Following a huge influx in tourists, a stunning Blue Flag beach has issued a stark clampdown on visitors – including a £15 maximum daily car park charge and strict cut-off times
An out-of-this-world Blue Flag beach with a stunning mountain backdrop has revealed a brutal clampdown on tourists. Often touted as the UK’s ‘most beautiful’ beach, Llanddwyn (also known as Newborough) boasts over a mile of soft golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and a breathtaking view of Snowdonia and the Lleyn Peninsula..
Tucked away in Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve on Llanddwyn Island (which is technically not an island as it remains attached to the mainland) – this idyllic slice of UK coastline has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, its insatiable appeal has resulted in backlash from locals – who say their lives were in ‘lockdown’ due to traffic issues worsened by day-trippers.
Bolstered in popularity due to the acclaimed TV series House of the Dragon, residents threatened to erupt into protest unless something was done to tackle congestion in the area. As a result, Natural Resource Wales (NRW) has introduced a new car park pricing scale, along with a trial that will prevent cars from accessing the car park when it has reached capacity – even when spaces become available.
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On its website, NRW says the updated prices will apply to the Main Beach, Airman’s and Cwningar car parks and will come into force on Friday, May 23. Tourists will be charged £5 for the first two hours, and then 70p for each additional 20 minutes.
The hefty charge is capped at £15 per day. Tourists will also face fines for those trying to park overnight, or holidaymakers wanting to camp on the beach. A trial of closing car parks at the site until 4.30pm once they are full will take place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday (May 24, 25, and 26) to ease traffic flow and congestion and try and prevent cars parking in Newborough village waiting for spaces to become available.
Richard Berry, Land Management Team Leader for North West Wales, defended the new pricing structure, arguing it reflects that of ‘other beach car parks on Anglesey’. He confirmed that season tickets and discounted season tickets for local residents won’t be hit by the surcharge, while free parking for Blue Badge holders will remain.
“The trial will stop vehicles accessing the site once the car park becomes full – this is generally from 11am or sooner during bank holidays, weekends and periods of good weather,” he added. “Even as cars leave the site and spaces become available no vehicular access will be allowed until after 4.30pm.”
Richard states the new approach aims to safeguard the site’s ‘precious wildlife’ as well as improve the visitor experience and slash congestion in the village. He has therefore urged tourists to consider visiting the beach at ‘quieter times’ or to visit a nearby beach on Anglesey.
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If you’re undeterred by the hefty parking charge, Llanddwyn beach is around 263 miles from London – meaning it’ll take a gruelling five hours and 36 minutes in the car. Indirect train routes to Bodorgan, which tend to include a stopover in Chester, slash the journey time to just under four hours.
However, from here, you’ll have to take a 21-minute taxi ride. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for around £87.
*Prices based on Trainline listings at the time of writing.
Would the new charges put you off from visiting Llanddwyn beach? Let us know in the comments section below