Silver Bay (Borthwen) - Image 1
1 / 10

Silver Bay Borthwen

4.7
·130 reviews·Rhoscolyn, United Kingdom

A charming, sheltered Anglesey bay with calm waters perfect for families and rock pooling, offering potential seal sightings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning (before 9:45 AM)

Secure parking spot

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Silver Bay (Borthwen) - Image 1

Silver Bay Borthwen

Best Time

Early morning (before 9:45 AM)

Secure parking spot

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, sheltered Anglesey bay with calm waters perfect for families and rock pooling, offering potential seal sightings.

4.7
(130 reviews)

"Amazing little bay, little tricky to get there with the narrow single lane and small carpark, but an incredible place."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Early or Go Home

The car park is tiny and fills fast! Arrive before 9:45 AM on sunny days or risk not getting a spot.

💰 Bring Coins for Parking

The ticket machine is often card/phone payment unavailable. Have cash ready or use the 'PayByPhone' app.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calm, Shallow Waters

Calm, Shallow Waters

Silver Bay Borthwen Beach

Perfect for families, the bay's sheltered nature creates calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and paddling.

Rock Pooling Adventures

Rock Pooling Adventures

Silver Bay Borthwen Beach

The rocky sections of the beach are teeming with life, offering fantastic opportunities for crabbing and exploring marine creatures.

Seal Spotting Opportunities

Seal Spotting Opportunities

Silver Bay Borthwen and nearby beaches

Keep an eye out for seals! Visitors have reported sightings in the bay and on adjacent beaches, adding a magical wildlife element.

Coastal Hiking Trails

Coastal Hiking Trails

From Traeth Borth Wen car park

The car park is an excellent starting point for beautiful coastal walks with stunning views and hidden rock coves.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Arrive Early for Parking

The small car park at Silver Bay Borthwen fills up incredibly fast, especially on sunny days. Many visitors report being turned away after arriving later in the morning. Aim to arrive before 9:45 AM to secure a spot, or be prepared for a potential drive-back.

Prepare for the Narrow Access Road

The road leading to the car park is famously narrow and winding, with limited passing places. Drive cautiously and be prepared for potential delays or the need to reverse if you meet oncoming traffic. Coins or the 'PayByPhone' app are essential for parking fees.

Best Times

When
Early morning (before 9:45 AM)
Why
Secure parking spot
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays outside school holidays
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon on a stormy day
Why
Dramatic scenery, fewer people
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Park Early or Go Home

The car park is tiny and fills fast! Arrive before 9:45 AM on sunny days or risk not getting a spot. Reddit

💰 Bring Coins for Parking

The ticket machine is often card/phone payment unavailable. Have cash ready or use the 'PayByPhone' app. Reddit

🥪 Pack Your Own Picnic

There are toilets, but no cafes or shops nearby. Bring all your food and drinks for the day. Reddit

🦀 Crabbing Gear

The rocky areas are perfect for crabbing. Don't forget a bucket and line for some family fun! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Early or Go Home

The car park is tiny and fills fast! Arrive before 9:45 AM on sunny days or risk not getting a spot. Reddit

💰 Bring Coins for Parking

The ticket machine is often card/phone payment unavailable. Have cash ready or use the 'PayByPhone' app. Reddit

🥪 Pack Your Own Picnic

There are toilets, but no cafes or shops nearby. Bring all your food and drinks for the day. Reddit

🦀 Crabbing Gear

The rocky areas are perfect for crabbing. Don't forget a bucket and line for some family fun! Reddit

🥾 Explore Nearby Beaches

A short walk can lead you to other beautiful bays, some of which also offer great seal spotting. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(130 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Silver Bay Borthwen's charm, particularly its calm, shallow waters ideal for families and its excellent rock pooling opportunities. The chance to spot seals adds a magical touch. However, the extremely limited and difficult-to-access parking, coupled with the narrow approach road, is a significant drawback for many, often leading to disappointment.

"We loved this beach! On a sunny day you will need to get there early as the car park is only small and fills up quick (we couldn't get parked the first time we tried to go to this beach at 9.45am!). It's down a narrow lane but has toilets but no cafe so bring drinks and food. The bay means the sea was super calm and shallow so great for kids. Has some rocks so great for crabbing. We also got lucky and seen seals in the bay and at the beach next to it (which is a nice short walk to)."

Shaun Cross

"Amazing little bay, little tricky to get there with the narrow single lane and small carpark, but an incredible place"

Donna Bertrand

"Another stunning Roscolyn dog freindly beach with parking toilets and bins. The road to the car park is winding and narrow but worth the drive."

Garn Fullerton

What People Like

Calm, shallow waters
Great for families
Rock pooling and crabbing

What People Dislike

Tiny, hard-to-access car park
Narrow, winding access road
Parking fills up very early

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Silver Bay Borthwen is located on Anglesey. Access is via a narrow, winding single-lane road. Be prepared for limited passing places and drive with caution. The nearest major town is Holyhead. Reddit

Yes, the road is described as 'ridiculously narrow' and winding. It requires careful driving and can be challenging with oncoming traffic. Reddit

There is a small Pay and Display car park directly at the beach. It fills up very quickly, especially during peak times and sunny weather. Reddit

While some reviews mention the 'PayByPhone' app, it's best to have coins ready as the ticket machine may not always accept card, phone, or paper money payments. Reddit

Yes, Silver Bay Borthwen is a dog-friendly beach, making it a great option for visitors with pets. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is a Pay and Display fee for parking at the car park adjacent to the beach. The beach itself is free to access. Reddit

The beach is accessible at all times. The car park operates on a Pay and Display system, typically from morning until evening. Reddit

No, booking in advance is not required. However, due to the small car park, arriving early is crucial to guarantee a parking spot. Reddit

There are public toilets available at the beach. However, there are no cafes or shops, so visitors should bring their own food and drinks. Reddit

Yes, you can visit during peak season, but be aware that it gets very busy. Arriving extremely early is highly recommended to secure parking. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Silver Bay Borthwen is a small, rocky bay with calm, shallow waters due to its sheltered nature. It's ideal for families and swimming. Reddit

Absolutely! The calm and shallow waters make it a very safe and enjoyable place for swimming, especially for children. Reddit

Activities include swimming, paddling, rock pooling (great for crabbing), sunbathing, and exploring the surrounding coastline via hiking trails. Reddit

Yes, the car park is a great starting point for coastal hikes. You can explore beautiful rock coves and enjoy scenic views along the coastline. Reddit

Many visitors have reported seeing seals in the bay and on nearby beaches, adding a special wildlife encounter to the visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no cafes or restaurants directly at Silver Bay Borthwen. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks. Reddit

You'll need to travel to nearby towns like Trearddur Bay or Holyhead for a wider selection of dining options. It's best to pack a picnic. Reddit

Yes, Silver Bay Borthwen is an ideal spot for a picnic. Remember to take all your rubbish with you to keep the beach clean. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the calm, shallow waters, the rocky formations perfect for crabbing shots, and the scenic coastal views from the nearby hiking trails. Reddit

Yes, the rugged coastline, rock coves, and the bay itself offer beautiful landscape photography opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow. Reddit

If you're lucky, you might capture photos of seals in the bay or on nearby rocks, which would be a fantastic photographic subject. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Silver Bay Borthwen is a fantastic choice for families. The calm, shallow waters make it incredibly safe for children to play and swim. The rocky areas are perfect for crabbing and exploring rock pools, offering hours of engaging fun. Remember to pack a picnic and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site besides toilets. The easy access to coastal walking trails from the car park also provides opportunities for gentle exploration with little ones. Reddit

Key Tip: Arrive very early, especially during school holidays, as the small car park fills up rapidly. Having a bucket and line for crabbing is a must-have for a successful family outing.

🚗 Budget Travelers

Silver Bay Borthwen is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. The beach access is free, and the main cost is the modest parking fee. Since there are no cafes or shops, packing your own food and drinks significantly cuts down on expenses. The coastal walks are also free and offer stunning scenery, providing excellent value for money. Reddit

Pro Tip: Bring your own entertainment like books, frisbees, or crabbing gear to maximize your enjoyment without spending extra. The natural beauty of the location is its primary draw, requiring no costly attractions.

🐶 Dog Owners

This is a dog-friendly beach, making it a perfect spot for those traveling with their canine companions. Dogs can enjoy the sand and explore the rocky areas alongside their owners. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and keep your dog under control, especially during busier times. Reddit

Important Note: While dogs are welcome, always check local signage for any seasonal restrictions, though Borthwen is generally known for being welcoming to dogs year-round.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Narrow Roads and Parking

The journey to Silver Bay Borthwen is an adventure in itself, primarily due to the notoriously narrow and winding access road. Travelers consistently highlight the need for extreme caution and patience when driving. The road features limited passing places, meaning you might have to reverse if you encounter oncoming traffic. This can be particularly stressful during busier periods. The car park at the beach is also quite small and fills up exceptionally quickly, often by mid-morning on sunny days. Many visitors report arriving only to find no parking available, necessitating a return trip. It's strongly advised to arrive as early as possible, ideally before 9:45 AM, to secure a spot. Be prepared with coins for the Pay and Display machine, as card or phone payments are not always functional. Reddit

Pro Tip: If you're visiting during peak season or on a weekend, consider arriving very early in the morning or late in the afternoon to increase your chances of finding parking. Alternatively, explore nearby beaches if Borthwen is full. The drive itself, while challenging, offers glimpses of the beautiful Anglesey countryside, so take it slow and enjoy the scenery.

Family Fun and Wildlife Encounters

Silver Bay Borthwen is a gem for families, largely thanks to its sheltered bay that creates calm, shallow waters. This makes it an ideal spot for young children to paddle and swim safely, offering peace of mind for parents. The beach also boasts rocky areas that are perfect for crabbing and exploring rock pools. Bringing a bucket and line can provide hours of entertainment for kids (and adults alike!). Beyond the immediate beach activities, there's the exciting possibility of wildlife encounters. Several visitors have reported spotting seals in the bay and on adjacent beaches, adding a truly memorable element to the visit. This makes Borthwen more than just a beach; it's an opportunity for nature discovery. Reddit

Beyond the beach itself, the car park serves as a convenient starting point for coastal walks. These trails offer stunning views of the Anglesey coastline and lead to beautiful rock coves, providing further exploration opportunities for active families. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited to toilets only.

You may also like