Llanddwyn Island It has won a Blue Flag and Seaside award, and makes an ideal picnic site. It is also an invigorating place when the winter breezes blow. The fusion of historic buildings, rolling dunes and large rock protrusions are also perfect for an afternoon of exploration. Situated on the island is Dwynwen's well, wherein allegedly swims a sacred fish. Its movements are said to predict the future and fortunes of couples' relationships.
Visitors to the well believe that if the water boils while they are present, then love and good luck will surely follow. A long sandy beach backed by spectacular views connects the Island to Anglesey. All this makes the island a fitting location for the tale that it has to tell.This island is also endowed with two lighthouses and the remains of Llanddwyn chapel, set up in memory of St.Dwynwen.
A wildlife display in one of the old restored cottages shows how and why the island is part of a National Nature Reserve.The approach to the beach emerges from Newborough Forest. These footpaths are attractions in their own right, offering gratifying and distinctive views for the visitor.
St Dwynwen The extent of the interest in Saint Dwynwen has meant the island has become an important place of pilgrimage. Indeed, the legend of Saint Dwynwen still charges the atmosphere of the Island. In the 5th century, Dwynwen fell in love with a local Prince, named Prince Maelon.
However, the Prince's father opposed their marriage and he attacked and isolated Dwynwen.In the face of such wretchedness Dwynwen prayed to be cured of her love for the Prince. God came to her and bestowed her with a potion to drink. This cured her of her love and turned the Prince into a block of ice. She was then granted three wishes. Her first desire was to return the Prince to human form. Her second wish was to be given the power to grant the wishes of true lovers. Her third wish was to never be inflicted with marriage and love again. The place of St Dwynwen's death is marked by a split rock close to the lighthouse. It is said that the rock was ripped into two by divine intervention so that St Dwynwen might witness her last sunrise before she died.
Beaches There are many wonderful beaches to experience on Anglesey, ideal for dedicated beach lovers or family exploration. For those with more energy to spare you can enjoy the variety of water sports. You won't have to go far to find beaches such as Trearddur Bay and Rhosneigr, both of which will more than satisfy your need for an adrenaline rush. If yachting is your passion then head for Beaumaris or Holyhead for the buzz of the marina.
Llangrannog Llangrannog has two lovely sandy beaches and is a perfect place for a family day out, which can include dolphin watching. Llangrannog lies just 8 miles along the coast from New Quay, towards Aberporth. The streams of Hawen and Nant Eisteddfa scurry to the sea here in a deep gorge-like valley to Ceredigion's seashores. One of the more unique experiences on offer in the area is dolphin watching. Bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoise can be seen close inshore, especially from the headland at Llangrannog. Visit the Cardigan Bay Marine and Wildlife Centre in New Quay for more information about the local wildlife.
Newgale Newgale is one of the best beaches in Pembrokeshire for surfing with two miles of sand, backed by a natural ridge of pebbles. The clean waters, have won Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for 2003, and offer superb bathing when calm. Facing due west, Newgale Sands is a beautiful stretch of beach. The tide goes out a long way with spring tides leaving visitors with an agreeable 600m walk to the water. When storm winds blow from the Atlantic, spectacular breakers pound the beach. Amazingly, a 'prehistoric forest' can be seen at exceptionally low tides, chiefly this appears during spring tides. The remains of stumps and roots of trees preserved by the sand and salt-water can still be seen!
Tenby You can easily spend your entire holiday in Tenby itself, wandering the streets and visiting its many attractions. Regency houses in pastel colours surround this medieval walled town. With its ancient harbour, four sheltered beaches, and safe bathing waters, it is easily one of Wales's favourite seaside resorts.
Indeed, Tenby is a remarkably attractive harbour town, which makes it a focal point for artists and photographers in and around the streets and alleyways. Boats leave from the harbour for the fascinating and beautiful Caldey Island on a regular basis. Tenby North is another good family location, whilst Tenby Castle is the place to go to book a boat trip or visit other local attractions. Whatever your intentions, Tenby is well worth a visit.
Gower If you have never had the pleasure, it won't take long to realise why the Gower Peninsula was designated as the UK's first 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' by the National Trust. Swansea has four Blue Flags, four Green Coast Awards and six Seaside Awards.If you approach from Swansea you will be greeted by a marvellous stretch of open beachfront. This is just the appetiser. Venture off to the region's 21 magnificent bays and coves. You will note that the buzz of Swansea's atmosphere carries into the country lanes and onto your next destination. You could have days of fun choosing your favourite beach, castle or medieval church. Prehistoric standing stones, Iron Age forts, and caves also grace the area for the sightseer to investigate.
Beaches The extent of sheer beauty and variety of the 21 bays and secluded coves make the Gower Peninsula a visit into a natural dreamland. Start with Swansea Bay, a massive stretch of clean and sandy beach. Experience the Mumbles and the twin beaches of Bracelet Bay and Limeslade Bay. The limestone cliffs impact on the landscape along a grand coastal walk. Check out the ever popular Rotherslade and Langland beaches and just a short distance away west of Caswell Bay. These are close to Swansea City.
To enjoy peaceful beaches seek out Brandy Cove and Pwll Du. You will see why their coves have a history of smuggling.Pennard Cliffs, Pobbles Bay, Three Cliffs Bay and Tor Bay are distinctive beaches split at mid to high tide. Enjoy a marvellous seaside walk during low tide to all these beaches on the way to Oxwich Bay. Oxwich is accessible to the elderly and young with its convenient car parking. Horton and Port Eynon also have a seafront car park. Port Eynon is a great family beach with shops selling buckets and spades and seaside gifts.The wild coastal landscape of Mewslade and Fall Bay very much reward a long walk. Amble down some steep steps and take time to absorb the full splendour of one of the best beaches in Europe – Rhossili Bay.
Llangennith Sands, the northern part of Rhossili's great length of beach, are a much-loved region of the Gower for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. The last two bays contained in the Gower's treasure are two broad clean golden sandy beaches. The more popular Broughton Bay has large sand dunes that lead to the beach from a large camping site. Whiteford Sands should not be missed either; a long stroll to an invigorating length of beach which is well worth a visit.
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