The Isle of Anglesey is a beautiful part of Wales, set apart from the Welsh mainland by the Menai Strait, and it is well worth spending at least a few days on in an effort to see and experience as much of its natural beauty as possible.
Measuring just 276 square miles in area, it is a little larger than the Isle of Man, but with a smaller population – only about 70,000 people live on the island. There are only two ways onto the island, and they’re both bridges: there’s the Robert Stephenson-designed Britannia Bridge, and the striking Menai Suspension Bridge, constructed by Thomas Telford in 1826.
The beaches are picturesque, with many of them featuring in the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, a 125-mile long distance walking route. Obviously, this is a little more than you could hope to do in one day, but it does make for a wonderful walking holiday, full of fantastic sights and breath-taking panoramic views over the Irish Sea.
The Coastal Path itself forms part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, meaning it is designated for conservation due to its sheer splendour. The path and its corresponding AONB offer visitors a spectacularly varied landscape, including salt marsh, cliffs, woodland, farmland, coastal heath and of course sand dunes.
Some of the highlights of the island include:
- Holyhead Mountain – this is the highest point on the Isle of Anglesey, and it’s not too challenging a climb. Your efforts will be rewarded with some magnificent views over the whole island and out onto the bay.
- The South Stack Lighthouse – located on a tiny island off the coast of Anglesey, this isolated pocket of land is another place offering spectacular views. Go on the Lighthouse Tour to get the full experience, but make sure to bring some comfortable shoes: you’ll be descending 400 steps onto the island, and there’s only one way back again…
- Cemlyn Bay – the bay and the land around it are part of the National Trust-owned Cemlyn Estate, with a nature reserve nearby. The lagoon here is home to an important breeding colony of sandwich terns, the only one in Wales, as well as a great deal many more birds, such as skua, oystercatchers and Terek sandpipers. The views are of course wonderful, and if you are lucky you may even see the local seals and bottlenose dolphins!
The island is also great for sporty types, with some fantastic cycling trails available to you. The best is arguably the Lôn Las Copr (the Copper Trail), a 36-mile circular journey that takes in the Parys Mountain moonscape as well as Llynnon Mill, Wales’ only working windmill. Go clockwise if you don’t fancy an uphill hike!
In terms of water sports, Anglesey can offer just about any that you can think of. Kayaking? Check. Sailing? Check. Surfing, coasteering, diving? Check! You can even enjoy the thrills of a RIB ride down the Menai Strait.
Take a couple of weeks to escape from the city and enjoy the natural wonders of Anglesey. Click here to find self-catered cottages on the island.
Location
The furtherst northern point in Wales this island is reached by the 2 bridges which cross the Menai Strait at Bangor and Menai Bridge.
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Beaumaris Castle
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RibRides
Adventure Boat Tours along the spectacular Menai Strait and beyond! We offer a variety of year-round tours to suit different ages and budgets aboard our fast fleet of exciting RIBs. From the roaring overfalls and whirlpools of the Swellies to seals and migratory birds of Puffin Island. Come and see why Ribride is the highest rated operator in the UK!
Anglesey Cottages
Anglesey is always a favourite with holiday makers with it's many beaches (it is an island!) and beautiful countryside. Enjoy walks and bicycle rides in Newborough Forest, spend time at the Sea Zoo or visit the town of Beaumaris with it's castle, promenade and the Red Boat Ice Cream Parlour. Stay in a cottage on Anglesey.
Wheelchair Accessible Cottages
Find cottages that have been adapted for use by wheelchair users. Wide doors, grab rails, wet rooms, underfloor heating and many other features make these properties more accessible.
Rural Cottages
Escape to the countryside and access nature straight from your front door. These cottages are away from towns and villages but often a short car journey from ammenities.