Geology has blessed the Welsh island of Anglesey with beaches from the vast tracts of sand off the east coast to tiny rocky coves in the north and west. Lacking the commercialisation which characterises many of the North Wales resorts, this is a selection of five where you might choose to dip a toe (or more, on a sunny day) in the water.
Trearddur Bay
The Blue Flag beach at Trearddur Bay is the largest of a series of sandy beaches in this sprawling holiday village in the north-west of the island. With its clear water and rocky outcrops (ideal for rock pooling) it’s reminiscent of the west coast of Ireland or Scotland – and it has the added cachet of a royal connection, being temporary home for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Trearddur Bay is more developed than many of the island’s other beaches, which may not suit everyone but does have the advantage that there are plenty of visitor facilities. There are car parks just off the back of the beach and plenty of places to eat and to buy inflatable sunbeds, windbreaks and all the other paraphernalia of a British seaside holiday – including the necessary bucket and spade.
Traeth Lligwy (Lligwy Beach)
Tucked away on the north east coast, Traeth Lligwy is easily missed, though it’s signposted from the minor road between the villages of Moelfre and Rhos Lligwy. Access is down a steep and narrow lane: don’t be put off if there are cars parked against the hedges – there is a car park at the back of the beach where a nominal charge is payable at the kiosk which sells snacks, drinks and beach odds and ends.
Just a few yards from the car park, Traeth Lligwy is, like so many of the beaches, broad and sandy with shallow water (though it can be a fair walk to the water when the tide is out). The beach is so large that there’s plenty of space even when the car park is crowded – for even more peace and quiet, walk a short distance towards the point and settle against the dunes.
Llanddwyn Bay
Towards the south west of the island, the beach at Llanddwyn Bay offers stunning views over the mountains of Snowdonia. The beach is signposted from the village of Newborough, where a narrow road leads down to an automatic coin-operated barrier - be sure to have change, or you’ll have to head back to the village to get some (2011 charge - £4). There’s extensive car parking at the beach, though no facilities other than picnic areas.
Llanddwyn beach is backed by the extensive dune system of Newborough Warren and Newborough Forest, much of which is now covered by pine woods which are home to red squirrels. As well as the sandy beach itself (which has been awarded a Blue Flag for quality) there are walks through the forest along the beach to Llanddwyn Island, which is accessible at low tide and is noted for its ancient and colourful volcanic rocks.
Porth Trecastell
Just south of the village of Rhosneignr on the A4080, the tiny cove of Porth Trecastell is reminiscent of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five adventures. There’s a small parking area (a nominal charge is payable at the snack van when it is open) with some additional parking by the side of the road. Other than that, it’s undeveloped.
Though small, the beach is more than big enough for those who choose to patronise it. Enclosed by rocky headlands, one of which has a cave, is sheltered and catches the afternoon sun. For those with an interest in history, a short walk along the low cliffs takes you to a reconstructed prehistoric chambered tomb, Barclodiad y Gawres.
Other Beaches
Anglesey has plenty of other beaches – those at Aberffraw, Rhosneigr and Red Wharf Bay are also notably popular, with some visitor facilities, though parking at these can become problematic. But for anyone armed with a picnic and a bucket and spade, there’s no shortage of places to take the family or just to sit on the beach with a good book.
Join the Conversation