Criccieth Beach
NEED TO KNOW
Type of beach
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the beach from the 1st April to the 30th September, except for an area at the eastern end of the beach where they are allowed all year round.
Lifeguard
There is no lifeguard cover at this beach.
Beach cleaning
Parking
Nearest town
Postcode
OS grid reference
What3words
ABOUT
Criccieth Beach, also known as Traeth y Promenade, East Beach or Esplanade Beach, is gently sloping with shallow water which makes it ideal for a family day out. The headland shelters it from the prevailing west winds making it safe for swimming and paddling although be aware there is no lifeguard cover. At low tide rock pools are exposed for kids to explore and jellyfish often wash up on the shore.
At the western end, lies Criccieth Castle, an imposing medieval castle built by the Welsh princes Llywelyn the Great and Llywelyn the Last in the 1230s, and which separates the beach from Criccieth’s west beach. After capture by the English, it was repaired and improved by both Edward I and Edward II but by the 1450s was almost certainly in ruins.
STAR SPECIES
The castle is open to visitors and offers spectacular views over Tremadog Bay and the mountains of Snowdonia National Park in the distance.
Although not as popular as some of the other beaches in North Wales, it is possible to surf and windsurf on Criccieth beach. Summer in particular tends to be flat but during winter it receives a mix of groundswells and windswells, with both left and right hand waves on the beach break.
For experienced windsurfers, again, the beach is really only worth visiting when it’s very windy. But in summer when the breeze is light it’s perfect for novices. Be aware that at high tide the waves can crash onto the beach wall and a current heading away from the castle could drag you into two groynes.
The beach is also used for boating with designated launch areas and a slipway giving good access for sailing enthusiasts. The RNLI Lifeguard station that was established in 1853 is opposite the slipway so it’s important not to obstruct it as the main lifeboat launches from here to carry out test exercises or for a real emergency.
Catsharks, whiting, turbot, rays, and bass can all be fished from the beach. The number of holiday makers makes things a little tricky in the summer, but from late September to early February concentrate your efforts near the groyne to be rewarded with a full catch.
The Lleyn Coastal Path runs through Criccieth. A 7 km walk or bike ride will take you from the beach towards the river Dwyfor and on to Llanystumdwy, the final resting place of David Lloyd George, before taking a quiet country road back to your original starting point. On your way look out for birds such as peregrine falcons, choughs, and seabirds including gannets, razorbills, and kittiwakes. You may also be able to spot seals, dolphins, and porpoises playing out at sea.
When you need to cool down, an ice cream from Cadwaladers is a must. Established in 1927, their vanilla ice cream, made to a secret recipe, is famous for miles around. They sell many other delicious flavours, as well as sundaes, milk shakes, and coffee, with brunch and lunch also available.
For fish and chips head to the Castle chippy, who’ve been frying for over 25 years. Battered sausage, pies, burgers, and fish cakes are on the menu too.
Alternatively, pop into Dylan’s a small but excellent chain located in an art deco café on the sea front. The building, now Grade II listed, was designed by Clough Williams-Ellis who was responsible for designing Portmeirion, has a distinctive curved shape with glass brick full height windows. One of its earliest owners was Billy Butlin who used to bring holidaymakers from his nearby camp for tea dances here.
There are several car parks near the beach as well as free on-street parking along Beach Bank. There are plenty of access points onto the beach from the promenade many of which are suitable for those with mobility issues. Toilets with disabled facilities are located in the park just behind the Esplanade.
AMENITIES
