Summer is synonymous with trips to the seaside and with all the glorious weather we’ve been experiencing recently a visit to the coast is a must. Naturally Blackpool, Formby Beach and Lytham St Anne’s are firm favourites among Mancs when it comes to beachside destinations.
Yet if you venture a little further afield you’ll find some scenic gems. The coastline of North Wales has dozens of beautiful beaches and coastal resorts, and at just a couple of hour’s drive from Greater Manchester it’s within easy reach.
Cross over to the Isle of Anglesey and you’ll discover the pretty village of Benllech, which has breathtaking views out to sea. It has one of the most popular beaches on the island which visitors have described as “fabulous” and “gorgeous” - and with golden powder sand nestled between green headlands it’s easy to see why.
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The beach has previously been awarded the Blue Flag Award and it’s a perfect spot for swimming and paddling. On blustery days the beach is a favourite with windsurfers, and even if you’re not a participant it can be a spectacular sight to watch them riding the waves.
Little ones will love to investigate the beach’s rock pools, home to a range of interesting sea creatures. Although dogs aren’t allowed on the main section of the beach from May 1 to September 30, there are dedicated areas where dogs are permitted during the summer season.
Benllech beach has received rave reviews on Tripadvisor. One visitor wrote: “What a fabulous beach. Perfect for a lovely walk, rock pools and shady cliffs. Part of the beach is open to dogs and our dog adored it too.” Another praised the beach for its cleanliness. They wrote: “What can I say, fab clean beach, powdery sand, clean water, fabulous views.”
A third reviewer said: “Gorgeous beach. Lovely cafe bars. Would recommend to everyone. Hope to be back.” Benllech has welcomed visitors for generations and as a longstanding seaside resort the village has ample places where visitors can go for food and drink.
Bay Cafe overlooks the beach and there’s lots of outdoor seating where you can sit back and enjoy the views. For early birds it serves up tasty breakfasts, as well as lunch options and cakes.
The Island Cove cafe is ideal for those with a sweet tooth, with a variety of homemade cakes, browns and cheesecakes on offer. Or grab a cool treat from Harela’s Ice Cream Parlour which has an excellent selection of flavours, inducing Ginger and Honey, Turkish Delight and Cherry Blizzard.
If you want to explore more of Anglesey’s coast then both the Anglesey Coastal Path and Wales Coast Path pass through the village. For a walk with stunning views, pick up the Anglesey Coastal Path at Benllech and head east towards Red Wharf Bay.
Look out for the intriguing Castell Mawr Rock along the way. It’s a large limestone rock which dominates the Western Shore of Red Wharf Bay.
Benllech is around a two hour drive from Greater Manchester. If you want to stay longer there is a range of accommodation options in the village, from campsites to holiday cottages.
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