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Llanddwyn Island and Llanddwyn Lighthouse

A stunning stretch of coastline, once inhabited by the patron saint of Welsh lovers, Llanddwyn Island and Newborough Beach are one of Anglesey’s most popular destinations and it’s not hard to see why.

Picture miles of golden sandy beaches, rugged coastline and one of North Wales’ most photographic lighthouses, Llanddwyn Island and Newborough Beach are a must for anyone visiting the Isle of Anglesey.

Keep reading to discover why we think Llanddwyn Island and Newborough Beach should be on everyone’s bucket list…


Llanddwyn Island

llanddwyn island and Lighthouse, with views of Snowdonia in background

Located at the far end of Newborough Beach, you’ll find Llanddwyn Island (Ynys Llanddwyn); a truly magical place and one of Wales’ most beautiful places to visit. The island is a small headland jutting out into the sea and only technically becomes an “island” at high tide. A stunning spot in all seasons, Llanddwyn Island is the perfect place for an afternoon of exploring, a summers picnic or a crisp winters stroll.


Where is Llanddwyn Island?

Large cross on llanddwyn island

As part of the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve, Llanddwyn Island can be accessed via Newborough Beach. Parking is available at Newborough Beach (Parking Postcode: LL61 6SG), just a 40-minute drive from Bangor.

Llanddwyn Island’s picture-perfect lighthouse is a prominent feature of the Anglesey coast and this wild and wonderful location provides incredible views of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula in the distance.


St Dwynwen

Golden sands of Newborough Beach

The island is named after St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers and the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine. Legend has it that St Dwynwen fell in love with a young man named Maelon, but her father wished her to marry another.

St Dwynwen dreamed of a potion to release her of this unhappy love affair. However, the potion turned Maelon into ice. St Dwynwen went on to make three wishes: 1) for Maelon to be revied, 2) for all true lovers to find happiness and 3) that she would never again wish to be married. St Dwynwen then retreated to the Llanddwyn Island, where she lived the rest of her life in solitude.


Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse

Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse on Llanddwyn island

Llanddwyn Lighthouse, known as Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse, is situated at the far end of this tranquil island, marking the Western approach to the Menai Strait. The lighthouse was constructed in 1845 and is a grade 2 listed building, thought to be inspired by the design of Anglesey’s windmills.

There is also a second lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island; Tŵr Bach Lighthouse which is thought to have been built in the early 1800s, prior to Tŵr Mawr and is still used as a functional lighthouse to this day.


Newborough Beach (Traeth Llanddwyn)

Sands and dunes at Newborough Beach

Llanddwyn Beach is a stunning Blue Flag Beach, located beside Newborough Forest, a forest popular with walkers and adventurers alike. Newborough Beach can be thought of as two beaches, separated by Llanddwyn Island, one of our favourite islands to visit in North Wales.

The first beach can be found as you walk through the enchanting forest from the main car park, whilst the second, known locally as Traeth Penrhos, is on the other side of the island. Traeth Penrhos is the more remote of the two beaches, but both equally as stunning, with miles of golden sand to enjoy.


Llanddwyn Island Walk

Views of the Menai Strait, through tress of Newborough Forest

One of our favourite walks along the Anglesey Coastal Path has to be the Llanddwyn Island Walk. The route starts from Newborough Forest Car Park, before following a track through Newborough Forest for approximately 1km. From here, you’ll reach a junction, where you’ll turn left and walk out onto the golden sands of Newborough Beach.

From here, continue on to Llanddwyn Island and follow the easy track, passing the ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church, the Pilot’s Cottages and the famous Llanddwyn Lighthouse. You can then choose to return the same way or spend time exploring the island, venturing along some of the other footpaths.

The route is 5.6km in distance, taking approximately 2 hours to walk – however, we’d highly recommend bringing a picnic lunch and spending the day admiring this beautiful setting. Make sure you check the Llanddwyn Island tide times before setting off to ensure you don’t get cut off from the mainland.


If you’re feeling inspired to visit Llanddwyn Island and Newborough Beach, then be sure to check out our range of holiday cottages in Newborough or selection of Anglesey accommodation to find your ideal home away from home.


Image Credits: Pearl Bucknall, Eirian Evans (CC BY-SA 2.0), Lesbardd (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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