Posted on 31/05/2017 by David
We’re not exaggerating with the claim that North Wales has some of the finest beaches in the UK.
With more than 200 miles of diverse and breathtaking coastline - dramatic, rocky beaches; golden sands; ancient, brooding cliffs; shifting, timeless dunes - there's a beach to please everyone here.
One of our favourite childhood holiday activities was building sandcastles and there are plenty of beaches around here tailor-made for doing just that.
Why not introduce the kids to the fine art of castle building or relive your childhood with our guide to the five best sandcastle beaches in North Wales?
1. Talacre
Talacre Beach, just outside Prestatyn, sits on the Dee Estuary and boasts views across to the Wirral. With miles and miles of golden sand, backed by dunes, this expansive beach doesn’t feel busy, even in the height of the summer.
With plenty of room for everyone, it's the perfect sandcastle beach if you've got budding engineers who like to go big!
While they build, soak up your surroundings; the iconic lighthouse has featured in TV adverts, movies and landscape photographs while the dunes are an SSSI (keep an eye out for the rare natterjack toad).
2. Barmouth
Barmouth Beach, in Gwynedd, is an enduringly popular beach and for good reason: this flat, white sand beach is the perfect spot for a traditional day at the seaside.
With sunbathing the order of the day for grown-ups and a good old-fashioned sandcastle competition for the kids (or young at heart), Barmouth is the quintessential family beach.
Heap on the nostalgia with a donkey ride and an ice-cream and you have all the makings of a perfect day.
3. Llanfairfechan
Llanfairfechan is a little hidden gem in North Wales that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves but, in a way, that's all part of its charm.
At high tide, it’s an inconspicuous pebbly beach like many in the region, but when it goes out, Llanfairfechan's glittering treasure is revealed: a large expanse of golden sand.
With great amenities close by, including toilets, cafe, wide grassed area, duck pond and kids play area, you can enjoy a good sandcastle session when the tide's out but continue the fun onshore when it comes in again.
4. Llandudno West Shore
We love the hustle and bustle of the North Shore but this shingle beach isn't the best place for sandcastle building in Llandudno.
Buckets and spades at the ready, you should head for the quieter West Shore. Miles of golden sand awaits you, a sandcastle builder's paradise!
There's a good range of amenities on West Shore too. These include a playground, boating pond, public toilets and a great little cafe - perfect for refuelling and enjoying views of Anglesey and Snowdonia after a busy few hours on the beach!
5. Porth Oer
Porth Oer, near Aberdaron, isn’t just a beautiful sandy beach; it’s a singing sandy beach!
The unique shape of the sand granules mean that as you walk across it, it makes a squeaky sound, almost like whistling. It’s one of only two beaches in Europe where you can experience this, making it pretty special.
The car park is a bit of a walk, but don’t let that put you off, the views along the way are stunning.
Images courtesy of: Barmouth by Anthony via Pexels. West Shore, Llandudno © Copyright John Copleston and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence. Point of Ayr Lighthouse & Bucket, Rachel Cooper, 2017. Porth Oer © Copyright Judith Mairants and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence.