Residents near a North Wales beach, made famous by HBO's House of the Dragon, are "starting to lose patience" as traffic problems cause "lockdowns" on local roads.
Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island) and Newborough beach, located in the Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve, have always been popular tourist spots.
So popular in fact, Llanddwyn Beach has been named among the UK's best on more than one occasion by the likes of Conde Nast Traveler and The Times.
Best beaches in the UK
But the love for the North Wales beach has gone a step further in recent years after HBO used Llanddwyn Beach as a filming location for its Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon.
Increased traffic is causing "lockdown" on roads near Llanddwyn Beach
Since House of the Dragon filming took place, even more tourists have begun flocking to Llanddwyn Beach, causing major traffic congestion on local roads.
Resident Geraint Thomas, speaking to BBC News, said the increased traffic was causing a "lockdown" and things will soon turn "messy" if something isn't done.
"It's a lockdown, nobody can pass. Four roads to Llanddwyn all come together in Newborough and it's [causing] road rage and people are starting to argue. It'll get messy in the end.
"When an ambulance or fire service want to come down they have no chance.
"It has gone on for years but nothing has been done and the people of Newborough are starting to lose patience. Maybe a protest is needed to get the authorities to respond."
Newborough resident Heather Savage, also speaking to the BBC, added: "You can't move, you get anywhere because the road just clogs up. Nothing works, my world isn't working.
"Every year it gets worse and every year they say they're going to do something at this time of year and nothing happens."
A public meeting was held last Thursday (May 1) to discuss the problem, with more than 40 people in attendance.
Isle of Anglesey County Councillor John Ifan Jones said the objections were not aimed at tourists, but the infrastructure in place to deal with the traffic flow.
Cllr Jones added: "It's important that people can go to work in the morning, go to the shop and they shouldn't have to plan their life around a complete traffic jam in the village."
Natural Resources Wales and Anglesey Council working on long-term solution
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Anglesey County Council said they are working to find a long-term solution to resolve the traffic issues.
NRW said the issues at Newborough were "complicated" but it had introduced an "enhanced traffic management system" and were deploying additional staff during peak times to try and help the situation.
Anger at traffic gridlock at House of Dragon beach https://t.co/7YEWXCZ9dJ
— BBC Wales News (@BBCWalesNews) May 2, 2025
It will also trial several other initiatives in 2025, according to BBC News, including:
- Electronic messaging signs
- Satellite car parking
- Consider the park-and-ride system
A spokesperson said: "The traffic management and access situation at Newborough is very complicated and there is no one solution to solve it.
"Those visiting are being advised of the potential for traffic congestion, to respect the local community and environment and to prepare for the car park to be full at busy times.
"We are asking people to think about planning their visit at different times or to consider one of the many other fantastic beaches and destinations on Anglesey.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- North Wales locations used for films and TV shows, including House of the Dragon
- The 2 'beautiful' North Wales beaches with 'golden sand' among the UK's best
- Seaside town in North Wales with 'surprisingly blue waters' among UK's prettiest
- Secret North Wales beach named among the best in the UK
Head of Highways, Huw Percy, added Anglesey Council recognises that Llanddwyn and the Newborough Forest have become "extremely" popular and was aware of the "negative effects" it was having on locals.
He continued: "We will continue to work to find proactive steps that will reduce the local impact and a sustainable solution but, unfortunately, there is no easy solution and this will take time."
Have you been affected by the increased traffic to Llanddwyn Island and Newborough Beach/Forest? Let us know in out poll above or the comments below.
Share