As we head into summer, I’m sure lots of us are booking those summer getaways. But let’s not forget some of the great UK seaside spots we have on our doorstep. You can find some of the best beaches in the UK by heading to the north Wales coast. There are plenty of seaside resorts in Wales which offer something for everyone and there are also lots of dog friendly beaches.

How Many Beaches Are There in North Wales?

According to the UK beach guide there are 110 beaches found in north Wales. In this post I’ve whittled it down to 10 that you should consider checking out. Beaches in North Wales are ideal for people looking to head to a beach from the West Midlands.

Map of North Wales Coast

NORTH WALES BEACHES

1. Talacre Beach

Definitely considered one of the best North Wales beaches, Talacre Beach is best known for the Point of Ayr lighthouse. It was built in 1776 but hasn’t been used since 1884. A grade 2 listed building, it is now privately owned. There have mysteriously been reports of paranormal activity in and around the lighthouse. Talacare Beach is very dog friendly and there is plenty of parking in the area.

2. Gronant Dunes

Next on the list of North Wales beaches is found at a nature reserve just a 10 minute drive from Talcare Beach.  Gronant Dunes form part of the dunes extending from Prestatyn to the Point of Ayr. They have been designed as a local nature reserve and dune system and are recogonsed as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). It is a dog friendly beach. 

3. Kimnel Bay Beach

Next to the better-known Rhyl Beach you can find the Kinmel Bay beach, also known as Sandy Cove.  Alongside the beach is a promenade which passes the Kinmel Dunes Nature Reserve. Dogs must be kept on leads here and the beach itself has restrictions on dog walking from May to September. There’s a large car park with toilets at the beach.

4. Colwyn Bay 

Colwyn Bay is home to a very long, sandy beach spanning 3 miles along the north wales coast. A classic Victorian seaside resort in it’s heyday, Colwyn Bay is certainly one of the best known beaches in north Wales. There’s plenty of parking along the sea front, although it can fill up quickly on a ‘good beach day’ and all parking is pay and display. Rules on dog walking vary along different areas of the beach.

5. Rhos-on-Sea

Just a stone’s throw from Colwyn Bay is the small town of Rhos-on-Sea. The beach here is ideal for swimming, water sports and fishing. There’s also a costal track here which is great for walking and cycling. The small, picturesque harbour at Rhos on Sea marks the start of Colwyn Bay’s 3 miles stretch. The Harlequin Puppet Theatre is found in Rhos on Sea town. It is the UK’s oldest permenant pupper theatre, dating back to 1958. It’s a small theatre with a capacity of just 100. It is usually open for shows during the school holidays. Check out their website for more information.

6. Conwy

The small historic market town of Conwy is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so is a must for anyone visiting north Wales. It’s city walls and castle were built in the 1200s. The town is also home to the Smallest House in Great Britian and the impressive Conwy suspension bridge. Cowny is home to numerous shops, cafes and restaurants. There is a harbour here which is the perfect place to enjoy the British classic, fish and chips at the seaside.

Check out my detailed guide to visiting Conwy

7. Conwy Morfa Beach

Close to the historic town of Conwy is the large sandy bay of Conwy Morfa Beach. At low tides this beach forms of the sandy beaches of Conwy Bay, which stretches from Puffin Island near Angelsey to the Great Orme at Llandudno. Conwy Morfa beach is good for fishing is close to Conwy town, so there are plenty of close-by shops, cafes and restaurants.

8. Llandudno Beaches

Two of the most famous beaches in Wales have to be the North and West Shore Beaches in Llandudno. Punch and Judy shows have been popular on the promenade here for over 150 years. 

Llandudno is certainly one of the most popular seaside resorts in Wales and is definitely worh a visit. There is plenty to do around the area including the pier and heading up the Great Orme either on foot or by tram.

9. Penmaenmawr

If you are looking for a long sandy beach in north Wales look no further than Penmaenmawr. The beach is backed by a wonderful promenade with terraces, flower borders, arcades, cafes and a children’s paddling pool.

You can find the beach in an idyllic setting, where the mountains meet the sea. Penmaenmawr looks out on to the Menai Straight, the narrow stretch of water separating the island of Angelsey from the rest of mainland Wales.

There’s parking for Penmaenmawr beach at the west end of the promenade. Dogs aren’t permitted here from between May and September, although there is an area of sand at low tide where dogs are allowed.

10. Llanfairfechan

Finally on this list of north Wales beaches is Llanfairfechan beach. It is mainly pebbly beach at high tide but a large sandy area is revealed once the tide goes out. The beach is overlooked by the 434m high Penmaenmawr mountain. There is a coastal path close by to the beach which is a great starting point for more adventurous hikes in the nearby Carneddau mountains.

Dogs not permitted between the 2 slipways extending down from the promenade to the Low Water Mark between 1st May and 30th September.

Hopefully this post will have given you a great insight into some of the best north Wales beaches which you can enjoy. If you are looking to head to a UK beach from the midlands, check out my guide to some of the beaches near you.

Enjoyed reaching about North Wales Beaches?

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