Living in the UK means when we plan a holiday we can pick a coastline that meets our exact specifications. For donkeys and funfair rides head east to Lincolnshire and for long sandy beaches and sand dunes go south to Devon and Dorset.
But for something a little different you could try the North Wales coast, which has plenty of beaches that are totally unique. One of those which could easily be called a bit special is Newborough Beach on the Isle of Anglesey.
Frequently named one of the best beaches in the area, Newborough is said to be teeming with wildlife and is one of the few places left in the UK where you might spot a red squirrel. There’s also a chance of seeing dolphins too and even a minke whale.
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Unlike most beaches in the UK, it sits in front of Newborough Forest, meaning the walk to find the perfect spot is a little different. There’s a car park with plenty of spaces and public toilets nearby too.
If you’re not one for sitting on your bum and reading this beach is wonderful for exploration, with the nearby peninsula accessed at the end of the bay. There you will find a museum of maritime history, a ruined church and a lighthouse. There is also a row of terraced pilot houses.
Unsurprisingly it’s won rave reviews from travellers, with one writing: “A whole day out. Beach, walking, exploring. Set of toilets in main car park. Usually, there is a lovely little pop-up cafe van and ice cream van. With picnic tables and bins nearby. Our favourite place to visit when on Anglesey.”
Another said: “Wonderful evergreen forest on the West Coast of Anglesea. The home of the island’s biggest red squirrel population. Also packed full of fungi and lichens for those that like that side of things. The squirrels are highly elusive, and you probably need to go off the gravel paths and into the forest on one of the many trails, to see them. Be very quiet.
“We were lucky enough to see them in the treetops, although they quickly leave the area once they have spotted you.”
There are seven car parks nearby meaning there’s an excellent chance of getting a space even when things heat up. Some are ANPR controlled, meaning you pay on exit. To stay for the whole day in those car parks it costs £7.
If you’re going specifically to spot a red squirrel there’s a marked walk to follow. The forest is managed with them in mind, with the mix of trees grown specifically to ensure they thrive. They had all but disappeared from the forest in the mid-1990s but were reintroduced in 2004 from the Welsh Mountain Zoo.
For more information visit the National Resources Wales website here.
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