Traeth Llanddwyn on Anglesey, recently crowned Britain's best beach by Time Out magazine, has become a flashpoint for overtourism, with local villagers in Niwbwrch (Newborough) taking to the streets in protest. The beach, praised for its "remote 3.5-mile stretch of white sand" and "outstanding views of the Irish Sea and the peaks of Eryri National Park," has seen a surge in visitors driven by social media exposure, leading to gridlocked roads, illegal parking on verges and pavements, and residents unable to leave their driveways.
Local Protests and Roadblocks
During a recent visit by North Wales Live journalist Steffan Rhys, the access road to the beach was blocked by residents wearing high-visibility jackets and bollards, two miles from the beach itself. The protest, part of a "slow walk" organized in May, aimed to force visitors to park considerately. Natural Resources Wales doubled parking charges at the 300-space car park to alleviate pressure, but tensions remain high. One resident recounted: "I was stuck at the square, chatting to one of the lads on the 'road block'. His mate was having a debate with a chap in an Audi who wouldn't take no for an answer. Meanwhile, the traffic was backing up in all directions!"
Social Media's Role
The beach's photogenic qualities, including the iconic lighthouse and cross on Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island), have made it a viral sensation on platforms like TikTok, exacerbating visitor numbers. Despite the vastness of the beach—3.5 miles long—the narrow access road through Newborough Forest creates bottlenecks. The forest, planted between 1947 and 1965 with Corsican pines, adds to the area's allure but also limits parking and access.
Visitor Experience
Despite the chaos, Rhys found the beach itself uncrowded: "I barely came within 200 yards of another person." The island, named after the 5th-century Welsh patron saint of lovers, Dwynwen, features a lighthouse and crosses that attract photographers. However, the journey requires consideration for locals. Alternative nearby beaches include Llansteffan in Carmarthenshire, with its medieval castle, and Southerndown in the Vale of Glamorgan, featuring Dunraven Castle ruins.
