Best Places to Visit on Anglesey

Anglesey is separated from the Welsh mainland by the beautiful Menai Strait and can be reached by crossing one of two bridges, including Thomas Telford’s impressive suspension bridge. The Isle of Anglesey is a great destination for lovers of nature and outdoor pursuits with sand and pebble beaches, cliff top walks, forested trails and flower-filled heathland all waiting to be discovered.

Most of the coastline has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and walking, cycling and horse-riding can all be enjoyed along the Anglesey Coastal Path. The island also has a strong sense of identity and a growing food scene, with Anglesey Sea Salt – considered one of the finest in the world, being a great example of when the two come together.

Rhosneigr

Rhosneigr, on Anglesey’s west coast, is a popular seaside resort with beautiful beaches suitable for everyone from families to dog-walkers. It’s particularly good for watersports and is considered one of the best places in the UK for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing – lessons in all three are available locally.

As part of the Anglesey Coastal Path, the area is a great place for walkers. Set off with a picnic from Rhosneigr to the hamlet of Aberffraw and as you walk beside the estuary, passing sand dunes and rocky outcrops, pick one of the many secluded spots to enjoy your snacks and admire the uninterrupted sea views.

Also close to the village of Rhosneigr is Llyn Maelog, a lake designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that is a beautiful place to spot a plethora of waterbirds. Meanwhile, there are plenty of nice places to eat and drink including Sandy Mount House in the village and the Oystercatcher on the outskirts.

If you’re feeling competitive, head to Rhosneigr golf course – the only links golf course on the Isle of Anglesey, or to Anglesey Circuit which provides exciting racing and driving experiences for car and motorcycle riders on a beautiful coastal race track.

See Anglesey Cottages

Trearddur Bay

Trearddur Bay is a lovely stretch of coast on Anglesey’s Holy Island, so-called because of its Bronze Age standing stones and burial chambers. Trearddur Bay is a magnet for beach-lovers who come to spend days relaxing on the golden sands, while there are plenty of rockpools to keep little ones busy and a protected area for swimming, as well as cafes.

Porth Dafarch, about 1.5 miles away, is a smaller bay and is a popular place to go sea kayaking and learn to dive. If you like to walk, the coastal path around Holy Island is particularly beautiful and won’t disappoint.

Places of interest nearby include South Stack Lighthouse and South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve. The lighthouse is located on a small islet accessed via a steep set of around 400 steps down the cliffs, plus a footbridge, and there are guided tours on offer.

Meanwhile, the cliffs are home to nesting seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins, as well as rare choughs, and the surrounding heathland is an important habitat for a range of plants, insects, adders and common lizards.

See Anglesey Cottages

Amlwch

If you enjoy learning about local history and heritage, Amlwch is a great place to step back in time to Anglesey’s industrial age. Head to the Copper Kingdom where you can find out about the major copper mine, Parys Mountain, that existed in the town in the 18th century, as well as the ship-building industry that was created to assist the export of copper around the world. Amlwch’s port was once the busiest in Wales, but nowadays, the town is much more peaceful.

Locally there are coastal walks that take in unspoilt landscapes and beautiful views such as that from Amlwch to Cemaes Bay, while a short drive inland there’s Llyn Alaw reservoir. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the reservoir is home to waterfowl that flock here in the winter, whilst the lakeside trails are perfect for a relaxing walk.

If it’s golf that you’re interested in though, Bull’s Bay golf course, Wales’ most northerly course, is a fantastic place to play, with a backdrop of stunning sea views.

View Anglesey Cottages

Benllech

Benllech has a fantastic Blue Flag beach that is one of Anglesey’s best-loved. It’s particularly popular with families and offers access for pushchairs, as well as disabled facilities.

The swathes of golden sand are great for playing games, while the clear water is suitable for paddling. At low tide, it’s great for long walks, exploring rock pools as you go, while the area is also popular for surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.

The beach is sheltered by a cliff and upon the clifftop runs the Anglesey Coastal Path where you can explore in either direction. Meanwhile, Benllech town has more than enough shops and cafes to keep you suitably refreshed.

This is a great part of the island for family fun and other beaches nearby include Red Wharf Bay which is great for a nature walk or you can head into Pentraeth Forest, which is home to a small population of red squirrels. You might also find red squirrels at the National Trust’s Plas Newydd House over in Llanfairpwll where children are actively encouraged to explore.

There’s a family-friendly walk here where grown-ups will love the views towards Snowdonia and little ones can look in the pond for frogs, enjoy the adventure playground and even try making a den in Dairy Wood.

View Anglesey Cottages

Beaumaris

Beaumaris is a lovely town with an impressive moated castle that dates back to the 13th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you like history, there’s also Beaumaris Gaol which is a fantastic museum and displays a treadmill that was used by prisoners to pump water up to the cells on the top floor of the prison.

After you’ve ticked those boxes, get some fresh air with a gentle stroll along the Victorian Pier where you’ll have a great view of the Menai Strait, before either enjoying a picnic on the little shingle beach or sitting down for coffee and cake in one of the tea rooms.

From Beaumaris, you can access the Anglesey Coastal Path for a long hike, or connect to cycle routes around the island. If you’d prefer to get out on the water there are boat trips that will take you sightseeing along the Menai Strait or close to Puffin Island in search of wildlife including seals and seabirds.

If you’re looking for something more daring there are RIB boat rides, while the area is fantastic for those who like to sail and enjoy watching sailing. A number of races, including The Menai Strait Regattas, are held annually.