‘Idyllic’ island beach named among UK’s best, within driving distance of Greater Manchester

With summer just around the corner, trips to the beach are very important. From wild coastal spots to old-fashioned seaside resorts, there’s no shortage of locations to choose from when planning a seaside getaway.

If you’re looking for a beach that’s a little different from your usual seaside destinations, then we might just have the one for you. It’s set on an island, associated with a romantic legend, and has stunning views of distant mountains.

While it may sound like somewhere on an isolated Scottish island, it’s actually less than three hours’ drive from Greater Manchester. The beach in question is Llanddwyn on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales.

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It’s a place that has come into the limelight recently as it was named by Conde Nast in its list of the best beaches in the UK. The travel publication praised Anglesey for its “stunningly beautiful beaches” and praised Llanddwyn in particular.

Referring to the Prince and Princess of Wales’ time on the island as newlyweds, Conde Nast said: “On the tiny island of Llanddwyn, the three-mile long beach is known as the ‘Beach of Romance’, not because of Kate and Wills. but to another princess, Dwynwen, who long ago fled to Llanddwyn after a love affair went sour and became the Welsh Valentine, the patron saint of lovers.”

Llanddwyn is not actually an island, but a strip of land that stretches out from Anglesey, curving along part of the beach. It only becomes an island during the highest tide. At the end of this spit of land is the historic Tŵr Mawr (meaning big tower) lighthouse, built in 1845.

There are steps that take you up to the lighthouse and although it is not accessible, it is a picturesque spot and one of the most iconic landmarks along the North Wales coast. There is a second, smaller lighthouse that was built first, Tŵr Bach, and now has a modern lamp installed. Both lighthouses overlook their own tiny beaches.

What makes Llanddwyn so special is its association with St Dwynwen, who retired there in the 5th century after romantic troubles. According to legend, he was granted three wishes, and one was that all lovers’ dreams would come true.

Dwynwen became the patron saint of lovers and pilgrims would visit her well on the island. A chapel was built in the 16th century on the remains of Dwynwen’s original chapel, funded by the wealth generated by pilgrims in the Tudor era. Its ruins can still be seen today.

Llanddwyn Beach itself is a beautiful three-mile stretch of sand, backed by the pines of the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve. Dotted along the beach are rocky outcrops, which are known as “pillow lava rocks” formed hundreds of thousands of years ago by underwater volcanic eruptions.

The views from Llanddwyn are also quite incredible, with distant mountains visible on the horizon. The beach has received plenty of praise on Tripadvisor, with reviewers describing it as “idyllic” and “beautiful”.

One user wrote: “The beach itself is just gorgeous – clean sands with clear waters with a forest backdrop – you can walk to the tidal island which is also worth exploring. A visit here is highly recommended for a really good day out.” Another added: “Idyllic surroundings, off the beaten track and absolutely worth the time and effort.”

What you need to know

There are dog restrictions on the beach from May 1 to September 30. There are limited facilities so be sure to bring a picnic with you. The best parking for Llanddwyn is at the Beach, Airman’s and Cwningar car parks. They use number plate recognition cameras and parking is £2 for the first two hours and then 40p for every additional 20 minutes. There is a maximum charge of £7 per day.

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