Llanfairfechan

Llanfairfechan Beach – an expanse of sand is revealed at low tide

Date	29 November 2014
Location	Llanfairfechan	SH 67755 75290; 53.25807°N, 3.98392°W
Information	In the 1850s the village of Llanfairfechan had a population of around 800. It soon developed, however, into a popular Victorian seaside resort, thanks mainly to the arrival to the area of a couple of new landowners – Leicestershire solicitor Richard Luck purchased parts of Baron Hill estate from the Bulkeleys, and John Platt, a Yorkshire-born textile machinery manufacturer and Liberal politician from Oldham bought the Roberts estate. Platt rebuilt the derelict Bryn-y-Neuadd mansion there, which he completed around 1860. He also had the turnpike road moved away from his property and used his influence to have a railway station opened on his land for his travel convenience. The Chester and Holyhead Railway was built between 1844 and 1850 and a station in nearby Abergwyngregyn had opened in 1848. The station in Llanfairfechan opened in 1860, by which time the line was part of the London and North Western Railway. The seafront Promenade was also developed as the town became more popular with tourists. Platt additionally had plans for a marina. These were awaiting approval from Parliament, but were abandoned upon his death in 1872. An impressive harbour master’s residence had already been built for this and today it is used as holiday home. Llanfairfechan now has a population of 3,600 and its Blue Flag beach, with its promenade, beach café, paddling pool, boating pool and water sports facilities, still attracts visitors. It is pebbly with a long expanse of sand uncovered at ebb tide, and the Morfa Madryn salt-marsh nature reserve is popular with bird watchers.

 

Llanfairfechan Beach

The Towers in Caradog Place. Built in the 1870s by John Platt as part of a planned yacht marina, this Grade II listed building has been renovated by Amazing Places to Stay as a 10-bedroom holiday home.

Boating Pool

View of Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol), privately owned by the Baron Hill Estate and a Special Protection Area on account of its birdlife. The 6th century saint Seiriol founded a monastic community on the island, and there are ruins there of medieval buildings.

‘Penmaenmawr 5.5km’

Promenade

Promenade

Promenade

Promenade

Promenade