Anglesey - The perfect long weekend staycation
Have you been to Wales countless times but never made it to Anglesey? That was us until earlier this year when we booked a huge house for a big family celebration. The island is small meaning you won't waste precious time navigating vast distances to see everything - which makes Anglesey the ideal long weekend getaway.
Did we find the perfect Airbnb for a large family trip?
We stayed in this luxurious manor house that slept up to 10 people! A secluded, private home with wrap-around gardens, ample outdoor seating, a hot tub and even a pool table! We were there for 3 nights as part of a joint birthday celebration and to make full use of the property - we hired a private chef who curated, prepped, cooked and served a beautiful three-course meal.
Location
Anglesey is an island located off the northwest coast of Wales, it is the largest island in Wales and the seventh-largest in the British Isles. That said, if you plan on exploring the island you can base yourself pretty much anywhere - as it’s only around 25 x 25 miles! We stayed in the north of the island - just outside Amlwch. Amlwch’s story is interestingly intertwined with copper mining; the nearby Parys Mountain was once the world's largest copper mine, which shaped the town's growth in the 18th century.
Itinerary
Friday afternoon
Your arrival (by road) on to Anglesey will be via one of the two bridges connecting it to the mainland, over the Menai Strait. The Menai Suspension Bridge or the Britannia Bridge, the former is particularly significant as the world's first large-scale iron suspension bridge, completed in 1826. Our journey from East Yorkshire was a coast-to-coast of sorts, and after the long drive, a walk in the area of the Menai bridge made for a lovely introduction to the island.
Saturday
Our first full day saw us take the short drive to the coastal town of Beaumaris, best known for the famous Beaumaris Castle. This standout attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime example of medieval military architecture. Built in the 13th century (though it must have had 21st-century economists working on it somewhere along the way!) it remains unfinished due to running out of funds! The castle is renowned for its symmetrical design, massive moat, and thick walls. At £25.70 (under 5’s go free) for a family of 4 - we felt the price was a bit steep for what is essentially a walk around the walls, however, our two castle-loving boys had a great time exploring the towers, gatehouses, and scenic grounds.
Onwards, a short stroll took us to the seafront, where one can take in the views from the pier over the Menai Strait towards Llandudno, before heading to The Coach at The Bull for a delicious lunch to wrap up our visit.
No trip to Anglesey is complete without taking in the famous rail station sign at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (Llanfair PG for short). The name, among the longest in the world, came about as an 1860s marketing effort to attract tourists to the town during the railway boom - safe to say it's still working over 150 years down the line!
Sunday
Slow Sundays are no better spent than on long walks taking in the many fabulous beaches of Anglesey - a true highlight of our trip. The whole family loves nothing more than wrapping up and breathing in the fresh sea air as we explore the island’s stunning coastline. Every walk felt like a new adventure and was the perfect mix of solitude and natural beauty.
We started with a visit to Llanddwyn Beach at Newborough Nature Reserve - at the opposite end of Anglesey but only 45 minutes from our base (see, told you it doesn't matter where you stay!). Newborough offers a stunning stretch of golden sand backed by dunes and forests - a truly unique setting. With views of Snowdonia and Llanddwyn Island, it's no wonder this place often features on ‘best beach’ lists nationally and internationally. The beach is perfect for peaceful strolls and is dog-friendly, our kids loved running along the shoreline, climbing the dunes and finding whatever they could in the forest.
Not content with getting our shoes full of sand only once, we headed to another beach in nearby Trearddur Bay, a lovely coastal village known for its clear waters and rocky coves. We arrived at high tide which made for great entertainment as we navigated the waves crashing against the seawall - much to the enjoyment of our two boys! Nearby we found Lola’s, serving up great coffee and hot chocolates, before exploring the nearby rocky shoreline. After working up an appetite, we enjoyed some delicious wood-fired pizza at The Stores - a must-visit when you’re in Anglesey!
