ANGLESEY
Anglesey (Ynys Môn) is the ancient “Mother of Wales,” an island rich in Celtic history and dramatic coastal scenery. It connects to the mainland by two iconic bridges, serving as a gateway to North Wales’s breathtaking landscapes.
Its 125 miles of coastline offer a mix of golden beaches, stunning cliffs, and historic ports. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a spiritual and natural haven, home to unique culture, wildlife, and Neolithic monuments.
Most Popular Attractions
Activities & Experiences
Walk the Anglesey Coastal Path: Embark on a section of the 130-mile path that circles the island, offering guaranteed stunning coastal views, wildlife spotting, and access to hidden beaches.
Take an Adventure Boat Tour: Join a RibRide or similar high-speed boat tour to explore the Menai Strait, see the famous Swillies (tidal rapids), or take a cruise to Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol) to see seals and puffins during the nesting season (April-July).
Visit a Medieval Castle: Explore the majestic, concentric Beaumaris Castle, the last and most sophisticated of King Edward I’s castles, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Descend to South Stack Lighthouse: Take the 400 steps down the cliff face to visit this iconic lighthouse on Holy Island, a dramatic location perfect for photography and birdwatching at the adjacent RSPB South Stack Cliffs reserve.
Discover Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island: Walk through the beautiful pine forest and across the expansive beach to the tidal Llanddwyn Island (Ynys Llanddwyn), home to a stunning lighthouse and the ruins of St. Dwynwen’s Church (the Welsh patron saint of lovers).
Try Coastal Adventure Sports: Go Coasteering (a mix of rock-hopping, swimming, and cliff jumping), sea kayaking, or paddleboarding in sheltered spots like Porth Dafarch or Rhosneigr.
Explore the Copper Kingdom: Visit Parys Mountain near Amlwch, a striking, moon-like landscape that was once the world’s largest copper mine, offering a fascinating look at the island’s industrial heritage.
Visit the Anglesey Sea Zoo: Perfect for an all-weather family day out, this aquarium focuses exclusively on British marine life, featuring a lobster hatchery, a seahorse nursery, and a shark tank.
Go on a Local Food Tour: Tour the Halen Môn (Anglesey Sea Salt) factory and visitor centre to see how the world-famous salt is made, complete with a tasting session. Then, explore local markets for fresh seafood.
Stop at Llanfairpwllgwyngyll…: Get a photo with the famous railway station sign for the longest place name in Europe: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.
Step Back in Time at Plas Newydd: Visit the National Trust’s Plas Newydd House and Gardens, an 18th-century mansion and estate on the shores of the Menai Strait with breathtaking views of Eryri (Snowdonia).
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Recommended: While you can travel to the island by train, a rental car offers the greatest flexibility for exploring Anglesey’s remote beaches, coastal paths, and charming villages. The A55 expressway connects the island to the mainland and runs to the ferry port at Holyhead.
Public Transport: A comprehensive, though sometimes infrequent, bus network (often run by Arriva) covers the island, connecting major towns like Holyhead, Llangefni, and Beaumaris.
Planning is Essential: Rural bus services may be limited, especially in the evenings and on Sundays. Use the Traveline Cymru website or app to check bus routes and timetables in advance.
Scenic Rail Line: A main train line runs across the island, connecting Holyhead (with ferry links to Ireland) to the mainland town of Bangor, stopping at several stations on Anglesey, including Llanfairpwll.
Getting To/From the Mainland: Anglesey is connected to the mainland by two iconic bridges over the Menai Strait: the historic Menai Suspension Bridge (A5) and the Britannia Bridge (A55).
Embrace Welsh Language (Cymraeg): Anglesey is a stronghold of the Welsh language. While English is spoken everywhere, learning a few basic phrases—like Croeso (Welcome), Diolch (Thank you), and Bore Da (Good morning)—will be genuinely appreciated by locals. Place names are in Welsh, so don’t be afraid to ask for help with pronunciation!
Coastal Caution: The weather can change rapidly, and the tides on the Menai Strait can be strong. Always check tide times and weather forecasts before venturing out to tidal islands like Llanddwyn or before engaging in any water sports.
Outdoor Gear is Essential: Even in summer, the Atlantic breezes can make it feel cool. Pack layered clothing and a waterproof/windproof jacket, as well as sturdy walking boots, especially if you plan to walk the Coastal Path.
Hidden Gems & Local Spots:
The Dingle (Nant y Pandy) Nature Reserve: A beautiful, tranquil wooded valley near Llangefni, perfect for a peaceful walk along the River Cefni, featuring old footbridges and charming woodland.
Penmon Point and Priory: Visit the historic Penmon Priory and continue to the lighthouse at Penmon Point, where you get superb views of Puffin Island and across the water to Eryri (Snowdonia).
Melin Llynon: Visit Wales’s last working windmill, which now often features a nearby artisan chocolate factory and escape room—a quirky and fun stop.
Menai Strait Fish Weirs: Look out for the ancient stone fish traps (weirs) in the Menai Strait, particularly the one near Ynys Gorad Goch, a testament to the island’s long fishing history.
Top Restaurants
The Lobster Pot [$30-$50] – A long-standing, family-run restaurant in Church Bay, famous for serving supremely fresh, locally caught lobster, crab, and other shellfish since 1946.
The White Eagle [$25-$45] – A popular, traditional pub in Rhoscolyn, known for its refined pub classics, excellent service, and strong focus on seasonal Welsh produce.
The Bull’s Head Inn (The Brasserie) [$30-$50] – The more informal dining option at this historic Beaumaris pub (dating to the 15th century), offering a traditional pub menu with high-quality, local ingredients.
Harry’s Bistro [$30-$50] – Tucked away within the grounds of Henllys Hall, this charming bistro serves a unique style of seasonal, modern British food with a Welsh influence.
Catch 22 Brasserie [$25-$45] – A relaxed, family-run restaurant in Valley that is a local favorite for its laid-back atmosphere and diverse menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, from hearty burgers to fresh seafood.
The Harbourfront Bistro [$25-$45] – A welcoming, family-run spot in Holyhead where, at high tide, you feel as if you’re afloat; offers a large menu including small plates, tacos, and main dishes.
Sandy Mount House [$30-$50] – A stylish contemporary beach house bar and restaurant in Rhosneigr, known for its relaxed atmosphere and quality menu featuring local produce.
Dylan’s Menai Bridge [$30-$50] – A modern, waterside restaurant celebrating North Wales’ finest produce, seafood, and fresh pizzas, with spectacular views of the Menai Strait and the bridge.
The Oyster Catcher [$25-$45] – Located by the sand dunes of Rhosneigr, this popular spot offers a seasonal menu with a focus on British cuisine, fresh oysters, and local seafood in a beachside setting.
Sea Shanty Cafe [$20-$40] – A very popular, beach and boating-themed cafe in Trearddur Bay, offering a wide menu from breakfast to dinner with a lively, casual atmosphere.
The Midland Tapas and Wine Bar [$30-$50] – A chic and intimate Beaumaris spot offering Spanish-style small plates, with a focus on seafood, in a beautifully decorated, relaxed setting.
The Tavern on the Bay [$35-$55] – A contemporary seaside tavern at Red Wharf Bay boasting a mesmerising 270-degree panoramic vista of the Anglesey coastline and beyond, with a focus on quality local dining.
Freckled Angel [$35-$55] – A trendy hotspot in Menai Bridge known for its elevated British small plates (British tapas), combining local flavors with a creative, intimate atmosphere.
Y Marram [$30-$50] – An off-the-beaten-track restaurant focusing on working with local farmers, small-scale producers, and fishermen to create understated, seasonal menus.
Pebbles Bistro [$30-$50] – A bistro in Benllech offering a unique dining setting with all food being locally produced and using top-quality ingredients, perfect for a stop-off on the coast.
Sosban and The Old Butchers Restaurant [$150+ per person] – Anglesey’s only Michelin-starred restaurant (and 4 AA Rosettes), known for its exclusive, innovative tasting menus that change regularly based on seasonal, local availability; booking months in advance is essential.
The Loft at Ye Olde Bull’s Head Inn [$60-$90] – The fine dining experience upstairs in the historic Beaumaris inn, offering an exquisite and reliably delicious menu for special occasions.
Ann’s Pantry [$15-$25] – A charming, family-run traditional tea room/cafe in Moelfre, famous for its homemade cakes, scones, and light lunches using local ingredients.
The Boathouse [$25-$45] – A charming beachside restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere, offering classic dishes and a great selection of seafood, including fresh Menai mussels.
Tide/Llanw at Halen Môn [$20-$40] – Located at the Halen Môn (Anglesey Sea Salt) site, this is a unique spot with a focus on local produce, showcasing the famous sea salt in its dishes.
The Sea Shanty Pat’s Shack [$15-$30] – Located at The Sea Shanty Cafe on weekends, offering hand-stretched pizzas, ‘Dirty Dogs’, and tacos in a super casual setting by the beach.
The Midland Tapas and Wine Bar [$30-$50] – A chic and intimate Beaumaris spot offering Spanish-style small plates, with a focus on seafood, in a beautifully decorated, relaxed setting.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Will’s Bar (at The Oystercatcher): Found near the beach and sand dunes in Rhosneigr, this venue is known for its cool retro furniture, neon lights, and a vibrant atmosphere. It offers a selection of cocktails, live music, DJ sets, and hosts “Sunset Saturdays” in the summer.
Dune Bar (at The Oystercatcher): An outdoor, sun-drenched bar at the same Rhosneigr location, featuring a quirky caravan bar and the UK’s longest social table. It’s a great spot for enjoying cocktails and a “frozen Aperol” on a summer’s day by the beach.
The Stores: Located in the popular coastal village of Trearddur Bay, this spot is known for its delicious homemade pizzas and sharing plates, which can be enjoyed alongside a selection of homemade cocktails and wine.
The Seacroft: Situated in Trearddur Bay, this is an award-winning pub/hotel with a well-stocked bar, boasting a menu featuring a wide range of gins, classic cocktails, and hand-selected wines, perfect for a tipple after a day by the sea.
The White Eagle: Found in the beautiful village of Rhoscolyn, this renowned pub/restaurant has a cosy, relaxed interior and offers a range of premium spirits, wines, and good drinks, with gorgeous countryside and coastline views from its terrace.
Dylan’s Menai Bridge: A modern, waterside restaurant in Menai Bridge with stunning views of the Menai Strait. While known for its fresh seafood, its bar is a great place for a drink, including classic cocktails and local craft beverages, in an elegant setting.
The Freckled Angel: Located in the gastronomic hub of Menai Bridge, this restaurant is known for its small plates and relaxing ambiance, offering a selection of great wines and a bar that complements the dining experience.
The Tavern on the Bay: A gastropub located at St David’s Park, near Red Wharf Bay, offering quality dining, regular entertainment (including a resident pianist), and an excellent bar menu with great views of the Anglesey coastline.
The Ship Inn: A characterful, traditional pub located by Red Wharf Bay. It’s an excellent spot to enjoy a sunset pint or a glass of wine with picturesque seaside scenery.
The Anglesey Arms: The first pub you meet when crossing the Menai Suspension Bridge into Anglesey, this traditional inn has a stylish bar offering premium wines, spirits, and local ales, with a spacious beer garden overlooking the Menai Strait.
The Breeze Hill: A traditional pub in the village of Benllech with a comfortable bar area and a ‘Bay area’ where you can enjoy quality keg beers, wines, and spirits with views out to sea over Benllech Bay.
Anglesey Spirit Company: Located in the Cemaes area, this venue is a distillery shop and boutique bar, offering a unique opportunity to taste their growing range of locally produced liqueurs and spirits.
The Foundry Vaults: Situated in the center of the market town of Llangefni, this pub is a vibrant music and entertainment venue by night, offering a good selection of drinks and live music or Karaoke on weekends.
Kinmel Arms: A traditional, dog and family-friendly pub with fantastic views, located in the Four Crosses area, offering cask ales and a great spot for a relaxed evening drink.