Twr Mawr Lighthouse - Find The Most Iconic View In Wales
The iconic view of Twr Mawr Lighthouse is tucked away along the wild southwest coast of Anglesey in North Wales on the beautiful Llanddwyn Island. It’s one of the most breathtaking landscape photography locations in Wales, with amazing views across Caernarfon Bay toward the peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia). As well as Twr Mawr, Llanddwyn offers an extraordinary mix of rugged coastline, historic landmarks, and almost endless beautiful views and it’s home to St. Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Every corner of this beautiful Island reveals a new composition waiting to be captured. This photography guide, written by North Wales photographer Simon Kitchin, helps visitors and landscape photographers alike find Wales’s most iconic view and make the most of a visit to the magical Llanddwyn Island.
Sunset on Llanddwyn Island from Twr Mawr lighthouse
Twr Mawr lighthouse at sunset on Llanddwyn Island
Twr Mawr Lighthouse – Wales’s Most Iconic View
The striking white tower of the lighthouse is the most photographed landmark on Llanddwyn Wales’s most iconic view. Perched on a rocky headland the lighthouse offers dramatic compositions sweeping views across the sea toward Snowdonia and the backdrop of Yr Eifl (The Rivals) on the Llyn Peninsula. It’s an amazing sunset location to photograph sunset and it’s definitely No.1 in my Llanddwyn Island photography locations.
Whilst the main, and arguably the best, viewpoint is on the rocky outcrop as you climb the path away from the lighthouse… the mountain backdrop is rather special from here…do have a wander around and try different angles, especially from the small beach just below the lighthouse and the surrounding marram grass as there’s definitely potential for something just a little different.
St Dwynwen’s Church Ruins and Coastal Views
The atmospheric ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church create a beautiful foreground for views of the Newborough dunes and distant Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains. This historic site is dedicated to the Welsh patron saint of lovers, similar to St Valentines, so add a bit to the storytelling side of your images. Side lighting creates more seperation between the remaining walls so can make for a more pleasing composition. The stone windows are also worth a look as both create the opportunity for some “natural framing”.
Llanddwyn Bay and the View Towards Snowdonia
Looking back toward the mainland from the edge of the Island, the sweeping sands of the bay provide one of the most expansive views on Anglesey. On clear days, the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) rise dramatically in the distance, creating a stunning backdrop for sunrise photography. It’s rare these days that the beach is completely people free but framing a lone figure or a small group can add some perspective and again tells a little more of the story of this beautiful location.
Pilot’s Cottages and Twr Bach Lighthouse
The historic Pilot’s cottages, dating from 1830 and the original Twr Bach lighthouse offer good composition opportunities although the old lighthouse isn’t the easiest of framing and really needs some dramatic light, so timing your Anglesey landscape photography trip to coincide with the chance of some interesting light can make all the difference. The same can be said for the cottages too, although step away from them slightly towards the old cannon and they do frame with Twr Mawr lighthouse in the background.
Llanddwyn Beach and the approach to the Island
The walk across the beach from the main car park in Newborough Forest provides fantastic opportunities for landscape photography before you even reach the island. Wind-shaped dunes, pine forests and long sandy beaches make this one of the most scenic coastal areas in Wales. With a receding tide on a calm day there can be some stunning reflections in the wet sands of the beach. Framing the Marram grass in the dunes on a windy day and choosing a relatively slow shutter speed can make the foreground interest more dynamic, especially with the warm glow of some sunset light.
From the A55 on Anglesey, cross the Britannia Bridge and follow signs for the A5 toward Llanfairpwllgwyngyll. Shortly after, turn onto the A4080 toward Newborough and continue for around 9 miles. In the village, follow the brown tourist signs for Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island, which lead to the main beach car park at Newborough Beach.
To walk to the Island head right from the car park towards the forest and after 200 metres turn left along the walkway to reach the beach. It’s approx 30-40 minutes walk.
How to get to Llanddwyn Island
Best times to visit
Llanddwyn is definitely one of the best photography spots on Anglesey but timing makes all the difference. If you’re interested in some Llanddwyn island sunset photography then winter is the best time, sunrises can be special then too. What can complicate things though is that the Island is cut-off during high tides, so it’s essential to check tide timetables before visiting. This is also a very popular location with visitors so personally speaking, I’d avoid the main holiday periods.
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