The UK is full of gorgeous beach towns but there’s one picturesque spot that often slips under the radar, despite having a gorgeous sandy beach and plenty of coastal walks
Summer is fast approaching and as the weather heats up, it’s no surprise that Brits are starting to eye up staycations along the UK’s amazing coast.
Of course there are some spots that never fail to draw in the crowds such as Cornwall and Devon, but there’s one quiet fishing village that travel insiders have dubbed the “UK’s forgotten beach town”. Despite boasting a breathtaking mile-long sandy beach, within an area of outstanding natural beauty, Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula often slips under the radar.
In fact, travel experts at Ski Vertigo have named it the UK’s most underrated destination, describing it as a “Welsh gem” that is “often skipped in favour of more popular seaside towns”. One of their insiders explained: “Aberdaron has golden sands, a peaceful village charm, and incredible coastal paths – without the price tag of Cornwall.”
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That ‘peaceful village charm’ includes cosy cafes, restaurants and a sailing club, as well as a handful of hotels with everything you could want for a calming seaside getaway. There are plenty of local attractions too such as Plas yn Rhiw, a National Trust property with some pretty enviable views across Cardigan Bay. Meanwhile a trip to St Hywyn’s Church offers up some nice vistas of the village and seaside.
For the outdoorsy tourists, the various sea caves and rock pools are sure to be of interest, but you’ll want to leave time on your itinerary for a trip to Bardsey Island. This breathtaking spot can be reached by boat and is both a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It’s open to visitors from March through to October, while its waters have been known to host the likes of dolphins and whales.
Back in Aberdaron, one spot that never fails to attract both locals and tourists is Porthor Beach, which is known for its ‘whistling sands’. The noise comes from the sound that the sand makes as you walk over the granules, a rare phenomenon especially in the UK and Europe.
While it’s not a tourist hotspot, the beach does have plenty of facilities for those who want to make a day of it. There is a cafe serving up delicious snacks and coffees, perfect for replenishing your energy after a walk in the surrounding area, but be wary that some visitors have said the walk down to the beach from the car park can be quite steep, so bring some sturdy footwear. If you want to bring your dog along, take note that there are restrictions between April to September when it comes to letting them run free along the sands.
Although you can swim at this beach, visitors are warned to beware of strong currents and large breaking waves in the area, and to take care especially during strong winds. The beach is nestled amidst some cliffs too which makes for an Instagram-worthy backdrop, but tourists are warned not to climb or dig into the cliffs, and to keep children under supervision at all times.