The 13 Best Beaches to Visit in North Wales
Beaches and holidays are like Welsh cakes and butter – they simply go hand in hand. Many of our North Wales beaches also have a breathtaking mountain backdrop thanks to our unique geography. Ranging from secret sandy coves to miles-long stretches of shimmering sand, this part of the British coastline is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Whether you want to put your walking boots to use or learn to surf, North Wales has a beach for that.
We’re exploring 13 of the best beaches to visit in North Wales. Keep reading to learn more about where they are, if you can take the dog along and where to stay nearby. If you’re heading to the Isle of Anglesey, we’ve got a separate guide to the island’s best beaches too.
Our Pick of North Wales Best Beaches
Best Beaches Llyn Peninsula
Best Beaches Snowdonia / Eryri
Best Beaches Conwy & Denbighshire
Best Beaches on the Llyn Peninsula, North Wales
The Llyn Peninsula AONB is the arm that juts out of the top of North Wales, and it is home to some seriously scenic beaches. We’ve picked out some of the best to visit below.
Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth,) Llyn Peninsula
Address: Llanengan, Pwllheli LL53 7LG
Don’t let the informal ‘Hell’s Mouth’ nickname put you off. Porth Neigwl (pronounced nay-g-wool) 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 semicircular shape, which 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 accordingly if you prefer sandy beaches.
The beach is also a hotspot for surfers thanks to its exposed position and reliable reef break. The more experienced local crowd tend to be found at the eastern end of the beach close to the headland, while beginners and those on lessons are usually directly in front of the entrance path to the beach. Rock up with your own board or hire one from local vendors – popular options include Abersoch Watersports and West Coast Surf Shop based in the centre of Abersoch.
Best beach for: Surfers, dog walkers and those who like to have their own space away from the crowds.
Porth Neigwl FAQs
Head for Porth Neigwl car park, Pwllheli LL53 7LG, where you’ll find a small car park with bins. In peak season (or when the surf is good), this gets incredibly crowded, so be sure to arrive early!
This stretch of coastline has no facilities other than a small car park and a nearby pub in Llanengan. For shops, bars and restaurants, Abersoch is just 8 minutes away by car.
Yes – Hell’s Mouth is dog-friendly all year round and has lots of space at low tide for walkies and fetch.
The beach is just 2.5 miles from the centre of Abersoch, where we have a choice of lovely holiday cottages. Abersoch is also a real hub for both holidaymakers and locals alike, with a bustling centre and plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants to choose from.
Porthdinllaen & Nefyn Beaches, Llyn Peninsula
Address: Porthdinllaen, Morfa Nefyn, Gwynedd, LL53 6DA
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 – it’s also where you’ll find the third-best beach bar in the world – the ancient Tŷ Coch Inn (pronounced tee cork), which boasts maritime decor and a laidback vibe. Nestled into the cliffside in the tiny, National Trust-owned village of Porthdinllaen, the pub sits on a sandy swathe that is unbelievably beautiful. Views look out across Yr Eifl and Snowdonia beyond, and the crystalline waters are often filled with swimmers and paddleboarders.
You’ll need to walk to get here, either along the beach at low tide or over the golf course on the headland. Trust us when we say the walk is worth it! Reward your efforts with a cold pint on one of North Wales’ must-visit beaches.
Also nearby is Nefyn beach, which can be reached from Porthdinllaen along the stunning coastal path – perfect if you want a beach day with a scenic stomp.
Best beach for: Adventurous beachgoers in search of pub pints with some of the best views in the area.
Porthdinllaen FAQs
There is a large National Trust car park on the headland (LL53 6DA), and further paid parking is available at the golf club during peak season.
The Tŷ Coch pub has a toilet block and some bins reserved for customers, with shops available in Nefyn village itself.
Porthdinllaean is dog-friendly all year-round, but please note that if you’re accessing the pub via the beach, the section to the right of the slipway does not allow dogs. If in doubt, keep them on a leash until you’re sure!
Porthdinllaen is easily accessible from anywhere on the Llyn Peninsula.
Traeth Abersoch, Llyn Peninsula
Address: Abersoch, Pwllheli LL53 7DY
Sitting at the heart of the Welsh Riviera, Abersoch, Traeth Abersoch is also known as ‘Main Beach’ and is famed for its iconic line of beach huts. During the summer months, this is very much the place to be, and is only a short walk from the village centre. It’s also the hub for many village sporting events, including regatta week, which usually takes place every August.
If you’re a fan of sea dips, be sure to get here early (8:15 am sharp) and join the Abersoch Dunkers on their daily swim.
Best beach for: Hustle & bustle, watersports, proximity to the village centre and lovely views out over Cardigan Bay.
Abersoch Beach FAQs
There is a large pay & display car park directly behind the beach, which you can find at: Abersoch Riding Centre, Lon Golff, Abersoch, Pwllheli LL53 7EY.
Yes! There are public toilets with outdoor showers at the carpark on Lon Golff, as well as a cafe, shop and lots more amenities within easy walking distance in the village centre.
Dogs are restricted from the section of beach sitting to the left of the slipway (where the majority of the beach huts are) from 1st April to 30th September. Head to the Machroes end of the beach for four-legged friendliness all year round.
The beach is within easy reach of all our lovely Abersoch holiday cottages.
Llanbedrog Beach, Llyn Peninsula
Address: Llanbedrog, Pwllheli LL53 7TR
Llanbedrog Beach is known for its iconic colourful beach huts and beautiful scenery. Flanked on one side by a rocky hill clad with lush forest, this mile-long sandy beach has shallows perfect for playing in and a beach cafe. It’s a great choice for the ultimate family day out. Parking is accessed via a fairly steep road followed by steps (but it’s only a short distance)
You can also visit the area’s most esteemed art gallery, Plas Glyn y Weddw, which is just six minutes on foot from the beach, and runs regular, themed exhibitions and has onsite facilities such as a cafe, beautiful gardens and a gift shop.
There’s also a public toilet block, beachside cafe and a convenience shop nearby.
Best beach for: Families and keen coastal path walkers who love art – Oriel Plas Glyn y Weddw is just a short walk from the shore.
Llanbedrog Beach FAQs
A spacious National Trust car park (LL53 7TT) above the beach has pay-and-display machines.
Yes! You’ll find a toilet block on the road up to the car park from the beach, along with a cafe and a small convenience shop at the top of the hill, in the village itself.
Between 1 April and 30 September, dogs need to be kept on a lead until you’ve reached beyond the beach huts.
Aberdaron, Llyn Peninsula
Address: Aberdaron, Pwllheli LL53 8BE
Situated almost as far west as you can go on the Llŷn Peninsula, gazing out towards Ireland, Aberdaron is a charming fishing village with a storied past. Beloved by everyone from poets to pilgrims, this quaint community is home to a cafe, pub and seafront sandwich shop. The thatch-roofed Becws Islyn bakery is also a must-visit for anyone in the area!
The beach itself is a mile-long sandy bay overlooked by the quaint St Hywyn’s Church, with plenty of caves and rockpools to explore. The coastal path is easily accessible from either direction and leads to further small bays, which is perfect if you want to do some exploring on foot. Also nearby is Plas yn Rhiw, a National Trust Country House, and Porth Meuwdy, the departure point for boats travelling to Bardsey Island.
Best beach for: A remote, rugged and stunning edge-of-the-earth feeling.
Aberdaron Beach FAQs
There’s a payable National Trust car park and visitor centre directly behind the beach, but this does get full quite quickly during the summer months. Further parking is often available in the fields along the B4413 in peak season.
Yes – the beach is so close to the village centre that you’ll enjoy having a choice of shops along with a pub, cafe, public toilets and even a wood-fired sauna close by.
From 1 April to 30 September, dogs must be kept to the area of the beach that sits to the left of the slipway, which is quite small at high tide – make sure to plan accordingly.
Porthor (Whistling Sands,) Llyn Peninsula
Address: Porthor, Aberdaron, Gwynedd, LL53 8LG
Also known as ‘Whistling Sands’ because of the unique sound of the sand underfoot, Porthor sits on the northern side of the Llŷn Peninsula. A scenic bay hugged by the headland from behind, this is a great beach for families and boasts seriously epic sunset views. Bring a sundowner to sip on and enjoy the view!
The water here is nothing short of crystalline, and so taking a dip is a must. You can also walk the coastal path in either direction from the beach, making it a great pitstop along a larger coastal trek – there is a seasonal cafe serving drinks, cakes and sandwiches, but the popular village of Aberdaron is just 10 minutes away by car for further choice and a beachfront village pub.
Best beach for: Families who want a relaxed beach day, and those who prefer dog-free beaches in the summer.
Porthor FAQs
A National Trust car park sits at the top of the hill (LL53 8LG), just 180m from the sand.
There are toilets and a seasonal cafe located on the road down to the beach, but other than that, the beach is in quite a remote area, so do ensure to bring any supplies you need for the day!
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 1 April to 30 September.
Pwllheli is the perfect Llyn Peninsula base for those travelling by car, as you’re never too far from any of the must-see places.
Best Beaches Snowdonia / Eryri
Why choose between the mountains and the coast when you can have both? Take a look at some of the best beaches to visit within a short distance of Snowdonia National Park.
Harlech Beach, Snowdonia
Address: Ffordd Glan Mor, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2UG
Just south of the Llyn Peninsula and dominated by a World Heritage Site castle, Harlech Beach is the epitome of Welsh beauty. Backed by dunes, woodland and mountains, it sits on the western fringes of Snowdonia National Park and boasts a large stretch of golden sand for everyone to enjoy.
No visit to this area could be complete without experiencing the magnificent Harlech Castle, a medieval fortress accessed by an impressive ‘floating’ footbridge with spellbinding views. The town is also home to the steepest street in the Northern Hemisphere, so if your legs are feeling strong, head for Ffordd Pen Llech.
Best beach for: Those who love dramatic scenery and a little bit of history with their beach visit. It’s also a good option to tie in with a day in Snowdonia!
Harlech Beach FAQs
There is no designated beach parking car park; however, there are several nearby, including Fford Glan Mor and Bron y Graig Uchaf.
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.
A section of the beach prohibits dogs from 1 May to 30 September, so please follow the guidelines when visiting.
Criccieth is only 32 minutes by car, passing some North Wales hotspots such as Porthmadog and Portmeirion along the way.
Borth-y-Gest & Porthmadog Beaches, near Snowdonia
Address: Porthmadog LL49 9UF
The pretty seaside village of Borth-y-Gest lies just a short distance from Eryri, Snowdonia National Park. It’s just one mile south of Porthmadog, so the two share a coastline. Sheltered and scenic, the village marks the spot where the river Glaslyn spills out into the sea, making this one more of an estuary than a beach, but definitely no less scenic. There are rows of Victorian terraced cottages and sweeping views out to the wooded peninsula of Portmeirion. The sands and estuary here are a haven for birdwatching – it can get muddy in wet weather, but we promise the scenery is worth it.
Best beach for: Rockpooling, stunning views and easy access to the entire Llyn Peninsula and Snowdonia National Park.
Borth-y-Gest FAQs
Borth-y-Gest has a small, payable waterfront car park (LL49 9TR.) There is further limited roadside parking throughout the village.
There is a public toilet available in the car park, along with a small selection of cafes and shops in the village centre.
Borth-y-Gest beaches are dog-friendly, but some areas have restrictions from 1 May to 30 September.
We’ve got a choice of lovely holiday properties to choose from in the neighbouring village of Criccieth – just 15 minutes away by car.
Morfa Bychan (Black Rock Sands,) near Snowdonia
Address: Morfa Bychan, Porthmadog LL49 9YB
Just a short distance westwards from Borth-y-Gest, Morfa Bychan is also known as Black Rock Sands. An expansive, flat beach famed for its parking right on the sand, Black Rock is the perfect beach BBQ destination. Views stretch out across Cardigan Bay, and the outcrop of Criccieth Castle is visible to the right – it’s a great destination for a North Wales beach day.
Best beach for: The all-out family beach day.
Black Rock Sands FAQs
Morfa Bychan or Black Rock Sands is unique in that you drive right onto the sand to park! A fee of £8 per car or £16 per large vehicle is payable between 1 April and 30 September.
There are public toilets and catering vans available at Black Rock Sands, but not much else – make sure you bring all of your supplies with you for a brilliant beach day parked atop the sand!
Yes! There is a dog-friendly section of Black Rock Sands, so be sure to stay within this signposted area if you’re bringing your four-legged friend.
We recommend staying in Criccieth – a bustling beachside resort just 15 minutes away by car.
Barmouth Beach, near Snowdonia
Address: Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1NF
Known as southern Snowdonia’s beach resort, Barmouth is a popular holiday destination that borders mid-Wales. The town’s main beach, Abermaw, is a west-facing stretch of sand and fine shingle known for donkey rides, watersports and amusement arcades. The beach is large enough to escape the hustle and bustle of the town if you wish. At low tide, it is possible to walk all the way to Harlech – just take care to plan your route back and check tide times.
Best beach for: Lovers of a classic Welsh seaside resort – think arcades, ice cream and a backdrop of mountains.
Barmouth Beach FAQs
There are plenty of pay-and-display carparks throughout Barmouth town and along the promenade.
Barmouth Beach runs parallel to the town centre, so you’re never too far from a shop, toilet or other form of amenity.
Dogs are banned from the area between the leisure centre and the river from 1 April to 30 September. A reasonable section is dog-friendly year-round.
Criccieth is well-placed for a visit to Barmouth Beach, and we have a stunning selection of places to stay in that area.
Best Beaches Conwy & Denbighshire
Home of Conwy Castle, the annual Honey Fair and the Smallest House in Great Britain, Conwy also has some great beaches nearby. Take a look at some of them below.
Colwyn Bay & Rhos-On-Sea Beaches, Conwy
Address: Promenade, Colwyn Bay LL29 8ED
A stunning North Wales beach closer to the English border, Colwyn Bay is known for its sweeping, long promenade, which is about 3 miles long and travels past the quaint coastal town of Rhos-on-Sea. Both Colwyn Bay beach and Rhos-on-Sea beach (which blend into each other as you walk) are made up of soft golden sands with the occasional groyne to navigate. We strongly recommend arriving at low tide and walking from The Arches at the far end of Colwyn Bay to Rhos-on-Sea and back, stopping at one of Rhos’ many lovely cafes for a mid-walk reward.
Best beach for: Long dog walks, sea dips and picnics on the promenade
Colwyn Bay Beach FAQs
The best place to park is along the promenade, which runs the full length between the two towns. This is all pay & display parking, but there are lots of spaces.
Yes! There are public toilets, shops, pubs, restaurants and lots more. Make sure to enjoy an ice cream from Parisella’s, right on the promenade overlooking the sea.
Yes – however, there is a restriction on dogs between the Porth Eirias Bryn Williams restaurant and Colwyn Bay pier, so make sure to stay on either side of that section if you’re taking your four-legged friend.
Menai Bridge is an easy and scenic 30-minute drive along the A55 coast road from Colwyn Bay.
Conwy Morfa Beach, Conwy
Address: Conwy LL32 8GA
Vast, dramatic and easily reached from the medieval town of Conwy, Conwy Morfa sits beneath a curving grassy headland and has a relaxed, wild feel. It’s dog-friendly all year round and has no ‘official’ parking, which makes it a quieter option for those looking to avoid the crowds. We recommend parking at the Beacons Carpark before taking an out-and-back route along the beach to finish up at the Mulberry, a buzzy waterside pub overlooking Conwy Marina.
Best beach for: Dramatic scenery and a good walk on one of the area’s quieter beaches, followed by harbourside drinks
Conwy Morfa Beach FAQs
Head for Beacons carpark (Beacons Way, Conwy LL32, UK) – be mindful that spaces are limited here and parking is payable during summer.
No – other than the carpark and the Mulberry pub nearby, there are no facilities at Conwy Morfa Beach.
Yes – dogs are welcome on the entire beach at any time of year.
For comfortable coastal stays just a short drive from Conwy Beach, Menai Bridge is a great option.
Prestatyn Beach, (Central, Ffrith & Barkby Beaches,)Denbighshire
Address: Nant Hall Rd, Prestatyn LL19 9LN
A continuous five-mile stretch of golden sand, Prestatyn Beach encompasses Central, Ffrith and Barkby Beaches too. It is a sandy Blue Flag beach with daily lifeguards between July and September, with plenty of amenities thanks to the seaside resort town immediately behind it. Out of the three, Central Beach is the most popular, due to its central position and access from car parks, while Barkby Beach has long been a dog walking haven for those with four-legged friends. Prestatyn is also the northern end point of the 177-mile Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, making it a haven for long-distance walking, too.
Best beach for: A classic day out at the seaside with amusements, a promenade and more
Prestatyn Beach FAQs
There is ample parking for all three beaches that form Prestatyn Beach. Head for the Nova Central Car Park for Central Beach, or the Barkby Beach Pay & Display Car Park. Ffrith Beach Car Park is another option and has 530 spaces, almost guaranteeing you a spot!
Yes – Prestatyn Beach has a wealth of facilities including public toilets, benches, lifeguards, shops, cafes, restaurants and amusements.
Dog restrictions apply during the summer months, but these will be well signposted. Typically, from the 1 May to 30 September, the only areas where dogs are allowed on Prestatyn Beach are: the beach area from the Kite Surf Café, Rhyl, eastwards to Ffrith Festival Gardens, Groyne 9, and the area to the east of The Sailing Club at Barkby Beach.
Stay near the beach with Oyster Holiday Cottages
This coastline is jam-packed with hidden coves, vast bays, and dramatic geography. Try surfing, explore ancient castles and simply soak up the scenery that our beaches here in North Wales have to offer. Sound good? Consider bringing the coast closer with our collection of beachfront holiday cottages – so you can spend the maximum amount of time with your toes in the sand.
