A Welsh beach recently featured in a viral video has been named one of the best in the UK as more and more people discover the “hidden gem”. For those in the know Traeth Llanddwyn, near Newborough, on Anglesey is hardly undiscovered but it seems as though more and more people are catching on to its beauty.
And it looks as though it’s about to get even more popular as it’s due to feature in HBO’s new House of the Dragon (HOTD) series. The Daily Mail has assessed the best of what Britain has to offer in terms of its beaches and has named Llanddwyn in the top spot.
Backed by a glorious pine forest, the Blue Flag Beach is also adjacent to an extensive dune system. The area is rich in birds and wildlife from wild ponies to red squirrels and even leeches. The area is used by walkers, runners, cyclists, and horse riders.
A recent video of the beach’s golden sands has racked up more than 1.4million views on TikTok. It was posted by user Heykeyt, who claimed it was “hands down the most romantic spot in Wales”. This is thanks to the island’s association with Saint Dwynwen, Wales’ patron saint of Lovers, reports NorthWalesLive.
User Noah Newcombe wrote: “Most North Wales beaches are stunning to be fair.” Seeing the clip, user Ricky H added: “Ah, wow, want to go to North Wales now, never been before.”
This week’s HOTD filming on Llanddwyn and neighbouring Penrhos beaches takes place from June 21 to 23 and it is thought to involve a “dragon” scene. Mats have been laid across the dunes to enable access by trucks carrying film equipment.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which manages the area, a national nature reserve, said access to the beach will remain open for all visitors. However, new traffic management arrangements will be in place and there will be a small reduction in car park capacity. If the car park is full access to the beach will be curtailed.
NRW added: “Visitors to certain areas of the site may be asked by the production to make a minor detour or to wait briefly during filming. Visits should otherwise remain unaffected. We would like to thank members of the public for their understanding during this time.”
Llanddwyn also has a perfect five-star rating on Tripadvisor from 560 reviews. However, some local residents are nervous in case the place gets overrun with visitors. One woman wrote: “Part of the joy of this whole area was the ability to walk without other people around,” she said.