Home»The best photography locations to visit on the North Wales coast

The best photography locations to visit on the North Wales coast

Anyone visiting the North Wales coastline can’t fail to notice that it’s dominated by two main features, one entirely manmade and one a natural wonder. The A55 North Wales Expressway, almost reminiscent of an Italianate coastal route in places, spans the narrow gap between mountains and coastline as it transports visitors towards the major resorts of Conwy and Llandudno.  The impressive limestone headland of the Great Orme, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, towers over Llandudno and  together with the town forms one of the major visitor attractions of the area. Further North along the coast is the windswept golden sands of Talacre Beach with the wonderful leaning Point of Ayr Lighthouse, a very popular location with photographers.

If you'd like to see more North Wales photos please do have a browse of my photography gallery on my website:

https://www.landscapephotographyuk.com/north-wales-photographs

Sunrise at Llandudno Pier

North Wales sunrise at LlandudnoLlandudno, the popular victorian seaside resort on the North Wales coast, is famous for having Wales's longest pier and it makes a wonderful photo subject, especially at sunrise when the sun rises directly behind it. This photo was taken on a very early, 05.30am, summer morning.. most other people were still fast asleep in their beds! The coastline has a surprisingly wealth of interest for photographers and visitors alike. The Victorian resort of Llandudno has all the elements of a well preserved historic sea side resort; one of the finest piers in Britain and the perfect location for sunrise photography, classic Victorian architecture and an expansive promenade spanning the 2 mile gap between the Great Orme and its smaller sister, the Little Orme.

 Conwy Castle

Winter sunset at Conwy castleConwy castle sunset photo. A winter sunset over Conwy Castle. The river Conwy is frozen in this photograph following a bitterly cold spell.

The equally popular historic town of Conwy boasts two significant heritage features, the imposing 13^th century Conwy castle; one of several built by the English king Edward I during the battles between English and Welsh; and one of Europe’s most intact medieval town walls, surrounding the old town with its 21 towers.    

Conwy Mountain

Summer heather on Conwy MountainSummer heather in full bloom on Conwy Mountain in North Wales As well as the impressive heritage the landscape is equally impressive with the flanks of the Snowdonia mountains never far away.  Admire the expansive views over the attractive sandy beaches and across to the Great Orme and more distant Isle of Anglesey, wander along Conwy Mountain and its breathtaking displays of summer heather, admire the views from Jubilee walk above Penmaenmawr or head inland to explore the lower slopes of Snowdonia and the delights of Aber Falls. The west facing aspect makes the coastline the perfect location for sunset shots too and you’ll find numerous vantage points from where to take full advantage.       

Talacre Beach & Point of Ayr Lighthouse

Talacre beach duskA photo capturing the subtle tones of evening light at Talacre Lighthouse on the North Wales coastline Talacre’s main attraction for visiting photographers is the Point of Ayr lighthouse, dating back to 1776. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1884 and whilst now privately owned it's kept in good condition, despite the beating it takes from winter stormy seas. The area around the beach is surrounded by impressive sand dunes covered in photogenic marram grass whilst also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) being home to the rare Natterjack toad. The Dee estuary itself is a haven for wintering birds, so take a long lens in your camera bag as there's a chance to photograph little terns, skylarks, meadow pipits and warblers amongst others.