The UK might not be recognised for its beautiful beaches – but hey, some rules are meant to be broken! Moving away from this damaging (and quite frankly, offensive) label, Conwy Morfa Beach is a magnificent sandy expanse overlooked by a wonderful historic seafront. Boasting unique geographical features, picture-perfect views, and a tranquil atmosphere, this spot is one of my personal favourites in the UK.
Whether you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature or just take it slow after a few days of heavy-duty exploring, Conwy Morfa pretty much has it all. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, be sure to read through my extensive guide of things to do whilst you’re there.
From fishing and pitching through rock pools to visiting the smallest house in Great Britain, there’s a little something for everybody here. Let’s dive in!
Things To Do at Conwy Morfa Beach
Dangling off the North Wales Coast, this two-mile-long stretch is undoubtedly beautiful – I would definitely rank it amongst the most arresting shorelines in Britain. A drive through the magnificent medieval town centre, almost reminiscent of Edinburgh or Oxford, should bring you to a wonderful sweep of beach.
Vehicular access to the seashore is pretty simple, as there are two car parks; Beacons on the east side of the site, and Oval to the west. Still, from there, you’ll probably be doing a lot of walking – so be sure to bring your comfiest shoes! I recommend wearing trainers over something more open like flip-flops or sandals, since the beach has pebbles, sea glass, and marshy areas, too.
Bring your pooch for a casual stroll, or swimwear to change into if you’re planning to take a dip. This spot is entirely dog-friendly and safe for swimming. However, it’s super important to check tide times before you head off since the beach isn’t really accessible at high tide. In addition, I strongly advise staying away from the waters near the marina, since the currents can be very strong.
I think what I love most about this place is its spectacular terrain and sweeping sandy bay – all just waiting to be explored! If you’re an outdoorsy type like me then you’ll surely appreciate its wonderful sand dunes, grassy slopes and rock pools.
Still, what really sets the beach apart is its extraordinary environmental characteristics. In particular, this place is known for its submerged ancient forest, dating way back around 5000 years. Again, I strongly suggest that you to plan your visit around tide times – this way you’ll be able to catch the best views of this unique phenomenon! And just as you might have suspected from its wonderful scenery, Conwy Morfa is home to some pretty distinctive wildlife.
Strolling along the shoreline, you should certainly keep an eye out and your phone at the ready! In particular, the beach is a popular visiting spot for avid birdwatchers, so you’ll be able to view rare species like oystercatchers, redshanks and belted beauty moths all throughout the year.
I’ve also been able to see lizards lolling about in the sunshine and even rabbits hopping about in verdant areas on occasion! And of course, this unique biodiversity isn’t restricted to sea-level; in fact, the area’s whirlpools and mudflats support a rich array of marine life, including corals, sponges and brittlestars. Though these features are protected for their rarity, you can still take a nature walk which provides outstanding panoramic views of the conservation area.
Still, Conwy Morfa Beach has even more to offer beyond its clear blue waters and rocky peaks. If you’re looking to explore further, why not head over to the Conwy Marina? This spot is home to a cluster of extraordinary hidden gems, including Conwy Castle, the smallest house in Britain, and the build site of the WW2 Mulberry Harbours – just to name a few!
You can also try your hand at fishing, jet-skiing, sailing, and much more. But if you’re just looking to kick back and relax, I recommend checking out the golf course set just next door. Combining striking coastal scenery with true recreation, this is the perfect place to take a relaxing day to yourself.
What Makes Conwy Morfa Unique?
A far cry from Bondi Bay or Venice Beach, Conwy Morfa is peaceful, secluded and thoroughly non-commercialised. Still, when it comes down to grabbing a bite and resting your weary feet, you’ll hardly be struggling for options. Whilst Conwy Marina is well recognised for its family-friendly pub, The Mulberry, I suggest meandering into the historic town centre for a wider selection.
Thankfully, the area is just a stone’s throw away from the beachfront and brimming with tempting sidewalk cafes, casual bistros, fine dining rooms. Whilst you’re there, I also recommend taking some time to explore the area, browse the shops, and soak up the stunning venerable architecture of Conwy.
Quietly beautiful and almost criminally charming, Conwy Morfa remains one of the UK’s best-kept travel secrets. Whether you’re planning a group trip or travelling solo, the spot has so much to offer; from wading in rock pools and catching a glimpse of rare marine life to golfing on the oceanfront, the opportunities are pretty much endless. Plus, there’s just so much to see here, so you can make multiple visits and always uncover something new!