When you visit North Wales, you are in for a treat. The beautiful mountain ranges, miles of natural wildlife habitat and, of course, stunning coastline views and beaches. The Llŷn peninsula is a spectacular area of beauty and boasts some of the best beaches in the UK (even if we are biased). So, if you like coastal walks, surfing and paddle-boarding, or want to spend a happy few hours with a bucket and spade, we have the ultimate guide to the top five beaches on the Llŷn peninsula!
5. Abersoch Beach
Abersoch is home to one of Wales’s most popular beaches. The golden sand is ideal for relaxing, but this beach is also popular for a range of water-sports activities, such as windsurfing and sailing. Abersoch Quarry Beach is also perfect for families and has plenty of parking. This beach also has high-speed winds, again making it popular for water sports. In Abersoch, there is also a town beach, a great place to visit to dip your toes in the water and enjoy an ice cream – for light bites and refreshments we recommend Two Islands in Abersoch town, or The Little Tea Rooms at the far end of Abersoch beach (a great treat after your walk).
4. Llanbedrog Beach
This sheltered sandy beach on the south side of the Llŷn peninsula, overlooking Cardigan Bay, has something for everyone. Nature enthusiasts will love spotting wildlife, there are beautiful coastal path walks, and the iconic colourful beach huts that are great for families who want to spend the day at the seaside – if you are a guest of Madryn Castle, you can hire out our beach hut for the day! Grab a quick drink at Aqua Beach Bar on your way down from the National Trust car park, only a short walk from the beach and near the public restrooms – plus this beach is very dog friendly! Why not combine a visit to the beach with exploring the picturesque village of Llanbedrog itself?
3. Aberdaron Beach
Aberdaron beach tucked at the tip of the peninsula is a stunning family and pet-friendly beach. This vast mile-long stretch of sand has rock pools, sea caves at either end of the main beach, and plenty enough for all the family (and pets) to see, play and do. If you want to explore further, there are costal walking paths and trails leading up to the tall cliffs and onto smaller beaches and coves tucked away from the main stretch of sand. In the main village there are plenty of parking options, disabled access, shops, pubs and a few cafes. We recommend enjoying a drink on the beach terrace of local pub Gwesty Tŷ Newydd around sunset – after an activity filled day, you’ve earned it!
2. Whistling Sands Beach
This sandy beach is known locally as Porthor beach and is ideal for those who enjoy coastal walks. Parking is available at a nearby National Trust car park, from which it is a short walk to the golden sandy beach. Grass topped cliffs hug the shoreline, making for interesting views. This quiet beach has unusually shaped grains of sand that make a whistling sound when walked upon and is one of only two beaches in Europe where this has been observed. One for nature lovers and walkers, you won’t find many facilities, although there is a picnic area and a small café serving drinks and snacks.
1. Porthdinllaen & Morfa Nefyn Beach
Morfa Nefyn beach is close to the coastal villages of both Morfa Nefyn and Porthdinllaen. This quiet sandy beach is ideal for beach lovers, pets, couples, groups of friends and families (basically everyone!) and there is a circular walk to enjoy that takes you across Nefyn Golf Course and out to the impressive headland. Largely undeveloped, this rugged landscape is home to many species of birds and other wildlife. We highly recommend visiting the famous Ty Coch Inn (often referred to as the best pub in Wales) for some refreshments – only accessible by foot and right on the beach in a sheltered cove, this is a truly unique spot. The beach is great for swimming, walking & hiking, SUP, sailing and all manner of water sports activities, and you are likely to find Madryn Castle’s park managers enjoying the sand and waves after work & on most of their days off throughout the summer months. Parking is available at a National Trust car park at the entrance to Nefyn Golf Club, and is close to another of our favourite local options for food and drink, The Cliffs. This is also a great point from which to start a walk or hike along the Wales Coast Path.
So there you have it – plenty of wonderful options to enjoy on during your next trip to North Wales. When you stay at Madryn Castle holiday park, you have all these beautiful beaches right on your doorstep (plus we will share our insight on beaches and secret coves lesser known to tourists and off the beaten track). Our rental Pritchard Lodge provides the perfect base from which to explore the Llŷn, with all the comforts from home, plus some special added touches to make your staycation all the more luxurious.
To discover North Wales and for a truly unique UK holiday, book your stay with us today!
