North Wales Seaside Towns Perfect for Beach Holidays
North Wales has a coastline of extraordinary variety offering some of the most satisfying locations for beach holidays in the UK. They are characterised by Victorian resorts, medieval forts and colourful harbours, some framed by Snowdonia’s peaks, others by the Isle of Anglesey or the Llyn Peninsula. Wide sandy bays meet rugged headlands, family-friendly promenades sit beneath UNESCO-listed fortresses, and the Irish Sea provides both calm paddling waters and windswept walking bays.
Here are some of the finest seaside towns in North Wales for a beach holiday, each with its own personality and coastal appeal.
Llandudno, Conwy
Llandudno is North Wales largest and most elegant seaside resort, set against the Great Orme and affectionately referred to as “Queen of the Welsh Resorts,” for its Victorian grandeur. Fall in love with its sweeping crescent promenade, pastel seafront houses and proud pier. The town is refined, nostalgic and lively, with independent shops, theatres and cafes giving it year-round appeal. Its position makes it ideal for families wanting classic seaside fun, while walkers are thrilled by the heady Great Orme cliff-top views and wildlife.
The Beaches
North Shore: Llandudno Beach is a broad sweep of sand and shingle located directly below the promenade with views over Anglesey. It’s accessible and backed by great facilities including toilets, cafes, seasonal deckchair hire and RNLI lifeguards. Dogs are restricted on parts of North Shore between May and September.
West Shore: A sandier, quieter, more natural beach with less crowds than North Shore during peak summer periods. Dog-friendly year-round.
Things to Do
- Great Orme Tramway – historic cable-hauled tram to summit views
- Llandudno Pier – classic Victorian seaside entertainment
- Venue Cymru – theatre and live performances
Conwy Town, Conwy
Smaller and more intimate than Llandudno, Conwy Town is a medieval walled town wrapped around an impressive medieval castle. Cobbled streets, boutiques and a charming harbour make it a wonderful coastal base thanks to its history, scenery and proximity to beaches. It feels cultured and compact, ideal for couples and families who want to experience its multifaceted coastal heritage.
The Beach
Conwy Morfa Beach lies just west of the town, around a 15-minute walk from the centre. It’s a long, sandy and shingle stretch with expansive estuary views towards the mountains of Snowdonia. The beach is relatively quiet and natural compared to neighbouring Llandudno, making it perfect for peaceful walks. Facilities are limited on the actual beach, but toilets and cafes are available in town (short walk). Perfect for dog friendly holidays in Wales as dogs are generally allowed year-round with some seasonal dog-lead rules.
Things to Do
- Conwy Castle – UNESCO World Heritage fortress
- Smallest House in Great Britain – quirky riverside landmark
- Plas Mawr – beautifully preserved Elizabethan townhouse
Colwyn Bay, Conwy
This Victorian resort has been revitalised with recent promenade and pier renovations and the addition of some new attractions. Sitting right above the sweeping bay, east of Llandudno, it feels more spacious and less formal, with a trendy food and events scene. The bay’s wide shoreline showcases the new promenade making it more accessible from town and there’s a new watersports centre to enjoy.
The Beach
Colwyn Bay Beach is long, sandy and ideal for bucket-and-spade fun, all just steps from the promenade and town centre. Excellent facilities include toilets, cafes and seasonal lifeguards, whilst watersports hire offers paddleboarding and kayaking. Dogs are welcome but restricted to designated beach zones during the summer.
Things to Do
- Welsh Mountain Zoo – hillside zoo with sea views
- Porth Eirias Watersports Centre – sailing and paddleboarding
- Eirias Park – large parkland with sports facilities
Abersoch, Gwynedd
Abersoch, on the Llŷn Peninsula, is North Wales’ most fashionable seaside village probably because it’s so picturesque and chic. This pretty little village, vibrantly lined with boutiques and cafes, is framed by rolling hills and Cardigan Bay, giving it a softer, more southern feel than the north coast resorts. The town attracts sailors and offers effortless summer glamour, with many visitors staying in hot tub holiday homes to wind down after a long day of coastal activities.
The Beaches
Abersoch’s main beach sits next to the village and offers a sheltered, sandy haven ideal for families and paddleboarders. It’s well maintained, with toilets and beach cafes nearby. Lifeguards patrol during peak summer weeks and dogs are welcome but restricted to the far ends during summer.
Things to Do
- Watersports hire – sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding
- Coastal walks on the Llŷn Peninsula
- Boat trips around Cardigan Bay
Aberdovey, Gwynedd
Aberdovey (or Aberdyfi) is another photogenic seaside village in Gwynedd, positioned between the dreamy Dyfi Estuary, Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia. Elegant and naturally beautiful with pastel waterfront cottages framed by a mountain range. Historically a fishing and shipbuilding village, it evolved into a Victorian seaside retreat that has not faded. It feels relaxed and intimate, with shops, sailing clubs and watersports shaping its outdoorsy-meets-chic vibe. Perfect for couples and families seeking nature and escaping the crowds of larger resorts.
The Beach
Aberdovey Beach wraps around the village from the estuary towards Tywyn, forming an amazing sandy expanse. The main beach is attached to the village, making it effortlessly accessible for families. The sand is soft and flat, ideal for sandcastles and long shoreline walks, while the calm estuary waters are perfect for paddleboarding. Public toilets are located near the main car park, and RNLI lifeguards patrol during summer. Further north the beach gets wild with dunes. Dogs are welcome but restricted to designated zones in summer.
Things to Do
- Wales Coast Path walk to Tywyn – dramatic estuary and sea views
- Dyfi Estuary watersports – sailing and paddleboarding
- Snowdonia hikes nearby – mountain scenery within easy reach
Llanbedrog, Gwynedd
Llanbedrog, on the southern side of the Llŷn Peninsula near Abersoch, has an artistic, bohemian vibe. Set beneath rolling green slopes, it boasts a few galleries, cafés and traditional cottages and retains a tucked-away feel. It’s all about scenery, space and a slower pace, making it ideal for couples and families seeking understated charm.
The Beach
Llanbedrog Beach is a gentle 5/10-minute downhill walk from the village. It offers a sheltered crescent of sand and shingle backed by green woods, which contrast beautifully against the colourful beach huts on the upper shoreline. It’s naturally beautiful with calm waters and includes public toilets and a seasonal beach café, with lifeguards patrolling during summer. The calm water is perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Dogs are welcome but restricted to the outer edges in the summer.
Things to Do
- Llanbedrog Headland walk – panoramic views over Cardigan Bay
- Plas Glyn-y-Weddw Arts Centre – coastal art gallery and café
- Boat trips from Abersoch – dolphin and wildlife watching
Beaumaris, Anglesey
Beaumaris is probably the most elegant seaside town on Anglesey’s as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site facing Snowdonia on the Menai Strait. Add to this Georgian architecture and a spectacular medieval moated castle. It’s peaceful and cultured, with pastel houses, shops and galleries lining the charming streets.
The Beach
Beaumaris Beach is a mix of sand and shingle, metres from the town offering wide sea views across the Menai Strait and Snowdonia mountains. It’s ideal for crabbing, paddling and picnics with enough facilities like toilets and cafes. If you’re planning a dog friendly holiday in Anglesey, check out our recommended dog friendly cafes, where your four legged friend is guaranteed a cold bowl of water after a long coastal walk. Dogs are welcome year-round with some seasonal restrictions. There are boat trips to Puffin Island from the Pier that separates the beach.
Things to Do
- Beaumaris Castle – UNESCO World Heritage site
- Puffin Island boat trips
- Menai Strait coastal walks
Rhosneigr, Anglesey
Rhosneigr on the south-west coast of Anglesey is commonly referred to as its best beach and fishing village, offering a host of things to do in Anglesey. It started as an Edwardian favourite and evolved into Anglesey’s watersports haven with a relaxed, surfer/sailor feel. Families return year after year to its whitewashed cottages, beach houses and informal social scene, which is now popular with unpretentious, active holiday makers.
The Beaches
Traeth Crigyll: The main beach in Rhosneigr located in front of the village offering huge, flat golden sands with Llŷn Peninsula sea views, perfect for beach games, sandcastle building and long walks. Toilets and cafés are available in the village just steps away from the beach. RNLI lifeguards patrol in summer and dogs are welcome with summer restrictions in marked sections.
Traeth Llydan: A slightly quieter, dune-backed beach west of the village, popular with kite surfers and paddleboarders. Beautifully open, with views over the Llŷn Peninsula, perfect for group holidays in Wales. Dogs are welcome with seasonal restrictions in places.
Things to Do
- Watersports centre – kitesurfing, windsurfing and paddleboarding
- Anglesey Coastal Path – sweeping headland walks
- Llyn Maelog – peaceful lakeside walking just inland
Benllech, Anglesey
Benllech faces across the Irish Sea offering blue horizons and a sandy bay below holiday homes along its pretty hillside. It’s been a favourite with families since the Victorian days with good amenities and cafés. It’s welcoming, friendly and family-focused, with a strong emphasis on traditional beach days.
The Beach
Benllech Beach lies directly below the village and is totally family-friendly with safe bathing and gentle shelving and is one of our favourite Blue Flag beaches in Anglesey. A broad arc of golden sand is revealed at low tide ideal for sandcastle building, rock pooling at either end. Toilets at the main beach entrance, along with seasonal cafés and ice cream kiosks make everything easy. There’s RNLI lifeguards in summer and dogs are welcome but restricted to designated zones in summer. Make time for a breathtaking Anglesey Coastal Path walk.
Things to Do
- Anglesey Coastal Path – scenic clifftop walks
- Red Wharf Bay – expansive tidal flats nearby
- Boat trips from Moelfre – wildlife and seal spotting
Book Your Coastal Cottage in North Wales
No matter where you go in North Wales, you won’t be far from medieval walls, wide sandy beaches and Snowdonia’s pale blue silhouettes. Few regions offer such variety within such short distances. A day can be filled with estuary stillness, Atlantic surf, and sunsets over the Irish Sea.
North Wales teaches you how a restorative beach holiday should feel, effortless and so satisfying. To find a great place to stay, explore our North Wales cottages by the sea, many that allow dogs and benefit from sea views.