A traffic management trial will continue at the spectacular beachAndrew Forgrave Countryside and tourism editor and Emilia Bona Content Editor
16:28, 11 Jul 2025
Traeth Llanddwyn beach bordered by Newborough Forest with dramatic views across to Eryri(Image: Anthony Parkes/Wiki)
Visitors to the picturesque Anglesey beach could find themselves stranded this weekend, which is predicted to be one of the busiest of the year. A traffic management trial at Treath Llanddwyn will continue, with parking charges reaching up to £15.
These steep prices were introduced in May as a measure to control the influx of visitors seeking a piece of paradise at the popular forest-backed beach, which is part of a National Nature Reserve. The beach not only offers breathtaking views across the water to Eryri’s mountains but also provides access to Ynys Llanddwyn, a renowned tidal island known for its romantic allure.
The beach’s popularity often results in long queues of cars lining the country lane access route. The nearby village of Newborough frequently experiences traffic congestion, causing disruption for local residents.
In response, site manager Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has more than doubled Llanddwyn’s daily parking charge in an effort to decrease demand. Furthermore, NRW now closes the car park entirely during peak times.
To ensure that everyday life can proceed unhindered for local residents, additional closures can be enforced for exceptional circumstances – and one such closure is scheduled for Saturday, July 12. Due to a funeral taking place in Newborough village, vehicles will be prohibited from accessing the beach car park, as well as two others in Newborough Forest, between 10am-1pm, reports North Wales Live.
An NRW spokesperson has announced: “The car park gates will be closed, and vehicles will not be able to leave the site between these times to avoid any disruption to the funeral procession.
“We appreciate your understanding in relation to this matter.”
They continued by highlighting the expected influx of visitors due to the warm weather forecast for the weekend at Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest.
NRW’s traffic management trial, which involves closing the site’s car parks once full, often leads to closures before 11am on busy days. Although visitors can depart, re-entry is not possible until after 4.30pm, even if spaces become available.
The spokesperson said: “This is to ease traffic congestion and prevent cars parking in Newborough village waiting for spaces to become available.”
Picture-postcard Ynys Llanddwyn at sunset(Image: Richard Banton/Wiki)
They added that the trial was communicated with locals and stakeholders beforehand, with initial reactions being favourable. The trial will continue before a review of evidence and further discussions with the community are conducted regarding its broader application.
They said: “We hope this approach will safeguard the site’s precious wildlife, improve the visitor experience and reduce congestion to support the wellbeing of the local community, all of which remain our priority.”
Despite the trial coming to an end, the new car park pricing structure at Llanddwyn is set to stay, causing dismay among locals who frequent the area off-peak, with some online branding the fees as “daylight robbery”.
Sandy Traeth Llanddwyn beach backed by Newborough forest with views of Eryri(Image: Thomas Follows/Wiki)
Yet, there’s some relief with free parking for Blue Badge holders and nearby residents, along with season ticket discounts for those living further afield in Anglesey, which Natural Resources Wales (NRW) confirms will remain.
Another issue plaguing the 2,500-acre forest is the surge of fly campers setting up illegally. Despite NRW wardens’ efforts to tackle the problem, evidence of recent campfires and BBQs can still be found online.
With the risk of fires heightened in dry conditions, local concerns are mounting over the possibility of a severe blaze. NRW has issued a statement: “We are also reminding visitors that there is now a full ban in place for all barbecues and fires following a rise in fire-related incidents, at the request of the local community, while overnight camping remains strictly prohibited onsite.”
For reporting environmental issues at Traeth Llanddwyn and Newborough Forest, NRW’s incident line is available 24/7 on 0300 065 3000.