Red Wharf Bay is a small village on the east coast of Anglesey North Wales. Situated between the holiday resort of Benllech and the village of Llanddona it is the perfect location for a seaside holiday. As its name suggests the village sits on the edge of a bay ...and what a bay!

Beaches

Red Wharf Bay Beach: Red Wharf Bay is a massive expanse of sand, at low tide almost 10 sq miles, 25 sq km, of sand is uncovered. The sand - and the sea life - disappears beneath the waves twice a day, and than “miraculously” reappears a few hours later. Yes, we all know its down to the gravitational pull of the moon but Red Wharf Bay is one of those rare places where you can fully appreciate the power of the tidal range. One minute the waves are lapping the promenade, the next, the tide has receded to the horizon. Ok, ok I exaggerate a little, but I hope you get the gist of what I am saying.

The bay attracts a profusion of wildlife including oystercatchers, grey plover, purple sandpipers, curlew, and dunlin and a short walk onto the sands will reveal why the beach is so popular with wading birds – an abundance of seashells on the seashore. On the day I visited two local gentlemen where collecting cockles and with just small hand rakes each had filled a large sack full of the cockles. Lugworm casts and razor shells abound on the beach and I found a clamshell as big as ...er a big clamshell.

Village Centre

The village of Red Wharf Bay, although small, is perfectly formed. It has three restaurants, The Ship Inn, The Boathouse and St Davids Tavern (on the headland). If you just fancy a pint al-fresco The Ship Inn has a beer garden with views to die for.

A small promenade fronts a glorious sandy beach with boats of the Red Wharf Bay Sailing Club bobbing in the harbour. The coastline of Anglesey is ever popular with sailors - and those who just like messing about in boats, and Red Wharf Bay is no exception.

Walks, Cycle Trails and Other Activities

Walking: Anglesey is criss-crossed with footpaths and rights of way, and ramblers have the choice to head out along the Anglesey Coastal Path or to submit to temptation and cross the sands toward the distant beach of Llanddona. Should you take the second option I couldn't recommend walking along the low tide line as you might become trapped by the fast incoming tide. Be sure to check the tide times first and stick to the sands close to the high tide line.

Watersports: With the increasing availability of sea kayaks and canoes for hire or sale, more and more are taking to the waters off Anglesey and the Welsh coastline. No longer is the sea considered the sole domain of yachts and motor boats, and families and indeed anglers employ these smaller crafts to explore the coastline. Although care must be taken on coastal waters experienced canoeists can explore the safe waters around the harbour at Red Wharf Bay at high tides.

Accommodation and Services

Car Parking: Car parking and toilet facilities are available on the promenade at Red Wharf Bay.

Cottages: Accommodation in Red Wharf Bay is available in holiday cottages in the surrounding countryside.