Porth Penrhyn

Bay in Anglesey

Wales

Porth Penrhyn

Rockfall at Porth Swtan A considerable chunk of the cliff at the back of Porth Swtan (Church Bay) beach has collapsed. — Rockfall at Porth Swtan Credit: Mike Parker

Porth Penrhyn, located on the northern coast of the Isle of Anglesey in Wales, is a picturesque bay renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. The bay is situated just west of the city of Bangor and is surrounded by stunning cliffs and rolling hills.

The bay is known for its sandy beach, which stretches for approximately half a mile. The beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying a refreshing swim in the clear blue waters of the Irish Sea. At low tide, the beach expands, revealing vast stretches of golden sands that are perfect for leisurely walks and exploring.

Porth Penrhyn is also home to a small harbor, which was historically used for shipping slate from the nearby Penrhyn Quarry. The harbor played a significant role in the industrial history of the region and is now primarily used by pleasure boats and small fishing vessels.

The bay offers breathtaking views of the Anglesey coastline, with the Snowdonia mountains visible in the distance. Visitors can take advantage of the various footpaths and hiking trails that surround the bay, providing opportunities for exploration and wildlife spotting.

Overall, Porth Penrhyn is a tranquil and picturesque bay that offers a combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational activities. It is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful escape on the Isle of Anglesey.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Porth Penrhyn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.365384/-4.5593384 or Grid Reference SH2988. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rockfall at Porth Swtan

A considerable chunk of the cliff at the back of Porth Swtan (Church Bay) beach has collapsed.

Mike Parker

Wavecrest CafÃ©, Porth Swtan

Closed now for the season.

Mike Parker

Church Bay near Rhydwyn, Anglesey

Colin Park

Llanfaethlu - St Maethlu's Church

Colin Park

The sands of Church Bay / Porth Swtan, Anglesey

Porth Swtan or Church Bay is a gem of a sandy cove with a large-ish expanse of flat firm sand at low tide.

Jeremy Bolwell

Campsite above Church Bay / Porth Swtan

Porth Swtan gets its name from the thatched whitewashed building seen here adjacent to this campsite, a rare survivor and the last thatched building on Anglesey, called Swtan. The campsite is ideally located next to coastal paths and a short walk from the sandy bay.

Jeremy Bolwell

Barbed wire fence beside the coastal path

The coastal path here borders fields adjacent to the Swtan, the last surviving thatched dwelling on Anglesey, a tyddyn or smallholding lived in until the 1960's, when its old roof beams collapsed and since when it has been restored as a museum.

Jeremy Bolwell

Ruined windmill inland of the coastal path

The tower of this old windmill stands out inland of the path.

Jeremy Bolwell

The last thatched cottage on Anglesey at Porth Swtan

This building now serves as a folk museum, recreating the tyddyn or smallholding plot held by a family here before its dereliction in the 1960's.

Jeremy Bolwell

The frontage of Swtan thatched tyddyn at Church Bay

The main building is whitewashed and restored along with this outbuilding and the vegetable garden.

Jeremy Bolwell

Recreated vegetable garden at Swtan

This thatched cottage and its immediate plot recreates life for the past residents, with a sheltered plot here for basic staple foods such as spuds, beans and other veg. It is maintained by local Women's Institute volunteers I believe.

Jeremy Bolwell