Our Visit
Contributor Review – Carwyn Powys
Local Expert. Visited 2024
After years of traveling around Europe and experiencing some of the best nude beaches—a French nude beach here, a Greek nude beach there—I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting much from a nude beach in the UK. But wow, Morfa Dyffryn Beach completely blew my expectations out of the water. Tucked away between the charming Welsh villages of Harlech and Barmouth, this stunning stretch of golden sand turned out to be a real gem, right in our wee backyard.
The day started off with a scenic drive along the A496, passing through picturesque villages that felt like something out of a postcard. We parked the car for just £3 for 4 hours—an absolute steal considering what we were about to experience. The walk to the beach took about 20 minutes, a bit of a trek, especially when lugging all our beach gear through the sand. But honestly, the scenery more than made up for it. As you walk through the dunes, you can feel the anticipation building until you finally reach the beach, where the naturist section is clearly marked. What struck me immediately was how open and friendly the atmosphere was. There’s something about Morfa Dyffryn that just puts you at ease. My girlfriend, who usually isn’t one to get naked in public, felt completely comfortable here. The crowd was a mix of locals and visitors, mostly in their 30s like us, and everyone was so laid back. It was only our second time being nude together since our trip to Greece, and it couldn’t have been a better setting. The day was perfect—the water was calm, there was just a gentle breeze, and the sun was out in full force, but not too scorching. Morfa Dyffryn is massive. The beach stretches for miles, so even on a busy day, it never feels crowded. The sand is soft and golden, and there’s plenty of space to find your own little corner of paradise. We set up our spot near the water, where we could dip in and out of the sea whenever we felt like it. The dunes behind us provided a beautiful backdrop, giving the whole place a sense of seclusion and privacy, even though there were plenty of others around. One of the things I loved most about this beach was the vibe. It’s incredibly relaxed and welcoming. People were friendly without being intrusive, and there was a real sense of community among the regulars. We even had a few chats with some locals who gave us tips on the best spots and shared stories of their own experiences. It was great to feel like part of the scene, even though it was only our first time there. The British Naturists also rave about this Welsh beach and for good reason! After spending most of the day lounging, swimming, and just soaking up the sun, we decided to take a stroll into the nearby town. The town itself is a must-visit. It’s full of quaint shops, cozy pubs, and some fantastic restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat. The whole place has a laid-back charm that adds to the whole beach experience. We ended up grabbing a late lunch at a local pub, where the food was just comfy and delicious. Morfa Dyffryn is definitely a beach I’ll be coming back to. It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty, laid-back vibes, and that special feeling of being part of a welcoming community. If you’re new to the idea of a nude beach in the UK, this is the place to start. The atmosphere is so open and friendly that even first-timers will feel at ease. Morfa Dyffryn offers a fantastic experience that’s right up there with some of the best nude beaches in Europe as far as I’m concerned. Morfa Dyffryn has definitely earned a top spot on my list. Questions? Comments? Add your thoughts or photos below!
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Getting There
Morfa Dyffryn Beach is nestled between the villages of Harlech and Barmouth on the Welsh coast, making it a serene escape with easy access to the beach. Once you arrive, you’ll find a couple of parking options depending on how far you want to walk.
The beach is off the A496 Barmouth to Harlech road, about 4 miles north of Barmouth. As you approach the area, turn seawards into Fford Benar Lane, signposted "Traeth" (which means "beach" in Welsh). Look for the small chapel at this junction to know you’re in the right place.
By Car:
If you park at the free car park near the public toilets, it's £3 for up to 4 hours. To reach the beach, follow the marked path through the dunes, turn right, and walk for about 25 minutes. The beach was once easily recognized by a WW2 pillbox, but that's now gone, so keep an eye out for the marker pole to find your way back.
Alternatively, if you want a shorter walk, you can park at the Dyffryn Seaside Estate. Here, you might pay £1 for parking (sometimes it’s free, especially outside high season). From the estate, it’s a quicker 15-minute walk to the naturist section of the beach. Simply follow the road through the estate, past the shops and pub, and park on the grass area by the dunes.
By Public Transport:
If you’re coming by train, the Welsh Coast line from Barmouth to Porthmadog runs just inland from the beach. You can get off at Dyffryn Ardudwy or Llanbedr stations, and from there, it's a short walk to the beach. This walk will take you through the dunes, so enjoy the scenic route!
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