Ynys Llanddwyn

Island Small tidal island near Anglesey with lighthouse ruins

Tidal island off Anglesey with St Dwynwen’s chapel ruins, a 19th-century lighthouse and sandy tidal flats; popular for coastal walks, birdwatching and views across Cardigan Bay.

Main image

Ynys Llanddwyn is a small tidal island off the southwest coast of Anglesey, Wales, noted for its coastal scenery and its association with Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers.

The island features rocky shorelines, sand, and dunes and is a popular short excursion from the nearby sandy expanse of Newborough Beach; it is used for walking, birdwatching and coastal views.

Historically linked with Saint Dwynwen, the island contains ruins tied to that tradition and has been a local place of devotion and folklore for centuries.

Ynys Llanddwyn lies off Newborough on Anglesey’s southwest coast, adjacent to the Newborough Warren nature reserve and accessible from the nearby village and parking areas on the mainland.

  • Tidal access: The island is tidal and can be reached on foot from Newborough Beach at low tide; consult tide times before crossing the sand and causeway areas.
  • Best viewpoint: The western headland near the lighthouse gives the island's best long-distance views, especially toward Snowdonia and Cardigan Bay at sunset.

What to See #

  • St Dwynwen's Church (ruins): Ruins of a small medieval church and associated grave slabs tied to Saint Dwynwen, a focal point for cultural and pilgrimage visits to the island.
  • Twr Mawr lighthouse: A small lighthouse and navigation structure on the island's western headland that provides a prominent landmark and viewpoint over Cardigan Bay and toward Snowdonia.
Ynys Llanddwyn
Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island), off the west coast of Anglesey, Wales - access via Newborough and Newborough Forest
53.1333, -4.4167

How to Get to Ynys Llanddwyn #

Park at Newborough Forest car park near Newborough (Anglesey). From the car park it’s a 20-30 minute walk along marked paths across dunes to the tidal causeway that leads to Ynys Llanddwyn; check local tide tables before crossing.

Tips for Visiting Ynys Llanddwyn #

  • Ynys Llanddwyn is an islet connected by a tidal causeway - check tide times before crossing to avoid being cut off.
  • Walk to the Dwynwen chapel ruins and the lighthouse for the classic views; the walk is short but can be muddy after rain.
  • Parking is available at Newborough Forest; from there it's about a 20-30 minute walk to the causeway and island.

Best Time to Visit Ynys Llanddwyn #

Visit in late spring to early autumn for the best walking weather; always check tide times for the causeway link.

Late spring-summer
May-August · 10-20°C
Milder weather and long daylight; good for coastal walking and birdwatching.
Autumn
September-October · 8-16°C
Quieter and dramatic skies; watch tides for causeway access.

Weather & Climate near Ynys Llanddwyn #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
26°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

0.0
UV Index
Low
7.9h daylight

February

Weather

0.1
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

March

Weather

0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

Weather

0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.8h daylight

May

Weather

1.2
UV Index
High
15.7h daylight

June

Weather

1.4
UV Index
High
16.7h daylight

July

Weather

1.3
UV Index
High
16.2h daylight

August

Weather

1.0
UV Index
High
14.6h daylight

September

Weather

0.6
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

Weather

0.3
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

November

Weather

0.1
UV Index
Low
8.4h daylight

December

Weather

0.0
UV Index
Low
7.3h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Ynys Llanddwyn