Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island

David and Chris Stewart

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Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island form an extensive nature reserve, with forest, ecologically important sand-dunes and wide-open beaches. The 'island' is barely disconnected from the mainland and has ancient lighthouses, stone crosses and an old pilot's cottage, making it an idyllic and fascinating place to visit.

The island is said to have been the home of a religious community founded by Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Legend has it that she fell in love with a local prince, but the marriage was not to be (different reasons are given in different variations of the story). She prayed to be cured of her love and God appeared to her and gave her a potion to drink. This doused her ardour but also turned the prince into a statue of ice. After further prayer, God then granted her three wishes. Her first wish was to return the prince to human form, her second to be given the power to grant the wishes of true lovers and her third was never to be inflicted with marriage and love again.

Whatever the truth or otherwise of the legends, the island has a captivating atmosphere. There are superb views of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula.

Please note that the island is off-limits to dogs from 1st May to the end of September. Dogs are welcome in the forest at all times of the year and during the summer months on some parts of the main beach (east / left side from car park).

There is a fee for parking which can be paid by card.

Please also note that the nearby sand-dunes can be dangerous, especially at high tide.

Wales - North Wales - Anglesey - Coast

Features

Ancient Monument, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Sea, Toilets, Woodland
4/21/2022 - Vivien Quigley

The cottages are no longer open. The cost of parking is £2 for 2 hours and then 40p for every 20 minutes up to a maximum of £7.

3/18/2022 - bridget saunders

Absolutely superb walk . Probaly one of our top 5 ever walks . Directions spot on but check tide times as island cut off for a period at high tide . Can now pay with credit card in car park .

10/3/2015 - Carl Thompson

This is a lovely walk, some of the pictures are a little outdated yet still easy to follow. We have visited today 3rd October 2015 and access was by a manned kiosk and the entry fee is now £4.This is a very popular location, watch the tides, we were later than expected coming back off the island as we took our dogs who enjoyed the many beaches and small coves around the island, be prepared to paddle. Dogs can access the island from 1st October.

6/25/2011 - Christine Bibby

We loved this walk and thoroughly recommend it. I just want to add that the toll is still £3. - 25th June 2011 - a bargain price for a lovely day out.

2/25/2011 - Gavin Hamilton

A place of utter enchantment with an atmosphere that is quite serene. One of our favourite walks and highly recommended to all who visit the area.

1/24/2011 - Tracey Macintosh

Hi We live near here and so go quite often. It now states on the info boards that dogs ARE welcome from the end of Sept to 1st May. Hope this makes all you dog lovers happy.xx

4/13/2007 - Caroline Forrest

Access is now (April 2007) £3.00 and payment is by a slot machine which releases ramps. You do need to have the right change and the day we were there there was a huge snarl up as two carloads had no change and with no room to turn round traffic was a standstill. The walk was definitely worth it though!