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16 Aug, 2025
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North Wales is home to some of the UK's best beaches but this one with a world-class pub is an absolute gem
@Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
This past week has seen the UK grapple with it's fourth heatwave of the year . Arriving midway through the school holidays it's given families the chance to head outside and make the most of the extended break before school starts back up in a couple of weeks time. That said, with temperatures surpassing 30C on the thermostat, and given our very well-insulated homes, some have found the heat, for want of a better word, unbearable. Likewise, if you've not had any time off this summer and been busy working in the office, your attention might have drifted to the end of the week, and where you can head to enjoy the sunny weather but also cool off. This weekend is also shaping up to be a warm one with the Met office predicting temperatures will reach 25C and 26C on Saturday and Sunday here in Greater Manchester. Stay connected with our City Life newsletter here It's a similar picture across the UK, which means many of us will be scoping out beaches that we can head to for the day. As we all know, no British summer is complete without a visit to the seaside. A picnic on the sand, a paddle in the water, and a portion of fish and chips are all part of the experience. Sadly, Manchester doesn’t have a beach, but t here are a lot to choose from within a couple of hours’ drive away . Lancashire, Sefton, The Wirral, and North Wales all have beautiful coastlines, where you’ll find everything from iconic seaside resorts to quiet sandy coves. It's a bit more of a commitment time wise, but take a trip to North Wales this summer and you'll be handsomely rewarded. Dotted along the coastline you'll find dozens of amazing beaches. Not too far from Manchester you can opt for the lesser-known West Shore at Llandudno where you’ll discover a gorgeous beach lined with sand dunes, or stop if at Talacre which is known for its beautiful Point of Ayr lighthouse and vast beach perfect for walks when the tide is out. Not too much further is Morfa Beach Conwy . Located on the southern side of the River Conwy estuary, this is a vast stretch of golden sand, backed by shingle and grassy sand dunes. More natural and wild than the usual tourist spots, it's a popular stop-off for walks beside the sea, with incredible views across Conwy Bay shoreline and towards the Great Orme. Further along the coast, the sandy coves of Anglesey and the Llŷn Peninsula are popular for longer trips away, and it is on the latter that you'll find a real gem of a beach. Nestled on the northwest coats of the peninsula sits the pretty seaside spot Porthdinllaen near Morfa Nefyn. The beach here was named among the 10 best ‘secret’ sandy spots in the UK last year. It has been owned by the National Trust since 1994, preserving its natural beauty. Tucked away from the old fishing village, the cove here is sheltered which means the water is usually calm, making it a lovely spot for a swim, especially when the weather is so warm. You might see the local grey seals and lots of fish because it boasts one of the largest seagrass meadows in the region too. For walkers, this beautiful coastal stop-off is an ideal base to pick up north coast path, but it also has another feature which draws many people there. As well as looking like a beach in South Africa, with its huge curving beach lined with rugged cliffs, Porthdinllaen also has another string to its bow - it’s home to a ‘world class’ beach pub, the Ty Coch Inn. In 2013, the boozer was voted the third best beach bar in the world and was recently included in the Sunday Times' top 10 "best proper" pubs in the UK list. The small, red-brick building in the sandy cove was originally built as a vicarage in the 1820s, but was subsequently converted into a pub to cater to the shipbuilding workers on the beach. When Holyhead was chosen as the preferred location for early 19th-century plans to construct a new the port, it meant this secluded corner retained its seaside charm - and the pub has gained a reputation as world class. Boasting views across the Irish Sea and Eryri (Snowdonia) mountain range it is one of just a handful of buildings on the small, but idyllic jut of land. While Porthdinllaen is around a two-and-a-half hour drive from Manchester, it's well worth the journey. The nearest car park to the pub is a 20 minute walk away, making it one of the most remote pubs in the UK. This means you can have the extra pint when you get there on account of the extra steps and you can continue your stroll around the beach and back up to Nefyn when the tide is out. Those who enjoy a longer walk can also follow the Porthdinllaen marine trail, a four-kilometre round trip which will take you from Morfa Nefyn, across the beach to Ty Coch and further along the coast to some rock pools where grey seals are sometimes spotted. Full of history and charm, inside the tiny pub there's a nick-nacks in abundance dotted around the timbre-fronted bar and long-level ceilings including old beer steins and mats, fisherman's headlights and maritime paraphrenia from over the years, which give you a glimpse into its past. To eat and drink, the pub offers a range of drinks, with a selection of local beers, wine and ciders along with light bites, snacks such as loaded nachos, as well as sandwiches, which can be enjoyed inside the small bar or in the outdoor covered searing area. Access to the pub is via foot as vehicular access is for residents only. You can park in either the National Trust car park at the bottom of Lon Golff or in the Golf Club car park for a small charge. Parking at Morfa Nefyn, owned by the National Trust, visitors to the pub can either walk on a footpath through Nefyn Golf Club, or at low tide, can choose the route across the beach. The Ty Coch Inn does not take reservations or bookings and it doesn't open Sunday nights, and does not do food in the evenings. It is closed Monday to Thursday, but open Friday and Saturday, from 11am until 7pm, and one Sunday from 11am until 4pm. Food is served 12-2.30pm.
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