Rhoscolyn Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Rhoscolyn in Anglesey, Wales, including information on places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Rhoscolyn

Rhoscolyn is a small village located on the western coast of Anglesey, in North Wales. The village is well-known for its beautiful beaches, rocky coves and stunning coastal views. It’s a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and those who want to experience authentic Welsh culture.

List of Places to Visit in Rhoscolyn

  • St Gwenfaen’s Church: an early medieval church with a Celtic cross and ancient graveyard
  • Bwa Gwyn: a beautiful rocky cove popular for fishing and picnicking
  • Porth Saint: a sandy beach with clear waters perfect for swimming and paddling
  • Ty’n Towyn Standing Stone: a prehistoric standing stone near a farm track
  • Rhoscolyn Beacon: a viewpoint with stunning views of the Snowdonia mountain range
  • Silver Bay: a secluded and stunning beach only accessible through a holiday park
  • White Arch: a natural arch formed by sea erosion
  • Bwa Du: a rocky headland with panoramic views and fantastic sea bird watching opportunities

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Llynnon Mill: a restored and working windmill with guided tours available
  • Beaumaris Gaol: a museum housed in the town’s former prison, with exhibits on life in the prison and historical figures who were held there.

Natural Attractions of Rhoscolyn: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Anglesey Coastal Path: a 125-mile path along the island’s coast, showcasing stunning views and varied landscapes
  • South Stack Lighthouse: an iconic lighthouse on the western edge of Anglesey, with fantastic views of the coastline
  • Holyhead Mountain: the highest point on Anglesey, with fantastic views of the surrounding area
  • Newborough Forest: a large forest with walking and cycling trails, picnic areas and stunning views of the coast
  • Cemlyn Bay: a shingle beach with unique freshwater lagoon and bird reserve, great for wildlife lovers
  • Porth Dafarch: a popular family beach with rockpools and great coastal walks

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rhoscolyn

  • The Anglesey Coastal Path: a 125-mile circular path around the island, including Rhoscolyn
  • The Rhoscolyn Headland Path: a shorter and circular path around the headland with fantastic views of the coastline and the island
  • The Holyhead Mountain Trail: a walking trail leading up to the highest point on Anglesey with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area
  • The Cemlyn Bay Trail: a circular walk around the bay and lagoon, with great bird watching opportunities and scenic views

Best Things to Do in Rhoscolyn: Activities and Tours

  • Sea Kayaking: explore the coastline and hidden coves of Rhoscolyn by sea kayak
  • Coasteering: jump, swim and scramble around the rocky coastline of Rhoscolyn with experienced guides
  • Diving: explore the underwater world of Anglesey, with a range of diving spots available
  • Fishing: enjoy some of the finest sea fishing available off the coast of Rhoscolyn
  • Horse Riding: take a horse ride across the sands and along the coast of Rhoscolyn
  • Boat Tours: take a boat trip around the coast to get a unique perspective of Anglesey and the surrounding area

Week-Long Itinerary for Rhoscolyn

Day 1: Visit St Gwenfaen’s Church and explore the beaches of Rhoscolyn Day 2: Take a walking tour of Holyhead Mountain and explore Newborough Forest Day 3: Discover Anglesey’s rich maritime history at the Beaumaris Gaol and South Stack Lighthouse Day 4: Take a sea kayaking trip or coasteering adventure around the coastline of Rhoscolyn Day 5: Enjoy a day of fishing or horse riding with amazing views of the coast Day 6: Take a boat tour around the coast of Rhoscolyn and surrounding areas Day 7: Relax on the beaches of Silver Bay and Porth Saint

Food and Drink Scene of Rhoscolyn

Must-Try Dishes

  • Welsh Rarebit: a traditional Welsh dish made with cheese and beer, served with bread
  • Cawl: a hearty soup made with meat and vegetables, a traditional Welsh dish
  • Salt Marsh Lamb: a local specialty, raised on the salt marshes of Anglesey and highly valued for its flavor

Local Beverages

  • Real Ale: brewed locally, Anglesey has a variety of local breweries producing high-quality ales
  • Penderyn Whisky: produced in Wales, this high-quality whisky is often served at the local pubs in Rhoscolyn

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

  • The White Eagle: a historic inn and restaurant with rooms overlooking the sea
  • Rhoscolyn Bunkhouse: a cozy hostel located in a converted barn with excellent views of the coastline
  • Plas Rhoscolyn: a luxurious guesthouse with beautiful views and easy access to the beaches of Rhoscolyn

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

  • Welsh Slate: Anglesey is famous for its high-quality slate, which can be purchased as souvenirs or used for home decor
  • Anglesey Sea Salt: a unique ingredient, harvested from the waters around Anglesey, that’s great for cooking and seasoning dishes
  • Welsh Wool: a popular souvenir from Wales, with many local shops and markets selling high-quality wool products

Local Culture and Customs of Rhoscolyn

Wales has a strong sense of national identity and culture, with the Welsh language being widely spoken in many areas of the country. Visitors to Rhoscolyn will find that locals have a strong connection to the sea, with fishing and seafaring being a significant part of the village’s history and present culture. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, traditions, and the natural beauty of the area.

Best Time to Visit Rhoscolyn

The best time to visit Rhoscolyn is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and dry, and the days are long. However, Rhoscolyn can be visited year-round, with each season offering unique experiences and perspectives of the area.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rhoscolyn

Do:

  • Explore the great outdoors and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Rhoscolyn
  • Respect local customs and culture
  • Try some of the local specialties, such as salt marsh lamb and Welsh rarebit

Don’t:

  • Leave litter or damage the natural environment
  • Ignore safety warnings and guidelines when hiking or engaging in outdoor activities
  • Disrespect local cultures or traditions

Safety and Health

Safety in Rhoscolyn

Rhoscolyn is generally a very safe place to visit, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. Visitors should always take normal precautions with their belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended. When engaging in outdoor activities, visitors should be aware of potential hazards and follow safety guidelines and precautions.

Health in Rhoscolyn

Visitors to Rhoscolyn should take normal precautions to stay healthy, such as washing their hands regularly and drinking bottled water. The village has a health center, and visitors should ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage before traveling.

Getting to Rhoscolyn: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Rhoscolyn

The nearest airport to Rhoscolyn is Anglesey Airport (VLY). The airport is serviced by flights from Cardiff and Dublin.

Bus Stations Near Rhoscolyn

The nearest bus station is Holyhead, which is serviced by numerous national and local bus routes. Visitors can also take a taxi or hire a car from the bus station to reach Rhoscolyn.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Rhoscolyn by train, with direct train services available to Holyhead train station from London Euston. Visitors can also hire a car and drive to Rhoscolyn, with the village accessible via the A55 expressway.

How to Get Around in Rhoscolyn

The easiest way to get around Rhoscolyn is by car or bicycle. Visitors can hire a car from Holyhead or the nearby city of Bangor. Bicycles can also be rented from local shops. Visitors can also use local taxis or public transportation to get around Rhoscolyn.

Where to Go Next from Rhoscolyn: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Snowdonia National Park: a stunning mountain range with hiking and biking trails, located just south of Anglesey
  • Conwy Castle: an impressive 13th-century castle and UNESCO World Heritage site, located on the North Wales coast
  • The Isle of Man: a picturesque island with stunning coastal scenery and historic sites, accessible by ferry from Holyhead

Conclusion

Rhoscolyn is a beautiful and unique destination that offers visitors a taste of authentic Welsh culture, stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. From its rocky coves and sandy beaches to its ancient churches and historic sites, Rhoscolyn has something for everyone. With its easy accessibility and friendly locals, Rhoscolyn is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Welsh coast.