Church Bay, Anglesey – A Visitor's Guide

What is Church Bay Beach like?

Porth Swtan, better known as Church Bay, is a beautiful, unspoilt beach on the west coast of Anglesey. The sandy and pebbly beach is backed by rugged cliffs and is particularly attractive when the tide is out, revealing areas of rock and rock pools to explore. It has a wonderfully natural feel and is a great place to spend a few hours, whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the shoreline or simply enjoy the views across the Irish Sea.

Access to the beach is via a steep footpath from the village, so it is worth bearing this in mind if you have young children, mobility difficulties or lots of beach equipment.

Looking for a holiday cottage near Church Bay? Awel y Môr is just a 5-minute drive from the beach. Check availability and plan your Anglesey getaway.

Walking at Church Bay

Church Bay is an excellent starting point for exploring this beautiful section of the Anglesey coastline. You can enjoy a stroll along the beach itself or head onto the surrounding paths to discover the dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and countryside that make this part of the island so special.

For a longer walk, the Anglesey Coastal Path passes through Church Bay, providing the opportunity to explore further along the coast towards Porth Trwyn, Cable Bay and beyond. One option is to walk from Porth Trwyn towards Church Bay, passing Cable Bay and following the coast around the headland before arriving behind the café at Church Bay. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy a shorter walk from Church Bay and return when you've had enough of the spectacular scenery.

The Beach

Swimming, surfing, sailing and fishing are all popular activities at Porth Swtan, and on a warm summer's day the clear waters can be very inviting.

Church Bay is a particularly good choice for guests bringing their dogs. Unlike several of Anglesey's more popular beaches, Church Bay is not currently listed among the island's beaches with seasonal dog restrictions.
However, dogs should always be kept under control and owners should be considerate of other visitors and wildlife. Please also remember to clean up after your dog.
For guests staying at Awel y Môr, Church Bay is an especially convenient choice for enjoying a day at the coast with your four-legged companion.

When the tide goes out, Church Bay's rocky shoreline reveals plenty of opportunities for exploring rock pools. Children in particular will enjoy looking for small marine life among the rocks, making it a lovely spot for a little seaside adventure.