Anglesey Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Anglesey, Wales with this comprehensive travel guide featuring all the must-see attractions, best things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Anglesey

Located in North Wales, Anglesey is a beautiful Island steeped in history and surrounded by diverse natural beauty. Anglesey is rich in culture and heritage, with something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or just searching for some peace and quiet, Anglesey won’t disappoint you.

List of Places to Visit in Anglesey

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Beaumaris Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Beaumaris Castle is considered one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Europe.

  • South Stack Lighthouse: Built in 1809, the South Stack Lighthouse stands on a small island off the north-west coast of Anglesey. Climb the lighthouse stairs for unforgettable views.

  • Llynnon Mill: This restored windmill was originally built in 1775 and is now open to the public, featuring an interactive exhibition demonstrating the process of stone-ground flour production.

  • St. Cybi’s Church: One of the earliest Christian sites in Wales, St. Cybi’s Church is named after the founder of Holyhead.

Natural Attractions of Anglesey: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Newborough Warren and Ynys Llanddwyn: A National Nature Reserve, Newborough Warren and Ynys Llanddwyn offer stunning golden sand beaches, rolling sand dunes, and impressive views of Snowdonia.

  • Cemlyn Bay: Home to a bird sanctuary, Cemlyn Bay is a shingle beach and a popular spot for bird watching.

  • Parys Mountain: Once the largest copper mine in the world, Parys Mountain has a unique and vibrant acidic landscape with interesting geological formations and mineshafts.

  • Anglesey Coastal Path: A 125-mile trail that circles the entire coastline of Anglesey, offering stunning views of rugged cliffs, beaches, and coves along the way.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Anglesey

  • Llanddona Circular Walk: A scenic 4-mile hike with outstanding sea views, perfect for an enjoyable afternoon walk.

  • Bodafon Mountain Walk: A 3-mile hike that will take you to the top of Bodafon Mountain, offering stunning views across the island.

  • Anglesey Coastal Path: As well as a walking trail, the Anglesey Coastal Path is also a popular route for cycling, offering breathtaking views from the saddle.

Best Things to Do in Anglesey: Activities and Tours

  • Rhosneigr Beach: A hotspot for surfing and kitesurfing all year round, Rhosneigr Beach is a perfect location for adrenaline junkies.

  • Go Karting: Visit the Redline Indoor Karting Centre in Caernarfon, and enjoy a thrilling race through the fastest indoor track in North Wales.

  • Anglesey Sea Zoo: A unique aquarium featuring a variety of marine life, including Britain’s largest collection of native seahorses.

  • Fishing: Take a boat or sea fishing trip from Holyhead for the chance to catch cod, haddock, whiting, mackerel, and more.

Week-Long Itinerary for Anglesey

Day Activity
1 Visit Beaumaris Castle and take a walk along the town’s historic streets.
2 Spend the day at Newborough Beach and Ynys Llanddwyn, followed by a visit to Llynnon Mill.
3 Take the Anglesey Coastal Path from Cemaes to Bull Bay, and visit the Lighthouse at Point Lynas.
4 Spend the day exploring the Parys Mountain Heritage Trail.
5 Take a boat trip from Holyhead to South Stack Lighthouse and nearby bird sanctuary.
6 Spend the day in Rhosneigr, enjoying water sports like surfing, windsurfing, or kitesurfing.
7 Visit Anglesey Sea Zoo and Beaumaris Gaol before departing Anglesey.

Food and Drink Scene of Anglesey

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cawl: A traditional Welsh stew made with lamb and root vegetables, usually served with crusty bread.

  • Menai Mussels: Anglesey is famous for its mussels, harvested in the Menai Strait, and enjoyed in a variety of dishes.

  • Welsh Cakes: A popular pastry served with butter, jam, or honey.

Local Beverages

  • Purple Moose Brewery Ale: A local brewery that produces award-winning ales, including the popular Dark Side of the Moose.

  • Anglesey Vineyard Wine: A small vineyard that produces a range of white, red, and sparkling wines.

  • Snowdonia Gin: Produced in North Wales, Snowdonia gin is distilled using local botanicals such as nettles, heather, and juniper.

Where to Stay in Anglesey: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Bull Hotel: Located in the center of Beaumaris, The Bull Hotel is a historic hotel offering modern amenities and comfortable accommodations.

  • The Black Lion Inn: A cozy guesthouse with five stylishly decorated rooms, located in a peaceful village in North Anglesey.

  • Holyhead Lodge: A well-reviewed hostel catering to budget travelers, located near the Holyhead train station.

What to Buy in Anglesey: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Anglesey Sea Salt: A flavorful sea salt produced from the Menai Strait’s sparkling waters.

  • Welsh Woolen Blankets: Known for their durability and warmth, Welsh woolen blankets make a perfect souvenir that lasts a lifetime.

  • Anglesey Honey: A sweet and delicious honey produced by local beekeepers, available in a variety of flavors.

Local Culture and Customs of Anglesey

Anglesey has a rich cultural heritage and ancient customs that are still practiced today. Learning about the local traditions can enhance your visit and give you a deeper understanding of its people.

Best Time to Visit Anglesey

The best time to visit Anglesey is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is warm, and the days are long.

Do’s and Don’ts of Anglesey

Do:

  • Try the local seafood and traditional Welsh dishes.
  • Take a guided tour to learn more about Anglesey’s rich history and culture.
  • Respect the natural environment and follow the countryside code while taking a walk or hiking.

Don’t:

  • Enter a farmer’s field without permission.
  • Litter or leave waste, always clean up after your picnic or beach day.
  • Disturb the wildlife, avoid getting too close to birds and marine life.

Safety and Health

Safety in Anglesey

Anglesey is well known for its safety and friendly atmosphere, but it’s always important to stay safe and cautious when traveling. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking or driving.

Health in Anglesey

The health facilities in Anglesey are excellent, with a range of hospitals and clinics available throughout the Island.

Getting to Anglesey: Transportation Options and Logistics

Anglesey is well-connected via a wide range of transportation options.

Airports Near Anglesey

The nearest airports to Anglesey are Manchester and Liverpool, both around 1.5 hours’ drive away.

Bus Stations Near Anglesey

From Liverpool or Manchester, take a bus to Bangor, Gwynedd. From there, you can take a local bus service to Anglesey.

Other Options

There are also direct train services to Holyhead from London, Manchester, and Cardiff.

How to Get Around in Anglesey

You can travel around Anglesey by rail, road, bike, or boat. However, the best way to explore the Island is by car or bike.

Where to Go Next from Anglesey: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Snowdonia National Park: A breathtaking mountainous region adorned with panoramic views and exceptional scenic vistas. Discover some of the United Kingdom’s tallest peaks and enrapturing natural settings.

  • Portmeirion Village: A picturesque hamlet that’s known for its stunning architecture and charming Mediterranean-style aesthetic on the edge of Snowdonia National Park.

  • Conwy: A small town in North Wales, famed for its historic Conwy Castle, popular fishing port and charming streets rich in centuries-old architecture.

Conclusion

Anglesey is a hidden gem of North Wales, offering breathtaking scenery and stunning natural beauty. Furthermore, its a cultural hub of ancient and contemporary architecture, preserving and displaying the best of Welsh traditions. With this comprehensive guide at hand, leave the everyday behind and embark in a sensational adventure to Anglesey, the Land of Enchantment.