Best Beaches , N Wales

Ten of North Wales’ best beaches

ORTH Wales is home to some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the country and with 250 miles of pristine coastline, you are truly spoilt for choice!

From major seaside resorts to pebble paradises, we have uncovered the 10 best North Wales beaches. Armed with our guide, you can discover spectacular views across the Irish Sea, breath-taking views of the Snowdonia National Park and one of the best beach bars in the world!

1. Barmouth Beach, Gwynedd

Resting on the tip of southern Snowdonia is Barmouth Beach, often considered the most popular beach in North Wales. Offering miles of unbroken sands and within striking distance of the craggy mountains, this North Wales beach is sure to be a hit with the family! Barmouth Beach is an exceptional location for watersports, with easy access to the sea via the slipway. 2. Aberdaron Beach, Llŷn Peninsula

Peacefully positioned at the end of the Llŷn Peninsula and set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it takes little imagination to believe that you’re basking in the sunshine abroad. With its location on the western tip, the dramatic seas offer plenty of opportunity for watersports. Here, you can take to the waters to try your hand at windsurfing, kayaking and sailing. 3. Harlech Beach,

Gwynedd

Overlooking the four-milelong stretch of this North Wales beach is one of the best castles in Wales, Harlech Castle. The 13th-century fortress lies 1000 metres behind Harlech Beach and acts has a symbol of past conflict. Today, the beach offers a steadier pace of life, with pristine golden sands and magnificent views to enjoy. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of leatherback turtles migrating to this part of the North Wales coast.

4. Newborough Beach, Isle of Anglesey

Newborough Beach, also known as Llanddwyn Beach, rests at the southwest tip of Anglesey and is flanked by Newborough Forest. Simply laze on the sands, uncover several coves or take to the waters and surf the westerly wind from the Atlantic. This North Wales beach is also teeming with wildlife, including red squirrels, and if you are really lucky, you may spot dolphins and the occasional minke whale.

5. Morfa Nefyn, Llŷn Peninsula

Within striking distance of Tŷ Coch Inn (officially one of the best beach bars in the world!) this beautiful sweep lines a sheltered bay and natural harbour on the Lleyn Heritage Coast. Stroll along the east-facing sands, popular with fishermen, before finding the intriguing 200-year-old pub that cannot be driven to!

Morfa Nefyn

Harlech Beach

6. Talacre Beach, Flintshire

Sitting just across from the River Dee and with views over the Welsh border towards Wirral is Talacre Beach (pic, top left). This beach offers miles of golden sands and is dog-friendly all year round, offering fun for everyone! The beach’s most notable feature is the Point of Ayr lighthouse, which dates back to 1776. The impressive monument stands 18 meters tall and while it can be tempting to explore, watch out for the fast-moving tide! 7. Prestatyn Beach, Denbighshire

Prestatyn is a bustling seaside resort in North Wales, home to three beaches that form a five-mile stretch of sand. Discover Prestatyn Central Beach, between Ffrith and Barkby beaches, with a 4-mile-long promenade running along, linking all three. This offers pleasant walking opportunities and Barmouth Beach

marks the beginning of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail. 8. Llanddulas Beach, Conwy County

Discover this North Wales beach resting between Abergele and Colwyn Bay on the North Wales Coastal Cycleway. On this glorious Welsh beach, you can expect a blend of rock and pebble, as well as an area of wet sand exposed at low tide. Those exploring on two wheels can meander along the 34-mile-long cycle route that connects with Colwyn Bay to the west. A great opportunity to enjoy this part of the North Wales coast.

9. Benllech Beach, Isle of Anglesey

Considered one of the more popular beaches on the Isle of Anglesey is Benllech Beach, located on the eastern coast. Look forward to the long stretch of golden sand, littered with rock pools, home to crabs and starfish! After catching a glimpse of these unusual Welsh animals, take to the crystal blue water, which is exceptionally safe for bathing and paddling. Benllech Beach has been granted two prestigious awards, the Blue Flag Award and the Marine Conservation Society Recommendation. 10. Fairbourne Beach, Gwynedd

Fairbourne Beach enjoys a mixture of sloping pebbled banks and a twomile stretch of golden sand. Those who visit can look forward to striking views across the Irish Sea and of the Snowdonia mountain range. History buffs will also enjoy the beach’s traces of World War II, with remains of interesting war defences still visible. During the summer months, a narrow gauge heritage miniature railway rubs to the end of the beach and connects to a small ferry, which completes the journey to Barmouth.