A giant expanse of sand backed by pine trees overlooking Eryri is capturing the hearts of a new generation of location hunters. A TikTok video went viral when its creator described Anglesey She considered Llanddwyn beach so magical that she “couldn’t believe it was in the UK”.
The video, shared by a hiking influencer, was viewed 3.8 million times in June alone. However, for viewers, the main draw of Llanddwyn wasn’t its idyllic setting, sacred eels or romantic island, but its use as a filming location for a hit teen TV series that has captivated audiences on Netflix.
Key scenes from House of the Dragon’s second season were
. But the younger audience was more attracted by its links to Carte blanchea coming-of-age drama about an American teenager, Zoe, and her summer in the British countryside. Over three seasons, the Emmy Award-winning series has attracted huge audiences.
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The drama, which is set on a fictional island based on Angleseysaw Zoe form a special bond with a mysterious, wild horse. Llanddwyn, it turns out, is renowned for its wild ponies, which tend to roam its tidal island and even past holidaymakers sunbathing on the beachesCarneddau’s little ponies graze on the fine grass to help preserve local habitats.
It’s a spot recently named by Conde Nast to its list of the best beaches in the UK. Llanddwyn often appears in these types of rankings, usually towards the top, and for good reason: it is, as TikToker mays.map put it, a “beach where clear blue sea meets picturesque forest, incredible mountains and wild horses roaming the Lovers’ Island (Ynys Llanddwyn).”
She added: “When I visited I couldn’t believe it was in the UK. It’s quickly become one of my favourite and most special places to me. It’s definitely a summer destination not to be missed.”
Llanddwyn Beach is a beautiful three-mile stretch of sand, backed by the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve. The reserve’s Corsican pines and extensive dune system make it worth a visit without having to set foot on the beach. Join North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories straight to your phone
The endlessly photographed tidal island is only broken by the highest tides. At the tip of the island are two historic lighthouses, Tŵr Mawr (the Great Tower) and Tŵr Bach (the Little Tower). Tŵr Bach is the older of the two, Tŵr Mawr having been built in 1845 and is now one of the most iconic landmarks on the North Wales coast.
Both overlook their own small beaches. The lighthouse keepers and boat pilots lived in a row of small white houses, their families commuting by donkey The village of Newborough to collect provisions.
Ynys Llanddwyn has a touching charm, even without its connection to St Dwynwen. She was one of 36 daughters of an Irish king who fell in love with a man from North Wales whom she was forbidden to marry. According to legend, an angel granted her three wishes, including that all lovers’ dreams should come true.
Dwynwen moved to Ynys Llanddwyn to establish a nunnery, which later became the Welsh patron saint of lovers. A 16th-century chapel was built on the same site. It was funded by pilgrims who visited its holy well in Tudor times. The well was said to contain eels that could predict whether a couple would be happily married. The ruins of the chapel can still be seen today.
Along Llanddwyn Beach are rocky outcrops known as pillow lava rocks. Formed thousands of years ago by underwater volcanic eruptions, they have been recognised by UNESCO for their geological significance. Look closely and at low tide you can spot a rock formation in the shape of a sleeping red dragon.
The views at Llanddwyn are also quite incredible, with the mountains of Snowdonia visible on the horizon. But despite the praise the beach receives from visitors, its popularity has caused problems.
Traffic is disrupted in the village of Newborough, causing a renewed look at potential solutions This spring, residents have other grievances, too. In response to the TikTok video, one resident said: “I live half an hour away and the tourists are ruining everything, they’re leaving their trash everywhere, trailers everywhere too.”
Another local said she would no longer go to the beach. “Not when the majority of tourists are littering and being disrespectful to the place,” she wrote. “And especially when tourists turn their noses up at locals who speak Welsh.”
There’s not much that can be done to curb Llanddwyn’s popularity, but respect comes easy and it costs nothing to stop littering. As home to Wales’ ‘Isle of Love’, all it takes is a little affection for the landscape and its people. Sign up to the North Wales Live newsletter delivered twice daily to your inbox
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There are three car parks available for Newborough Forest, Ynys Llanddwyn and beach users: Beach, Airman’s and Cwningar. They use number plate recognition cameras and parking costs £2 for the first two hours, then 40p for every 20 minutes thereafter. The maximum charge is £7 per day. Payment is by card or cash at the exit barriers.
Overnight parking is not permitted. Parking is free for blue badge holders. Accessible toilets are available in the beach car park. During peak season the beach car park can fill up quickly.
From 1st May to 30th September, dogs are not allowed on the beach (to the right of the beach car park towards Ynys Llanddwyn). As there are few facilities, it is advisable to bring your own food and drink, and take your rubbish home.
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