A beautiful British beach has red squirrels that scamper through pine trees and shimmering blue waters beyond the long sandy stretch.
When you arrive at Traeth Llanddwyn on the southern tip of Anglesey in North Wales, you could be forgiven for thinking you've inadvertently landed on the Californian coast.
Leading up to the beach itself is Newborough Forest, a warren of Corsican pines that is inhabited by a breed of squirrel that have been pushed out of most parts of the UK by their larger, more aggressive American cousin, Wales Online reports.
As well as providing a fragrant and pleasing walk to the sea, the trees of the forest frame the seascape beyond.
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Traeth Llanddwyn, the beach itself, is dog-friendly and has some of the cleanest sand in the country, perfect for beach games or just lounging in the sun when it shines.
Charlotte, from Herefordshire, enthused about the spot during a recent visit, saying: “The beach is gorgeous and the water is clear. Probably one of the best beaches in the UK, and the forest was lovely too.”
One family made the trip from Essex to Traeth Llanddwyn and gushed: "What a wonderful place. Pine trees, nature reserve, dunes and a beautiful sandy, shallow beach.”
Just up from the beach Ynys Llanddwyn, a headland that juts out into the sea and has a picturesque lighthouse on its peak.
"This narrow finger of land is an ideal picnic site during fine weather, but also an exhilarating place when the winter winds blow," Visit Wales writes.
"Its rolling dunes, large rock outcrops and mixture of historic buildings makes it an ideal place for an afternoon of exploration. A path leads to the nature reserve at Llanddwyn Island and nearby forest has great footpaths."
Except for its forest, the whole area is a national nature reserve, managed by Natural Resources Wales. The forest itself has a network of footpaths and marked trails. There are also two cycle routes and a trim trail for the fitness-minded.
The reserve and forest have no fewer than seven car parks. Some are a good walk from the coast and, inevitably, many people gravitate towards the beach car park, which can get busy. It pays to arrive early here – and there may be queues to get out later in the day.
“The facilities are excellent with plenty of parking, clean toilets, and outside shower,” said one Tripadvisor reviewer. “Spend the day here, take a picnic, relax, paddle, swim and explore. Fantastic for all the family.”
The beach car park is one of three that charge for entry, while the other four are free. An ANPR camera captures number plates and visitors pay by card or cash on departure (£2 for two hours and 40p for every extra 20 minutes, £7 maximum per day).
From the beach car park, a 53-metre wheelchair-accessible boardwalk links to a viewing platform over the dunes. Often this is covered with sand, especially after bad weather.
