Newborough and Ynys Llanddwyn
In Anglesey's southern corner, Newborough's forest and dunes run down to a long sandy beach and the tidal island of Ynys Llanddwyn, home of St Dwynwen's church and two old lighthouses. Bring walking boots and check the tides.
Newborough (Niwbwrch) is a village in the southern corner of Anglesey, next to one of the island's great outdoor spaces. Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest combines pine forest, some of the largest sand dunes in the British Isles, the Cefni estuary and a beach that leads to Ynys Llanddwyn. Caernarfon.com's Anglesey day trip guide covers Newborough and Llanddwyn from across the strait.
Getting there
Newborough is about 13 miles by road from Bangor. From the A55 or A5, take the A4080 at Llanfairpwll and follow it through Brynsiencyn and Dwyran. The main beach car park is run by Natural Resources Wales, as are the Airman's and Cwningar car parks; charges are around £5 for two hours and £15 for the day, with no overnight parking. The 42 bus from Bangor runs via Menai Bridge and Llanfairpwll to Newborough. Bodorgan is the nearest railway station.
Things to do in Newborough
Ynys Llanddwyn
This narrow island is reached across the sand at all but the highest tides, so check tide times first. It holds the ruins of St Dwynwen's Church, dedicated to the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and the lighthouses Twr Mawr and Twr Bach beside restored pilots' cottages. From 1 April to 1 September dogs must be on short leads on the island.
Newborough Forest and red squirrels
The forest is mostly Corsican pine, with waymarked trails for walking and cycling. Red squirrels are best seen around Llyn Parc Mawr. The Saint, Sand and Sea Trail takes in the forest, beach and island in about 4.4 miles, usually around three hours.
The beach and dunes
The long sandy beach is a Blue Flag beach where dogs are not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. The Cefni estuary is good for birdwatching, but keep off the mud, as the incoming tide is dangerous.
Llys Rhosyr
On the edge of the village, Cadw looks after the remains of a 13th-century court of the Princes of Gwynedd, the only one in Wales with visible remains open to the public. Entry is free during reasonable daylight hours. In the village itself, look for the Prichard Jones Institute, an early 20th-century community hall with a clock tower.
Food and drink
Catering vans usually trade at the beach car park at weekends in spring and summer, but it is worth packing a picnic. Nearby Brynsiencyn has the Rockpool Café at Anglesey Sea Zoo, the outdoor Tide/Llanw café at the Halen Môn salt works and the café at Foel Farm Park, which has views over the estuary.
Make a day of it
Combine Newborough with Anglesey Sea Zoo or Plas Newydd on the A4080, or head back over the strait for our Bangor guide on NorthWales.com. Check what's on in Anglesey, compare more Anglesey beaches and find other places of interest.
Newborough and Ynys Llanddwyn: questions answered
Can you walk to Llanddwyn Island?
Yes, Ynys Llanddwyn can be reached on foot across the sand from Newborough beach at all but the highest tides. The island can be cut off at high water, so check tide times before setting out and allow enough time to return. It is very exposed, so take suitable clothing, and keep dogs on short leads from 1 April to 1 September.
How much is parking at Newborough beach?
Natural Resources Wales charges at the Llanddwyn beach, Airman's and Cwningar car parks from 6am to midnight. Current rates are around £5 for up to two hours and £15 for the whole day, with 30 minutes free for drop-offs. Registered Blue Badge holders park free. Overnight parking between midnight and 6am is not allowed.
Where can you see red squirrels at Newborough?
Natural Resources Wales says red squirrels are best seen in Newborough Forest around Llyn Parc Mawr, where there is a short accessible lake view trail. Move quietly and visit early or late in the day for the best chance. The forest is mostly Corsican pine and also has trails for cycling, running and horse riding.