Spoilt for choice
With over 125 miles of stunningly rugged coastline and lots of picture-postcard seaside towns, it’s not surprising that there are lots of dog-friendly beaches on Anglesey to enjoy.
When it comes to days out to the beach, it’s a pleasure to watch our canine companions have fun! There’s plenty of stunning beaches, with more being dog-friendly than you might imagine. Moreover, some of the pristine blue flag beaches allow dogs outside of summer.
From secluded coves to large golden sandy beaches, we’ve got you covered. There’s so many beaches to list, but here’s a selection of our top 10 dog-friendly Anglesey beaches to take your pooch. Five with no restrictions and five with summer restrictions.
All beaches where dog restrictions are in place are clearly signed at the beach, showing the precise area where you can take your dog.
Some beaches simply don’t allow dogs between certain months of the year, others allow dogs in specific areas of the beach only. Dog restrictions apply from the 1st May up to the 30th of September every year.
Beaches with no restrictions
Aberffraw Bay (Traeth Mawr)
Aberffraw Bay (pronounced ‘Aber-frow’) is a huge flat unspoilt sandy beach backed by sand dunes. It doesn’t get too crowded as it’s just far enough away from the nearest parking spot, but it is very popular with dog walkers. There are strong currents, especially the rocky area at the mouth of the river.
There’s a couple of ways of getting there. For a lovely walk with postcard scenery, follow the river down from the village. The other way is to walk through the sand dunes.
Cemlyn Bay (Traeth Mawr)
This large sweeping stretch of beach, lagoon, and surrounding countryside is owned by the National Trust. Cemlyn Bay is a popular dog-friendly beach. The reserve is well known for its colony of Artic and common terns, and breeding sandwich.
Its enchanting curved bay is unique with its shingle ridge known as Esgair Cemlyn, dividing the open sea from a saline coastal lagoon – considered to be the best example of its type in Wales. The Bay is situated approximately 3 miles from Cemaes on the north-west coast of Anglesey.
Check out our quick tour video from our visit to Cemlyn Bay and Church Bay (located on the north west coast).
Note: dogs must be kept away from nesting birds.
Lligwy (Traeth Lligwy)
A lovely wide, sandy beach located just around the corner from the village of Moelfre. The beach is backed by low sand dunes giving it a wild, open feel, which is exactly what it is. It’s very popular for dog walkers.
At low tide a large expanse of firm sand is revealed providing all the space you could need for beach games of any description. Along with a range of facilities including toilets, car parks, and a shop, this is a great family beach that still manages to retain a natural feel.
Traeth Lligwy beach is also popular with water sports enthusiasts and can be good for windsurfing, kitesurfing and even surfing.
Car parking fees apply all year round and they’re strict, so ensure you pay for parking.
Red Wharf Bay (Traeth Coch)
Red Wharf Bay is located between the villages of Benllech and Pentraeth on the east coast of Anglesey, and lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It’s one of the most popular beaches for dog walking.
The bay is also popular amongst watersport lovers and nature enthusiasts alike, as Red Wharf Bay is a designated nature reserve bordered by salt marshes and sand dunes. It’s also known as having one of the fastest tides in the UK.
Facilities including a café and toilets are available nearby.
Rhosneigr (Traeth Llydan)
Winner of of the Green Coast seaside award, Rhosneigr lies on Anglesey’s Western shore. With its two broad , sandy beaches, Traeth Crigyll and Traeth Llydan, it is a popular centre for all watersports as well as dog-walkers. Also nearby is Llyn Maelog with it all access boardwalk for those wanting to watch nature.
Despite being somewhat smaller than neighbouring Traeth Crigyll, Traeth Llydan is still over a mile long and an equally delightful stretch of golden sand, making it an ideal place to walk your four-legged friend.
The sand here is slightly coarser than it is around the headland and there are a few rocky outcrops at either end. To the back of the beach there are low dunes and beyond these fields which gives the beach a distinctly rural feel.
The picturesque beach is backed by large sand dunes on one side and forms part of the Anglesey Coastal Path.
The village of Rhosneigr is a few minutes walk away with plenty of facilities such as cafes, shops, pubs and restaurants.
Beaches with restrictions
Benllech
Benllech is a hugely popular beach in one of the larger tourist hotspots on Anglesey, with fine golden sand and clear Blue Flag waters, which are exceptionally safe for bathing and paddling, making it an ideal choice for families.
Most of the beach is covered at high tide, but there’s plenty of crabs & starfish in the rockpools at low tide.
Benllech beach has good facilities including disabled and pushchair access. There’s parking (fee) with easy access to the sand. There’s also a café, toilets, beach shop and first aid point.
Dog Restrictions: Dogs are not allowed on the main section of the beach between 1st May and 30th September. At low tide, there is a section of beach on the east side, where dogs are welcome all year round.
Cemaes Bay
Cemaes has two beaches, the main beach is Traeth Mawr (big beach) and the beach to the east is Traeth Bach (small beach), which has rocky areas, and is totally dog-friendly all year round. It’s a popular area for families and dog-walkers.
Both beaches are very close to the village of Cemaes, with a good selection of facilities, shops, pubs and restaurants.
Dog Restrictions: Dogs are not allowed on the main beach left of the car park between 1st May and 30th September. They are allowed all year on the area beyond the harbour.
Llanddona
This hidden gem of a long sandy beach is located at the eastern end of Red Wharf Bay and is excellent for swimming, paddling and walking.
Whilst it offers basic amenities including toilets and beach café, most visitors travel to the nearby village of Llanddona or Beaumaris for a wider choice.
This is a bit of a challenge to get to by road, with the roads leading to the beach very steep and few passing points, but the beach is totally worth it.
Beaumaris is just a short drive away where you’ll find a range of dog-friendly cafés and restaurants.
Dog Restrictions: Dogs are not allowed on the western side of the beach between 1st May and 30th September.
Llanddwyn, Newborough
Excellent flat sandy beach backed by forest and dunes, on the south-western tip. Lovely footpaths through Newborough Forest and nature reserve, making this the perfect place to walk your pooch through forest and beach.
Llanddwyn Beach stretches over a mile in length and is one of the largest areas of sand dunes in the UK. Here you’ll also find Llanddwyn Island, one of the most scenic places in Wales and has the most incredible night skies.
Dog Restrictions: Dogs are not allowed on Llandwyn Island between 1st May and 30th September due to wildlife protection. Dogs are allowed on Newborough Beach. A map showing the designated dog area is here.
Trearrdur Bay
Trearddur Bay, located a couple of miles from Holyhead, is one of Anglesey’s best beaches. The long curving sand slopes gently into the sea and gets the sun all day. It gets very popular in summer.
At low tide there is plenty of sand for walking and ball games. Trearddur Bay is perfect for watersports with sheltered conditions. Windsurfing, bodyboarding, dinghy sailing and kayaking are all popular activities as well as sunbathing & swimming. Behind the beach is a long promenade for strolling and enjoying coastal views.
Dog Restrictions: Dogs are permitted on part of the beach all year. There are restrictions on the eastern end of the beach, in front of the car park from 1st May to 30th September.
This is just a small selection! There’s so many more beautiful beaches on this stunning island. We have further information on our digital guidebook app that all guests are provided with.
What’s your favourite Anglesey beach and why is it special to you? Post your comments below. 
