Stunning 2 Week North Wales Coastal Road Trip: Anglesey to Llyn Peninsula

There’s something magical about a coastal road trip: beach hopping, the sound of the waves, sunsets over the sea, and, of course, enjoying some fish and chips along the way  🌊

Wales has a special place in our hearts and we really believe it has some of the most stunning coastline in the UK. We've yet to discover a corner of the Welsh coast that we haven’t fallen in love with. So, join us as we take you on a journey through the North Wales coastal road trip!

The Start of Your Wales Coastal Road Trip: Llandudno & Colwyn Bay

Your journey begins in Conwy, even if you’re just passing through on your way to other destinations, there are some locations here that are definitely worth a stop. 

Start your adventure at Colwyn Bay, known for its vast sandy beach. While we visited on a rather cloudy September day, we could just imagine it in the summer with flocks of people sunbathing in the sunshine (or maybe not, it is Wales after all).

From Colwyn Bay, take a short drive to Llandudno. The Great Orme, Llandudno’s most famous landmark, offers dramatic scenery and an unmissable short coastal route. The Marine Drive, a scenic 5-mile road around the Great Orme peninsula, is a must-see. The toll is £5.50 for a car, but it's worth it - especially with plenty of spots to pull over and soak in the stunning views. Your ticket also includes parking at the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas. For a free experience, you can also walk around the headland. 

Don’t forget to stop at Pigeon Cove, a picturesque spot where you might even spot some seals! What a perfect way to kick off your coastal road trip.

 

Detour to Aber Falls: North Wales most dramatic waterfall

Next, we continue our journey towards the Isle of Anglesey, but for nature lovers and waterfall chasers like us, we highly recommend a detour to Aber Falls. This stunning 37-meter waterfall cascades down a rock face. The 2km walk to the falls is quite accessible, making it a perfect stop for families. Just be aware, it’s a popular spot, so if you're looking for a quieter experience, visit during the week.

After admiring Aber Falls, take a short walk further to Afon Rhaeadr-bach, a smaller, lesser-known waterfall. While not as grand as Aber Falls, it offers a peaceful alternative and is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet picnic.

 

The Isle of Anglesey: Coastal Beauty and Historic Charm

Anglesey is an essential stop on any Welsh coastal road trip. We had wanted to visit for a while and finally got the chance, and it didn’t disappoint. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and stretches of the Welsh Coastal Path waiting to be explored.

Highlights:

• Penmon Point: A tranquil spot with views of Puffin Island and the Menai Strait.
• Porth Wen Brickworks: The remains of these 20th-century brickworks are set in a stunning secluded bay, making for a unique stop. Visit at low tide to fully appreciate the beach. (Please note: The site is private property, so proceed at your own risk.)
• Parys Copper Mines: Visit one of the oldest copper mines in Europe, which is now a unique and colourful landscape. Some people have compared it to Mars, we’ll let you decide.
• Holyhead Breakwater Country Park: Perfect for a scenic walk or hike.
• South Stack Lighthouse & Llanddwyn Island: Iconic landmarks with stunning views towards Snowdonia. 

 

Some of our favourite beaches on Anglesey include:

• Lligwy Beach
• Aberffraw
• Red Wharf Bay

While you can easily drive around the island in a day, we’d recommend taking your time to fully appreciate the beauty of Anglesey. Even with 10 days on the island, we felt there was still so much more to see!

 

Discovering the Llyn Peninsula: A Wild Finish

The Llyn Peninsula is one of our favourite spots in Wales. It’s often overlooked by tourists, which makes it feel a bit more tucked away and untouched, yet it offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. Plus, you have the towering backdrop of Snowdonia to complete the picture.

One of our highlights was staying at Aberafon Camping and Caravan Site, an incredible campsite with views that reminded us of Norway. Located right by the beach and surrounded by mountains, it’s a great base for exploring the area. The campsite costs £12.50 per adult, £2.50 for a dog, and 20p for a 3-minute shower.

 

 

As you explore the peninsula, be sure to check out:

• Trefor Harbour: Walk the coastal path and you might just find a beach all to yourselves.
• Traeth Porthdinllaen: One of the most beautiful places to enjoy a sunset or enjoy a drink at the Ty Coch Inn.
• Gwylwyr: A short walk as it’s only 70m of elevation from the parking, offering spectacular views down the coast. We visited early in the morning, but it would also be a perfect sunset spot.
• Porth Lago and Traeth Porthor: Known for their clear waters and, in the case of Porthor, the unique ‘whistling sands’ when you walk on them.
• Llanbedrog beach: a picturesque sandy beach lined with colourful beach houses.

 

Other beaches we loved visiting, Porth Ysgo,  which if you visit after some heavy rain you might be treated to a waterfall, or Porth Neigwl (also known as Hell’s Mouth), a popular spot for surfers and also a good sunset spot. 

Finally, Abersoch is perfect for those looking to enjoy water sports, shopping, or dining out in a lively seaside town.

 

Your Wales Coastal Road Trip

Best Time to Visit: While summer is the best for sunshine, we visited in September, and it was quieter but still beautiful. Or even consider visiting in off-season for a different experience, the sea air is always good for you. 

There you have it, a North Wales coastal road trip that combines iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and diverse landscapes. Wales is truly a beautiful country, and we hope this will inspire you to explore its stunning coastline.

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Enjoy your Wales coastal road trip!