Ynys Llanddwyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ynys Llanddwyn |
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 Tŵr Bach lighthouse with Snowdonia in background |
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| Area | 0.3 km2 (0.12 sq mi) |
| Population | 0 |
| • Density | 0/km2 (0/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | SH 3884 6288 |
| Community |
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| Principal area | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Llangefni |
| Postcode district | LL61 |
| Dialling code | 01248 |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament |
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| Welsh Assembly |
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Ynys Llanddwyn is a small island located off the west coast of Anglesey (which is called Ynys Môn in Welsh). It's in northwest Wales. The closest town to the island is Newborough. What makes Ynys Llanddwyn special is that it's a tidal island. This means it's connected to the mainland by a strip of land that gets covered by the sea during high tide. So, sometimes it's an island, and sometimes you can walk to it!
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Exploring Ynys Llanddwyn's Nature
This island is a cool place for anyone interested in rocks and nature. You can find interesting pillow lava formations here. These are rocks that look like pillows and form when lava cools quickly underwater. There are also shiny jasper rocks and sand that has been shaped by the wind.
The island is part of a bigger nature area called the National Nature Reserve of Newborough Warren. This reserve has huge sand dunes that are home to many different kinds of plants. It's a protected area because of its unique environment. From Ynys Llanddwyn, you can see amazing views of the Snowdonia mountains and the Llŷn Peninsula.
The Legend of Saint Dwynwen
Ynys Llanddwyn is full of old stories and legends, especially one about a saint named Dwynwen. The name "Llanddwyn" actually means "The church of St. Dwynwen." Dwynwen is known as the Welsh patron saint of lovers. She's a bit like St. Valentine for Wales! People in Wales often celebrate her special day on January 25th by sending cards and giving flowers. On the island, you can still see the old, ruined walls of St Dwynwen's Church.
Visiting the Island
Ynys Llanddwyn and the Newborough National Nature Reserve & Forest are very popular places to visit. In 2018, nearly half a million people came to explore this beautiful area!
Walking Trails and Beaches
There are over 10 miles (16 km) of walking paths across Ynys Llanddwyn and Newborough Warren. One of these paths is part of the longer Anglesey Coastal Path. It's a great spot for a walk, especially the mile-long stroll along the beach from the nearest car park to the island. The beaches around Ynys Llanddwyn have even won a Blue Flag beach award. This means the sea and the beaches are very clean and safe.
The Lighthouse of Tŵr Mawr
On Ynys Llanddwyn, you'll see the Tŵr Mawr lighthouse. This lighthouse is important because it helps guide ships safely into the western part of the Menai Strait, which is a narrow stretch of water between Anglesey and mainland Wales.
A Quick Look at History
- 1873: The lighthouse on Ynys Llanddwyn was built.
- 1903: The lifeboat station on the island closed down.
- 1911: The RSPB (a bird protection group) opened its first nature reserve in Wales right here at Ynys Llanddwyn.
- 1920: On December 3rd, five brave crew members from the Rhoscolyn lifeboat were lost near Llanddwyn while trying to help others.
Ynys Llanddwyn in Movies and Music
This beautiful island has been a setting for several films and music videos!
- In 2004, the island was used to film parts of the movie Half Light, a romantic thriller starring Demi Moore. The Tŵr Mawr lighthouse was a key part of the story.
- The famous Welsh singer Bryn Terfel filmed his music video for "Cavatina" on Ynys Llanddwyn. He called it "a very beautiful romantic place."
- In 2009, a scene for the big Hollywood movie Clash of the Titans was filmed here.
- The BBC Wales TV show ‘’The 1900 Island’’, which showed what life was like in 1900, was filmed on the island and aired in 2019.
Images for kids
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Tŵr Mawr lighthouse and cross at Llanddwyn.
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St Dwynwen's Church
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Pilots' cottages
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Beach
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Beach
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View towards the mainland
