A German Shepherd enjoys a day out on a dog friendly beach in Anglesey

Dog Friendly Beaches in Anglesey: Wild Shores, Open Sands and Space for Paws

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Written by Sam Wright

January 14, 2026

Anglesey is one of those places that just works for dogs. Big skies, long stretches of sand, coastal paths that seem to go on forever and far fewer crowds than you will find in parts of mainland Wales. Whether you are visiting for a long weekend or building it into a wider North Wales adventure, the island has a brilliant mix of wide open beaches and sheltered bays where dogs can stretch their legs year round.

Below you will find some of the best dog friendly beaches in Anglesey, chosen for space, scenery and practicality. Expect a mix of fully unrestricted beaches and others with seasonal rules, plus plenty of variety if you like to move around rather than returning to the same spot every day.


Newborough Beach

Newborough Beach looking towards Snowdon – Photo Credit: Thomas Roberts 

One of the most iconic beaches on Anglesey, Newborough is vast, wild and feels more like a landscape than a single beach. Backed by pine forest and dunes, it is ideal if your dog loves space to roam and you enjoy a walk that feels properly immersive rather than just a quick stroll.

At low tide the beach opens right out, with firm sand that is great for walking and running. You can easily link this with a walk through Newborough Forest or continue towards Llanddwyn Island for one of the best coastal routes on the island.

  • Dog access: Dogs allowed year round
  • Type: Long sandy beach with dunes
  • Facilities: Toilets and café near the car park
  • Parking: Paid parking at Newborough Forest

Llanddwyn Beach

Llanddwyn Beach – Photo Credit: Robin Drayton 

Often visited as part of a Newborough walk, Llanddwyn deserves its own mention. The beach sits alongside Llanddwyn Island, with views across to Snowdonia on clear days and a strong sense of history thanks to the old church and lighthouse.

It is a brilliant option if you want a longer outing, combining beach walking with rocky sections and grassy headlands. Dogs are welcome all year, but you should keep them under control around wildlife and livestock, especially near the island.

  • Dog access: Dogs allowed year round
  • Type: Sandy beach with rocky sections
  • Facilities: Limited, bring what you need
  • Parking: Newborough Forest car park

Porth Dafarch

Porth Dafarch – Photo Credit: Monsyn

Porth Dafarch is a popular beach near Holyhead, but it still works well for dog owners outside of peak summer hours. It is a sheltered bay with soft sand and calm waters, making it a good option if you want a gentler beach day without long walks across exposed sand.

During the main summer season there are restrictions on dogs in the central area, but outside of those dates dogs are free to explore the whole bay. Early mornings and evenings are particularly good here.

  • Dog access: Seasonal restrictions in summer
  • Type: Sandy sheltered bay
  • Facilities: Café, toilets and slipway
  • Parking: Car park close to the beach

Traeth Lligwy

Traeth Lligwy – Photo Credit: Richerman

Traeth Lligwy is a large, open beach on the east coast of Anglesey, backed by grassy dunes and farmland. It feels much less developed than some of the island’s western beaches and is a good choice if you want space without needing a long walk from the car.

The sand is expansive and ideal for dogs that like to run, although the beach can be exposed in windy weather. There are seasonal restrictions during the summer months, so it is best checked before visiting if you are travelling at peak times.

  • Dog access: Seasonal restrictions in summer
  • Type: Wide sandy beach
  • Facilities: Café nearby
  • Parking: Car park at the top of the beach

Church Bay

Church Bay – Photo Credit: Jeff Buck 

Church Bay, also known as Porth Swtan, is smaller than many Anglesey beaches but has a lot of character. Surrounded by cliffs and traditional white cottages, it feels sheltered and cosy compared to the island’s larger open beaches.

Dogs are allowed year round, making it a reliable option if you are visiting in summer and want to avoid restrictions. It is also a great starting point for coastal path walks heading north or south along the cliffs.

  • Dog access: Dogs allowed year round
  • Type: Sandy cove
  • Facilities: Café and toilets nearby
  • Parking: Small car park above the beach

Rhosneigr Broad Beach

Rhosneigr Broad Beach – Photo Credit: Paul Buckingham 

Rhosneigr has two main beaches, and Broad Beach is the better option for dog owners. It is long, open and backed by dunes, with plenty of space even when the village itself is busy.

There are seasonal dog restrictions in place, but outside of peak summer dates this is a fantastic beach for long walks and energetic dogs. The steady breeze also makes it popular with water sports, which adds a bit of atmosphere without overwhelming the space.

  • Dog access: Seasonal restrictions in summer
  • Type: Long sandy beach
  • Facilities: Toilets, cafés and shops in the village
  • Parking: Parking available nearby

Cemaes Bay

Cemaes Bay – Photo Credit: Peter McDermott 

Cemaes Bay sits on the north coast of Anglesey and offers a mix of sandy beach and harbour views. It is more compact than many other options, but still works well for dogs, especially outside of peak times.

Some sections have seasonal restrictions, but there are usually areas available for dog walking year round. It is a good choice if you want an easy access beach with village amenities close by.

  • Dog access: Partial seasonal restrictions
  • Type: Sandy village beach
  • Facilities: Shops, cafés and toilets nearby
  • Parking: Parking in the village

Penrhos Coastal Park

Penrhos Coastal Park – Photo Credit: Ian Greig

Penrhos is a little different from the others on this list, combining beach, parkland and woodland paths in one location. It is ideal if you want variety rather than just sand underfoot, or if your dog prefers a mix of surfaces.

Dogs are welcome year round, but should be kept under control in certain areas, particularly near wildlife and during busier periods. It is a good all weather option if conditions on the open coast are rough.

  • Dog access: Dogs allowed year round
  • Type: Mixed beach and parkland
  • Facilities: Café and toilets on site
  • Parking: On site parking available

Visiting Dog Friendly Beaches in Anglesey: What to Know

Anglesey is generally very welcoming to dogs, but seasonal restrictions are common between late spring and early autumn. These usually apply to specific sections of a beach rather than the whole area, so it is worth checking local signage when you arrive.

Tides make a big difference here. Many beaches expand dramatically at low tide, creating far more space for walking and running. Always keep an eye on tide times, especially in bays with limited access points. Fresh water, a lead for busy areas and a towel are sensible additions to your kit, particularly if you are planning multiple beach stops in a day.


Map of Dog Friendly Beaches in Anglesey

Explore these dog friendly beaches in Anglesey using our handy map below. Simply click the pins to uncover more information and get directions to the nearest car park.

Penrhos is the “mix it up” option. You get coastline, woodland, and parkland all in one place, which is perfect if your dog enjoys variety or you want a walk that isn’t pure sand the whole time.

It’s also a solid fallback when the weather is a bit all over the place. You can stay more sheltered in the trees, then dip out onto the beach when it calms down.

 

  • Dog access: Dogs welcome year round

  • Type: Mixed coastal park and beach access

  • Facilities: Varies by season, bring water just in case

  • Parking: Council car park at Penrhos Beach (East)

Cemaes Bay is a classic north-coast village beach with harbour views and a more sheltered feel than the big open sands elsewhere. It’s great for a slower paced walk, especially if you like mixing beach time with a wander through the village.

It’s also a strong “family friendly” option if you’re travelling with lots of kit. Park close, hit the sand quickly, then reward yourself with a café stop or a browse around the village afterwards.

 

  • Dog access: Dogs welcome, check seasonal signage on arrival

  • Type: Village beach and bay

  • Facilities: Toilets, shops and cafés nearby

  • Parking: Beach-adjacent car park

Rhosneigr’s Broad Beach is the one for long sandy walks and wide horizons. It’s big enough that you can usually find space, and it suits everything from a gentle mooch to a full power beach mission with a high-energy dog.

It’s also a handy base if you want amenities nearby. You’re close to the village for coffees or supplies, which makes it an easy choice when you want a relaxed, low-planning beach day.

 

  • Dog access: Dogs welcome, check seasonal signage on arrival

  • Type: Long sandy beach

  • Facilities: Toilets, cafés and shops in the village

  • Parking: Pay and display village car parks nearby

Church Bay is a smaller beach with loads of character. The cliffs and white cottages give it a proper coastal village feel, and it’s a brilliant place to potter around with a dog that’s more into sniffing and exploring than sprinting.

It’s also a great starting point if you want to add on a coastal path section. Even a short out-and-back along the cliffs turns this into a more varied walk than “just beach”.

 

  • Dog access: Dogs welcome, check seasonal signage on arrival

  • Type: Sandy cove with rocky edges

  • Facilities: Toilets and food options nearby

  • Parking: Pay and display car park above the bay

Traeth Lligwy is one of the best “big beach energy” options on Anglesey. It’s wide, open, and perfect for dogs that want to run proper distances without constantly doubling back around other people.

Because it’s more exposed, the weather can shape your day here. When it’s calm it’s glorious, and when it’s windy it still feels dramatic, just pack layers and keep an eye on sand blowing around.

 

  • Dog access: Dogs welcome, check seasonal signage on arrival

  • Type: Wide sandy beach

  • Facilities: Seasonal nearby options

  • Parking: Council car park close to the beach

Porth Dafarch is a cracking, sheltered bay near Holyhead that works brilliantly for a quick beach hit or a slower wander with plenty of stops for rockpooling. It’s a calmer-feeling spot than some of the big open beaches, which can be handy on breezier days.

The access is straightforward from the car park and you’re on sand fast, which makes it a good choice if you’re squeezing a beach walk into a packed day. As always, check the local signage in peak season in case any zones have restrictions.

 

  • Dog access: Dogs welcome, check seasonal signage on arrival

  • Type: Sandy bay

  • Facilities: Toilets nearby

  • Parking: Car park close to beach access

Llanddwyn is the “keep walking” reward once you’re on Newborough. The sand feels endless, the views open up, and there’s a real sense of being on the edge of somewhere special, especially when the light hits the water.

It’s ideal if you want a longer outing that mixes beach time with a bit of exploring. Expect a blend of sand, rocky edges, and plenty of space to let your dog mooch and sniff to their heart’s content.

 

  • Dog access: Dogs welcome year round

  • Type: Sandy beach with rocky sections nearby

  • Facilities: Limited on the beach itself

  • Parking: Use Newborough Forest main beach car park

Newborough is the big hitter on Anglesey. Huge sands, dunes for days, and that classic mix of salt air and pine forest that makes the whole place feel properly wild. If your dog loves to run, this is the beach that delivers.

It’s also one of the best “make a day of it” spots on the island. Park up, wander through the forest, then hit the sand and keep going towards the Llanddwyn side for even bigger views and quieter stretches.

 

  • Dog access: Dogs welcome year round

  • Type: Long sandy beach with dunes

  • Facilities: Toilets and seasonal refreshments near main access

  • Parking: Large pay car park (Newborough Forest / beach access)

Find even more dog friendly adventures across the UK with our Wildpack Map, a specially curated map containing the best dog friendly points of interest across the UK.


What’s Nearby?

If you are exploring Anglesey with your dog, these nearby ideas pair well with a beach day:


Final Thoughts

Anglesey is one of the strongest dog friendly beach destinations in Wales, offering genuine variety and space without feeling overdeveloped. Whether you want wild, open sands or sheltered village beaches, there is enough here to keep you exploring for days. With a little planning around tides and seasonal rules, it is an easy place to build a relaxed, dog centred coastal adventure.

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