The wild landscapes of North Wales are shrouded in legend and myth. The small island of Anglesey (or Ynys Môn in Welsh), cut adrift off Wales’s northwestern tip, takes on an air of the fantastical.
Enjoy stories of unblemished natural splendor (almost all of Anglesey’s coastline is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), medieval castles (including the Unesco-listed Beaumaris), and the lifestyles of future kings and queens (the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lived on the island during the first years of their marriage). The island’s charms are very real, as is its ambitious campaign to tackle plastic pollution.
Ready to uncover the highlights of this magical land? Here’s an itinerary for the best things to do during a weekend in Anglesey.
Friday Afternoon
Your first glimpse of Anglesey is likely to come from atop one of the two stoic bridges spanning the Menai Strait. This narrow but fierce body of water separates the island from the Welsh mainland.
Upon arriving, stretch your legs and get a closer look at the colossal Menai Bridge (the world’s first iron suspension bridge) by walking along the Belgian Promenade. This coastal walkway, built by Flemish refugees during WWI, runs along the strait from the gate of medieval St Tysilio’s Church to a picturesque boat house standing in the shadow of the grand bridge.
Friday Evening
In 2019, Anglesey became the first county in the UK to achieve Plastic Free Community status by the marine conservation group Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) due to its campaign minimizing reliance on single-use plastics. While this serves as a draw for many, Sian Sykes, Anglesey’s SAS representative, emphasizes the role of visitors in supporting the island’s green initiatives.
“We want to inspire people by showing them what a greener society can look like,” says Sian. “However, visitors also play a crucial role in supporting our efforts to become plastic free.” One way travelers can aid this movement is by choosing to dine at restaurants committed to reducing single-use plastic.
Dylan’s, situated in Menai Bridge, is among these businesses, implementing various changes to limit plastic use, such as eliminating straws and plastic stirrers. They focus on providing fresh local produce, including house specialty Menai Mussels, seafood chowder, and butternut squash risotto.
Saturday Morning
Start your full day in Anglesey early with a walk at Newborough Beach, a long stretch of white sand that offers a picturesque view of the Snowdonia mountain range across the strait. Visitors can choose to pay for parking or embark on a scenic 40-minute forest walk to the beach.
While at the beach, venture north to Llanddwyn Island (Ynys Llanddwyn), known for its association with St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. The tale surrounding Dwynwen’s romantic misadventures led the island to become a pilgrimage site for romantics in the 16th century.
Saturday Afternoon
Having marveled at Anglesey’s charms in the morning, dedicate your Saturday afternoon to exploring the island’s wildlife. Year-round boat trips to Ynys Seiriol, or Puffin Island, offer chances to view various seabirds, including cormorants and guillemots.
For those keen on marine life, Anglesey Outdoors provides snorkel tours, while Psyched Paddleboarding offers paddleboarding experiences along the coastline.
If you prefer viewing wildlife on land, visit Llyn Parc Mawr Community Woodland, a sanctuary for British red squirrels, a rare sight due to competition with American grey squirrels.
Saturday Evening
Following an eventful day, indulge in a delightful dining experience at The White Eagle, located in the village of Rhoscolyn. Known to be a favorite of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the menu here is sure to impress.
Enjoy classic fish and chips or fresh seafood, complemented by breathtaking views of Rhoscolyn Beach through the restaurant’s large windows.
Sunday Morning
No trip to Anglesey is complete without savoring a meal from one of the island’s beloved eateries. Located near Holyhead Marina, Pete’s Burger Bar serves hearty, satisfying burgers at an unbeatable price.
After a delicious bite, head to South Stack Lighthouse, a historic structure providing stunning views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Sunday Afternoon
Finish your journey with a visit to Unesco-listed Beaumaris Castle, an unfinished yet remarkable medieval engineering feat.
If you have time before leaving the island, stop by the Lligwy Beach Cafe, notable for its commitment to cutting plastic use, and treat yourself to a variety of comforting foods.
Before departing, don’t forget to capture a selfie at the Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch station sign, the longest place name in the UK, a testament to local history.
Getting Around
Anglesey is a relatively small island, approximately 22 miles (35km) long and 25 miles (40km) wide. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore, with options from Hertz and Enterprise. Alternatively, a train line connects Llanfairpwllgwyngyll to Holyhead, along with bus services linking major towns.
