There’s nowhere better to spend a sunny summer’s day than at the beach. Whether it’s sunbathing on the sand or having a paddle in the waves, a day at the seaside is a delight at this time of year.
With the summer holidays just around the corner, you might be planning a trip to the coast in the coming weeks. There are several beaches nearby which are just a short drive away from Greater Manchester, but if you’re prepared to go a little further you’ll discover some gems.
North Wales is known for its spectacular coastline, and you’ll find some of its most impressive beaches along the Llyn Peninsula. While some of these beaches are tricky to access, there’s one which isn’t far off the beaten track and has been described as an “absolutely fabulous spot”.
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Pwllheli Beach is located in the town of the same name, on the southern coast of the Llyn Peninsula, around a two and a half hour drive from Greater Manchester. The beach is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of town, but has stunning views across Cardigan Bay.
Also known as South Beach, it has a long stretch of sand and shingle so there’s lots of room to spread out. At the far end is a rocky outcrop, called Gimblet Rock. A picturesque promenade lines the edge of the beach and there’s a carpark just a stone’s throw away from the shore, so you don’t have to trek far if you’ve left anything in the car.
Visitors have praised the beach for its “stunning” scenery and clear water. One visitor wrote on TripAdvisor: “Lovely beach, easy parking, beautiful scenery and close to the town. A great place for a picnic and a paddle.”
A long-time visitor to Pwllheli wrote: “I’ve visited for 46 years and cannot believe I have never visited this beach before. It is stunning, beautiful sand, partly pebbled, clear sea water and lots of pretty shells…absolutely fabulous spot.”
This beach is perfect if you’re looking for a tranquil seaside spot as you won’t find noisy amusements or arcades nearby. Instead there’s just one cafe by the beach, Caffi Largo, where you can grab a bite to eat. Another visitor, Rachel, wrote on Tripadvisor: “Stunning and underrated beach. Pwllheli beach is a lovely long quiet beach (even in summer holidays) that has dog friendly sections and is great for getting in the sea as the tide doesn’t go out very far…Caffi Largo does amazing food, drinks, cakes and ice cream nearby.”
If you’re planning on spending a few days in Pwllheli, then it’s worth checking out the town’s other beach too, Traeth Glan-y-Don, which is smaller and located in a bay on the eastern side of the town. Or for those who fancy more of an adventure, you can pick up the Llyn Coastal Path from Pwllheli. There's several accommodation options nearby, ranging from hotels to campsites.