Harlech Beach
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© interbeat and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Kilworth-Simmonds and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Ian Warburton and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© Robin Mulligan and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© interbeat and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© interbeat and licensed for reuse under this Licence -
© interbeat and licensed for reuse under this Licence
Harlech Beach provides a four-mile stretch of pristine golden sand, with stunning views of the Snowdonia mountain range. The beach is backed by grassy dunes.
The Morfa Harlech National Nature Reserve at the north end of the beach is Wales’s only growing dune system and provides a good example of the effects of longshore drift. To the south lies Shell Island, a promontory which, as the name suggests has an abundance of shells.
During the summer months leatherback turtles migrate from warmer climes to feed off jellyfish in the waters off this part of the coast. In 1988 a record-breaking 916kg leatherback was washed up here after becoming tangled in fishing equipment.
Swimming in the clear waters here is generally safe although there is no lifeguard presence and at times jellyfish can be found off this part of the coastline. The beach is popular with families and dog walkers, although there are restrictions on dog walking at certain times of the year.
13th century Harlech Castle lies around 1000 metres behind the beach. This imposing structure was built as a stronghold by Edward I and played an important role in The War of the Roses and the English Civil War. It is open to visitors throughout the year. When it was first built the castle stood immediately next to the sea, but over the centuries the coastline has shifted significantly.
To access the beach take the Ffordd Glan Mor road from the village of Harlech past the Min-y-don Holiday Park, beyond which is a pay-for car park. From here a 400 metre path leads down to the beach
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
No
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed
A small section of beach immediately in front of the holiday park has a dog ban between April 1st and September 30th. The rest of the beach is dog-friendly year round.
Gwynedd dog friendly beaches »
Activities
- Swimming/bathing
- Surfing
Facilities
- Toilets
- Disabled facilities
- Shop
Nearest town
Postcode
LL46 2UG
OS grid ref.
SH 5684 3145
Parking
Parking available - charges apply
Water quality
Awards
Submit a correction
Harlech Beach Reviews
First trip after lockdown
David Latham
Jan 30th 2021I’m sat at home remembering what life used to be like - and Harlech beach, hardly anybody there, miles of sand and gently sloping seabed, on a hot day. Views of the castle one way and the mountains the other. It’s a beautiful memory. One day Mrs L and I will be there again after a year working in care. The thought helps keep me going.
Fabulous quiet beach!
Annie O'Brien
Aug 28th 2019Four miles of golden sand, gently sloping for safe bathing. Not crowded because a ten minute walk through the line of sand dunes is needed for access. Clean beach, clear water, idyllic !
Beautiful beach, fantastic views, plenty of space to find a quiet spot. There is a short but pleasant walk through the dunes to get there with great views over to the mountains. It’s a big sandy beach with plenty of space to play. At low tide you can find some shallow pools left on the sand which are nice to play in for the little ones. Only drawback is that each time I have been the currents have been a bit strong and swimming has been tough. I am a weak swimmer, though. Last time I went I found some hermit crabs in the surf. Great beach!
BEST BEACH IN UK
NEVER CROWDED BEAUTIFUL VIEWS SANDY AND BACKED BY DUNES
Lovely
Sharon Hodgkinson
Nov 04th 2023Hard work to get to with 2 puppies excitedly dragging us along. Worth it though. Only reason we came off was because of 2 dead seals decomposing within the sand
Very Sad
K Moxham
Apr 11th 2023So sad to hear bad revues complaints re Harlech Beach. I havnt been for many years, maybee councils will eventually try and sort this beutiful beach
Matt
Jan 19th 2023Amazing beach, amazing views. Came in January on a fabulous day and had place pretty much to ourselves. We did end up trying to clear up rubbish and didn’t know where to start. I’m guessing it’s cleared for summer, breaks ya heart..
Harlech beach
Kevin
Sep 18th 2022Outstanding natural beautiful beach
Superb
Karolina
Jul 02nd 2022Fantastic beach with shallow pools forming with the tides, which are perfect for the little ones. Clean soft sand, clear water. The beach is thankfully unspoilt by progress. And visitors are respectful, it’s a dog and family friendly place, yet there’s no rubbish or soiling left behind! Our family’s favourite beach!!!
Awsome
Gaz
Feb 18th 2022Just the best. That all you need to know
Harlech Beach
On visiting Harlech beach the car park is very expensive, we paid and found that we could not access the beach because of having to scale a huge sand dune, the toilets were filthy and the litter bins overflowing. Not a very nice experience will never go there again. I just hope the emergency services are never needed on the beach as they would not be able to access it.
It used to be fantastic
Visitor
Jun 10th 2021Harlech beach and car park used to be a super day out or holiday but no longer, the car park is very expensive, the toilets are dirty and the litter bins are overflowing with rubbish. Access to the beach is difficult if not inaccessible by the elderly young children or disabled people as one has to scale a huge sandune probably about 10 to 15 ft high where the path has been covered by sand it used to be cleared at one time but alas no more.
One thing for certain is that we will never visit Harlech again.
No longer a frequent visitor
Access to Harlech Beach is difficult for families with children or the elderly due to the path through the sand dunes not being cleared as it used to be. Building up the dunes means the access path through the golf course disappears and the public have to climb up a steep dune which is sometimes very steep, up to 10 foot high or more.