BARMOUTH beach has been recognised as one of the UK’s best.

Online travel website TripAdvisor announced its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards for Beaches winners today (Wednesday).

As well as being hailed as the third best beach in Wales, Barmouth also made it into the top 25 beaches across the UK (23rd).

Woolacombe Beach, in Devon — winner for two years running — was nominated as the best beach overall whereas Barmouth was nudged into third spot in Wales by Rhossili beach on the picturesque Gower peninsula and the Pembrokeshire’s stunning Barafundle Bay.

The winners were determined based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period.

Barmouth mayor Matthew Harris was delighted with the accolade for the town’s “special” beach.

“It is fantastic news that Barmouth Beach has been voted in the top 25 UK Beaches,” he told the Cambrian News.

“Barmouth Beach is a great place for people to spend family time together, not only during the summer months, but all year round.

“There is something special about long winter walks with the snow covered mountains in the distance, as well seeing happy children’s faces as they enjoy running into the sea or building sandcastles on the beach in the summer.

“The many activities resident on the beach such as donkey rides, trampolines, and Zorbs, and the annual events such as the Moto Cross and the Kite Festival, make Barmouth beach a very special and enjoyable place to stay for everyone, and worthy of its place in the Top 25 UK Beaches.

“We are blessed to be surrounded by such natural beauty and it is wonderful that Barmouth Beach is being recognised as a great place to visit.

“I encourage anyone who hasn’t visited Barmouth to come along and see for yourself all that we have to offer.”