From secret sandy coves to rugged bays, North Wales is known for its incredible beaches. It’s what makes it such a popular destination for Manc families during the summer months.
Llandudno, around a 90 minute drive from Greater Manchester, is one of North Wales’ best-known coastal towns, with a picturesque pier, promenade and charming cable cars. While visitors flock to North Shore Beach, located in the heart of the action, the town actually has a second smaller beach which not as many people know about.
If you take a walk across town you’ll discover West Shore Beach. It’s a well known spot among locals and perfect for a swim, some sunbathing or even just for a stroll along the sand, North Wales Live reports.
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Having been developed by the Victorians, the beach has an old-fashioned feel to it, with a boating lake, benches and a long promenade to walk along. Today it’s a tranquil spot where golden sand meets gentle lapping waves.
It’s remained largely untouched over the years, maintaining most of its character. Part of its charm is how it is nestled away at the edge of the Great Orme, a limestone headland that marks the northern edge of Llandudno, and offers stunning views across the area.
Thanks to its west-facing location, the beach is perfectly positioned to watch the sunset from, beautifully reflected in the sea. At low tide, the beach offers plenty of space to get away from the lights of the town, and the opportunity to look up into a sky of stars.
The beach itself is the complete flip-side of Llandudno's North Shore. Gone are the heavily pebbled, stony beaches, replaced with rich tracts of sand that expand a fair way out at low tide.
It’s also a popular spot for dog walkers, with a zone set up specifically for dogs to be let off lead without disturbing others. You may see more extreme activities taking place on the sand, as it’s a well-known spot for kite surfing and kite buggying. For those looking for softer activities though, the designated bathing zone is a faultless spot for paddling or a relaxing swim.
Along much of its length is a large promenade, with plenty of parking available at no or low cost. Alternatively it can be reached on foot from the town centre, or along the Wales Coast Path which passes through the area.
As it sits away from the town, the beach tends to be quieter than others in the area, offering users that chance of a moment of serenity, away from the hustle and bustle, especially during the summer months. Pre-summer holidays is certainly the prime time to hit up this beach if you're looking for somewhere on the quieter end of the spectrum.
There's plenty to keep the kids busy too, with an extensive play area just a short walk off the beach and plenty of space to run around. Toilet facilities are also on hand, and along the front there are several spots for food, snacks and ice-creams.
Reviewers on TripAdvisor describe the beach as "much more relaxed and picturesque than the busier, more commercial North Shore", while others described it as "the calm and relaxed part of Llandudno". Many also praised the care of the pristine site.
Despite the beach's idyllic nature, the spot still remains the less popular option in the town, and even when it does pick up, noise doesn't drift too far here, so it always feels calm.
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