25 Best Things To Do on Anglesey Island, Wales

When I started planning my Wales trip of September 2021, Anglesey was one of the places I was most excited to explore. From castles to beaches galore, I’ll share what to do on Anglesey Island and everything you need to know for a memorable visit.

Where is Anglesey?

Anglesey is an island off Wales’ northwest coast (in Welsh, Ynys Môn). The nearest large city is Bangor and it’s also easily accessible from Conwy and Llandudno.
Pinned are some of the best things to see in Anglesey. Keep reading for more details.

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How long to spend on Anglesey

Well, how much of it do you want to see?Sure, you could tick off a few of the things to do on Anglesey during a half-day trip. But even with a full day, you’re looking at a handful of attractions. To see all the places in this guide, I’d recommend at least 3 days.
You have two options: stay overnight on Anglesey, or stay on the Welsh mainland and drive over the bridge during a day trip(s). We were staying just a 5-minute drive from the Menai Bridge so it was easy to pop over and explore.

Where to stay on Anglesey, Wales

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 – for an affordable but comfy option, check out Coastal Pods on Holy Island, Anglesey. These pods have tea & coffee facilities and BBQ access. Book from £60 per night.B&B – by Red Wharf Bay Beach, Lon y Traeth Bed & Breakfast is near to most places on Anglesey. With friendly hosts, beautiful rooms and hearty Welsh breakfasts, it’s a lovely home from home. Book from £90 a night.Hotel – near Amlwch in North Anglesey, Trecastell Hotel is one of the highest-rated hotels on the island. With a restaurant, bar and sea views, it’s perfectly placed for beaches and watersports in Cemaes. Book from £90 a night.
Apartment – for total privacy and self-catering convenience, stay at Y Gorsaf in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll. The stylish apartment has two bedrooms, a dining room and a fully equipped kitchen. Book from £100 a night.

How to get to Anglesey

By car: Take the North Wales Expressway or the Menai Bridge.By train: There are several stations on Anglesey most located in the south and east, however you can travel by train all the way to Holyhead, the furthest point from the mainland on separate Holy Island.Trains from London change in Crewe, whereas trains from Manchester and Liverpool change in Chester.
By bus: It’s easy to catch the bus from Bangor to Anglesey. The X5 service runs all the way to Holyhead, making stops along the way.

How to get around Holy Island

Although it’s easy to reach Anglesey by public transport, the best way to get between the various Anglesey attractions is by car.
Use Rentalcars.com to book a car and collect it from a hub like Holyhead or Bangor.

Read next: how to plan the ultimate Wales road trip

What to do in Anglesey

There are endless tourist attractions on Anglesey – both natural and manmade – so, unless you have a week to spend exploring, you’ll want to do your research in advance.You may wish to pick a handful of the best activities on Anglesey and tick them off them throughout the day. Another option is to focus on one side/coast of the island and explore it in depth.
Notes:

• All these attractions are listed on the map above so use it to plan your trip. Remember it’s a large island so factor in journey times between stops.
• I’ve listed these attractions loosely in order of south to north. Keep reading for my Anglesey day trip itinerary.

These are a handful of the best places to visit in Anglesey, Wales…

1. Menai Suspension Bridge Viewpoint

One of the first places to see in Anglesey

Before the building of the Expressway, Menai Bridge was the only way to access Anglesey by road. Prior to Menai, farmers used to have to make their sheep swim the distance! Menai was also the first and most impressive suspension bridge of its kind: an architectural masterpiece that wowed the people of the 1800s.Menai Suspension Bridge Viewpoint is the best place to admire not just the bridge but the sweeping scenery of the Menai Straits.
Enter LL61 5YH into your satnav and pull into the roadside parking area to snap photos before moving on.

2. Church Island

One of the most worthwhile things to do on Anglesey is discover the many small islands surrounding it. One of these is Church Island, a tiny speck of land near Menai Bridge.Church Island measures 2 acres in size and has a small church and a memorial to soldiers lost to WWI and WWII. The only way to reach it is by foot. Stroll along the slim causeway admiring views of the Menai Straits.
There’s pay and display parking on Mona Road (LL59 5EA) or you can park in Waitrose car park for free (although I don’t think they like you doing this).

3. Llanddwyn Bay

Of all the beaches on Anglesey, this is easily my favourite. The sandy coastline stretches for miles and the sea is shallow with gentle waves. During my September visit, the water was surprisingly warm. Perfect for paddling!Llanddwyn Bay is buffered by forest and dunes which not only add to the striking scenery but provide a sense of privacy. You feel a million miles from civilisation, yet you’re conveniently nearby when you want to arrive or leave.
There’s a large parking area with toilets and a few refreshment stands. The Bay is a popular place for kitesurfing and a convenient launching point for walks in Newborough Forest.

Llanddwyn Bay

Llanddwyn means ‘Church of St. Dwynwen’ referring to the patron saint of lovers. In Dwynwen’s honour, cards and presents are given on the 25th of January. A Welsh version of Valentine’s Day, if you will!
Getting to Llanddwyn Bay: It can be found in the southeast corner of Anglesey, a 30-minute drive from Menai Bridge. Enter LL61 6SG into your satnav. If you choose to journey around Anglesey in a clockwise direction, it would make a lovely first stop. Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, taking a dip in the sea and hiking to…

4. Llanddwyn Island (Ynys Llanddwyn)

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. Simply turn right when arriving on the beach and walk to the end. You can’t fail to miss this craggy island with a lighthouse perched on its tip.Here, you’ll find the remains of Llanddwyn Chapel, a pilgrimage site relating to Dwynwen, patron saint of love. It’s thought she lived out her days on this island after escaping an unhappy marriage.The chapel dates back to Tudor times when the island became a pilgrimage site for young lovers, particularly those wanting to carry out a test involving handkerchiefs and eels to see if their partner was a match. Sounds legit 😉
Tip – Read the information board at the start of the walk and bring some decent footwear. You don’t need hiking boots but something other than flip-flops is recommended. I watched some people attempt it with bare feet and have to turn back.

5. Walk Anglesey Coastal Path

As you may know, Wales is the only country in the world with a complete coastal path. Walking its entirety would take months but you could try to tackle the Anglesey part – or at least a section of it.The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path runs for 130 miles through countryside designated an Area of Natural Beauty. 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) so an easier option is to follow one section during a day hike. Decide which and download the routes on theIsle of Anglesey Coastal Path website.

6. Find Wales’ longest place name

A quirky thing to do in Anglesey

Undeniably one of the most sought-out attractions in Anglesey, this town near Menai Bridge has the second-longest name in the world! With 58 letters, it’s only trumped 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. Which I still don’t have a clue how to pronounce, to be honest 😉Although the train station in the town is functional, the platform has become somewhat of an Anglesey tourist attraction. As you can see from the photos, I took more than one opportunity to pose with the sign!There are THREE signs: one at the front of the station and one on either platform. You don’t need a ticket to walk on either platform, only to board a train.
Address: LL61 5UJ. Make sure to follow directions to the train station, not the town itself.

Platform 2

7. Plas Newydd

National Trust members can give their passes a run for their money at Plas Newydd, a country house with vast grounds including manicured gardens and woodlands boasting a view of Snowdonia.Take a tour of the house and admire famous yet unfinished paintings by Rex Whistler and wander in 129 acres of woodland. In the grounds, you’ll find everything from wildflower meadows to an Arboretum and flower gardens from around the world.The ticket price for non-National Trust members is £10 for adults and £5 for children.
Address: Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, LL61 6DQ.

8. Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

Although it’s hardly a hidden gem these days, Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens is one of the best places in Anglesey to escape the crowds and relax in peaceful surroundings.Get lost in the set of three large gardens featuring elaborate topiary, a wood and a waterfall. Afterwards, there’s a lovely cafe with coffee and cakes. Entry is £8 for adults and £2 for children.If you’re really craving solitude (and have the budget for it), there are a collection of self-catering cottages in the gardens where you can stay overnight.
Address: LL59 5NH.

9. Beaumaris Castle

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. Although it looks remarkable by my standards, it was intended to be even grander, earning it the title ‘the greatest castle never built’.A lack of funds and conflict elsewhere meant building work was halted and Edward I’s complete vision never came to life. However, it’s still managed to bag a slot on the World Heritage Site list.Ticket price: Adult tickets cost £7.40, child tickets cost £5.20 and family tickets cost £24.40.
Address: LL58 8AP.

Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris Pier

10. Beaumaris Pier

If visiting Beaumaris Castle, don’t overlook Beaumaris town. As well as Beaumaris Gaol, there are some quaint shops and cafes worth a visit but the highlight has to be Beaumaris Pier.
Strolling the Pier, ice cream in hand, is a must for a trip to Anglesey. Kids will love the opportunity to go crabbing and wildlife watchers can sign up for…

11. Boat trips to Puffin Island

If seeing wild puffins sounds like a dream come true, this is one of the best things to do in Anglesey, Wales. Boat trips depart Beaumaris Pier and take the short journey to Puffin Island.Staying on-board, you’ll circle the island while your guide identifies wildlife and offers a commentary. As well as puffins, you may also spot razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes. Cruises lasting 80 minutes start from £16.Note – puffin breeding season is April to July and you’re unlikely to see puffins outside of this season. During our September visit, I asked a vendor at Beaumaris Pier what we would likely see and he answered honestly ‘not a lot’. I was grateful for his honesty as he could have easily tried to sell us his tickets…
Beaumaris Pier address: LL58 8BS.

12. Aberlleiniog ruined castle

One of the free things to do in Anglesey

Castle ruins

For a total contrast to Beaumaris, take a free hike to Aberlleiniog, a small but charming ruined castle less than 10 minutes away near Llangoed village.Although it’s not in the best nick, it was built in 1080 so it’s holding up pretty well. This lesser-known attraction is an optimum spot to escape the crowds.
Park at Traeth Lleiniog where there’s a beach and picnic area. Turn left out of the parking area and start the walk to the castle along the road. You’ll soon come to a gate leading to an off-road path venturing into the woodland. It’s an easy walk of 10 minutes to the ruins.

13. Penmon Point

If you’ve previously stopped at Aberlleiniog Castle, you’re a 10-minute drive from another of the best places to see in Anglesey, Penmon Point. This is the most easterly point of Anglesey, looking outwards towards Puffin Island.
As well as beautiful coastal views, Penmon has an attractive (although stony) beach and a lighthouse. There’s a large parking area, toilets and a cafe so you may wish to stop here for lunch.

Penmon Lighthouse

Coffee at The Pilot House

14. Lunch or coffee at the The Pilot House Cafe

If you’ve visited Llanfairpwll and Beaumaris during the morning, you’ll likely reach Penmon Point by early afternoon. We stopped for foodie fuel at the Pilot House Cafe which has a large garden area with coastal views.
They serve all-day breakfasts, burgers, tea, coffee, cakes, ice cream and drinks including wine, ciders and Welsh beers and ales. Try the bara brith, traditional Welsh bread flavoured with tea.

15. Anglesey Farmers Market

If your visit coincides with the third Saturday of the month, one of the best things to do in Anglesey is head to Prince’s Pierl in Menai Bridge town and eat your heart out!Anglesey Farmers Market is the largest of its kind in Anglesey, selling not just locally sourced meat, vegetables and crab, but also goodies you can eat there and then like coffee, cakes and ice cream.
Note – the market is currently on pause in 2021 but I’ll update this when it gets up and running again (hopefully soon).

16. Benllech

Benllech is one of the best places to visit in Anglesey

Benllech is a large town on the east coast of Anglesey. Although it has cafes and amenities, you’ll want to head straight for the beach if you’re searching for tourist attractions in Anglesey.
Benllech Beach is often voted one of the best beaches in North Wales thanks to its sweeping sands ideal for sunbathing and making sandcastles. The gentle waves are perfect for paddling and swimming.

Benllech at low tide

18. The Copper Kingdom

Once the location of the world’s largest copper mine, this visually striking area remains one of the key tourist attractions on Anglesey Island. Simply driving around North Wales, you’ll notice the change in scenery as you pass Parys Mountain.Its history dates back 4,000 years but really ramped up in the 1700s when it became integral to the Industrial Revolution, bringing jobs and prosperity to Anglesey.One of the top places to go in Anglesey is The Copper Kingdom Centre in Amlwch Port (near Cemaes in North Anglesey). This otherwise sleepy town had its own version of the American gold rush: the ‘copper rush’, which you can learn about at the centre.
Address: LL68 9DB.

19. Cemaes Bay

If you’re exploring the north coast of Anglesey, don’t miss this gem. Cemaes is a village with a charming bay and sandy beach. The Bay is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty partly owned by the National Trust, but free to visit.It’s a hotspot for Anglesey activities including windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing. You can book activities in advance from £10 an hour.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.
Cemaes Bay Address: LL67 0EW. It’s the opposite side of the island from Menai Bridge so it takes around 40 minutes to drive the distance.

20-25. Holy Island, Anglesey

South Stack Lighthouse, Holy Island

A final thing to do in Anglesey is continue your road trip to Holy Island, connected via the North Wales Expressway and Four Mile Bridge.However, I would recommend setting aside a separate day for this. Holy Island may be easy to reach from Anglesey but there’s so much to see and do that you’d regret rushing it.
Things to do on Holy Island include:

• Hiking in Breakwater Country Park. If you’re feeling energetic, make it to the top of Holyhead Mountain
• Visiting the beaches – Trearddur Bay and Porth Dafarch are two of the best
• Walk the bridge to South Stack Lighthouse
• Learn at Holyhead Maritime Museum
• Watch birds from Elin’s Tower (managed by the RSPB)
• Spot stone circles and ancient burial chambers.

Read next: A complete guide to Holy Island, Anglesey

Anglesey day trip itinerary

South-east itinerary:10am: cross either of the bridges to Anglesey and stop to take photos at Menai Suspension Bridge Viewpoint.10.30am: arrive at Llanfairpwll to take photos of the longest place name in Wales.11.30am: arrive at Beaumaris. Tour the Castle and wander the pier. Add extra time here to take a Puffin Island boat trip.2pm: Visit Penmon Point, admire the lighthouse and stop for lunch or tea and cake.3.30pm: Relax at Benllech Beach, one of the most beautiful in North Wales.West & north itinerary:10am: Drive to Llanddwyn Bay and hike to Llanddwyn Island.2pm: Head north to Cemaes Bay, stop for lunch, take a hike or try some watersports.
4pm: Tour the Copper Canyon and learn about this fascinating piece of history.

Things to do near Anglesey

There’s so much to see and do in North Wales. Check out my other blogs to research the best of the region.

Headed down South? Use my Cardiff itinerary and Wales road trip itinerary to guide you.