Along the coastline of North Wales are incredible beaches which are worth the drive from Manchester. There’s seaside villages which are perfect for rock pooling, rugged beaches ideal for surfing and even tiny hidden coves which are just waiting to be explored.
One of the biggest beaches in North Wales can be found at the northern end of Cardigan Bay. Harlech Beach is a vast expanse of sand overlooked by a magnificent medieval castle.
Adding to the scenery are stunning views of the Snowdonia mountains, which can be seen in the distance. The beach itself is lined with sloping sand dunes, adding to the natural beauty as well as being a haven for wildlife.
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Harlech Beach is renowned for how clean it is with clear waters, perfect for taking a dip. There’s plenty of space to spread out too and dogs are even allowed in certain areas of the beach.
Although if you do venture into the water, it’s worth being aware that it’s a popular spot with jellyfish during the summer months, so keep an eye out for them. The upside of this is leatherback turtles have been known to migrate to the area, feasting on the jellyfish.
It’s not just creatures which can be found in the waters at Harlech. Buried deep beneath the sand is the wreck of a World War Two American fighter plane.
The exact location of the aircraft, known as the ‘Maid of Harlech’, remains confidential due to its protected status, but the wreck has been revealed a handful of times in the past, first in the 1970s, then in 2007 and again in 2014.
Adding to the rich history of Harlech is the town’s spectacular castle, now a designated World Heritage site. With its sturdy walls still intact and impressive turrets, it dominates the town thanks to its location on a rocky outcrop.
The castle was built in the 1280s and back then it was actually located right by the shore. This meant that supplies could be delivered to a flight of steps leading to the water during times of siege.
Today Harlech Castle sits further away from the shore thanks to the sand dunes, but visitors can go inside and explore the ruins. It costs £8.30 for an adult ticket, and £27.40 for a family ticket (two adults and three children).
The town itself is made up of winding roads with cafes, shops and restaurants dotted throughout. But Harlech has another hidden gem among its stone buildings - one of the steepest streets in the world.
Ffordd Pen Llech briefly held the title of the steepest road in the world in 2019 but when the criteria changed the previous title-holder; Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand; was reinstated as the world’s steepest street in 2020.
Harlech is around three hour’s drive from Manchester. There’s plenty of accommodation options in the town, from holiday cottages to campsites.
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