Dreamy sandy beach that could be on the Californian coast that has something distinctly Welsh in the background
Dreamy sandy beach that could be on the Californian coast that has something distinctly Welsh in the background
This popular North Wales beach has golden sand and strong 'Californian coast vibes'
Traeth Llanddwyn at sunset bordered by Newborough Forest
(Image: I Love Colour/Wiki )
We are spoiled for choice for dreamy beaches in Wales. One popular North Wales beach, in particular, has golden sand and strong 'Californian coast vibes' and is a magnet for snap-happy tourists.
Beautiful Traeth Llanddwyn is a blue-flag beach on historic Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island) that's part of the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve and home to one of Wales' most photogenic lighthouses. The area is also rich in birds and wildlife, from wild ponies to red squirrels and even leeches.
It's located in Anglesey, once the sacred heartland of the Druids and the last bastion of the Celts. This ethereal isle remains a land of ancient power, with standing stones, Iron Age forts, and eerie burial chambers scattered throughout.
Here, wildflower-covered fields and Neolithic tombs meet storm-battered cliffs, windswept dunes, and secluded coves waiting to be discovered.
Traeth Llanddwyn is a walkers' favourite
(Image: John Winder/Wiki )
There are also several gorgeous beaches across the isle where you can stroll along sandy shorelines, feast on seafood or take a cold water dip.
Article continues below
With its impressive sand dunes, legend-filled Traeth Llanddwyn offers magnificent views of Eryri National Park, Caernarfon, and Llyn Peninsula. This romantic beach is included in 'best beaches' lists and is famed for its enchanting tidal island, which has an irresistible allure.
A path leads to the nature reserve at Llanddwyn Island, and the nearby forest has lovely footpaths to traverse. Take a leisurely walk towards the beach, amidst Corsican pines, where red squirrels dart up trees and the sea glints on the horizon, and you might think you've been transported to the west coast of America.
On the Isle, you'll also find a lighthouse called Goleudy Tŵr Mawr, a remarkable Celtic stone cross situated at the heart of the island and Dwynwen's well.
It's believed the well is home to sacred fish who can predict whether couples' relationships will succeed; if the fish are active when visiting the well, it is seen as a sign of a faithful husband.
The photogenic tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn at sunset
(Image: Richard Banton/Wiki )
Besides the well, there is also Crochan Llanddwyn, meaning Llanddwyn's cauldron, a small wishing well that is located in a rabbit warren between Llanddwyn Island and Newborough. According to folklore, if the water of the well boils while visitors are present, love and good luck will follow. Tidy.
This magical isle, with its rugged shoreline and crystal-clear waters, is closely tied to the legend of Saint Dwynwen, Wales' patron saint of lovers, which basically makes her the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine.
According to the story, Saint Dwynwen sought solace on this island after a heart-wrenching love story, and the island is a place of both romantic and spiritual significance.
Llanddwyn Island on Anglesey's west coast is home to the church of St Dwynwen - the Welsh patron saint of lovers
(Image: Portia Jones )
Dwynwen lived during the 5th century and fell in love with a prince named Maelon Dafodrill. Unfortunately, her father, who had 24 daughters, had already arranged for her to marry someone else.
Our gal, Dwynwen, was so upset that she could not marry Maelon that she begged God to make her forget him. After falling asleep, an angel visited Dwynwen, who appeared carrying a sweet potion designed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him into a block of ice. Yikes!
God, feeling generous, gave Dwynwen three wishes. Her first wish was that frozen bae Maelon be thawed; her second was that God meet the hopes and dreams of true lovers; and her third was that she should never marry.
All three were fulfilled, and as a mark of her immense gratuitude, Dwynwen devoted herself to God's service for the rest of her life.
With so much history, folklore and picture-perfect panoramas, this spot is unsurprisingly hugely popular
(Image: Visit Wales/Welsh Government )
With so much history, folklore and picture-perfect panoramas, this spot is unsurprisingly hugely popular. The car park at Traeth Llanddwyn Beach has space for 300 vehicles and is often full shortly after opening.
A viral video of the beach's golden sands racked up more than 1.4 million views on TikTok. It was posted by user Heykeyt, who claimed it was 'hands down the most romantic spot in Wales,' driving a huge number of visitors to the picturesque beach.
On clear sunny days, there are often huge lines of cars along the twisty route leading from Newborough village centre, with jams extending another half-mile on the A4080 towards Pen-lôn. Understandably, frustrating locals.
To avoid the crowds and adding to mass tourism, this beach is best visited in the winter, when fewer tourists traverse the whipping winds and salt-sprayed shores.
If you are visiting in summer, you could go for a sunrise beach walk and beat the morning crowds. Make sure not to leave any rubbish behind or park anywhere that blocks in residents.
Need to know
Location: Llanddwyn, Newborough, Isle of Anglesey, LL61 6SG
Parking: New charges for the main car parks came into force on Friday, 23 May. It will now cost £5 to park for up to two hours, and 70p for each additional 20 minutes up to a maximum daily charge of £15.
Tides: Ynys Llanddwyn can be cut off in high tides. Check tide times before starting this route.
Environment: Do not leave rubbish or light fires or BBQs during long spells of dry weather.
Article continues below
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
18 hours ago
- Wales Online
Man visits 120 chip shops across the UK and this Welsh chippy made his top 5
Man visits 120 chip shops across the UK and this Welsh chippy made his top 5 Stephen Peel, 62, has been eating at two fish and chip shops a week for the last 15 months in his quest to find the nation's best chippies - and now he's made his picks A dedicated fish and chip shop enthusiast who's travelled 120 UK chippies over a year has unveiled his top five picks. Stephen Peel, aged 62, embarked on a 15-month gastronomic adventure, dining at two different fish and chip shops weekly in a bid to discover the crème de la crème of British chippies. One Welsh fish & chip shop made the cut in Stephen's top five, though, joining fryers from Lancashire, Cornwall, Yorkshire and Cheshire. Crowning Green Lane Chippy in Leigh, Lancashire, as his personal best so far, with The Old Forge Cafe in Bugle, Cornwall, trailing close behind, Stephen, hailing from Penketh, Warrington, shared: "I've tried quite a lot of chippies so far on this journey but it has never gotten old - I still look forward to eating them every single time. I just love a good old traditional fish and chips - there is nothing that beats it for me." Rounding out Stephen's top five was Hennighan's Top Shop in Machynlleth, which has previously been named as one of the best in the UK. The family run shop has been going for forty years and they won best in in Wales, too, back in 2017. For more top Welsh fish & chip shops, click here. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here Stephen's tour, which he documents on his YouTube channel, here, said that Hennighan's 'delicious' pea fritters were 'the best' he'd tasted to date. The reviewer also liked the shop's potato doughnuts, tucked into some battered haddock and praised Hennighan's as a 'cracking little shop.' Kickstarting his 'Chippy Tour' to honour the cherished staple he believes the nation risks losing due to many establishments facing closure from escalating costs, Stephen assessed each chippy on several criteria. He judged them on a scale of five, taking into account customer service, cleanliness, presentation as well as the quality of the fare. He spends £30 at every chippy purchasing a battered sausage, steak and kidney pie, curry sauce, and a pea fritter alongside the chips - and has spent £3,600 in total. He further commented: "There's a lot that goes into getting a five star review - I also put a lot of pride into giving them. All aspects of the experience affect the score - for instance how friendly the staff are as for me manners are important. "How the shop is presented is also something I look out for too as I want to feel comfortable and welcome when I'm inside. Also those who sell other meals, like kebabs and pizzas. If the love for fish and chips doesn't come first then it may affect the score.", reports the Mirror. "I'm sharing the joy and the history of these iconic places - I want to do it right." Stephen gave a resoundingly postive 'oh' after tasting a pea fritter (Image: YouTube/The Chippy Tour ) Stephen remarks that to earn a top score of five, the place must be so impressive that visitors won't feel let down if they make a trip specifically to see it. He observed that fish and chip shop prices fluctuate across the UK: "On average nationwide it costs around £10 for a meal - up north it is a little bit cheaper as you normally pay £8 in my experience. But further down south you are looking to pay double the northern price." Stephen embarked on his quest in February last year when his wife's barber shop had to shut down due to competition from newer establishments. He reflected: "It got me thinking, this surely can't be the only business being affected. Fish and chips has always been my favourite since I was a lad. "Before long, I discovered that their numbers had dwindled dramatically over the past 30 years from 30,000 to about 10,000. It has become increasingly difficult for them to stay open with the rising prices. "So I started The Chippy Tour to celebrate the iconic dish and to try my best to keep the buzz of having a chippy alive." During his tour, he visited the UK's most affordable fish and chip shop, Mathews Chippy in Grimsby, Yorks, where his meal cost just £3 - a price he deemed "a lot more" than its value. Describing his ideal serving, he said: "There is a freshness to the fish with no discolouration - for me it doesn't matter if it is cod or haddock. I have no preference on the colour of the batter but as long as it isn't soggy underneath you are all good. "It has to look fresh and clean - when you break open the batter there should be a sweet earthy smell. For the chips you are looking for the light golden colour. "They need to be a bit plump while crispy on the outside but not too firm in the middle but also not overly soft - you are looking for the sweet spot. "Lastly, I prefer it cooked in beef dripping rather than vegetable oil - the flavours are much better this way." You can find Stephen's full list here. Article continues below Stephen's top five UK chippies: 1st: Green Lane Chippy - Leigh, Lancashire 2nd: The Old Forge Cafe - Bugle, Cornwall 3rd: Charlie's of Mobberley - Mobberley, Cheshire 4th: George A. Green Fisheries - Wakefield, Yorkshire 5th: Hennighan's, Machynlleth, Wales
ITV News
a day ago
- ITV News
Welsh explorer becomes world's first to scale Andes through seven countries
Ollie Treviso telling his story. A Welsh explorer has become the first person in history to cross the Andes mountain range through seven countries. Ollie Treviso from Swansea began his solo expedition in Argentina in September 2023, and has since trekked 14,000 kilometres, crossing into Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, before finishing in Venezuela this week. The 29-year-old from Port Tennant has walked every day for the past 20 months and says he has gotten through nine pairs of trainers. 'It feels surreal, I can't believe that I've done it', Ollie told ITV News. 'I love thinking about the original idea, sitting at the dinner table, and it flashing in my mind. I never thought I would actually do it, but with time, it happened. "To have my dad and brother at the end was an emotional finish for sure. 'I don't know if I'll ever be able to process it, so many things have happened, it's a dream come true.' Ollie, who has walked the length of Britain and sailed across the Atlantic, came close to failing the expedition on a number of occasions. In February 2024, he fell down a gorge while 2,000 meters high crossing from Argentina into Chile. Miles from civilisation and suffering from concussion, Ollie began walking dangerously off course. Ollie says a chance meeting with a stray dog, whom he would later call Sandy, saved his life after the dog led him back to the nearest village. Last month, while travelling through Colombia, Ollie was mugged by a machete-wielding gang, who took his money, clothes and supplies. It was only the kindness of locals, who supplied him with a new phone, which meant he was able to complete his trek. Ollie said: 'I've walked through deserts, jungles, rainforests, and climbed mountains with 6 thousand feet of elevation. That is what drew me to the Andes, just how diverse it was. It's been brutal at times, altitude sickness, minus 20 degrees at night.' 'I need a new pair of knees, that's for sure, my knees are finished….and nine pairs of trainers I went through in the end!' While scaling the Andes, Ollie has been raising money for mental health charity Mind Ystradgynlais. The explorer says it was his own personal struggles with mental health that spurred him to raise the money. Ollie is due to return to Wales in the next two weeks and says he hopes to visit schools as well as write a book about his adventure and achievement. 'I need to enjoy this'', Ollie said. 'That's the most important thing, get back home and enjoy being with my family and enjoy being in Wales. I need to share my story and stay in the present and not be thinking too far ahead all the time, I think that's really important for me.' 'I'm definitely going to miss it, as hard as it was, I loved it. I've had the highest highs of my life and always felt like I was learning something new.' 'But this is the start of the next chapter now, I'm really on a mission to share my story. I've been obsessed with walking every day, but now it's all about what's next.'
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
28 restaurants in Wales with the most amazing views
28 restaurants in Wales with the most amazing views Settle down for a delectable dinner with a view to match Lan y Mor, Coppet Hall (Image: Kathryn Williams ) Wales is full of excellent restaurants and stunning coastlines and countryside. And sometimes, you can be lucky enough to get delicious food and an amazing view. From restaurants perched on cliff tops to those looking out over mountains, in no particular order these are the places where you'll enjoy the view as much as the food. Alternatively, you can read our foodie guide to the Wales Coast Path here. Here's the 28 restaurants in Wales with the most amazing views. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . 1. This contemporary restaurant is situated on the golden sands of Coppet Hall Beach in Saundersfoot. Lan y Môr brings together Hywel Griffith, the man behind Michelin-starred Beach House in the Gower, with former head chef at award-winning Grove of Narberth, Gerwyn Jones. Read our review of Lan y Môr here. Where: Coppet Hall Beach Centre, Saundersfoot SA69 9AJ 2. Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay (Image: ) With his wealth of experience as one of Britain's top chefs, Bryn Williams' beachfront bistro on the north Wales coast holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and was named AA Restaurant of the year for Wales 2019/20. The restaurant's big open space means you're treated to fabulous views of the beach, and some pretty sunsets too. Where: Promenade, Colwyn Bay LL29 8HH 3. Beach House, Oxwich (Image: Beach House ) With a stunning menu from Michelin-starred head chef Hywel Griffiths, the Beach House is the perfect place for an al fresco dinner watching the sunset over Oxwich Bay. Hywel's cooking focuses on local Welsh produce so dishes include Oxwich Bay lobster and Gower salt marsh lamb. Here you can read our review. Where: Oxwich Beach, Swansea SA3 1LS 4. Hills, Brecon (Image: Hill Resturant ) Named after the Hills family who own this high-end burger restaurant, it's a fitting name because of the fantastic views of the (often) snow-capped Brecon Beacons. Aside from the panoramic vista, it's worth a special journey for their Welsh smashed beef burgers which are some of the best in Wales. Where: Bishops Meadow, Hay Road, Brecon LD3 9SW 5. The Old House 1147, Llangynwyd (Image: Old House 1147 ) This 12th-century pub combines the traditional and the modern. With breathtaking views of Nant y Gadlys valley, the restaurant offers a unique open plan dining experience Where: Llangynwyd, Maesteg CF34 9SB 6. Rhosyn, Penally Abbey, Tenby (Image: Instagram / @penallyabbeyhotel ) Overlooking the sea near Tenby, this boutique hotel serves a short menu of technically accomplished dishes including Welsh rarebit tart with caramelised onions and crispy ox cheek with pickled swede. Fresh fish is sourced from Tenby Harbour and hand-picked strawberries come from the farm down the road. Where: Abbey Hotel, Penally, Tenby SA70 7PY 7. Pizza Tipi, Cardigan (Image: Pizza Tipi ) Woodfired pizzas and local craft beer are on offer at this riverside courtyard restaurant in the middle of Cardigan. Run by four brothers and their friends, Pizza Tipi fits well with Cardigan's trendy and creative vibe. Where: 1 Cambrian Quay, Cardigan SA43 1EZ 8. Fredricks at Machynys, Llanelli (Image: Instagram / @machynysclwbgolff ) Overlooking the Nicklaus golf course and Carmarthenshire Bay with the wonderful Gower coastline beyond, Fredricks brasserie is located on the first floor of the clubhouse at Machynys. You can visit for a snack and a drink on the brasserie's wrap-around sundeck or a full meal in its 90 seat restaurant. Where: Nicklaus Avenue, Llanelli SA15 2DG 9. Worms Head Hotel, Gower The view from the restaurant takes in the spectacular Rhossili Bay and Worms Head. Serving traditional pub food, dishes on offer include fish and chips, homemade curries and Welsh rarebit. Where: Rhossili, Gower SA3 1PP 10. Baravin, Aberystwyth (Image: Instagram / @baravinaber ) This stylish seafront bar has huge windows looking straight out onto Cardigan Bay and a tempting menu featuring simply cooked local produce, pizzas, craft beers and cocktails. Where: 1 Marine Terrace, Aberystwyth SY23 2AP 11. The Lighthouse, Swansea With beautiful views of Bracelet Bay and Mumbles Lighthouse, The Lighthouse, formerly known as Castellamare and has been under new ownership since 2022, serves traditional Italian cuisine. Choose from a selection of pizza, pasta and small plates. The restaurant also offers classic fish and chips by the seaside and a selection of fresh bagels throughout the day. Where: Bracelet Bay, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4JT 12. (Image: Quay Hotel and Spa ) The Ebb and Flow Restaurant at the Quay Hotel and Spa takes in stunning views of the Conwy Mountains, Estuary and Conwy Castle. Named after the ebb and flow of the River Conwy, the restaurant serves modern twists on brasserie classics including herb crusted rump of lamb with carrot chutney and ham hock and summer herb terrine. Where: Deganwy Quay, Deganwy, Conwy LL31 9DJ 13. (Image: Instagram / @vocostdavidscardiff ) With gorgeous views out over Cardiff Bay, Tir a Môr restaurant at St David's Hotel puts a modern twist on our country's culinary heritage, from smoked haddock, salmon and spring onion fishcake to pan-roasted Brecon lamb rump. Where: Havannah Street, Cardiff CF10 5SD 14. Langland's Brasserie, Swansea (Image: Langland's Brasserie ) You couldn't get much closer to the beach at Langlands Brasserie and the menu is designed to make the best of locally sourced produce. On the menu there's fish and chips with mushy peas, prawn and crab cocktail, and pork belly with cider and mustard sauce. Where: Brynfield Road, Newton, Swansea SA3 4SQ 15. The Dining Room, Penrhyndeudraeth Built into the cliffs south of Porthmadog and boasting its own private peninsula on the stunning southern shoreline of Eryri, Portmeirion really is a thing of beauty. Designed by Sir Terence Conran in an art deco style, Hotel Portmeirion's The Dining Room restaurant serves contemporary Welsh food cooked with local ingredients. Where: Portmeirion, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd LL48 6ER 16. Tower Restaurant, Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa, Powys Lake Vyrnwy Hotel has a breathtaking location overlooking a mountain lake in the rural Powys countryside. Whilst the Tower Restaurant offers a full a la carte menu of brasserie cooking, you can also graze from their tapas menu featuring dishes such as tempura prawns and salt and pepper squid. Where: Llanwddyn, Powys SY10 0LY 17. Llanerch Vineyard, Hensol (Image: Llanerch Vineyard ) This working Welsh vineyard, located in the heart of the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan countryside, is home to an award-winning restaurant, cookery school and luxury hotel. With views out over the vineyard from the restaurant, you can enjoy a glass of their own Cariad wine with your meal. Where: Hensol Road, Hensol, Pontyclun CF72 8GG 18. Ynyshir, Machynlleth (Image: Richard Swingler ) One of the UK's most critically acclaimed restaurants, currently holding two Michelin stars and five AA rosettes, Ynyshir is located in a country house that was once Queen Victoria's hidden retreat Tucked away between the golden sands of Borth Beach and the rugged mountains of Snowdonia National Park, Ynyshir's views are as stunning as the food. Here you can read our review of it. Where: Eglwys Fach, Machynlleth SY20 8TA 19. Dylan's (Image: Dioni Self Catering Ltd ) Set over three Welsh sites, Dylan's restaurants are not short of a cracking view whichever venue you choose. The above restaurant is in Criccieth, and is situated in a glass-fronted art deco style building, overlooking the bay towards Harlech Castle. The Menai Bridge and Llandudno venues have equally lovely outdoor spaces. With a focus on seafood, dishes include crab and lime arancini, seabass tacos and moules mariniere. Where: Llandudno LL30 1BE, Criccieth LL52 0HU and Menai Bridge LL59 5EY 20. The Tavern On The Bay, Anglesey (Image: The Tavern On The Bay ) This gastropub has mesmerising 270° panoramic views which take in the Anglesey coastline and beyond to the Great Orme. Refined pub dishes include chargrilled gammon with egg, pineapple and chips and Goan chickpea and spinach curry with sticky coconut rice. Where: Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey LL75 8RJ 21. BRAF, Dinas Dinlle (Image: WalesOnline ) This cosy beachside cafe is located only a few miles outside of Caernarfon in Dinas Dinlle. Here you'll find views of Ynys Mon across the sea and Yr Eifl mountains. This is the perfect place for a breakfast, brunch or lunch and admire the epic seaside views. They also host yoga classes here. Read our review here. Where: Dinas Dinlle, Caernarfon LL54 5TW 22. Langdons, Anglesey (Image: Langdon's ) Langdons is a family-run restaurant next to Holyhead Marina with stunning sea views. Hearty homemade cooking on offer includes a Sunday carvery, pizzas, mixed grills and curries. Where: Holyhead Marina, Beach Road, Newry Beach, Holyhead, Anglesey LL65 1YA 23. The Shed, Porthgain (Image: Instagram / @theshedporthgain ) This renowned bistro is situated in the pretty coastal hamlet of Porthgain on the north coast of the St Davids Peninsula. The emphasis is on locally caught fish and chips as well as daily specials including monkfish and prawn curry and hake with tomatoes olives and capers. If you can't get a table then you can always just perch on the harbourside. Where: 56 Llanrhian Rd, Porthgain, Haverfordwest SA62 5BN 24. (Image: Instagram / Tafell a Tan Pizza ) Based right on Llangrannog beach, Tafell a Tân serves delicious wood-fired pizzas, cakes and craft beer. The Moch Mawr is topped with chorizo, ham, pepperoni, Italian sausage and BBQ sauce whilst a Just Beet It has a beetroot base, mushroom, spinach and a chestnut & apricot crumb. Where: Llangrannog, Llandysul SA44 6SN 25. St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot On a cliff top overlooking Saundersfoot in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, St Brides Hotel is best known for its infinity pool. The hotel's Cliff Restaurant serves up Pembrokeshire produce and locally landed fish with dishes including lobster risotto with pickled carrot and Pembrokeshire duck breast with buckwheat crespelle. Where: St Brides Hill, Saundersfoot SA69 9NH 26. The Secret, Swansea (Image: The Secret Swansea ) The Secret is located on Swansea Bay's seafront with impressive views of the beach. During the day you can enjoy cooked breakfasts, filled baguettes and coffee whilst in the evening more involved dishes include a tomahawk pork chop with roast new potatoes and teriyaki jackfruit burger with sweetcorn salsa. Where: Mumbles Road, Brynmill, Swansea SA2 0AY 27. The Harbourmaster, Aberaeron (Image: WalesOnline ) Expect a menu showcasing a larder of Cardigan Bay seafood and fish, Welsh lamb and beef, local organic vegetables and excellent wines from the renowned Harbourmaster restaurant, which overlooks Aberaeron's quayside. Where: 1 Quay Parade, Aberaeron SA46 0BT 28. Runwayskiln, Marloes Sands (Image: Runwayskiln ) Article continues below A pretty stone building set above the epic Marloes Sands beach about a 15 minute walk away. Runwayskiln serves weekly specials like homemade beef burgers and feta and nectarine salads as well as top coffee and delicious cakes. They've also opened a kiosk for those who just need a cold drink or ice cream while walking the coastal path. Where: Marloes Sands, Haverfordwest SA62 3BH
