The Best Beaches to Visit on Anglesey
And where to stay while doing so…
Wales has more Blue Flag beaches per mile than anywhere else in the UK. We’re not kidding when we say the coastline here is truly spectacular. While Anglesey is only relatively small, it is home to countless beaches, each with a unique appeal. It’s a mecca for watersports such as windsurfing and SUP-boarding, and there’s even a wood-fired sauna in one of the carparks for you to enjoy after a dip. The waters are cold but crystalline and the sunsets here are something else – you should come and see for yourself.
Below, we’ve listed 5 of the best beaches on Anglesey that you must experience during your visit.
Newborough Beach
Newborough, is a stunning National Nature Reserve of dunes and pine forest. Arguably the best beach on Anglesey, it’s well known for being a filming location for Game of Thrones series House of the Dragon. The beach is also home to tidal island Ynys Llanddwyn, where you’ll find the ruins of a church dedicated to Wales’ Patron Saint of Lovers, Santes Dwynwen. Situated on the south-western tip of Anglesey, the beach is a sprawling expanse of golden sand, with impressive views across the Snowdonia mountain range and the Llŷn Peninsula beyond. While Llanddwyn Island remains connected to the mainland, it does get cut off by high tides. Be sure to check tide times before making your own lovers’ pilgrimage!
Best Anglesey beach for: Walkers who want unbridled romance and spellbinding views.
Parking info: The beach is accessed via a long track with barrier entry to a spacious car park. You pay on departure at the exit. There are toilets in the car park.
Is Newborough beach dog-friendly? Restrictions apply on a small western section from May to September, but most of the beach is dog-friendly all year round.
Holiday accommodation near Newborough Beach, Anglesey
We have a selection of charming cottages and spacious properties in Brynsiencyn, just a short drive from Newborough Beach. These include Bron Haul – a dog-friendly cottage for two and Nyth y Wennol, a former schoolhouse with luxurious interiors and spellbinding mountain views. Alternatively, The Outbuildings sleeps up to 14 which is great for larger groups or special celebrations.
Lligwy Beach
Backed by dunes and streaked by the Afon Lligwy, Lligwy Beach lies north of Moelfre on Anglesey’s east coast. It’s a mecca for all types of beachgoers in the summer, from families looking to swim in the shallows to keen watersports enthusiasts and dog-walkers. It can get busy, however, out of peak season, it is often a deserted delight. Firm sandbanks create a tidal pool which you can paddle in with little ones, and the local area is brimming with fascinating history. Just a short distance north is Ynys Dulas, an island home to a centuries-old tower, where supplies used to be stocked for shipwrecked seamen who lost their way. In the nearby fishing village of Moelfre, a bronze statue of Richard ‘Dic’ Evans – a previous coxswain of the Moelfre lifeboat and winner of 2 gold RNLI medals for gallantry, keeps watch over the ocean.
Best Anglesey beach for: Families & dog owners who want a vast sandy bay with child-friendly shallows.
Parking info: Lligwy Beach has two large carparks to the north and south. The north carpark is smaller (80 spaces) with a 12-minute walk to the beach. The south carpark (140 spaces) is right on the beach with toilets and has a seasonally open cafe. Both carparks are pay & display.
Is Lligwy Beach dog-friendly? Yes, Lligwy Beach is dog-friendly all year round.
Where to stay near Lligwy Beach, Anglesey
For holiday accommodation within walking distance of Lligwy Beach, Mountain View is perfect and is only 25 minutes on foot from the shore. Alternatively, if you want a romantic beach break for two, stay at Glan y Don in the neighbouring fishing village of Moelfre. At Glan y Don you’ll enjoy being quite literally a hop, skip and jump from the water.
Benllech Beach
Gently shelving and backed by grassy cliffs, Benllech is a beloved Anglesey beauty spot promising everything from fascinating rockpools to scenic sailing. There are panoramic views in all directions, and the east-facing position makes it perfect for winter sunrise walks. It is just one of North Wales’ Blue Flag beaches, with good disabled facilities and easy access. This is one of the best beaches on Anlgesey for parking and amenities. The nearby town centre of Benllech (which is just a 10-minute walk away) also has a choice of shops, bars and restaurants.
Best Anglesey beach for: Beach picnics, SUP sessions and summertime fun on a long, flat beach.
Parking info: Benllech beach is easily reached from Lower Wendon Pay & Display Carpark. This is immediately opposite the beach and has toilets. Alternatively, Upper Wendon Pay & Display Carpark is a short walk away.
Is Benllech Beach dog-friendly? Dogs are not allowed on the main section of Benllech Beach in Anglesey from 1 May – 30 September. However, dogs are welcome in a designated area at low tide all year.
Holiday cottages near Benllech Beach, Anglesey
Benllech Beach is just an 8-minute drive from our cottages: Sea Spray, Sea Breezes and The Cottage.
Church Bay
A secluded beach on the rugged reaches of Anglesey’s west coast, Church Bay is a beautiful, rocky cove with a maritime past. Known as Porth Swtan in Welsh, the beach was given its English name by sailors who used the nearby St Rhuddlad’s Church as a navigational landmark. Accessed by a sloping track and with limited parking, the beach is famed for the popular Lobster Pot Restaurant. Enjoy stunning views out over the Irish Sea and find the Anglesey Coastal Path running across the top of the cliffs.
Best Anglesey beach for: Sunset swims, dog walks & fresh seafood
Parking info: There is a small, paid car park on the headland, at the top of the beach path. There’s also a public toilet in the carpark, which is open from March to September.
Is Church Bay dog-friendly? Dogs are allowed year-round on Anglesey’s Church Bay beach. Restrictions apply from May to the end of September, when they can only visit the far side of the beach on a leash.
Holiday accommodation near Church Bay, Anglesey
It doesn’t get much more beachfront than our Church Bay holiday cottages on Anglesey. The Anchorage offers a pet-friendly seaside break, while Glan yr Afon has panoramic ocean views. Both properties are just a short walk to the beach. The Lobster Pot restaurant is a stone’s throw away.
Porth Tyn Tywyn
South of Rhosneigr, Porth Tyn Tywyn (Broad Beach) is a swathe of rugged costal bliss. It is a popular watersports spot with a rocky reef structure and changeable conditions, so be sure to take care. It is a stunning sunset spot and great for a cold dip. Warm back up or alternate between hot and cold therapy at Sawna Bach – a woodfired sauna in the carpark. For something special, book a sauna session with sea swimming & breathwork, Welsh language chats and full moon intention setting. It’s one of the best beaches on Anglesey for dog walks because it is dog-friendly all year round.
Cable Bay (Porth Trecastell) nearby is a delightful small cove which also makes for a scenic visit.
Best Anglesey beach for: Surf, sauna & blustery headland walks
Parking info: Porth Tyn Tywyn has a pay & display carpark (LL63 5TD) with around 80 spaces.
Is Porth Tyn Tywyn dog-friendly? Yes – dogs are allowed on North Wales’ Porth Tyn Tywyn beach all year round.
Holiday accommodation near Porth Tyn Tywyn, Anglesey
We have a selection of holiday cottages in Rhosneigr, which is just a short distance from Porth Tyn Tywyn. Swn y Mor is a perfect choice for families of up to 6 people, while you can enjoy the outdoor hot tub at Llynfor. Alternatively, get the cosy cottage feeling at Y Bwthyn.