Dolgellau’s best beaches
If you're planning a trip soon you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of beautiful beaches nearby. In this blog post, using decades worth of experience exploring the location area we’ve included some of the best beaches around Dolgellau, providing you with all the information you need to plan your perfect beach visit. Whether you're looking for family-friendly facilities or a quiet spot to relax or go for a walk, there's a beach for everyone in this picturesque corner of Wales.
We would love to hear what beaches you enjoyed when you stay at Glasfryn. See our local area guide for more information on other beaches in the area.
Barmouth Beach is a long, sandy beach that stretches for miles, offering stunning views of the coast and the mountains. With plenty of facilities nearby, including shops, cafes, and restaurants, it's a great place to spend the day with your family. We find it a very family-friendly beach as parking and facilities are so close to the sandy beach. There are more typical sea-side activities if that’s of interest like donkey rides, amusement arcades and plenty of places to buy buckets, spaces and rock – the beach is vast so it’s also easy to avoid this if you prefer. The life boat is often on view from the RNIL station which our children enjoy.
Distance from Glasfryn: 20 minute drive
Parking: Yes pay and display, there are also some spots for free road side parking near the amusement arcades. In the peak summer season it gets busy so we recommend arriving early.
Dog friendly: Yes but note some restrictions apply on some areas March - September.
Good to know: free public toilets are available (by Antonias ice creams).
2. Fairbourne Beach
Fairbourne Beach is a lovely sandy beach that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is backed by dunes, which provide some shelter from the wind. With a long promenade that runs along the beach and plenty of shops and cafes nearby.
A narrow gauge heritage miniature railway operates here and is a must-visit attraction for families with young children. It takes a scenic route through the stunning Mawddach Estuary and links to a passenger ferry which takes day trippers across the estuary to Barmouth.
Distance from Glasfryn: 20 minute drive
Parking: Yes by the beach and railway.
Dog friendly: Dogs are banned from the central third of the beach between 1st April and 30th September. However, there is still plenty of space on either side of the beach.
Good to know: Perfect for those with limited mobility as the path is level and there are plenty of seats along the way. It’s always very quiet so if you like to escape the chance of any crowds this might be the one for you.
3. Tywyn Beach
Tywyn Beach is a long, sandy beach that is perfect for a peaceful stroll. With sand dunes backing the beach, it's a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Tywyn Beach wildlife spotting successes have included dolphins if you get lucky!
Distance from Glasfryn: 35 minute drive
Parking: Yes and toilets by car park.
Dog friendly: Dogs are banned from the central third of the beach between 1st April and 30th September. However, there is still plenty of space on either side of the beach.
4. Aberdyfi Beach
Aberdyfi Beach is a beautiful beach that is popular with families. The beach is backed by sand dunes, which provide some shelter from the wind. With plenty of facilities nearby, including shops, cafes, and restaurants it’s a family-friendly place to visit.
Distance from Glasfryn: 40 minute drive
Parking: Yes and toilets by car park.
Dog friendly: Dogs are banned from the central third of the beach between 1st April and 30th September. However, there is still plenty of space on either side of the beach.
Good to know: lovely fish and chips from Walkers.
5. Llandanwg Beach
Llandanwg Beach is a small, secluded beach that is perfect if you're looking for a quiet spot to relax. The beach is backed by sand dunes, which provide some shelter from the wind. With a small cafe nearby. It’s a good spot for swimming with a gradual incline to deeper water. There is a hidden little gem of a tiny church in the sand dunes, it’s said to be the longest continous place of Christian worship in the UK. This is a great place for rock pools that are family friendly with swallow waters.
Distance from Glasfryn: 35 minute drive
Parking: Yes pay and display carpark
Dog friendly: Dogs are banned from the central third of the beach between 1st April and 30th September. However, there is still plenty of space on either side of the beach.
Good to know: Facilities family friendly - cafe, toilets, disabled access.
In conclusion, there are plenty of beautiful beaches near Dolgellau that are worth exploring. We have listed some of our other favourites here, if we’ve missed any let us know!
Borth y Gest beach
