North Wales Beaches for a Barbecue
Barbecue on the beach – it’s a great British pastime. Good weather in summer is never a given here in North Wales – but every now and then we do get lucky!
However not every beach will allow you to set up a barbecue. Here’s your quick guide so you don’t fall fowl of the law…
First up: the National Trust does not allow barbecues on its land. In North Wales, the Trust’s only beaches are on the Llyn Peninsula – so stay away from Llanbedrog, Porthdinllaen, Porthor and Porth Ceiriad if you’d like to set up a barbecue.
Most beaches won’t allow open fires, but will accept disposable barbecues so long as all litter is taken away afterwards.
The Law
If you’d like to enjoy a cold beer or glass of Pimms with your barbecue, don’t forget to check that you’re in an area which doesn’t restrict you from consuming alcohol.
Safety
Don’t light an open fire outside of the barbecue, and when the barbecue is list it should be on a flat, non-flammable surface away from grass – especially dry grass
Try to raise your barbecue up slightly to avoid heating or scorching the ground below
Don’t set up your barbecue on a sand dune
Never leave a lit barbecue unattended
Make sure children and pets stay well away from the fire, and that someone is always tending to it
Have a bucket of sand or water (both easily accessed) nearby, in case of emergencies
Douse the barbecue once finished so that there are no lingering hot coals, and don’t put it in the bin while still warm
Respect Others
Make sure other children and dogs stay away from the barbecue
Try to ensure your barbecue isn’t releasing smoke in someone else’s face
Take your litter away with you
Talacre Beach, Flintshire
A beach, a lighthouse, arcades, AND it’s dog friendly? Talacre Beach is a long, sandy beach overlooked by an 18th century lighthouse and featuring plenty of toilets, cafes and pubs nearby. There’s also a conveniently placed car park. There are sand dunes, but as these are protected conservation areas, keep far away with your barbecue.
Cemaes Bay, Anglesey
Two beaches make up this bay – Traeth Mawr and Traeth Bach, the big beach and little beach respectively.
The larger of the two is a traditional beach experience, with warm sand, rock pools and even a cave, while the smaller is a little more unassuming. Dogs are allowed on certain areas of both, so check before heading down.
Porth Swtan/Church Bay, Anglesey
This one’s a bit of a trek away, so may not be suitable for children. A pebble and sand beach are surrounded by rock pools, the cliffs behind it providing some well-valued privacy, but there are still plenty of facilities nearby and dogs are allowed.
Kinmel Bay Beach, Clwyd
A well-used beach gifted with the Seaside Award and Green Coast Award, there are some restrictions in place for dogs between May and September.
The sand dunes are beautiful – but a no-go for barbecues – although the beach itself is okay for disposable barbecues.
Llanfairfechan Beach, Clwyd
Great for families with small children, this Blue Flag winning beach has a childrens’ playground, free parking and public toilets. Not dog friendly between May and September between its jetties though.
Porth Iago, Llyn Peninsula
A sheltered, scenic bay that can only be accessed via a farmyard, you will unfortunately have to pay to visit Porth Lago. However, clear waters and gorgeous white sands more than make up for it!
Tywyn Beach, Gwynedd
A five mile long, Blue Flag awarded beach, there’s plenty to do on this beach including water sports, kite-flying, and sights of Cardigan Bay and Snowdonia. The beach’s biggest pull though is from the porpoises and bottlenose dolphins that can be spotted nearby!