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Top 5 Best Things to do in Anglesey
If you are planning a family holiday in North Wales, Anglesey is a destination that deserves a place in your itinerary. Just across the Menai Strait, Anglesey packs quite a punch for an island of its size with all manner of tourist attractions. Sandy beaches, dramatic coastal scenery, fascinating history and family-friendly attractions, mean that there is something that will appeal to all ages and interests irrespective of whether you’re holidaying as a family, a couple, with a group of friends or solo.
With so many things to do in Anglesey, deciding where to begin can be difficult. We’ve therefore used our first hand experience to put together a short list of the top 5 best things to do on Anglesey for first time visitors so you know where to prioritise visiting during your time in North Wales.
1. Visit Trearddur Bay
For a traditional British seaside day out, make your way to Trearddur Bay. One of the island’s most popular seaside resorts, it is a wonderful place to spend a sunny summer’s day beside the sea, with a beautiful sandy beach and clear waters that are particularly appealing to families.
Trearddur Bay is also a popular destination for swimming and watersports, with the clean coastal waters providing the perfect setting for getting out onto the sea. Whether you want to spend the day building sandcastles, paddling with the children or simply relaxing on the beach, Trearddur Bay beach is the perfect place to spend the day.
There are plenty of facilities close to the beach too, including the much-loved Sea Shanty Cafe. This is an ideal place to stop for something to eat or drink, with classic seaside favourites such as fish & chips and ice creams helping to complete the traditional British seaside experience. The cafe is usually open from morning until evening, providing breakfast, lunch, snacks and evening meals. However, opening times do vary depending on the time of year so we’d advise checking these out before visiting.
Trearddur Bay is not just a summer holiday destination, either. During the cooler months, the beach and surrounding coastline provide an excellent starting point for a scenic coastal walk. After taking in the sea views, you can return to the Sea Shanty Cafe for a warm drink, lunch or an evening meal, making this one of the most enjoyable things to do in Anglesey at any time of year.
2. Tour Beaumaris
Second on our list of the best things to do in Anglesey is a visit to the beautiful seaside town of Beaumaris. Often regarded as one of North Wales’ hidden gems, this attractive town has plenty to keep visitors occupied, particularly if you enjoy sightseeing with history, culture and great food.
You could choose to take a stroll here along the Victorian pier and promenade before exploring the charming streets lined with pastel-coloured cottages and independent businesses. At the heart of the town stands the remarkable Beaumaris Castle, one of the island’s most important historic landmarks.
Built under the instructions of King Edward I from 1295, Beaumaris Castle was designed with an almost perfectly symmetrical concentric layout, featuring multiple defensive walls and a water-filled moat which is still fully functional to this day. It forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognising the Castles and Town Walls constructed by King Edward I across the Gwynedd region.
The castle is a fascinating place to visit for families and anyone with even a passing interest in history. Although construction was never fully completed, its enormous scale and unusual design make it one of the most impressive Anglesey tourist attractions and perhaps one of the most incredible architectural feats attempted during the era.
Beaumaris has plenty more to discover once you have explored the castle, including the former Beaumaris Gaol & Courthouse, as well as an excellent collection of restaurants, cafes and independent shops. It is a destination where you can easily spend an entire day.
3. Head to South Stack Lighthouse
For dramatic scenery and some of the best wildlife watching on the island, head west towards South Stack Lighthouse. Standing on a tiny rocky island below the cliffs near Holyhead, the lighthouse is one of the most recognisable Anglesey tourist attractions.
Built in 1809, South Stack Lighthouse was constructed to warn ships away from this particularly hazardous stretch of coastline. Reaching it today involves tackling around 400 steps, but the spectacular views make the climb more than worthwhile.
The surrounding South Stack landscape is just as impressive. Walking routes lead across the rugged coastal heathland, with the Anglesey Coastal Path passing through the area and longer walks available for those who want to explore further. RSPB South Stack also provides access to viewpoints around Ellin’s Tower, where you can look across the cliffs and Irish Sea.
Birdwatchers are particularly well advised to visit the area during the spring and early summer seasons when the cliffs become a spectacular seabird colony. Puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars can all be seen, while the rare red-billed chough can be spotted throughout the year.
Even if you are not an experienced birdwatcher, South Stack is worth visiting simply for its stunning views, fresh sea air and spectacular walking routes.
4. Take a Boat Trip to Puffin Island
One of the most memorable things to do in Anglesey is to see the island from the water. From Beaumaris Pier, Seacoast Safaris operates boat trips out towards Puffin Island, providing a completely different perspective of the coastline.
The standard Puffin Island Cruise lasts roughly 80 minutes and takes passengers around the waters surrounding this fascinating wildlife site. Trips operate from Beaumaris Pier and are available daily from April through till October. However, this can be impacted by weather conditions, so we’d always advise checking their daily timetable before committing to the trip.
As you cruise across the Menai Strait towards Puffin Island, keep your eyes open for the wildlife that inhabits this beautiful part of Anglesey. The surrounding waters and islands are home to numerous seabirds, with oystercatchers, redshanks, grey herons and little egrets among the species that you can expect to encounter.
There are also longer cruises available, including the 130-minute Best of Puffin Island & Menai Strait trip, which combines the Puffin Island experience with further sightseeing around the Menai Strait.
A boat trip is an especially good choice for families because it combines sightseeing, wildlife and adventure without requiring a long walk which can be unpopular for those with little legs. It is also a great way to appreciate just how beautiful Anglesey’s coastline really is.
5. Explore Anglesey Sea Zoo
Families looking for another attraction that can keep children entertained should make time for Anglesey Sea Zoo. Located at Brynsiencyn, this independent aquarium is dedicated to British marine wildlife and provides an opportunity to discover the creatures living in the seas around our coastline.
Inside, you can encounter fascinating animals including octopus, lobsters, seahorses, conger eels and jellyfish, while exhibits recreate different marine habitats. The Sea Zoo also places a strong emphasis on conservation, with projects including a seahorse nursery, the Lobster Hatchery of Wales and other marine research and rescue work.
It is particularly well suited to families because there is plenty to do beyond the aquarium itself. Children can enjoy the on-site crazy golf course, outdoor play areas and other activities, while parents can take a break at the Rockpool Cafe. The cafe serves everything from sandwiches and toasties to pizzas, cakes and hot & cold drinks, making it possible to turn a visit into a full on family day out.
Enjoy the Best Things to do in Anglesey
From the sandy shores of Trearddur Bay and the historic streets of Beaumaris to the wildlife of South Stack and Puffin Island, there are countless things to do in Anglesey. Add the Anglesey Sea Zoo to the itinerary and there are even more great opportunities to enjoy memorable days out during your next family holiday in North Wales.
If you want to discover these attractions yourself and experience more of the many Anglesey tourist attractions, why not make a visit to the island a key part of your next North Wales getaway? Book a holiday at a Pario Holiday Park and you can use your stay as a base for exploring some of the very best attractions, beaches and coastal landscapes that North Wales has to offer.