At a glance
Red Wharf Bay (Traeth Coch) is Anglesey's largest bay, revealing vast golden tidal flats at low tide with outstanding views of the Snowdonian peaks. One of the best birdwatching beaches in North Wales, with thousands of waders in winter and The Ship Inn for refreshment. Dogs welcome year-round — check tide times before visiting.
About Red Wharf Bay
Red Wharf Bay — Traeth Coch in Welsh — is the largest bay on Anglesey, and one of the most dramatically tide-dependent beaches in North Wales. At high tide, the bay fills almost entirely with water, leaving only a narrow strip of beach at its head. At low tide, the sea retreats to reveal a vast expanse of golden sand and shimmering tidal flats stretching almost a mile from the high water mark — a transformation that gives the bay an extraordinarily different character at different states of the tide.
The warm golden hue of the sand comes from the reddish sandstone that underlies this part of the island, giving the bay its name — though it was also called Red Wharf Bay in reference to the historic quay that served coal imports and copper ore exports when Anglesey was an industrial island. The Ship Inn at the bay head occupies the site of the old harbour buildings and remains the best vantage point for watching the bay fill and empty.
For birdwatchers, Red Wharf Bay is outstanding. The tidal flats support thousands of wintering waders — dunlin, knot, oystercatcher, curlew, redshank and grey plover are all typically present in winter — making it one of the most important intertidal bird sites in North Wales. In summer, breeding terns and oystercatchers add to the wildlife interest, and the sheltered bay is productive for marine life at low tide.
What to do at Red Wharf Bay
- Low-tide walks — Walk out across the tidal flats (check tide times — the sea returns quickly) for extraordinary perspectives of the bay and mountain views.
- Birdwatching — Outstanding for waders in winter; bring binoculars and check from the Ship Inn terrace for good overview positions.
- Coastal path walking — The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path passes the bay, with excellent sections north to Benllech and south towards Beaumaris.
- The Ship Inn — Historic pub with bay views, serving food and drink. A perfect post-walk destination.
- Photography — The reflective tidal flats at sunset or sunrise are exceptional. The mountain backdrop gives Red Wharf a unique character among Anglesey beaches.
Visiting tips
Tide timing
Check the tide times before visiting — the bay is at its most spectacular 2–3 hours either side of low tide. The Anglesey coast has a significant tidal range and the flats can be completely covered at high water. An online tide chart for Menai Bridge or Red Wharf Bay will give accurate local times.
Getting there
Red Wharf Bay is on the east Anglesey coast, reached via the B5109 from Llangefni or the A5025 via Benllech. Postcode LL75 8RJ brings you to the bay head car park and Ship Inn. Parking is limited — arrive early at peak times. The bus service is infrequent; a car is strongly recommended.
Find it on the map
Frequently asked questions
<span lang="cy">Traeth Coch</span> — literally "Red Beach" in Welsh, named for the reddish sandstone that gives the sand its warm golden hue. The English name Red Wharf Bay refers to the historic quay that served the bay in the days when coal was imported and copper ore exported from Anglesey.
Low tide is essential for the full Red Wharf Bay experience. At low tide, the bay reveals a vast expanse of golden sand and tidal flats stretching almost a mile from the high water mark. At high tide, the bay fills completely and the beach area is very limited. Check tide tables before visiting and aim to arrive 2–3 hours before low tide.
Excellent. Red Wharf Bay is one of the most important wading bird sites in North Wales. In winter, thousands of waders including dunlin, knot, oystercatcher, curlew, redshank and grey plover feed on the tidal flats. In summer, breeding oystercatchers, ringed plovers and terns use the bay. The Ship Inn at the bay head is a useful observation point over the tidal flats.
The Ship Inn is a historic pub at the head of Red Wharf Bay, serving food and drink in a traditional setting with views over the bay. It is one of the most scenically located pubs on Anglesey, and a popular stop for walkers on the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path. The pub occupies the site of the old quay buildings.
Walking on the tidal flats at low tide is possible and spectacular, but exercise caution: the flats can be soft in places, the tide comes in rapidly, and the bay can produce unpredictable current patterns. Always check the tide times and keep well aware of the state of the tide while out on the flats. Keep children close to the shore.