Coasts and beaches in Llŷn

View over Porthor beach in Gwynedd, North Wales — Porthor beach in Gwynedd | © National Trust Images/ National Trust

Visit 30 miles of wildly beautiful and windswept peninsula extending into the Irish Sea. From the sheltered waters of Llanbedrog, to the cultural experiences at Porth y Swnt and the magical ‘whistling sands’ of Porthor, discover what to see and do on the Llŷn Peninsula.

Coasts and beaches to visit in Llŷn

Llanbedrog Beach: Popular with visitors since Victorian times, Llanbedrog is a sandy beach with sheltered waters and lovely views over Cardigan Bay. Perfect for a family day out, there’s shallow water for paddling and a network of paths through woodland and heathland areas surrounding the beach. If you’d like a bit of an adventure, climb through the heathland of Mynydd Tir y Cwmwd for a view of the Llŷn Peninsula and Cardigan Bay.Plan your visit to Llanbedrog beach
Porth y Swnt: Situated on the edge of Wales in the picture postcard fishing village of Aberdaron, Porth y Swnt visitor centre is a gateway for discovering Llŷn. This ground-breaking interpretation offers an introduction to the history and culture of Llŷn through audio, video, sculptures and artwork. There are bike trails nearby and the coastal footpath takes you to the small fishing cove of Porth Meudwy.Plan your visit to Porth y Swnt
Porthdinllaen: From the Iron Age fort on the headland, to fine sandy beaches and sheltered waters, this is a spectacular spot to enjoy a day on the coast. Look out for wildlife with sand martins nesting in the cliffs and local grey seals. While you’re on the beach enjoy refreshments at the Ty Coch Inn.Plan your visit to Porthdinllaen
Porthor: On the northern side of the Llyn Peninsula there are impressive views along the rugged coastline. Known for its famous ‘Whistling Sands’ the secluded beach is a beautiful place to relax. Seals are a common sight here and you may even be lucky enough to spot a dolphin.Plan your visit to Porthor

A family exploring the beach at Llanbedrog on a sunny day, with sand and seaweed on the beach, and the headland visible in the distance — Family exploring the beach at Llanbedrog | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Dog-friendly beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at beaches in Llŷn, unless there is a nature conservation reason for a place to be dog-free. This might vary according to the time of year, so it’s best to check the website for the beach or coastline when you plan to visit with your dog.

Dogs and livestock

While visiting, please pay attention to any local signage relating to dog walking – for example whether your dog needs to be on a lead. Dogs should be kept on leads around livestock, but if cattle or other large animals try to chase your dog then it is safer to drop the lead until you are clear of the area.

A view towards Porthdinllaen, a small fishing village with a few white-painted cottages sitting beneath a grassy cliff on the Llŷn Peninsula, Wales. There's a few fishing boats in the water and people are walking on the cliff above the village. — Porthdinllaen, a fishing village on the Llŷn Peninsula | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish

Follow the countryside code

Help keep coasts and beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula safe and enjoyable by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

Respect other people

Consider the local community and other people enjoying and working in the outdoors
Park carefully so access to gateways and driveways is clear
Leave gates and property as you find them
Follow marked paths and local signs
Be nice, say hi