Maes Parcio Traeth Mawr Car Park

The car park at Traeth Mawr is where most visitors abandon their vehicles before heading to one of Anglesey's best stretches of sand. It's functional, honestly - just tarmac and markings - but it's the gateway to something genuinely worthwhile. From here you get direct access to a proper beach that feels refreshingly free of the tacky seaside clutter you find elsewhere.

Walkers and families with younger kids will get the most mileage out of this spot. The beach itself is wide and backed by dunes, giving you enough room to spread out even on busier days. The walk from the car park is minimal, which matters if you've got reluctant toddlers in tow. Dogs are welcome too, which is always a bonus.

Cemaes Bay sits just along the coast, so you're in decent reach of a small village with a pub and café if you need a warm drink before heading home. Most of the local campsites - Dolydd is practically on your doorstep at under a mile away - use this car park as their beach exit point, so timing matters. Go early or late to avoid the school-run crowd.

It's free parking and you can stay as long as you like. The beach itself is genuinely lovely, with good sand and decent swell if you're into that sort of thing. Worth the trip if you're based anywhere nearby, though don't expect facilities at the car park itself - come prepared.