Happy Whit Bank Holiday! If you’ve been waiting patiently for the long weekend then it’s nearly here. And the even better news is that the forecast for North Wales is set to be dry, warm and sunny all weekend – well there’s a surprise, a sunny bank holiday!

If you’re heading to Snowdonia this weekend (and if you’re not then we think you should be!) then it sounds like it’s going to be a great weekend for some beach exploring. Snowdonia might be famed for it’s high and rugged mountains but it’s also home to some of the best beaches in North Wales. There is over 200 miles of coastline within the Snowdonia National Park so there’s definitely room for a gorgeous beach or two.

Here are our favourite beaches of Snowdonia for you to explore this weekend:

• Barmouth – one of the most impressive, and popular beaches of Snowdonia, Barmouth is home to a stunnign Blue Flag stretch of sand. It’s position on the edge of the Mawddach Estuary means it has incredible views of the foothills of Cadair Idris and the enormous beach means there’s plenty of room for everyone! And it’s close to the facilities and family activities of Barmouth town too.
• Harlech Beach – another glroiously long stretch of golden sands, all framed by the backdrop of the historic Harlech Castle.
• Shell Island Beach – the land around the beach is privately owned (and home to one of the largest campsites in Europe) but there is public access to this lovely beach. Thousands and thousands of shells wash up here every year from a nearby reef, which is how it gets its name. How many different ones will you spot?
• Dyffryn Ardudwy Beach – a beautiful and long golden beach with stunning views of the Snowdonia hills and mountains beyond. Just watch you don’t stray into the nudist section of the beach – unless you’re a nudist that is!
• Tywyn Beach – Tywyn beach is close to all the facilities in Tywyn town so is great for a family day out. It’s a Blue Flag beach, which means it’s one of the best in the country. It’s also a wonderful place to spot the resident bottle-nose dolphins.
• Aberdyfi – another beautiful beach set in a dramatic estuary – this time, where the River Dyfi tumbles into the sea. Look out for the lovely donkeys on this beach, they are well worth a visit!

So, all we need now is some bank holiday sunshine! All fingers and toes crossed please, it’s not too much to ask…. is it?