Did you know that Anglesey is home to over 120 miles (193 km) of stunning coastal path, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers? As Wales’ largest island, Anglesey offers a fascinating blend of breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant culture that draws visitors from around the world. Connected to the mainland by two iconic bridges, this island paradise is waiting to be explored.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
The historic Menai Suspension Bridge connects Anglesey to mainland Wales
Anglesey is easily accessible by road via the A55 North Wales Expressway, which crosses the Menai Strait via the Britannia Bridge. The historic Menai Suspension Bridge, built by Thomas Telford in 1826, provides an alternative and more scenic route onto the island.
The nearest major airports are Liverpool John Lennon Airport (113 km) and Manchester Airport (149 km), both offering connecting buses and trains to reach the island. For those traveling by rail, Holyhead station is the main terminal on Anglesey, with regular services connecting to major UK cities.
Best Time to Visit Anglesey
The ideal time to visit Anglesey is between May and September when temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) and rainfall is at its lowest. This period offers the best conditions for exploring the coastal paths and beaches that make the island famous.
| Season | Temperature | Rainfall | Crowds | Recommendation |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 8-15°C (46-59°F) | Moderate | Low | Good for nature walks and birdwatching |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 15-20°C (59-68°F) | Low | High | Best for beaches and outdoor activities |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 10-17°C (50-63°F) | Moderate | Low | Beautiful landscapes and fewer tourists |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 4-8°C (39-46°F) | High | Very Low | Avoid unless seeking solitude |
For wildlife enthusiasts, April to July is perfect for visiting Puffin Island when seabirds like puffins breed on the island’s cliffs. If you’re hoping to avoid crowds, consider visiting in May or September when the weather is still pleasant but tourist numbers are lower.
Getting Around Locally
Exploring Anglesey is most convenient with your own vehicle, allowing you to reach remote beaches and attractions at your own pace. The island has well-maintained roads that connect all major towns and villages.
By Car
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Anglesey’s hidden gems. The island is relatively small at just 714 km² (276 mi²), making it possible to drive from one end to the other in about 40 minutes.
Public Transport
Anglesey has a network of bus services operated by Arriva, connecting major towns like Holyhead, Beaumaris, and Amlwch. While not as convenient as having your own vehicle, buses are an affordable option for travelers on a budget.
Trains run along the North Wales Coast Line with stops at Holyhead, Valley, and Llanfairpwll, connecting to the mainland.
Cycling
Anglesey is a cyclist’s paradise with dedicated cycle routes including Lon Las Cefni and Route 566. Bike hire is available from several operators including Anglesey Bike Hire, making this an eco-friendly way to explore the coastal paths and countryside.
Where to Stay
Anglesey offers accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, from luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs and self-catering cottages. The island’s popularity means booking in advance is essential, especially during the summer months.
Beaumaris
This charming town on the eastern coast is perfect for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. Stay here for easy access to Beaumaris Castle, pier, and a variety of restaurants and shops.
Trearddur Bay
Ideal for beach lovers and families, this resort area offers numerous holiday cottages and apartments with stunning sea views and easy access to Blue Flag beaches.
Menai Bridge
Located near the mainland connection, this area provides convenient access to both Anglesey and Snowdonia National Park, with a range of accommodations and excellent dining options.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Anglesey’s coastal location means seafood features prominently on local menus. The island is known for its Menai mussels, caught fresh from the Menai Strait, as well as locally caught fish and shellfish.
Must-Try Local Specialties
Top Dining Spots
Dylan’s in Menai Bridge is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants on the island, specializing in seafood and pizza using locally sourced ingredients. The Marram Grass in Newborough has gained national recognition for its innovative menu featuring local produce, while The Bull in Beaumaris offers traditional Welsh cuisine in historic surroundings.
For casual dining, try the Lobster Pot in Church Bay, famous for its fresh seafood, or White Eagle in Rhoscolyn for pub classics with stunning views.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
1. South Stack Lighthouse
Perched on a tiny island off Anglesey’s west coast, South Stack Lighthouse is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1809, it stands 28 meters (91 feet) tall and is reached via 400 steps carved into the cliffside and a bridge high above the waves.
Visitors can tour the engine room and climb to the top for spectacular views. The surrounding cliffs are part of an RSPB nature reserve, home to thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and the rare chough.
2. Beaumaris Castle
Often described as the “greatest castle never built,” Beaumaris Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Edward I’s Iron Ring of fortresses. Construction began in 1295 but was never completed due to funding shortages. Despite this, it remains one of the most technically perfect castles in Britain with its symmetrical concentric design.
The castle features a water-filled moat, imposing walls, and numerous defensive features. Visitors can explore the grounds, walk along the walls, and learn about medieval warfare and castle construction through interactive displays.
3. Llanddwyn Island and Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse
This romantic tidal island extends from Newborough Beach and is one of Anglesey’s most picturesque locations. It’s dedicated to St. Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, whose church ruins can still be seen.
The island’s highlight is Tŵr Mawr lighthouse, a distinctive white tower built in 1873. The surrounding beaches offer stunning views of Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula. Visit at low tide to ensure you can access the island, and be aware of tide times to avoid being stranded.
Anglesey Coastal Path
The 200 km (125 mile) Anglesey Coastal Path circumnavigates the entire island, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Wales. Now part of the Wales Coast Path, this trail takes you through diverse landscapes including sandy beaches, rocky coves, salt marshes, and farmland.
Popular Sections
The path is well-marked with distinctive blue signs featuring a tern symbol. While some sections are suitable for casual walkers, others require proper hiking boots and a good level of fitness. Always check tide times when walking sections that include beaches or tidal crossings.
Beautiful Beaches
Anglesey boasts some of Wales’ finest beaches, with six awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status for their cleanliness and facilities. These beaches offer everything from water sports to peaceful relaxation.
Trearddur Bay
A popular family beach with golden sands, clear blue waters, and excellent facilities including restaurants and water sports equipment rental. The sheltered bay makes it ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.
Benllech Beach
One of Anglesey’s most accessible beaches with gentle slopes making it perfect for families with young children. The long stretch of golden sand offers plenty of space even during busy summer months.
Church Bay (Porth Swtan)
A more secluded beach with a mix of sand and pebbles, popular with swimmers and fossil hunters. The nearby Lobster Pot restaurant makes it perfect for combining a beach visit with fresh seafood.
Other notable beaches include Lligwy Beach with its shallow waters ideal for families, Porth Dafarch which is popular with canoeists and divers, and Red Wharf Bay, a vast sandy beach that almost disappears at high tide but extends for miles at low tide.
Historic Sites and Cultural Attractions
Anglesey’s rich history spans thousands of years, from prehistoric monuments to industrial heritage sites. The island is dotted with ancient standing stones, burial chambers, and historic churches that tell the story of its past.
Prehistoric Sites
Bryn Celli Ddu is one of Wales’ best-preserved Neolithic passage tombs, dating back around 5,000 years. This burial chamber is aligned with the summer solstice, when sunlight illuminates the inner chamber. Other significant prehistoric sites include the Lligwy Burial Chamber and the standing stones at Penrhos Feilw.
Industrial Heritage
The Copper Kingdom at Amlwch tells the story of what was once the world’s largest copper mine. The unique landscape of Parys Mountain, with its otherworldly colors, provides insight into the island’s industrial past. Visitors can explore the visitor center and the surreal, multi-colored landscape shaped by centuries of mining.
Historic Churches
St Cwyfan’s Church, known as the “Church in the Sea,” is a 12th-century medieval church perched on a small island called Cribinau. Originally built on the mainland, coastal erosion has isolated it, creating one of Anglesey’s most photographed landmarks. St Cybi’s Church in Holyhead is another significant site, built within the walls of a Roman fort.
Wildlife and Nature
Anglesey’s diverse habitats make it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The island is home to numerous nature reserves and protected areas where visitors can observe a wide variety of species.
Birdwatching
The RSPB South Stack Cliffs Reserve is one of the best places in Wales to observe seabirds. From April to July, the cliffs come alive with thousands of breeding birds including guillemots, razorbills, and puffins. Binoculars and telescopes are provided at the visitor center.
Cemlyn Bay Nature Reserve is another birdwatching hotspot, famous for its breeding colony of Sandwich terns. The lagoon and shingle ridge provide habitat for numerous wading birds and waterfowl.
Red Squirrels
Anglesey has successfully eradicated the invasive grey squirrel, allowing the native red squirrel population to thrive. Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens, managed by the National Trust, offers guided red squirrel walks where visitors can learn about conservation efforts and spot these charming creatures in their natural habitat.
Marine Life
The waters around Anglesey are home to a variety of marine mammals including seals, dolphins, and porpoises. Boat trips from Beaumaris to Puffin Island offer opportunities to observe Atlantic grey seals basking on the rocks and occasionally dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
Unique Experiences
Halen Môn Sea Salt
Take a behind-the-scenes tour at Halen Môn, Anglesey’s award-winning sea salt company. Visitors can learn about the production process, from seawater filtration to hand-harvesting of the distinctive pyramid-shaped salt crystals. The tour concludes with a guided salt tasting session, and there’s an on-site shop where you can purchase various salt products and local specialties.
Anglesey Circuit (Trac Môn)
Motorsport enthusiasts can experience the thrill of Anglesey Circuit, a racing track with spectacular sea views. The circuit offers track days, driving experiences, and racing schools, as well as hosting regular motorsport events throughout the year.
RIB Boat Rides
For an adrenaline rush, take a high-speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) ride along the Menai Strait with operators like RibRide. These exhilarating trips combine speed with sightseeing, taking you under the famous bridges and past historic landmarks while providing information about the area’s history and wildlife.
Anglesey Model Village
For something completely different, visit Anglesey Model Village in Newborough, where you can see miniature versions of the island’s landmarks including Beaumaris Castle and the famous Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch train station.
Practical Travel Tips
Weather Preparedness
Anglesey’s coastal location means weather can change quickly. Pack layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy footwear even in summer. Always check tide times when planning coastal walks or beach visits.
Language
Welsh is widely spoken on Anglesey, with approximately 70% of residents speaking the language. While English is universally understood, learning a few Welsh phrases like “Diolch” (thank you) will be appreciated by locals.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is generally good in towns and along the coast, but can be patchy in rural inland areas. Many accommodations, cafés, and pubs offer free Wi-Fi.
Accessibility
Many of Anglesey’s major attractions have made efforts to improve accessibility. Beaches like Benllech have wheelchair access, while sites such as Beaumaris Castle have accessible paths and facilities. Always check specific accessibility information before visiting.
Money-Saving Tips
- Consider purchasing an Explorer Pass if visiting multiple Cadw sites like Beaumaris Castle
- Visit outside peak season (July-August) for better accommodation rates
- Pack picnics for days out – Anglesey has numerous scenic picnic spots
- Use public transport where possible – the Anglesey bus network connects most major attractions
Visitor Comments About Anglesey
“We spent a week exploring Anglesey’s coastal path and were blown away by the variety of landscapes. From dramatic cliffs to pristine beaches, every day offered something new. South Stack Lighthouse was a highlight – worth every one of those 400 steps!”
“Anglesey is perfect for families. We stayed in Trearddur Bay and our children loved the safe, clean beaches. Beaumaris Castle was surprisingly child-friendly with lots of space to explore. Don’t miss the sea salt tour at Halen Môn – fascinating for adults and children alike.”
“As a wildlife photographer, Anglesey exceeded my expectations. The seabird colonies at South Stack were incredible, and I was lucky enough to spot red squirrels at Plas Newydd. The light on the island is special – perfect for landscape photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.”
Cruise Options
Holyhead on Anglesey is one of Wales’ major ports, serving as a gateway for cruise ships exploring the British Isles and Irish Sea. While not as frequent a stop as some larger ports, several cruise lines do include Holyhead in their itineraries, particularly during summer months.
From Holyhead, cruise passengers can explore Anglesey’s attractions or take excursions to nearby Snowdonia National Park. The port provides easy access to the island’s historic sites, beaches, and natural landscapes.
Ready for Your Anglesey Adventure?
From its stunning coastal paths and historic castles to its pristine beaches and unique wildlife, Anglesey offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and Welsh culture. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, this island gem has something for everyone.
With its accessible location and variety of attractions, Anglesey makes an ideal destination for everything from weekend breaks to extended explorations. Pack your walking boots, bring your camera, and prepare to discover why this special island has captivated visitors for centuries.
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
0 Comments