22 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ANGLESEY, WALES
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This post is about the top things to see and do in Anglesey,Wales
Are you planning a trip to Anglesey and you need a little inspiration to get you started? Don’t worry - this list has you covered!
When I was planning a trip to Wales, Anglesey was first on my list as one of the places I wanted to visit. I’d visited Anglesey before but it was over 20 years ago and I couldn’t remember much about the trip.
There’s so much to see and do in Anglesey from stunning beaches to historic castles to places with really, really long names!
If you’re wondering what to do during your time in Anglesey, keep reading as I’m going to share with you everything you need to know for a memorable visit to this beautiful island!
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
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WHERE IS ANGLESEY?
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Anglesey is an island off Wales’ northwest coast (in Welsh, Ynys Môn) in the United Kingdom. It is separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait and is the largest island in Wales. Anglesey is known for its beautiful coastline, historic sites, and natural landscapes. The nearest large city is Bangor and it’s also easily accessible from Conwy and Llandudno.
WHY IS ANGLESEY A GREAT DESTINATION?
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There are so many reasons why you should visit Anglesey. The island is full of natural beauty to take your breath away with stunning coastlines, sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. It’s an ideal destination it you love nature and being outdoors. You can enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching and water sports like sailing and kayaking.
The island is home to diverse wildlife, including seabird colonies, seals and dolphins. Nature reserves like the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offer opportunities for wildlife watching and conservation education.
Anglesey is rich in history, with numerous ancient monuments, castles and archaeological sites.
Overall, Anglesey offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, culture, and culinary delights, making it a great destination if you are seeking a memorable experience in Wales.
HOW LONG SHOULD I SPEND IN ANGLESEY?
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How long is a piece of string? The answer to how long you should spend on Anglesey really depends on your interests and how much of Anglesey you want to see.
You could speed around Anglesey and tick off some of the top things to do in Anglesey on a half day trip. The island is quite small and doesn’t take too long to travel around but even with a full day you’re probably looking at only being able to see a handful of the best sights in Anglesey.
To see all the places in this guide, I’d recommend at least 3 days.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY IN ANGLESEY?
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You have two options for your accomodation. You could stay overnight in Anglesey, or stay on the Welsh mainland and drive over the bridge for day trips to Anglesey.
I was pretty adventurous and actually chose to car camp during my visit to Anglesey but I imagine you’ll probably want accomodation. Or maybe you fancy car camping? It was epic in Anglesey and I found amazing park-ups right on the seafront every night for free!
If you choose to stay overnight, there are plenty of accommodation options whether you would prefer to be based in a town or somewhere more rural.
Glamping is a great option and these glamping pods have an outdoor fireplace and a hot tub as well as a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, a dining area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower. Book from £80 per night.
An apartment stay is great if you want total privacy and self catering convenience. This stylish apartment has one bedroom and a fully equipped kitchen with washing machine. Book from £100 a night.
This hotel near Amlwch in North Anglesey, Trecastell Hotel is one of the highest-rated hotels on the island. It has a restaurant, bar and sea view. It’s the perfect spot to explore the north of the island. Book from £90 a night.
This B&B in Benllech, on the sea front has a restaurant and a large terrace overlooking the beach. A wonderful, delicious breakfast is included to get you ready for your day exploring Anglesey. Book from £70 a night.
HOW TO GET TO ANGLESEY
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By Car: If you're travelling from mainland Britain, you can reach Anglesey by car via the A55 dual carriageway, which connects the island to the mainland. The A55 runs from Chester in England to Holyhead on Anglesey, providing easy access by road. From other parts of Wales or England, you can follow the relevant motorways and main roads to reach the A55.
By Train: Anglesey is accessible by train via the North Wales Coast Line, which runs from Crewe to Holyhead. Regular train services operate from major cities such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham to stations along the North Wales Coast Line. The journey from London to Holyhead takes approximately four hours. Upon reaching Holyhead, you can take a bus or taxi to other parts of Anglesey.
By Bus: National Express and local bus services connect various cities and towns in England and Wales to Holyhead, where you can transfer to local bus services for travel within Anglesey.
By Ferry: If you're travelling from Ireland, you can take a ferry from Dublin Port to Holyhead Port, which is located on Anglesey. Stena Line and Irish Ferries operate ferry services between Dublin and Holyhead, with multiple sailings throughout the day. The ferry crossing typically takes around two to three hours, depending on the service chosen.
By Air: Although Anglesey has a small airport (Anglesey Airport) with limited commercial flights, most visitors to the island arrive by road, rail, or ferry. However, if you're travelling from farther afield, you may consider flying into major airports in the UK, such as Manchester Airport or Liverpool John Lennon Airport and then continuing your journey to Anglesey by car, train, or bus.
However you get to Anglesey it’s best to have a car so you can have the freedom to explore the island. Public transport won’t get you to the best places - trust me! If you haven’t got your own car use RentalCars.com to book a car and collect it from Holyhead or Bangor.
THINGS TO DO IN ANGLESEY
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Angelsey is a wonderful island with so much to do and see so I advise doing a little research before you travel so you can make the most of your time there (but I guess that’s what you’re doing here, hey!)
Depending on how long you’ve got you may decide to pick a handful of these best activities on Anglesey or maybe you can work your way down the list ticking them all off. If you wanted to explore a certain part of the island in more depth you such simply pick one side of the island and explore it in more detail. The things included in this list are simply my highlights and there are many more wonderful places in Anglesey that you can discover for yourself just by driving around.
I’ve included all the things to do in Angelsey that I’ve mentioned below in a map so you can see where they all are in relation to each other which will help you plan your trip.
These are my recommendations for the best things to do in Anglesey.
1) Menai Suspension Bridge Viewpoint
The Menai Suspension Bridge is a masterpiece of 19th-century design that spans the Menai Strait, connecting Anglesey to the mainland.
Before the building of the Expressway, Menai Bridge was the only way to access Anglesey by road. You can park up right near the bridge and take a leisurely stroll across the bridge, admiring its elegant ironwork and sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape but if you want the perfect view of Menai Bridge from afar head to Menai Suspension Bridge Viewpoint. It is the best place to admire not just the bridge but the sweeping scenery of the Menai Straits.
You can’t miss Ynys Gorad Goch (‘Red Weir Island’) which is perched in the middle of the strait. It is a small island which features two large stone weirs that form one of the best preserved fishing traps in the region. The day I visited the tide was the highest it had been in years and I spoke to a few locals who thought the buildings would be completely flooded.
Enter LL61 5YH into your satnav and pull into the roadside parking area to take your photos and marvel at the views.
2) Church Island
A lovely local I got chatting to at the Menai Bridge Viewing Point recommended Church Island to me and I’m so glad they did. I had a great time exploring! The tide was so high and I had to balance along a thin wall then take my shoes and socks off to wade through the water to get to the island - it was fun!
Church Island which is known as Ynys Dysilio in Welsh, is a teeny tiny island in the Menai Strait with a historic church, St. Tysilio's Church, which is dedicated to St. Tysilio, a 7th-century Welsh saint. The church is believed to have been founded in the 7th century, although the current structure dates mainly from the 15th century.
The only way to reach Church Island is via a footbridge from the mainland, near the village of Brynsiencyn.
There’s pay and display parking on Mona Road (LL59 5EA) or you can park in Waitrose car park for 2 hours for free (but I’d nip in and buy something from Waitrose if you decided to do that).
3) Llanddwyn Bay
Of all the beaches on Anglesey, this is easily my favourite. The sandy coastline stretches for miles and the sea is pretty shallow. I visited on one of the windiest days Wales had seen for a long time and I almost got blown away standing on the beach. I was reliably informed that the water does get surprisingly warm in the summer.
The bay is named after Llanddwyn Island, a tidal island that juts out into the Irish Sea. More below about Llanddwyn Island.
To get to Llanddwyn Bay you have to drive about 2 miles through Newborough Forest. There is a barrier at the entrance and you pay your parking on your way out. You are charged for the length of time you park: £2 for the first 2 hours. 40p for every additional 20 minutes. £7 maximum charge per day.
Llanddwyn Bay is surrounded by this forest and sand dunes on one side which really adds to the striking scenery.
There is a large parking area with free toilets and a few refreshment stands. The Bay is a popular place for kitesurfing and a convenient launching point for walks in Newborough Forest. You should definately explore Newborough Forest whilst you’re at Llanddwyn Bay
Getting to Llanddwyn Bay: It is in the southeast corner of Anglesey, a 30-minute drive from Menai Bridge.
4) Llanddwyn Island
This tiny ‘island’ is separated from Anglesey during high tides but, for the most part, it’s easy to reach Llanddwyn Island from Llanddwyn Bay. On the day I visited I struggled against the wind to walk to the end of the beach only to discover it was crazy high tides and there was no way I was getting to the island. I was so disappointed.
You can get to the island by either turning right as you arrive on the beach and walk to the end or head through Newborough Forest. You can’t miss this craggy island with a lighthouse perched on its tip.
Llanddwyn Island is steeped in Welsh mythology and is associated with St. Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. According to legend, St. Dwynwen lived on the island during the 5th century and established a convent there. Today, you can explore the ruins of St. Dwynwen's Church, dedicated to the saint, and learn about her fascinating story. It’s thought she lived out her days on this island after escaping an unhappy marriage.
TOP TIP : Check the tide times before you travel so you don’t miss out on visiting the island because of the tide like I did. Also bring some decent footwear. I don’t recommend doing this in flip-flops.
5) Find the longest place name in the UK
One of the most popular attractions in Anglesey is a town near Menai Bridge which has the second-longest name in the world! With 58 letters, it’s only beaten by the longest place name in New Zealand with 85 letters.
The full name of this Welsh town is: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogery chwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch!
It’s often shortened to Llanfairpwll.
The name Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch translates to ‘St Mary's Church in the hollow of the white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the red cave’ in English. It was originally created in the 19th century as a publicity stunt to attract tourists to the village and its railway station.
You can wander around the small town and then explore the train station. The train station is a working train station but the platform and the station have become a huge Anglesey tourist attraction. There is a huge shop selling sweets, keyrings, t-shirts and so much more as well as a cafe where you can relax and grab a bite to eat.
There are lots of signs where you can get your photo taken in front of the second longest place name in the world including one on each platform, one in front of the station and two in front of the shop. You don’t need a ticket to walk on either platform, only to board a train.
Address: Head to the train station car park by putting LL61 5UJ in maps.
6) Plas Newydd
Plas Newydd is a historic country house and estate in Anglesey, on the shores of the Menai Strait. Plas Newydd is renowned for its stunning gardens, impressive architecture and rich history.
National Trust members can enter Plas Newydd for free or the ticket price for non-National Trust members is £8.30 for adults and £4.20 for children.
When visiting Plas Newydd you can explore the mansion's opulent rooms, which are filled with exquisite furnishings, fine art, and historic artifacts. Highlights include the Marble Hall, with its impressive columns and stained glass windows and the Rex Whistler Room, adorned with a spectacular mural painted by the acclaimed artist.
Plas Newydd has beautiful, extensive gardens and grounds where you’ll find everything from wildflower meadows to an Arboretum and flower gardens from around the world.
Plas Newydd is also home to a herd of rare and native Welsh black cattle, which graze in the parkland surrounding the estate. These majestic animals are an integral part of the estate's conservation efforts and can often be seen roaming the grounds.
7) Cemaes Bay
Cemaes Bay is a picturesque coastal village on the northern coast of Anglesey that is a must visit if you’re exploring the north of the island. The Bay is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty partly owned by the National Trust, but free to visit.
The highlight of Cemaes Bay is its stunning beach, which stretches along the bay with golden sands, clear waters and panoramic views of the Irish Sea. Whether you want to sunbath, swim or enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, the beach provides the perfect setting for seaside fun and relaxation. You can book water sport activities in advance from £10 an hour.
The village itself is steeped in history and character, with narrow streets lined with traditional cottages, shops and cafes. You can wander through the quaint streets, admire the historic architecture and sample delicious local cuisine at the village's eateries and pubs.
Cemaes Bay offers a range of scenic walks and outdoor adventures. The Anglesey Coastal Path runs along the coastline, providing breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding countryside. For a leisurely walk, take the track from Cemaes to the Wygyr Valley. For something more challenging, take one of the hardest but most worthwhile sections of the Anglesey Coastal Path: the Cemaes to Amlwch hike via Porth Wen Brickworks.
8) Benllech
Benllech is a picturesque seaside village on the eastern coast of Anglesey, known for its sandy beach, clear waters and stunning coastal scenery.
The focal point of Benllech is its beautiful Blue Flag beach, which is often voted as one of the best beaches in Wales. The beach has soft golden sands, safe swimming conditions and stunning views of the Irish Sea, making it ideal for sunbathing, paddling and building sandcastles.
If you want to head away from the beach you can head into the village where there is a selection of shops, cafes and restaurants, where you can taste delicious local cuisine, pick up souvenirs or simply relax and soak up the coastal ambiance.
Address: LL74 8QE. Park at Lower Wendon Pay & Display Car Park or Upper Wendon Pay & Display
9) Red Wharf Bay
Red Wharf Bay is a picturesque tidal bay on the east coast of Anglesey, a 15-minute drive south of Benllech.
Make sure you visit the beautiful sandy beach, which stretches for around 4 miles along the coastline. You can take leisurely walks along the beach or explore the nearby coastal paths, which offer stunning vistas of the bay and its tranquil waters.
The bay is a designated nature reserve and you may be lucky enough to spot sandpipers, shelduck, or curlew.
There are a few highly-rated restaurants in Red Wharf Bay which you could stop for a bite to eat at including the Boathouse, Ship Inn and the Tavern on the Bay.
10) Penmon Point
Penmon Point is a stunning coastal area on the eastern tip of Anglesey, overlooking the Menai Strait and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and beyond.
You have to pay a £3 toll to access Penmon Point. There is a man in a grey hut that will collect your money and allow you to continue up the road to Penmon Point.
One of the highlights of Penmon Point is its historic lighthouse, known as Trwyn Du Lighthouse or Penmon Lighthouse.
As well as beautiful coastal views, Penmon has a beautiful but stoney beach and a lighthouse. There’s a large parking area, toilets and a cafe so you may wish to stop here for lunch.
11) Puffin Island
If seeing wild puffins is something you’ve always wanted to do, this is one of the best things to do in Anglesey, Wales.
As its name suggests, Puffin Island is famous for its population of puffins. The island provides vital breeding grounds for puffins, as well as several other species of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, terns, and gulls. During the breeding season, the cliffs and grassy slopes of Puffin Island come alive with the sights and sounds of nesting seabirds.
Boat trips and wildlife cruises are available from nearby towns such as Beaumaris and Menai Bridge. Some boat tours also offer guided tours of the island, allowing visitors to disembark and explore the island on foot.
While landing on Puffin Island is restricted to protect its fragile ecosystem and nesting seabirds, observing the island from the water provides an unforgettable experience and a chance to appreciate its natural beauty and wildlife diversity.
Cruises lasting 80 minutes start from £18.95.
TOP TIP : puffin breeding season is April to July and you’re unlikely to see puffins outside of this season. I visited Anglesey in March and there weren’t even any boat trips running but they did have signs up saying their season begins 24th March.
12) Beaumaris Castle
Majestic Beaumaris Castle is one of the most famous attractions in Anglesey. Its name derives from beau mareys, meaning ‘beautiful marsh’ referring to the flat land it’s built on.
Like many Welsh castles, Beaumaris was built as part of Edward I’s mission to conquer Wales. It is one of the most impressive and well-preserved castles in the United Kingdom and holds UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the ‘Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd’ site.
Despite its impressive design and construction, Beaumaris Castle was never completed according to its original plans. Work on the castle was halted in 1330 due to lack of funds and shifting priorities within the English monarchy. As a result, the inner buildings and towers were never fully finished, giving Beaumaris Castle a somewhat incomplete appearance compared to other Edwardian castles.
Ticket price: Adult tickets cost £8.70, child tickets cost £6.10 and family tickets cost £28.20.
13) Beaumaris Pier
If visiting Beaumaris Castle, you should also take some time to visit Beaumaris town. I had a lovely wander around the town when I visited and there are some quaint shops and cafes that are worth a visit.
The highlight of the town is definitely Beaumaris Pier. It was a crazy windy day when I visited but wandering down the pier was fantastic. There were kids crabbing on the end of the pier and families strolling along the pier. On a sunnier day it’d be perfect to grab an ice cream and enjoy this relaxing stroll.
14) Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens
Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens is one of the best places in Anglesey to escape the crowds and relax in peaceful surroundings.
On a visit here you can explore three distinct garden areas, each with its own unique character and charm. The Upper Garden features formal terraces, manicured lawns, and a cascading waterfall, providing a serene setting for leisurely strolls and quiet contemplation.
The Middle Garden offers a more naturalistic landscape, with meandering pathways, rustic bridges and a picturesque stream winding through the woodland.
The Lower Garden is perhaps the most enchanting of all, with its romantic ruins, ancient stone walls, and tranquil ponds.
Throughout the gardens, visitors will find an abundance of plant life, including rhododendrons, camellias, magnolias, and azaleas, as well as native Welsh species and seasonal blooms. The gardens are meticulously maintained year-round, ensuring a vibrant and ever-changing display of color and fragrance.
After your visit to the gardens you could head to the cafe where you will be served with delicious coffee and cakes. Entry is £8 for adults and £2 for children.
If you’re really craving solitude there are a few self-catering cottages in the gardens where you can stay for a 3/4 night break. Word of warning - they are not for the budget traveller!
15) Anglesey Coastal Path
The Anglesey Coastal Path is a stunning walking trail that goes round the entire coastline of Anglesey. Wales is actually the only country in the world with a complete coastal path. Walking the entire Wales Coastal Path would take months but you can take on some of the Anglesey section of the path.
If you do decide to walk the coastal path you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Wales, including rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and panoramic coastal views.
In total the Anglesey Coastal Path is around 125 miles (200km) long so it is divided into several manageable sections, each offering its own unique attractions and challenges. You can choose to tackle the entire trail in one go or explore individual sections.
If you begin at its official starting point of St Cybi’s Church on Holy Island, it will take 12 days in total.
The route is broken down into 12 sections (one per day). If you don’t want to tackl the whole thing you could follow one section during a day hike. Decide which and download the routes on the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path website.
16) Holy Island
There is so much to do on Holy Island and I recommend spending at least a day just on Holy Island as you may regret rushing your time here. Holy Island is connected to Anglesey via the North Wales Expressway and Four Mile Bridge.
Let’s give Holy Island it’s own section of this article.
Top Things to do on Holy Island
17) Visit the Church of St. Cybi founded in the 6th century by the Welsh saint St. Cybi. Admire the church's ancient architecture, stained glass windows, and serene atmosphere.
18) Walk the bridge to South Stack Lighthouse.
19) Wildlife watching the diverse wildlife Anglesey has to offer including seabirds, seals, and dolphins. Visit South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve to observe nesting seabirds or take a wildlife boat tour to spot seals and dolphins in their natural habitat.
20) Learn about Holy Island's maritime heritage at the Holyhead Maritime Museum. Discover exhibits on the island's seafaring history, shipwrecks and the importance of Holyhead as a port town.
21) Escape to nature at Breakwater Country Park, near Holyhead. Enjoy scenic walks, picnic areas, and panoramic views of Holyhead Mountain and the surrounding countryside.
22) Visit the beaches – Trearddur Bay and Porth Dafarch are two of the best
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN ANGLESEY, WALES
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More Information for your Trip to the UK
If you’re struggling to decide other places to visit in the UK read Best Cities to Visit in the UK
I also have many other UK city guides and which you can read by clicking on the links.
ENGLAND: How to visit Liverpool from London, visit best beaches near Liverpool and find out the best things to do in Liverpool, must sees in Manchester, make the most of your time in Brighton. Visit the Roman city of Chester or head to the stunning Lake District.
SCOTLAND: Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh
WALES: Llangollen
Information About London
LONDON ITINERARY: In our article The Perfect 2 Days in London you’ll find a detailed itinerary for exploring London. If you only have one day in London you can find out the most important things to fit into your day in this 1 Day London Itinerary.
LONDON TRAVEL ADVICE: Here are the important things to know if it will be your first time in London. Included in this article are all my best hints and tips for visiting London for the first time. The Best 49 Things to do in London article will help you plan your London itinerary. If you’re wondering what foods you should try when in London read this Best British Foods You Have to Try.
WHERE TO STAY: If you’re unsure on the different areas in London and where would be best to stay make sure you read this Best Places to Stay in London article.
PACKING FOR LONDON: If you’re wondering what you should pack when visiting London read this Packing for London and the Rest of the UK Guide.
LONDON AT CHRISTMAS: For an overview of the best things to do in London at Christmas here are 15 things to do in London at Christmas. I also have guides to the best Christmas lights, best London Christmas window displays and best Christmas markets in London. Learn how to put it all together in this great London Christmas Itinerary.
Read all of my articles about England in the United Kingdom Travel Guide.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in world.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for wherever you’re going to and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfers from the airport.
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com.
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions on your travels on Viator or Get Your Guide.
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