The Coastline and Coastal Path
Anglesey Coastal Path is a long-distance path that runs along much of the island’s coastline. The path is designed primarily for walkers, but cyclists and horseback riders can also enjoy certain sections. Farmland, coastal heath, dunes, salt marsh, foreshore, cliffs, and a few small pockets of woodland make up the landscape that passes through the Anglesey Coastal Path with over 125-mile of coastal paths to explore. This is also one of the reasons that holiday cottages in Anglesey are the best choice to spend a family holiday. Here are some of the most popular beaches to go to in Anglesey.
Aberffraw Beach – The beach feels particularly expansive because it is backed by extensive low sand dunes. These dunes are a Special Area of Conservation and lead all the way back to the village of Aberffraw, where there are shops, cafes, and other amenities. The river Ffraw flows out to sea at the northern end of the beach. On the right day, this appears to be a good surf break, but that doesn’t happen very often!
Benllech Beach – Located on the east coast of Anglesey, is one of the island’s most popular beaches. It has fine golden sand and clear Blue Flag waters that are ideal for paddling and swimming for families. At low tide, the sand stretches for miles, providing plenty of space for activities such as swimming, sandcastle building, windsurfing, sailing, and sea fishing. It has excellent facilities, including wheelchair and pushchair access. It has roadside parking (fee) and easy access to the sand near the village of Llangefni. There’s also a café, restrooms, a beach shop, and a first-aid station. Dogs are not permitted on the main beach during the summer season, but there are some areas that are dog-friendly all year.
Trearddur Bay – One of Anglesey’s finest beaches is only a few miles from Holyhead. The beach, which is surrounded by a large hotel and two golf courses, is also home to an ancient burial ground that was discovered in 2003. This ancient connection can be seen in the town’s name, which is derived from the Welsh for “Arthur’s Town.” The long, curving sand slopes gently into the sea and receives full sun all day. There is plenty of sand for walking and ball games at low tide. Trearddur Bay is ideal for watersports due to its sheltered location. Windsurfing, bodyboarding, dinghy sailing, and kayaking are all popular activities, as are sunbathing, swimming, and building sandcastles.
Rhosneigr Beach – One of Rhosneigr’s two main beaches, Traeth Llydan (Broad Beach), is located to the east of the village. Although being slightly smaller than Treath Crigyll, it is still a mile long and equally beautiful stretch of golden sand. Surfing, swimming, boating, kayaking, and snorkeling are just a few of the water-based activities common in Traeth Llydan. The village of Rhosneigr is just a few minutes away and offers a variety of amenities including cafes, restaurants, and a bar. The sand is a little coarser here than it is around the headland, and there are a couple of rocky outcrops on either end. Low dunes and fields line the back of the beach, giving it a decidedly rural feel.
The Beaumaris Castle
A Medieval stronghold built by Edward I left unfinished due to lack of supplies and funds part of his campaign to conquer north Wales after 1282. Constructed on the north coast of Wales as part of a chain of fortresses to protect against a Scottish attack from the north. Its location proved to be a crucial strategic asset in the defense of England against invasion. While it was never completed entirely due to limited supplies and funds in 1295 after 22 years of work, it was known to have advanced features such as a double-decker castle rampart and drawbridge. The “greatest castle never built” with amazing Snowdonia views from the top.
Explore Anglesey Sea Zoo
On the south coast of Anglesey Island in North Wales, there is an aquarium as well as independent research and marine education center. Anglesey Sea Zoo, located just outside the village of Brynsiencyn, claims to be Wales’ largest aquarium, with over 150 native species on display. A great way to spend family time together with 11 exhibits are available, including the popular Shark and Ray Touch Tank, as well as animal encounters with walruses, penguins, otters, turtles, and meerkats. There are several restaurants on the property that serve light lunches and refreshments, so you won’t get too wet whistling for fish. A great day out for the whole family.
Holyhead Mountain
The highest peak on Holy Island, Anglesey, as well as the highest in Anglesey, North Wales. It’s about two miles west of Holyhead and on two sides slopes steeply down to the Irish Sea. On a clear day, Ireland can be seen from here, and the mountain is an important nesting spot for seabirds.
South Stack Lighthouse
Thousands of breeding seabirds can be seen at South Stack, which is a fantastic place to visit. The historic South Stack Lighthouse is on a small island that can only be accessed by descending 400 steps down steep mainland cliffs, so you’ll need strong legs and a lot of stamina! Visitors will tour the old lighthouse engine room before ascending to the lighthouse’s peak for spectacular views.
Plas Newydd
On the north side of the Menai Strait, in Llanddaniel Fab, near Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey, Wales, a country house set in gardens, parkland, and surrounding woodland. Plas Newydd was formally taken over by the Welsh National Trust in 1978. It became the country seat of the Marquesses of Anglesey, and the center of a vast agricultural estate, after being owned by Griffiths, Baylys, and Pagets. The National Trust has owned the house and grounds since 1976, and they give views of the strait and Snowdonia. And today, visitors are free to walk around the stately home.
Thank you for getting to this part of the post for our – the best things to do on a family holiday in Anglesey!
Whether you’re from within the United Kingdom or abroad visiting Anglesey planning a holiday, check out 4 reasons why we love Anglesey Cottages post and 7 Reasons to stay in a Snowdonia Holiday Cottage post