Isle of Anglesey
Menai Suspension Bridge
Plas Newyyd, Llanedwen
Beaumaris Castle
Puffin Island
Red Wharf Bay
Parys Mountain and Amlwch
Cemaes Bay
South Stack Lighthouse
Anglesey is quite literally a place apart from Wales. An island separated from the mainland by the Menai Straits, it is a bastion of Welsh speakers with over 70% of the population speaking it as their first language. It’s a rural area, the ‘Mother of Wales’, dotted with small villages and hamlets. But as well as verdant green landscapes, 125 miles of rugged bays and sandy beaches, there is plenty to see and do too. As you’d expect, it’s rich in history, with a past dating back to Mesolithic hunters in 2500BC, through druids and Roman conquest to English Castles and Industrial Revolution triumphs of engineering. Anglesey is also rich with nature. Lush flora is to be found next to flocks of nesting birds such as puffin, guillemot and razorbill.
Menai Suspension Bridge
Linking the narrow straits between Conwy and Caenarfon bays are two bridges. The most impressive of these is Thomas Telford’s 1826 suspension bridge. Measuring 579 feet between its spans and standing over 100 feet above the water to allow tall ships to pass underneath, it was at its time, the largest suspension bridge in the world. The area around the bridge is great for fishing and it’s worth catching the annual Menai Straits Regatta held every August too.
Plas Newyyd, Llanedwen
This great house was home to the first earl of Anglesey, Henry William Paget. Second in command to Wellington, he lost his right leg at Waterloo, but survived to live to 85. The house is now a National Trust property and open to the public. Built on the banks of the Menai Straits in the 18th century by James Wyatt, it has awe inspiring views of Snowdonia and an expansive garden.
Beaumaris Castle
Wales is home to over 400 castles, but this one is just a little bit special. Cited as a technically perfect example of medieval design, it has been designated a World Heritage Site. Beaumaris town is also worth a visit – spend the day pottering around the yachts in the harbour, browsing the antique shops and the evening in one of its many restaurants.
Find out more about Beaumaris Castle
Puffin Island
A small island lying ½ mile off the coast and four miles north east of Beaumaris. Originally home to monks as well as colonies of sea birds, the island also houses the ruins of St Seiriol’s sanctuary dating back to the 6th century, but is now uninhabited, save for the nesting razorbills, guillemots and puffins.
Red Wharf Bay
Despite its strong tides, this wide sweep of golden sand is one of the most beautiful beaches on Anglesey and an ideal place for a visit. Popular in the summer with holiday makers, it is also home to some of the best traditional pubs on the island.
Parys Mountain and Amlwch
Once the copper capital of the world, this port has returned to quieter times. Discover its industrial heritage at Amwlch Industrial Heritage Centre and the mining-scarred Parys Mountain with its Great Opencast Chasm and acid lake, which has also been home to many a Doctor Who adventure.
Cemaes Bay
One of the most attractive harbours on the north coast, combined with two glorious sandy beaches make Cemaes an ideal place to visit. What was once a favourite for smugglers is now an ideal destination for discovering the wildlife, fishing, shops and Wales’ most northerly pub.
South Stack Lighthouse
Found on the northern half of the Island of Holyhead, this is one of Wales’ most impressive lighthouses. Designed by Daniel Alexander and operational since 1809, the pepper pot design is now fully automated. Perched on a dramatic and dangerous site that can only be reached by descending a 400 step staircase carved into the rock, the views are amazing as you descend past nesting birds and beautiful flora.