Travel experts at Time Out have named Traeth Llanddwyn, also known as Newborough Beach, on the Welsh island of Anglesey as the best UK beach to visit in 2026. The beach, which stretches for 3.5 miles, is a Blue Flag site surrounded by the Newborough National Nature Reserve and Corsican pine forest. Its remote location, with little to no public transport access, means it rarely feels crowded even during peak summer months.
Why Traeth Llanddwyn Tops the List
Time Out compiled a list of the 40 best beaches in the UK, including popular spots like Brighton Beach and Bournemouth Beach, which often draw large crowds. However, the top spot went to this secluded Anglesey gem. According to Time Out, the beach is a "true dreamscape" with "cream sand, a whitewashed lighthouse, dunes scattered with wildflowers, a pine tree backdrop and silhouettes of Eryri National Park’s peaks in the distance."
The beach is popular with swimmers and windsurfers, as well as picnickers and sunbathers. At low tide, visitors can access Llanddwyn Island, known as Wales’ official "Island of Love," which features a 16th-century church dedicated to St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Time Out also noted that wild ponies graze the sand dunes, helping to preserve the landscape.
Visitor Reviews Highlight the Experience
Previous visitors have praised the beach on TripAdvisor. One reviewer said: "Gorgeous beach! Where the forest meets the sand, never seen anything like it before. Quite long and spacious, so not crammed full of people." Another added: "Amazing beach in the sun, we found huge crabs just off the shoreline, and the sea was very calm for the kids." A third wrote: "Wow. One of the best beaches we have ever been to. Spectacular views, space and adjoining forest area for walking too."
How to Get There
The beach is accessible only by car, with a large car park available (though parking charges apply). Facilities include toilets and drinking water taps. The journey is considered worthwhile by many, given the beach's pristine condition and lack of overcrowding.
Full List of Top 40 UK Beaches
Time Out's full list includes: Traeth Llanddwyn (Newborough Beach), Anglesey; Cuckmere Haven, Sussex; Blackpool Sands, Devon; Camusdarach Beach, Scotland; Weymouth Beach, Dorset; Watergate Bay, Cornwall; Kynance Cove, Cornwall; Alnmouth Beach, Northumberland; Mwnt, Ceredigion; Camber Sands, Sussex; Portstewart Strand, Derry, Northern Ireland; St Andrews West Sands, Fife; Holkham Beach, Norfolk; Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire; Sunny Sands, Folkestone, Kent; Brighton Beach, Sussex; Southwold Beach, Suffolk; Rhossili Bay, Gower; Chesil Beach, Dorset; Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, Dorset; Compton Bay, Isle of Wight; Woolacombe Beach, Devon; Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland; Pentle Bay, Tresco, Isles of Scilly; Summerleaze, Cornwall; Morfa Nefyn Beach, Gwynedd; Beer Beach, Devon; White Park Bay, County Antrim, Northern Ireland; Saunton Sands, Devon; West Wittering Beach, Sussex; Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall; Morecambe Beach, Lancashire; Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris, Scotland; Marazion Beach, Cornwall; Studland Bay, Dorset; Whitby Sands, North Yorkshire; Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris, Scotland; Morfa Bychan (Black Rock Sands), Gwynedd, Wales; Formby Beach, Merseyside; Footdee Beach, Aberdeen, Scotland.
