The huge North Wales beach named among best in the UK where you could spot turtles

Summer is just around the corner which means trips to the seaside are on the cards. Manchester may not have its own beach, but there are dozens of sandy spots to choose from nearby.

North Wales is known for its gorgeous beaches, ranging from tiny coves to vast sandy stretches. It makes sense then that one of its seaside locations was named among the best beaches in the UK.

Harlech Beach in Gwynedd was included in Conde Nast Traveller’s list of the 54 best beaches in the UK, along with Llanddwyn in Anglesey. The two beaches offer completely different experiences: Llanddwyn is a picturesque island beach wrapped up in myth and legend, while Harlech appears to stretch on endlessly, and is overlooked by its own castle.

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The travel publication praised Harlech Beach for its size and facilities, saying: “Harlech beach is huge enough that you'll feel completely alone, despite it being easily accessible with excellent facilities including toilets, shops and parking.” Stretching on for an impressive four miles, the beach is massive so there’s no danger of struggling to find space for a picnic blanket and a parasol.

Adding to the majestic setting are incredible views of the Snowdonia mountain range, which you can see in the distance. The beach itself is backed by grassy dunes, emphasising its natural beauty and unspoilt feel.

In fact the beach is very much a destination for nature lovers. During the summer months leatherback turtles migrate here to deed off the jellyfish found in the waters off the coast. So you might be lucky and spot one during your visit.

Conde Nast Traveller added: “One of the beach's major attractions is its clean golden sand, and it's been designated a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its miles of rolling dunes.” It is safe to swim in the sea here, although there is no lifeguard present and watch out for the aforementioned jellyfish.

Around a kilometre away from the beach is Harlech Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. Built as a stronghold by Edward I, it played an important role in The War of the Roses and the English Civil War.

To the south of the beach lies Shell Island, a popular camping spot where visitors flock to in the summer months. It has 300 acres of space for camping, with 800 pitches and provides a practical base to explore the surrounding area from.

But there’s another reason to visit Harlech Beach as its has an intriguing secret. Buried deep beneath the sand is the wreck of a World War Two American fighter plane. Known as the ‘Maid of Harlech’, the exact location of the aircraft remains a mystery, but the wreck has been revealed a handful of times in the past, first in the 1970s, then in 2007 and again in 2014.

Harlech beach is around a three hour drive from Greater Manchester. There is a pay and display car park at Ffordd Glan Mor Harlech (LL46 2UG) and lots of accommodation options nearby.