The 5 Best Beaches in North Wales

If you’re dreaming of wide open skies, golden sands and the stunning mountain views, you’ll find plenty of it in North Wales. From windswept wild dunes to peaceful coves and family-friendly shores, the beaches in North Wales offer something for every kind of seaside lover.

Whether you’re chasing surf, looking to let the kids run free or just want to wander along the shore with ice cream in hand, the North Wales coast is as vast as it is varied. And with much of the coast falling within protected landscapes, you’ll find these beaches are not just beautiful, but steeped in history, nature and local character.

Here are five of our absolute favourite beaches in North Wales, all offering their own unique charm and reasons to visit.

When’s the Best Time to Visit North Wales Beaches?

The beaches in North Wales are beautiful year-round, but when you go can really shape the kind of experience you’ll have. The weather in Wales plays a big part – whether you’re after golden sunsets and sea swims, wild winter walks or quiet coastal escapes, here’s what to expect from each season in Wales.

Spring (March-May) Average temps: 8–14°C
Peaceful and full of life. Wildflowers bloom in the dunes and cliffs, and it’s ideal for walking and wildlife spotting.

Summer (June–August) Average temps: 15–22°C
The best beach weather. Great for swimming, paddling and beach days. Busy at peak times, especially during school holidays.

Autumn (September–November) Average temps: 10–16°C
Golden light, fewer crowds. The sea often stays warm into September – perfect for dips and long, quiet walks.

Winter (December–February) Average temps: 3–8°C
Dramatic skies, windswept sands and a raw kind of beauty. Ideal for moody beach walks and off-season solitude.

The Best Beaches in North Wales

• The Best Sandy Beach in North Wales: Llanddwyn Beach, Anglesey
• The Best Secret Beach in North Wales: Porth Ysgo, Llŷn Peninsula
• The Best Beach Near Snowdonia: Barmouth Beach, Gwynedd
• The Best Dog-friendly Beach in North Wales: Dinas Dinlle, Gwynedd
• The Best Surf Beach in North Wales: Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth), Llŷn Peninsula

The Best Sandy Beach in North Wales: Llanddwyn Beach, Anglesey

Llanddwyn beach, also known as Newborough Beach, is on the south-west coast of Anglesey, within easy reach of the village of Newborough. This is one of the longest sandy beaches in North Wales, with three miles of golden sand backed by protected dunes and pine forest.

It’s a great spot for walking, running or simply relaxing. At one end, you’ll find Llanddwyn Island, a tidal island with the iconic Tŵr Mawr lighthouse, historical ruins and panoramic views across to Eryri (Snowdonia). At the other end, the beach stretches towards Abermenai Point, where the Menai Strait meets the sea.

The on-site car park features a food truck, perfect for grabbing something to eat after spending time by the shore. Or, opt for the picnic benches tucked in the woods at Newborough National Nature Reserve just behind the beach itself.

Llanddwyn Beach is also one of the best beaches in North Wales for swimming, especially in summer, when the shallow waters warm up nicely. You’ll often see people paddleboarding or kitesurfing here, too.

With its space, scenery and natural feel, this beautiful sandy beach in North Wales offers a real escape without going far.

If you’re keen to explore the coastlines of northern Wales, we offer many small-group trips in this beautiful region, as well as road trips and rail journeys in North Wales.

The Best Secret Beach in North Wales: Porth Ysgo, Llŷn Peninsula

Tucked into the southern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, Porth Ysgo is a small, secluded cove that feels wonderfully off the beaten track. While it’s possible to find it on a map, its remote location and limited access make it one of the best secret beaches in North Wales.

To reach the beach, park nearby and follow a short coastal path, which includes a flight of wooden steps down the cliffside. The walk is worth it: the route offers sweeping views over the coastline before you step onto the sheltered cove.

At low tide, the beach reveals its expanse of soft golden sand. Boulder fields on either side of the beach attract climbers, while history enthusiasts may be intrigued by the remains of the old Nant manganese mine, which once shipped ore via a jetty at Porth Ysgo.

This tranquil setting makes Porth Ysgo perfect for a relaxed beach day in North Wales. It’s quiet, rarely crowded and ideal for swimming, exploring the cliffs or simply soaking up the scenery. On clear days, the views of the surrounding coastline are breathtaking, making it one of the nicest beaches in North Wales for those seeking calm and beauty away from the crowds.

To discover even more hidden beaches in North Wales, join our 36-Hour Adventure Tour where you’ll experience everything from zip-lining to star-gazing and extreme riverbugging.

The Best Beach Near Snowdonia: Barmouth Beach, Gwynedd

If you’re seeking the best beaches near Eryri (Snowdonia), Barmouth is a must. Located at the mouth of the Mawddach Estuary, this stunning North Wales beach stretches for two miles along Cardigan Bay and offers incredible views of Eryri’s (Snowdonia’s) mountains.

The northern section is dotted with facilities, including toilets, cafés, shops and lifeguards in summer, making it one of the best beaches in Wales for families. It’s also a short walk from Barmouth town centre and railway station, which makes it very accessible whether you’re driving or taking the Cambrian Coast Line.

Head south along the beach, and things quickly quiet down. Here, the surroundings feel wilder, with open sand, grassy dunes and views of the hills beyond. If you’re searching for Welsh beaches with a quiet side, Barmouth is your ideal spot.

It’s a great spot for beach walks and easy swims on calm days. While sea conditions vary depending on tides and weather, it’s generally safe for paddling when lifeguards are present.

For active visitors, the Mawddach Trail is a real highlight. This walking and cycling route runs for 9 miles between Barmouth and Dolgellau, following the estuary with constant views of sea, mountains and marshland. It’s one of the most scenic trails in Wales and is easy to do in a half day.

Barmouth is also one of the most family-friendly beaches near Snowdonia, combining mountain views with proper seaside charm. If you’re eager to take on a hiking challenge, join our 14 Peaks Experience.

The Best Dog-Friendly Beach in North Wales: Dinas Dinlle, Gwynedd

If you’re travelling with a dog, Dinas Dinlle is one of the top dog friendly beaches in North Wales. It’s just south of Caernarfon, with easy parking, year-round dog access across most of the beach (May to September, there is a small area where dogs are restricted between the stone breakwaters) and loads of space to roam.

The beach is wide and sandy, with a gentle slope and shallow waters. It stretches for around four miles, backed by low dunes and overlooked by a small Iron Age hillfort. On clear days, there are even views across Caernarfon Bay to the peaks of Snowdonia.

Dogs will love running across the open sand, exploring rock pools and following the coast path. With its many nearby facilities, Dinas Dinlle is also one of the best beaches in Wales for families. There’s a beachfront café, public toilets, and a small picnic area, making it great for a day out with little ones.

The combination of sand, scenery, and simple facilities makes Dinas Dinlle a solid choice for a relaxed day out – and one of the best places to visit in Wales by the sea with your dog.

The Best Surf Beach in North Wales: Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth), Llŷn Peninsula

Porth Neigwl, or Hell’s Mouth, is one of the best surf beaches in North Wales. Situated on the rugged Llŷn Peninsula, this stunning stretch of coastline offers one of the most consistent surf breaks in the region. With its wide sandy bay and powerful Atlantic swells, Hell’s Mouth is truly one of the best places to hit the waves in North Wales.

The beach itself faces southwest, attracting surfers and kayakers with its reliable, often sizeable waves. At high tide, the shoreline is mostly medium-sized pebbles, but as the tide falls, it reveals vast stretches of golden sand, perfect for a stroll or a quiet day by the sea. Porth Neigwl is rarely crowded, offering a peaceful alternative to some of the busier beaches near Abersoch.

While there are no facilities directly on the beach, visitors can find a pub serving food in nearby Llanengan. A small, free car park sits just 200 meters from the beach, accessible by a short footpath. Dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for four-legged friends to enjoy the waves and sand alongside their owners.

With reliable surf, breathtaking scenery and a tranquil, rural atmosphere, Hell’s Mouth is one of the best surf beaches North Wales has to offer. Combined with easy access and its reputation as one of the quieter beaches in Wales, it’s an ideal destination for an active coastal getaway.

Which Welsh Shoreline Is Calling Your Name?

The beaches in North Wales offer an incredible diversity of coastal experiences. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly spots to paddle with little ones, or something wild and windswept to practice surfing, there’s a shoreline here for every type of traveller. Whatever you’re seeking, the best beach in North Wales is waiting for you.

Adventure Tours UK offers an exciting range of small group holidays in North Wales, showcasing the very best of this stunning region. From mindful walks in the Ceiriog valley to challenging hikes in Snowdonia, we can design bespoke trips to suit the exact experience you’re after.

Contact us to start planning an unforgettable North Wales holiday today!

Image Credits: All images ©Crown Copyright (Visit Wales)