North Wales is famous for lots of things; rolling mountains, stunning scenery, pretty villages, historic castles, cosy pubs, quaint cafes and gorgeous beaches. But beach bars!? You might be surprised to find that North Wales has some great beach bars and coastal pubs where you can enjoy the views as well as a cold drink or two!
When I say the phrase ‘beach bar’ you’re probably imagining tiny beach huts with straw roofs serving pina coladas. Yes, I like those kinds of beach bars too! But you definitely won’t be disappointed by the beach bars in North Wales.
The beach bars and restaurants around North Wales serve some of the best seafood in the country, served just as it should be when it’s fresh from the fishing boats and simply prepared using local ingredients.
Whether you’re visiting these beach bars after a day at sea, a family trip to the beach, a long walk in North Wales along the Welsh Coastal Path or you’re visiting specifically to enjoy the views and the delicious food, you won’t be disappointed by these Welsh beach bars!
All of these bars, restaurants and pubs have incredible views out to sea so they’re stunning places to sit on a sunny day after ticking off one of the many things to do in North Wales. But they’re all equally lovely on a chilly winter’s day too. With cosy interiors, log fires and a warm, Welsh welcome, you’re going to enjoy your visit no matter what time of year it is.
Ty Coch Inn
Porthdinllaen, Morfa Nefyn, Pwllheli LL53 6DB
We had to start with Ty Coch Inn as it’s possibly the most famous beach bar in North Wales after being listed as one of the top 10 beach bars in the world by Cheapflights!
It was quite the accolade to be named among exotic beach bars in Jamaica and Australia. It may have been an honour but it wasn’t a surprise to anyone who had visited and experienced this pub for themselves!
If you visit Ty Coch Inn on a sunny day you will feel like you could be anywhere in the world, and you’ll definitely be wondering why anyone would go abroad when we have beach bars like this in North Wales!
Ty Coch Inn was converted from a vicarage to an inn in 1842 to supply refreshments to the shipbuilders who worked on the beach. The pub has kept up with the times but still has that old-fashioned cosy pub feel with log fires in the winter and plenty of space to enjoy the beach through the summer. There are also live musicians, bands and tropical beach parties which are as close to Ibiza as you’re ever going to get in Wales!
Ty Coch Inn is set in Porthdinllaen, a tiny but stunning fishing village with a calm, sheltered bay. This area of the coast is owned by the National Trust so have a walk around the village while you’re visiting!
When visiting the pub you will need to park at either the golf club or the National Trust car park as vehicle access is restricted to residents only. There is a charge for both car parks and it’s a 20 minute walk. I like to park in the National Trust car park as the walk across the beach is so beautiful. If you’re visiting in the winter months it’s worth checking the Ty Coch Inn Facebook page for opening times as the pub can close during quiet periods.
Aqua Beach Bar
Llanbedrog Beach, Llanbedrog, Pwllheli LL53 7TR
Aqua Beach Bar on Llanbedrog Beach, which is very close to Abersoch, has a very similar feel to the beach bars you’ll find abroad. Beach goers with sandy feet and salty hair will be popping in for an ice cream while a more sophisticated clientele will be sitting down to sip champagne while enjoying the views across to Cardigan Bay.
This is another award winning beach bar as it was voted in the top 20 best beachside bars in the UK in 2018 by the Sunday Times!
Aqua Beach Bar opens at 9am and serves breakfast and lunch. They have a fantastic selection of wines, cocktails and gins and they’re proud suppliers of Abersoch Gin (which I highly recommend you try!)
The beach bar does get busy and tables cannot be reserved so be prepared to join the queue or arrive early to get a seat.
Llanbedrog Beach is another sheltered bay owned by the National Trust so it’s well maintained and simply stunning. If you’re feeling energetic before your visit to the beach bar then take a stroll up to the headland where you’ll find the Tin Man overlooking the beach.
Read more: Llanbedrog Beach and hiking up to the Tin Man
Ty Newydd
Aberdaron, LL53 8BE
Ty Newydd is a modern, family pub on the golden shores of Aberdaron Beach. The highlight of the pub is the sun terrace which overlooks the beach and is a lovely suntrap all year round. There are wind breakers and heat lamps for the winter months so don’t just think this is a summer place!
This is also the perfect place to enjoy a drink as the sun sets into the sea.
The food here is fine but you’re really here for the sun terrace and beach views.
Aberdaron is an idyllic fishing village and a bustling holiday hub during the summer months. There’s a National Trust car park which does get busy so arrive early at peak times.
Ship Inn
Red Wharf Bay, Pentraeth, Anglesey LL75 8RJ
Another stunning beach bar in North Wales is the Ship Inn, a quaint and old fashioned pub overlooking Red Wharf Bay. The charming seaside pub is cosy and welcoming on the inside and a lovely place to soak up the sun from the outside.
Ship Inn serves traditional pub classics with a gourmet twist such as their famous Welsh lamb dragon pie.
This North Wales beach bar is a short drive from the main road, so best accessed by car or bike, and this gives it a remote feeling like you’re miles from anywhere!
Ship Inn has a 280 year history and the area has historical significance too. Red Wharf Bay, or Traeth Coch as it is known in Welsh, means Red Beach and is thought to refer to a bloody Viking battle which took place in 1170 and left the beach soaked in blood. This is what I love about Welsh beach bars, there’s always a great story behind it!
The Oyster Catcher
Maelog Lake, Rhosneigr LL64 5JP
The Oyster Catcher in Rhosneigr is as stylish as beach bars get in North Wales. This modern bar and restaurant overlooks Rhosneigr’s sand dunes and is one of the best restaurants in Anglesey.
The large restaurant was renovated in 2009 and there’s lots of gorgeous glass so you can enjoy those magnificent views.
Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s ‘Fifteen’, the owners built a non-profit chef academy to train local aspiring chefs and the food is incredible. The chefs pride themselves on using local farmers and producers and create delicious, seasonal menus showcasing the best of British cuisine. They also have some fantastic tipples including unusual spirits, international beers and the best guest ales in the country!
You also can’t miss a visit to Pat’s Shack, The Oyster Catcher’s pizza shack with a more relaxed vibe and outdoor seating. You’ll find freshly baked pizzas, filthy fries and cold beers which is a dream after a day on the beach!
