Staying on the fantastic North Wales coast for your next staycation? If so, then heading to one of these wonderful beaches near Conwy is a must-do!
Known for its impressive castle, quaint harbour and a rich history that spans hundreds of years, this town also has a handful of wonderful beaches situated just a short drive away from it. So, when it comes to finding the perfect place to spend a day at the seaside, we’re here to help you out with a few suggestions.
Keep scrolling to discover all the best beaches near Conwy to visit during your next break…
Skip Ahead to:
• Best Beaches near Conwy
• Beaches near Conwy Map
6 Wonderful Beaches near Conwy
1. Morfa Beach, Conwy
Starting in the town of Conwy itself we have Morfa Beach, a broad and sandy stretch of the North Wales coast that lies just west of the town centre.
Unlike many other beaches across wider region and the rest of the country, this beach is completely dog-friendly all year round, even during the spring and summer months when this beach tends to be busier than usual.
It’s also a place that has calm conditions for most of the year, making it a particularly great place to go sea swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding. However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t an RNLI lifeguard beach, so caution should be taken if you’re heading here for watersports.
Afterwards, why not head into the heart of Conwy to enjoy all it has to offer? From the historic Conwy Castle to its bustling promenade that’s lined with great pubs, cafés and restaurants, Conwy Morfa Beach is a top location to consider visiting during your next break.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Beacons Car Park
Parking Charge: Free (Pay & Display between 1st May – 30th September)
Postcode: LL32 8GA
Dog-Friendly: Yes (No restrictions)
2. West Shore Beach, Llandudno
On the western side of the Great Orme in the lovely town of Llandudno you’ll find West Shore Beach, a quieter alternative to the much more popular North Shore. Backed by low sand dunes and stretching out to a wide expanse at low tide, this beach near Conwy also offers panoramic views out towards Puffin Island and Penmon Point on the Isle of Anglesey.
However, unlike Conwy Morfa, this beach operates seasonal restrictions when it comes to dog walkers, but only on specific parts of the beach; Much of it is still completely dog-friendly throughout the year.
After spending an afternoon on the beach, we’d highly recommend heading over to the West Shore Beach Café to stop off for a drink and a delicious bite to eat. On the other hand, you could always head straight into Llandudno itself, or even challenge yourselves by taking a hike up the Great Orme, providing you have the time!
Type: Sand & Shingle
Parking: Dale Road Car Park
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: LL30 2BG
Dog-Friendly: Yes (Banned between 1st May – 30th September between the two stone groynes)
Distance from Conwy: 4.1 Miles (~10-minute drive)
3. North Shore Beach, Llandudno
The busier of Llandudno’s two beaches, North Shore Beach stretches along the eastern side of the town from the Great Orme in the north to the Little Orme in the south. Here, you’ll find a wide promenade that’s typical of late Victorian seaside towns, as well as the popular Llandudno Pier found on the far northern end of the beach (the longest in Wales!)
Due to its year-round popularity, dogs are banned from the sandy stretch of this beach near Conwy, which runs from the base of the pier to the first slipway. However, the rest of the beach (mostly pebble and shingle) is completely dog-friendly throughout the year.
If you have the time, why not head up to the Happy Valley Botanical Gardens for a wander around, or even head into the town for a drink and a bite to eat on the bustling Mostyn Street?
Type: Sand & Pebble
Parking: Spaces available along Llandudno Promenade
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: LL30 2LN
Dog-Friendly: Partially restricted between 1st May – 30th September
Distance from Conwy: 4.7 Miles (~15-minute drive)
4. Penmaenmawr Beach, Penmaenmawr
Further west along the North Wales coast is Penmaenmawr Beach, a relatively hidden gem and a place that’s often overlooked when it comes to beaches near Conwy.
Made up of mostly shingle and pebbles at low tide, this beach expands massively at low tide, making it a great place to take your pooch for a runaround.
Whilst its worth noting that seasonal restrictions are in place for dog walkers, your four-legged friends are more than welcome to runaround off the lead during low tide, but only on the clearly marked areas on either side of the main part of the beach.
On the promenade, this beach also has a wonderful café for visitors, as well as a children’s playground and easy access to the town of Penmaenmawr itself.
Type: Sand, Shingle and Pebble
Parking: Small car park at the western end of the beach
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: LL34 6AZ
Dog-Friendly: Partially restricted between 1st May – 30th September
Distance from Conwy: 9.3 Miles (~15-minute drive)
5. Colwyn Bay Beach, Colwyn Bay
Next up on this list of the best beaches near Conwy is Colwyn Bay Beach, a fantastic sandy stretch of the North Wales coast that’s easily one of the region’s most popular seaside hotspots.
Popular with both tourists and locals, this beach is also a hotspot for a whole host of watersports such as surfing, kayaking and windsurfing. Dogs are also welcome here year-round, but only on the section that lies west of the Victoria Pier. Outside of those months, however, your four-legged friends are free to roam on this popular beach.
Afterwards, we’d highly recommend heading to the eastern end of the beach to visit the well-renowned Bryn Williams restaurant, a fantastic place to grab a drink and a bite to eat whilst taking in the stunning sea views.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Porth Eirias Car Park
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: LL29 7SP
Dog-Friendly: Partially restricted between 1st May – 30th September
Distance from Conwy: 5.7 Miles (~15-minute drive)
6. Rhos-on-Sea Beach, Rhos-on-Sea
Last but not least in this guide covering the best Conwy beaches is Rhos-on-Sea Beach, found tucked between Colwyn Bay and Penrhyn Bay. Made up mostly of sand and shingle, this beach offers calm conditions throughout most of the year, making it more than suitable for sea swimming and a variety of different watersports.
For those of you interested in Welsh folklore, you might be surprised to hear that Rhos-on-Sea is also associated with the legend of Prince Madoc, a 12th-century Welsh prince who, according to legend, set sail from the town in 1170 and discovered America, landing in what is now Alabama.
After a day on the beach, we’d recommend stopping off at the nearby Rhos Fynach Tavern, a traditional Welsh pub where you can grab a drink and a delicious bite to eat. Also, if you have the time, why not head up Llandudno Road to visit the smallest church in Britain (St Trillo’s Chapel)?
Type: Sand & Shingle
Parking: Spaces available along the Rhos Promenade
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Postcode: LL28 4NL
Dog-Friendly: Banned between 1st May – 30th September (Except for guide/assistance dogs)
Distance from Conwy: 5.5 Miles (~10-minute drive)
Best Beaches near Conwy Map
Ready to feel the sand between your toes? Start planning your Conwy holiday now! For even more great places to explore in this wonderful region, take a look at our guide covering the best towns and villages in North Wales. Or, if you’re still searching for places to spend a sunny afternoon, then this guide highlighting the best beaches in Snowdonia will be sure to help you out!
Image Credits: Jeff Buck – CC BY-SA 2.0
