Traeth Llanddwyn on Anglesey has been named the best beach in Britain by Time Out magazine, but its soaring popularity has led local residents in the nearby village of Niwbwrch (Newborough) to take drastic measures to block tourists from reaching it. When I visited, I was met by a row of bollards and people in high-vis vests blocking the only access road, two miles from the beach itself.
Residents take action against over-tourism
Residents have become frustrated and angry at the impact of the sheer number of visitors on their quality of life. Roads are gridlocked, and irresponsible parking by tourists has clogged residential streets and verges next to Newborough Forest, through which visitors must pass to reach the beach. In May 2026, Niwbwrch residents staged a 'slow walk' to blockade the sole access road. Natural Resources Wales doubled the cost of parking at the 300-space beach car park in a bid to ease the problems.
North Wales Live reported that visitors met by the roadblock became irate, with stand-offs causing traffic to back up. One man said: '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!'
Why Llanddwyn is so popular
Time Out praised the beach's 'remote 3.5-mile stretch of white sand', 'outstanding views of the Irish Sea' and 'the peaks of Eryri National Park on the Welsh mainland'. The beach and nearby Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island) are incredibly photogenic, with an iconic lighthouse and crosses that have made it a destination for photographers and social media users. The island is named after the 5th century Welsh patron saint of lovers, Dwynwen.
Despite the crowds, the beach itself is vast — a car park filled many times over would not make it feel crowded. The western point of the 3.5-mile long stretch of sand ends at Ynys Llanddwyn, a rocky outcrop connected to the mainland except at high tide.
My visit: a stroke of luck
Gutted at being stopped, my family and I drove on before pulling over to make alternative plans. By the time we turned around, the road was open again, and we were able to visit. The car park had good spaces, and the beach was as stunning as expected. I walked along the sand, barely within 200 yards of another soul.
It is absolutely worth the long journey — but visitors should be mindful of the people who call this stunning part of the world home and not cause them problems.
Alternatives to Llanddwyn
Llanddwyn is famous for its unique combination of beach, island and historic buildings, but other Welsh beaches offer similar attractions. Llansteffan in Carmarthenshire has a vast beach with a medieval castle looming above. Southerndown in the Vale of Glamorgan offers a beautiful beach on a heritage coast with the walled gardens and ruins of Dunraven Castle. St Govan's Head in Pembrokeshire features a hermit's cell built into the cliff face, plus the beautiful beaches of Barafundle and Broad Haven South nearby.
