This stunning beach is a 'bit of a journey' to get to, but it's absolutely worth it
This stunning beach is a 'bit of a journey' to get to, but it's absolutely worth it
Porth Ceiriad is one of the most popular beaches in north Wales - but it's not easy to find and is often described as a 'hidden gem' in reviews, and for once, this label is well-deserved
The Llŷn Coastal Path runs above Porth Ceiriad beach
(Image: Chris Andrew/Wiki )
Porth Ceiriad, nestled on the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, is a gem of Wales' coastline that you'd expect to be teeming with crowds due to its golden sands and vast views.
Despite being voted one of the most scenic beaches on the peninsula, visitors are few, with Tripadvisor reviews praising its beauty despite the lack of facilities, a long walk across fields and steep steps to get there.
The seclusion found at Porth Ceiriad is actually a significant part of its charm, offering tranquillity during the week that is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
A recent visitor wrote about the the beach's serene appeal: "One of my favourite places! True mind escape. No mobile connection, no wifi, love it."
Even with its popularity among those who know of it, this idyllic spot manages to remain less frequented, a fact that regulars no doubt appreciate. Its deceptive closeness to Abersoch and the enveloping cliffs adds to the mystery of finding this secluded beach, as reported by North Wales Live.
The adventure of discovering Porth Ceiriad is well-known locally, earning the moniker of the "Porth Ceiriad Mystery Tour" because of the curious case of disappearing tourists led astray by unreliable satnav directions and confounding maps.
One puzzled reviewer from Newcastle upon Tyne confessed, "Don't ask me how we found the beach," while a couple from England shared their own strenuous escapade: "Bit of a journey to find it (even using Ordnance Survey map and satnav! ! ! )," but they later referred to Porth Ceiriad as their "stunning almost secret beach".
Porth Ceiriad is repeatedly dubbed a "hidden gem" within reviews, and this time, it's truly earned the accolade. In a recent Millets outdoor retailer survey, Porth Ceiriad was rightly named fifth on the list of "Wales hidden gems".
Wondering how to reach this secluded spot?
Set off from Abersoch via Lon Sarn Bach and keep going straight over the Sarn Bach crossroads. Then, roughly 0.7 miles beyond, take a left onto Lon Groes, which is marked by a green electricity substation.
(Image: Google )
A contactless payment barrier (costing £3) at the once operating Nant Y Big campsite reveals a path that leads towards the beach. Atop the craggy cliffs, there is a car park that dares drivers to feel like they're inches from driving over the brink.
For those who choose an earlier turn off towards Bwlchtocyn, another more compact car park awaits on the far side of the village, accessible through cattle grids and equally slender lanes. This alternative parking site only takes coins (£2-£4 for a stay up to four hours, or £5 for the entire day).
One holidaymaker remarked, "It's an adventure to get there on single track country roads. Good luck with the tractors coming through in the opposite direction. But, wow, it's worth the trek!".
Porth Ceiriad is renowned for offering what many consider being the best surf across the Llŷn Peninsula. It's a delightfully sheltered bay with calm seas in summer, but when winter rolls around, the dynamic changes drastically.
The south-facing beach awakens to dramatic life if conditions align, its distinct shape and sudden depth change conjuring up some imposing waves.
Unlike the more tempestuous Porth Neigwl nearby (also known as Hell's Mouth), Porth Ceiriad's waves draw in seasoned surfers looking for a hefty challenge. Holidaymakers might dip their toes into these enticing waters, yet they too must respect the potential dangers of rip currents, similar to those found at the much larger beach just next door.
A couple enjoying a quiet weekday visit recently noted how they seemed to have the whole place to themselves – by the time they left, only a couple of other souls had appeared. Contrast that with a busy Saturday in summer, and you'd find the bay bustling with watercraft of all sorts, from kayaks to jetskis, and sailboats - a magnet for watersports aficionados.
Article continues below
While boats often provide the easiest means of arrival, trekkers are equally compensated with stunning views accessible off the well-trodden Llŷn Coastal Path.
Visitors enamoured with the charm of Porth Ceiriad have been effusive in their praise, as one remarked: "This beach is incredibly beautiful," and hailed it as "Probably one of the best I've been to in the UK. If you like your beaches secluded, surrounded by a bit more wilderness, then this is for you."
In agreement, a family from Manchester described Porth Ceirad as the "best UK beach by miles" adding: "Been coming here for 45 years, and it's our fav beach in the whole world. Dramatic. Off the beaten track and simply stunning."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Trendy English seaside town is home to beachfront rooftop bar that feels ‘more like the Med'
ONE of the UK's coolest seaside spots has a rooftop bar that will make you feel like you are abroad. Guesthouse No.42 first opened in Margate in 2023, making it the third of their hotels to open in the UK after York and Bath. 5 5 And that same year, they opened their new rooftop terrace bar that has 360 degree views over the beachfront. Serving cocktails as well as local beers and wine, The Rooftop Bar has reopened again this summer. You don't have to be staying at the hotel to use the bar, although it is first come first served. Otherwise you can rent the entire space out to yourself for any birthdays or special events. The hotel said on Instagram that it was a "taste of Mediterranean Margate" with sunset views less than and two hours from London. And the Guardian said it felt "more Le Touquet than Thanet". Tourists have raved about it too - one person said: "Absolutely stunning view of the beach. We were so lucky with the weather, watched the sun set. Could have been abroad." Another wrote on Instagram: "It has stunning panoramic views over the beach and on a sunny day it's hard to believe you're in the UK!" It is the only rooftop bar currently in Margate so its likely to be busy in the summer months. If you fancy staying, rooms at the hotel start from £166, with the hotel named the best in Margate according to Tripadvisor. The secret UK beach without the crowds – it has a free sauna and the largest tidal pool in the country 5 5 Although it might not be the only rooftop bar for long. The closed Winter Gardens theatre has revealed grand plans to open, which will include a rooftop bar. Set to cost as much £11million, it hopes to reopen by the end of next year. The Kent seaside town has seen a huge surge in tourists in recent years. Cliftonville in Margate was named the coolest neighbourhood in the UK by Time Out back in 2022. This is where the town's huge tidal pool is found, with it being one of Europe's largest lidos. And the town's theme park, Dreamland, is not only opening a new log flume this summer, but also has huge live music acts including Haim performing. Here's everything you need to do in Margate according to The Sun experts. 5
The Herald Scotland
8 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Argoe in Newlyn crowned one of the UK's best eateries
Argoe featured on the list from OpenTable, along with a few other Cornwall eateries. The restaurant reservation site compiled a list of its top 100 spots around the country. In a statement, they said: "If you're looking for the perfect place to dine outdoors this summer, this list has it all. "Visit diner favourites in your area and enjoy a shared experience in the sun with friends, family, and even your dog!" The full list of the UK's best outdoor dining spots for 2025 can be found on the OpenTable website here. Why is Argoe among the UK's best restaurants for outdoor dining? The list by OpenTable is generated from more than 800,000 reviews from verified OpenTable diners and dining metrics from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. Restaurants with a minimum threshold of diner reviews were considered and evaluated through various factors. These included: Diner ratings Percentage of five-star reviews Number of alerts set Percentage of reservations made in advance Percentage of capacity and direct searches Metrics were weighted to comprise an overall score, with restaurants then filtered by having outdoor dining. Argoe is said to be a "tribute" to Newlyn's fishing heritage as well as a "celebration of those that continue to fish here today". According to its website, its purpose is to bring "some of the country's best produce from the sea to our tables". Some dishes on their sample menu include hand-dived scallops, Piri Piri Monkfish, whole lobster and John Dory. What do visitors think of Argoe? Argoe has been well-received by visitors, earning a 4.5/5 score on Tripadvisor from 133 reviews. One person wrote: "As everyone says, expect beautiful food, good wines and attentive service. "Sharing platters for a whole fish works well with vegetables or salad, your choice. Deserts and cheese are also excellent." Best Beaches in the UK Another said: "Great welcome and some amazing fish overlooking the harbour. Some delectable wines and amazing Cornish Gin. Recommended reading: "The grilled scallops simply the best and the Newlyn Crab is quite perfect." A third shared: "Wanted to go here for a long time and not disappointed, I would say the best fish I've ever tasted, flavours amazing. "The staff are lovely and friendly a great dining experience."
Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Harrowing moment tourist is mauled while trying to take selfie with tiger
A tourist who was attempting to pose for a photo with a tiger in Thailand was attacked by the animal and suffered minor injuries - footage of the incident has gone viral This is the harrowing moment a tourist is mauled by a tiger while trying to take a selfie with the animal. Footage circulating online shows the holidaymaker, believed to be from India, walking alongside the tiger while holding its chain at Tiger Kingdom in Phuket, Thailand. He can then be seen crouching beside the animal to pose for a photo. But as the trainer uses a stick to instruct the big cat to sit down and the tourist puts his arm around the tiger's back, the animal suddenly attacks the man, who is heard screaming. Shocked onlookers panic as the incident unfolds and the video ends abruptly as staff intervene to save the man. According to reports, the tourist suffered minor injuries in the attack. The incident has raised serious concerns about wildlife safety and tourism ethics in places like Tiger Kingdom Phuket, which is described on Tripadvisor as "a once in a lifetime experience where you can meet, play, and have your photo taken with tigers." Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, a rescue centre for elephants, monkeys and jungle cats, called for an end on big cat exploitation, saying: "This cruelty must end. For their safety - and ours." A person wrote on X, "Cats generally do not like being petted on the lower (back) body especially near butts. This man was petting the tiger continuously near above mentioned body area which must have frustrated the tiger. Final straw was when the man cupped it for a photo." Another said, "Been there. It's Tiger Kingdom in Phuket. They sedate the tigers just enough that they don't have the will to attack. Always feared this could happen." Someone else added: "Hopefully this forces the authorities to crack down on these places. It's plain cruelty." One more said: "What is meant to be wild should stay in the wild." Animal welfare organisations advise against visiting places such as tiger entertainment venues, which are common in South-East Asia, particularly Thailand, due to concerns about conservation and animal cruelty. The Environmental Investigation Agency said in a post on its website: "The simplest advice we can give you is if an establishment offers direct tourist interactions with captive animals (selfies, hugging, feeding) and/or promotes tigers engaging in unnatural behaviours (e.g. tricks or performances) then do not visit. "By not spending your money in tiger entertainment venues you will reduce the profitability of the tiger entertainment industry and help end these cruel practices for good." It also said cubs are often separated from their mothers within weeks of being born so that they can be hand-raised and bottle-fed by tourist. It added: "This is extremely stressful for both cubs and mothers, particularly if you consider that, in the wild, they would stay together for a couple of years. Furthermore, tigers are often confined to small, barren enclosures or cages resulting in significant physical and psychological distress, especially considering that tigers in the wild can roam many kilometres in a single night! Frequent handling and visitor contact in loud environments causes the animals further stress and, in order to perform for tourists, tigers are subjected to cruel training regimes." In December 2024, a zookeeper who had worked with tigers for years was mauled to death when he stepped inside the big cat enclosure at the Pitești Zoo. And in September 2024, a tiger mauled an animal handler at Dreamworld, in Queensland's Gold Coast, with the victim suffering "some serious lacerations and puncture wounds".
