Traeth Llanddwyn on the Isle of Anglesey has been crowned the best beach in Wales and the best in the entire United Kingdom by Time Out, just as a heatwave prompts rare red weather warnings from the Met Office. The accolade places the 3.5-mile stretch of white sand above celebrated Welsh beaches such as Rhossili Bay, Barafundle Bay, and Barmouth Beach.
What Makes Traeth Llanddwyn the Best
Time Out praised the beach for its dreamlike quality, stating, "When you see Llanddwyn for yourself, you'll think you've just stepped inside a dream." The description highlights outstanding views of the Irish Sea and the peaks of Eryri National Park, a sprawling forest of Corsican pine that is one of the best places in Wales to spot red squirrels, and rolling dunes dotted with wildflowers. At low tide, visitors can cross to Llanddwyn Island, which features 16th-century church ruins, the Tŵr Mawr lighthouse, and wild ponies. The island is nicknamed the Welsh Island of Love, as the church is dedicated to St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers.
Local Frustration Over Overtourism
Despite its beauty, the beach faces significant pressure from visitors. The site, part of a National Nature Reserve, has seven car parks that are frequently overwhelmed during weekends and summer months, often reaching capacity by 9am. Motorists park illegally along the A4080 and spill onto side streets of Newborough village, causing disruption. During recent bank holidays, the village came to a standstill, leaving residents unable to leave their homes. Locals expressed frustration at the publicity, with one commenting online, "As if the place isn't infested already," and another saying, "And yet again more publicity... the place doesn't stand a chance."
Top Ten UK Beaches
Time Out's list of the top ten UK beaches includes Traeth Llanddwyn at number one, followed by Cuckmere Haven in Sussex, Blackpool Sands in Devon, Camusdarach Beach in Scotland, Weymouth Beach in Dorset, Watergate Bay in Cornwall, Kynance Cove in Cornwall, Alnmouth Beach in Northumberland, Mwnt in Ceredigion, and Camber Sands in Sussex.
