Benllech Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and stay in Benllech, Anglesey. Our travel guide features a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Benllech is a picturesque seaside village located in Anglesey, North Wales, United Kingdom, which is renowned for its glorious sandy beach, scenic views, and fascinating history. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, Benllech has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the top attractions, best hiking and biking routes, must-try dishes, and local customs of Benllech. Let’s dive in!

Introduction to Benllech

Nestled on the eastern coast of Anglesey, Benllech is a charming village that attracts visitors with its blue waters, golden sands, and unspoiled beauty. It’s a popular destination for beach lovers, as it boasts a long crescent-shaped beach, which is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The village is also a great starting point to explore the island’s many natural and cultural attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Benllech

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The village is rich in culture and history, and there are numerous museums and historical places that you can visit, such as:

  • St. Anne’s Church: A beautiful 14th-century church with an impressive stained-glass window and a peaceful garden.
  • Moelfre Lifeboat Station: A fascinating maritime museum that showcases the bravery of the RNLI lifeboat crews and exhibitions about the local shipwrecks.
  • Beaumaris Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a stunning example of a medieval castle built by Edward I.

Natural Attractions of Benllech: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

With its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes, Benllech is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the must-visit natural attractions of the village.

  • The Anglesey Coastal Path: A 125-mile path that circumnavigates the stunning coastline of Anglesey and passes through Benllech. It’s a great way to admire the dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and stunning views of the Irish Sea.
  • The Parys Mountain: A former copper mine with a Mars-like landscape and an interesting history. It’s an ideal place for hiking, cycling, and photography.
  • The Red Wharf Bay: A peaceful bay with a large sandy beach, a tranquil estuary, and stunning views of Snowdonia Mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Benllech

Benllech offers a range of hiking, biking, and walking routes that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • The Anglesey Coastal Path: As mentioned earlier, this 125-mile path offers some of the best coastal views in the UK.
  • The Lôn Las Cefni Trail: A 13-mile biking and walking trail that follows the route of an old railway from Llangefni to Amlwch.
  • The Moelfre Circular Walk: A 3-mile circular walk that takes you through the picturesque village of Moelfre, the former home of the RNLI lifeboat crews.

Best Things to Do in Benllech: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities and tours that you can do in Benllech, such as:

  • Water sports: Benllech beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
  • Fishing trips: There are plenty of fishing charters in Benllech that offer trips to catch sea bass, mackerel, and other local species.
  • Boat trips: You can take a leisurely boat trip from Benllech to nearby islands or along the coast to admire the wildlife, such as dolphins, puffins, and seals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Benllech

To make the most of your trip to Benllech, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival in Benllech, check into your hotel or guesthouse, and relax on the beach.
Day 2 Explore the historical sites of Anglesey, such as Beaumaris Castle and St. Anne’s Church.
Day 3 Hike or bike along the Anglesey Coastal Path and take in the stunning views.
Day 4 Take a boat trip to nearby islands and spot the local wildlife.
Day 5 Sample some of the local food and drink, such as seafood, Welsh cakes, and local ale.
Day 6 Take a fishing trip, or visit the Parys Mountain for some outdoor adventure.
Day 7 Departure from Benllech.

Food and Drink Scene of Benllech

Benllech has a thriving food and drink scene, which combines traditional Welsh cuisine with international flavors. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood: Benllech is renowned for its fresh seafood, such as crab, lobster, and sea bass, which you can sample at local restaurants or buy at the village market.
  • Welsh cakes: A sweet treat that is popular throughout Wales, Welsh cakes are made from butter, currants, and spices, and are often eaten with jam and cream.
  • Laverbread: A traditional Welsh dish made from seaweed, bacon, and oatmeal, which is usually served for breakfast or brunch.

Local Beverages

  • Welsh ale: Wales has a rich brewing tradition, and you can sample many local ales at the village’s traditional pubs and bars.
  • Wine: Wales is also emerging as a wine-producing region, and you can try some of the local wines, made from Welsh grape varieties, at local wineries.

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

Benllech has a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • The Beaches Hotel: A four-star hotel that offers comfortable rooms, stunning views, and modern amenities.
  • The Benllech Arms: A cozy pub with rooms that offer great value for money, excellent food and ales, and a warm welcome.
  • The Tyn Lon: A traditional guesthouse with a peaceful garden, homely rooms, and a hearty breakfast.

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

If you want to bring home some souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones, here are some unique items that you can buy in Benllech:

  • Sea-themed crafts: You can find a variety of handmade sea-themed crafts, such as pottery, jewelry, and paintings at local shops and markets.
  • Slate products: Wales is famous for its slate quarries, and you can buy a range of slate products, such as cheeseboards, coasters, and trinket boxes.
  • Local produce: Anglesey has many small farms and producers who sell a range of local products, such as cheese, honey, and preserves, which make great gifts or mementos.

Local Culture and Customs of Benllech

Welsh culture is an essential part of the village’s charm, and there are many local customs and traditions that you can experience, such as:

  • Eisteddfodau: These are Welsh-language festivals that celebrate music, poetry, art, and literature and are held throughout Wales, including Anglesey.
  • The Welsh language: Welsh is a living language that is still spoken by many people in Wales, including Anglesey. You can learn some Welsh phrases or listen to Welsh music and poetry during your stay.
  • The Red Dragon: The Welsh flag features a red dragon, which is a symbol of Welsh identity and pride. You can see the flag flying from many buildings and landmarks in Benllech.

Best Time to Visit Benllech

The best time to visit Benllech is from May to September when the weather is mild and sunny, and the village comes alive with festivals and events. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, you can visit in the offseason, from October to April.

Do’s and Don’ts of Benllech

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs, such as the Welsh language and flag.
  • Take your litter with you and keep the beach and countryside clean.
  • Try some of the local seafood and ale at traditional pubs and restaurants.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the safety guidelines when swimming or doing water sports.
  • Disturb the wildlife or take souvenirs from natural reserves.
  • Drive on the beaches or park in restricted areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Benllech

Benllech is a relatively safe village, but visitors should be aware of some common safety issues, such as:

  • Water safety: The sea can be dangerous, and visitors should obey the lifeguard’s instructions and swim between the flags.
  • Hiking safety: Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, follow the designated paths, and prepare for changes in weather and terrain.
  • Traffic safety: Visitors should obey the traffic laws, especially when driving on narrow roads or roundabouts.

Health in Benllech

Visitors to Benllech should ensure they have adequate health insurance and take the necessary precautions to avoid any health issues. These include:

  • Tick bites: Visitors who plan to hike or walk in wooded or grassy areas should take precautions to avoid tick bites and Lyme disease.
  • Sunburn and dehydration: Visitors should protect themselves from the sun, particularly during the summer months, and drink plenty of water.
  • COVID-19: Visitors should adhere to the current guidelines and restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Getting to Benllech: Transportation Options and Logistics

Benllech is located on the east coast of Anglesey and is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. Here are some of the transportation options:

Airports Near Benllech

  • Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the nearest international airport, located 72 miles from Benllech.

Bus Stations Near Benllech

  • Llangefni Bus Station is the nearest bus station, located 6 miles from Benllech. There are regular bus services to Llangefni from Cardiff, Manchester, and Liverpool.
  • Bangor Bus Station is another nearby bus station, located 10 miles from Benllech. There are regular bus services to Bangor from London, Birmingham, and Manchester.

Other Options

  • Train: The nearest railway station is in Bangor, which is 10 miles from Benllech. There are regular train services from London, Manchester, and Liverpool to Bangor.
  • Car: Benllech is easily accessible by car, and there are several car hire companies at Liverpool Airport and Bangor railway station.
  • Ferry: If you’re coming from Ireland, you can take a ferry from Dublin or Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead, which is 20 miles from Benllech.

How to Get Around in Benllech

The best way to get around Benllech is on foot or by bike, as the village is relatively small and easy to navigate. However, if you need to travel further afield, you can use the local bus service operated by Arriva Wales or hire a car.

Where to Go Next from Benllech: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking for more things to do after your stay in Benllech, here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Snowdonia National Park: A stunning natural reserve, which is renowned for its dramatic mountains, lakes, and forests. It’s just a short drive from Benllech.
  • Dublin: You can take a ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and explore the vibrant capital city of Ireland.
  • Conwy: A medieval town with a beautiful castle, a charming harbor, and a quaint streetscape. It’s located just across the Menai Strait from Anglesey.

Conclusion

Benllech is a hidden gem of North Wales that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature. With its long sandy beach, breathtaking views, and friendly locals, it’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the simple pleasures of the seaside. We hope this travel guide has inspired you to plan your trip to Benllech and discover all that it has to offer. Happy travels!