Discover Porthdinllaen - UK's most beautiful seaside village

This seaside village on the Llyn Peninsula has a secret beach that is among the best in the UK. <i>(Image: Getty Images)</i>
This seaside village on the Llyn Peninsula has a secret beach that is among the best in the UK. (Image: Getty Images)
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While Abersoch may be one of the Llyn Peninsula's most popular villages, it's another more "low-key" spot that should be on your 'to-visit' list - Porthdinllaen.

Porthdinllaen was named among Britain's 20 most beautiful seaside villages by The Telegraph in 2024 and 2025.

The news outlet said: "The Llŷn National Landscape is, indeed, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

"Lively Abersoch is one of the peninsula’s most popular villages but, for something more low-key, make for minuscule Porthdinllaen.

"Huddled on a promontory, jutting west of Morfa Nefyn – itself, a lovely, sandy spot – Porthdinllaen is a time-warp fishing village where you can hide away in one of the old stone houses, watch the fishermen bring in their catch, SUP on the calm waters and raise a glass at the sea-salty Tŷ Coch Inn (tycoch.co.uk)."

The best bits of Porthdinllaen

The highlight of Porthdinllaen, according to The Telegraph, is "leaving your car in the village car park (only residents can drive in) and feeling wonderfully out on a limb".

The National Trust added: "Porthdinllaen is a spectacular spot to enjoy a day on the coast with magnificent views, sheltered waters, fine sandy beaches, interesting rock pools, a chance to watch the comings and goings of local fishermen and the Tŷ Coch Inn on hand to provide refreshments."

If visiting Porthdinllaen, the National Trust said there were three things you don't want to miss:

  • The sheltered bay - which is ideal for boating, kayaking, swimming, and snorkelling and there’s an abundance of marine wildlife to spot whilst you’re at it.
  • A pint at the Tŷ Coch.
  • Learning more about the history of Porthdinllaen at Caban Griff.

There is also a 2.5-mile marine trail which leads to the best viewpoint in the village above the lifeboat, The Telegraph continues.



If you are planning a visit to the beautiful seaside village and are looking for somewhere to stay, The Telegraph recommended Tri-a-Hanner (from £268 for two nights).

While if it's food and drink you're after in/near Porthdinllaen, Tripadvisor recommends The Cliffs.

Or there is the Ty Coch Inn, which has been described by visitors on TikTok as "the most scenic pub in the world".

It has also previously been named one of the cosiest pubs in the UK by the Financial Times and among the country's best pubs for a seaside pint by Enjoy Travel.

The secret beach in Porthdinllaen that's among the UK's best

Adding to the allure of Porthdinllaen is the fact it has one of the best secret beaches in the UK.

Describing the secret beach, The Independent said: "Offering sandy, secluded space to play, this Welsh beach is tucked away from the old fishing village by sweeping hills.


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"As the cove is sheltered, the water is usually calm, making it a great spot for swimming.

"Bring goggles and be sure to look down: the headland is a popular spot with the local grey seals, and one of the largest seagrass meadows in North Wales hides beneath the water, providing a habitat for many different types of fish."

Have you visited Porthdinllaen before? What were your favourite bits? Let us know in the comments below.

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