Beaumaris cottages

Self-catering accommodation – holiday cottages in Beaumaris

Beaumaris is a captivating seaside town with lively cafes, pubs, restaurants, and hotels with good food to suit every taste and some excellent shopping, marked by quality independent traders.

With a mix of Medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture, visitors can stroll along the seafront, taking in the pier and the views over the Menai Strait and Snowdonia, continuing through the charming streets with its picturesque cottages, many painted in soft pastel colours.

What to do and see when you visit the seaside town of Beaumaris

Stunning Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris Castle is a United Nations World Heritage Site that was built as one of the iron ring castles of North Wales by Edward I to stamp his authority on the Welsh.  It was never finished but is nevertheless called the “most technically perfect Medieval Castle in Britain.” For more on castles in North Wales, then please see our article on castles in that area.

Beaumaris Court House

Opposite Beaumaris Castle is the Court House, constructed in 1614 and renovated in the 19th Century.  Here visitors can walk through the large rectangular courtroom, stand in the original dock and view the splendour of the grand jury room. One of the oldest courthouses in Britain, Beaumaris Courthouse is one of Anglesey’s most intriguing structures.
The courthouse was built more than 400 years ago. Its original character has not changed, despite the changes that have been made. The courthouse has seen a variety of trials over the years, from minor infractions to murder. Cases are now handled once a year. If you would like to know more and opening times, then why not give them a call on 01248 810921 or visit them on Castle Street in town.

Beaumaris Gaol

Beaumaris Gaol was built by Hansom (famous for the Hansom Cab) in 1829 and features the only working tread wheel in Britain.

This structure is chock-full of painful memories and dark secrets that offer a fascinating window into the 1800s prisoner’s world.

Explore the sparsely furnished cells and punishment facilities as you go down the dimly illuminated halls. Visit the condemned cell to feel what it’s like to be imprisoned in darkness.

Richard Rowlands was put to death in 1862 for the murder of his father-in-law. Rowlands argued his innocence, and in accordance with local custom, he cursed the church tower clock that was next to the scaffold. The time has never been accurate on the clock up to this point.

Church of St Mary and St Nicholas

Nearby in Church Street stands the 14th Century Church of St Mary and St Nicholas which houses the empty coffin of Princess Joan, wife of Prince Llywelyn Fawr and daughter of King John of England. The location of her body remains a mystery, but her effigy is carved into the coffin lid.

There are two more very well-preserved historic buildings – the Court House, constructed in 1614, and the Victorian Gaol in Steeple Lane.

Cruise around Puffin Island

A popular visitor option is a two-hour cruise around Puffin Island, with a chance to see puffins, seals, and other wildlife at close quarters. The ninth largest island off the coast of Wales is Puffin Island, also known as Ynys Seiriol in Welsh. It is situated at the northeast entrance of the Menai Straits. St. Seiriol, a saint who lived on the island and founded a monastery on its summit in the sixth century, once called it home. Today, Puffin Island serves as a bird sanctuary and a breeding ground for numerous seabird species. Common guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and puffins are frequently seen during the main season, which lasts from April to July, but like all seabirds, they are only visible at sea outside of the mating season. For more visit the Puffin Island Cruises website.

Beaumaris Tourist Information Point

Address: The Town Hall, Castle Street, Beaumaris, Anglesey, LL58 8AP

Is Beaumaris a nice place to visit?

With vibrant cafes, pubs, restaurants, and hotels, Beaumaris offers wonderful food to satisfy every taste as well as some fantastic shopping highlighted by high-quality independent retailers. The town is steeped in history and has a spectacular castle overlooking the bay.

Why choose North Wales as a place to visit?

There are many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer in the North of Wales, which offers some of the most spectacular and stunning landscapes in the UK.