Church Bay (Porth Swtan)

Church Bay, known in Welsh as Porth Swtan, is a compact sandy cove on the northwest coast of Anglesey, framed by low cliffs and the white-painted cottages of the hamlet above. The bay has a traditional coastal village character with genuine charm — the old Swtan cottage (a restored fisherman's dwelling) sits above the beach, and the cliffs and rock outcrops create a sheltered setting with personality. At low tide, rock pools emerge at the bay's edges with crabs, anemones and seaweed. The sand is good quality and the beach holds its character well at all tide states.

Dogs may be restricted from parts of the beach during summer months from 1 May to 30 September — check local signage before visiting. Outside restrictions, this is a delightful dog friendly beach for dogs who enjoy pottering, sniffing and exploring rather than long-distance running. The rock pools provide rich investigation opportunities, and the sheltered cove concentrates coastal scent — salt spray, seaweed, warm sand and rock — into an intimate space. The water is calm and accessible for paddling, and the compact size means dogs can explore the full bay without disappearing from sight. Parking is available near the beach. A beach with bags of character that suits dogs who prefer discovery over distance.