at the eastern tip of Anglesey, is a peaceful spot with stunning views of Puffin Island and the Trwyn Du Lighthouse. The pebble beach and rocky shoreline are…
Porth Neigwl (Hells Mouth)
A pebbled beach at high tide and a sandy beach at low tide. Favoured by surfers, this spot is usually quiet and great for quiet moments and dog walks.
Cable Bay (Porth Trecastell)
Cable Bay (Porth Trecastell) Cable Bay, known locally as Porth Trecastell, is a charming sandy cove nestled between Rhosneigr and Aberffraw on Anglesey’s southwest coast. Its sheltered setting, framed by…
Dinas Dinlle
Dinas Dinlle is a large beach that’s well-worth visiting for beautiful views. With natural pebble banks, nearby cafes, and free parking.
Traeth Lleiniog
Situated on the northeastern tip of Anglesey, Traeth Lleiniog is the spot for a relaxed atmosphere and uninhibited Menai Strait views.
Aberdaron Beach
Aberdaron Beach is a glorious sandy beach surrounded by impressive cliffs. Visitors can book fishing trips here or book boats to Bardsey Island.
Nefyn Beach
Nefyn Beach provides gorgeous views of Yr Eifl. As a mainly sandy beach, it’s popular with dog walkers and family visitors, with Ty Coch Inn at the end.
Benllech Beach
Benllech Beach sits on the east coast of Anglesey and is one of the island’s best-loved family beaches. Its long stretch of golden sand and calm, shallow waters make it…
Criccieth Beach
Criccieth Beach flanks a 13th-century castle, providing incredible views and a slice of history. On the east beach, you’ll find a dog area and a car park.
Traeth Penllech
On the Llyn Peninsula and stretching over a mile long with far reaching views out to the Irish Sea. Perfect for a leisurely stroll up and down its sandy shoreline.
Aberdesach Beach
Located at the base of the Llyn Peninsula, Aberdesach Beach is a quiet spot with lovely views. It’s a sand and stone beach with views of Anglesey.
Traeth Gwyn
Traeth Gwyn (White Beach) isn’t your typical sandy beach. Here, you’ll find striking white pebbles, ancient cliffs, and a calm atmosphere.
Traeth Bach
Traeth Bach (also known as Little Beach) is an excellent spot for families. With an abundance of rockpools, nearby shops and amenities in Cemaes.
Porth Ceiriad
Porth Ceiriad is a stunning sandy beach with unique geological features. It’s popular with surfers, yachts, and other keen water sports enthusiasts.
Big Beach
With Precambrian geology and Afon Wygyr river views, Big Beach (Traeth Mawr) is ideal for a spectacular day on the Angelsey coast.
Beaumaris Beach
Beaumaris Beach, located on the eastern coast of Anglesey, offers visitors a picturesque setting with views across the Menai Strait towards the Snowdonia mountain range. The beach is a mix…
Aberffraw Beach
Aberffraw Beach, also known as Traeth Mawr, is a serene, unspoiled sandy bay located on the southwestern coast of Anglesey. Accessible via a scenic half-mile walk along the River Ffraw…
Llandanwg Beach
With views of Criccieth and Snowdonia, Llandanwg Beach is a local favourite. There’s a small car park, toilets, and a summer cafe nearby.
FAQs
The beaches of North Wales offer something different in any season, however do keep in mind that storms are entirely possible throughout winter and early spring, so make sure to check the forecast and conditions before heading out. In peak summer, many of the popular hotspots tend to be very busy with limited parking, but with over 250 miles of coastline, there are plenty to go around. For more of an insight into when you should visit, check out our guide on The Best Time to Visit North Wales.
Most beaches in North Wales are dog friendly, however some of them may have restrictions during the peak months (May to September.) There is usually helpful signage at the entrance to the beach to make you aware of this. North Wales is a dream destination for any dog owner, and we have plenty of dog-friendly places to stay!
North Wales is a hotspot for watersports, with many beaches being famous for surfing, windsurfing and coasteering. Take a look at the full range of activities for more information.
Yes! Whether you want to maximise time spent with sand between your toes, or wish to fall asleep to the sound of the surf, our collection of holiday cottages by the beach in North Wales will have what you’re looking for.
Stay with Oyster Holiday Cottages
Anglesey
Renowned for its rugged coastline, wonderful beaches and picturesque, rolling countryside, Anglesey offers a wide array of outdoor activities, including fabulous walks and great water sports.
Snowdonia
Known for its towering mountains, great hiking trails and hidden waterfalls, Snowdonia is a must-visit destination in North Wales. To find a great base for touring this spectacular region, check out Oyster’s Snowdonia holiday cottages aand wake up to glorious mountain views.
Llyn Peninsula
Extending 30 miles west into the Irish Sea, the Llyn Peninsula is a historic Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with diverse wildlife and sweeping beaches.
Conwy
Explore the exciting activities and attractions in Conwy, from castles to mountain zoos.
North Wales
Steeped in folklore and home to staggering landscapes, North Wales is a wonderful holiday destination, especially for those who love the outdoors. Beaches, mountains, castles, museums and an amazing array of watersports and other outdoor pursuits are all on offer. But so is absolute tranquillity and wild, unspoilt nature.
Experience Tailored Luxury with our Exclusive Concierge Service
Our exclusive concierge service is here to tailor every detail of your stay, from thrilling activities and wellness sessions to gourmet dining experiences. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or culinary delights, our dedicated team promises to craft a personalised holiday that exceeds your expectations.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with us—where every moment is designed just for you.
