Anglesey is an island rich with spectacular landscapes, stunning beaches, and cultural heritage. Many of the picturesque towns and villages are overflowing with character and historical treasures.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 7 of the best towns and villages on Anglesey and what you can do there.
1. Beaumaris
The delightful town of Beaumaris has a lot to offer with various activities to last an entire day. The top attraction of the town is undoubtedly Beaumaris castle which has been dubbed the 'greatest castle never built' because it was never fully finished. The castle has enormous walls with the grounds, towers, and wards all open to take a walk around.
Beaumaris is also the perfect place for soaking up nature with the town being a part of the Anglesey coastal walk. You can enjoy spectacular views over the Menai Straight from Beaumaris Pier and even take a boat trip over to Puffin Island!
During your visit, why not enjoy a traditional Welsh Tea at Beau’s Tea Rooms? This very popular tea room was even visited by the Hairy Bikers, so you know it must be good! See my full article on things to do in Beaumaris to find out more.
2. Newborough
The village of Newborough is home to the first coastal National Nature Reserve in Wales, Newborough Warren and Ynys Llanddwyn. Newborough Warren is one of the largest dune systems in Britain and has a unique landscape shaped over thousands of years.
On the island of Ynys Llanddwyn, there are several landmarks to enjoy including Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse and the ruins of the Church of St Dwynwen, who is the patron saint of lovers. This is one of the top attractions on the isle of Anglesey so a visit here is essential.
Anglesey is one of the few remaining places to see red squirrels in Wales and Plas Newydd is the very best place to see them! At this large country house and garden, they lead daily walks around the Dairy Wood which is a popular spot for spotting red squirrels.
Another great place for wildlife is Newborough Forest, where a population of red squirrels have remained since 2004. Through the forest, a helpful network of footpaths will lead you through The Warren and onto Llanddwyn beach
3. Amlwch
Amlwch, on the Northeastern coast of Anglesey, is famous for its industrial heritage. Home to what was once one of the largest copper mines in the world, Amlwch had a huge mining, shipbuilding, and chemical industry. Today, you can visit The Copper Kingdom and walk over the colourful Parys Mountain where copper was once mined.
Down at the old harbour at Port Amlwch, an interactive Copper Kingdom Centre has been set up where you can learn all about the lives of the people who worked and lived there. Amlwch harbour is also the perfect spot for fishing and makes for picturesque and relaxing walks
4. Benllech
Well known for its golden sandy beach, Benllech is the place to go for a traditional seaside holiday. Benllech beach is one the most popular beaches on Anglesey with its clear blue waters and excellent facilities for all the family.
Benllech runs close to the Anglesey coastal path for a relaxing walk to Red Wharf Bay. This large bay is an area of outstanding natural beauty and hosts an abundance of birdlife. The bay is also home to a Welsh Vineyard which is open for tours and wine tasting. Both Benllech and Red Wharf Bay offer convenient places to eat with a number of quaint cafes and pubs.
5. Rhosneigr
On the Southwest coast of Anglesey, Rhosneigr features two outstretched beaches making it a popular place for watersports. The winner of the Green Coast Seaside Award, the beaches of Rhosneigr are found to be unspoiled with high-quality, clear blue waters.
Both Traeth Crigyll and Traeth Llydan are fantastic sandy beaches with spectacular dunes and rocky outcrops. Just behind the dunes at Traeth Llydan is The Oystercatcher, a restaurant known for some of the finest seafood on Anglesey.
A short drive away you’ll discover Llyn Maelog, a beautiful lake overflowing with wildlife. The lake has a long boardwalk to enjoy nature and plenty of outdoor activities including fishing and paddle boarding.
6. Menai Bridge
The town of Menai Bridge is situated along the Menai Strait and is undoubtedly most famous for its two magnificent bridges linking Anglesey to the mainland.
Thomas Telford's Menai Suspension Bridge was the first iron suspension bridge that opened in 1826. The second, The Britannia Bridge, is a double-decked structure that carries both railway and road traffic which opened in 1850. These unique structures are a sight to see by themselves and are great locations for taking some stunning photographs.
Pili Palas Nature World, a small hands-on zoo, is a fantastic attraction for families with children. The zoo has a butterfly house, a nature trail, and an outdoor farmyard where kids can get up close to goats, lambs, and alpacas.
Menai Bridge has a large selection of shops including antique shops and ironmongers. The town is also known for a variety of high-quality seafood restaurants with fresh produce from the Welsh coast. A popular spot for foodies is Dylan’s, an award-winning restaurant which celebrates local produce and provides the most spectacular view over the Menai Straight, right from your table!
7. Trearddur Bay
Trearddur Bay is a small village on Holy Island at the North West tip of Anglesey. I would choose this as an alternative to the more built-up town of Holyhead which I didn’t particularly enjoy visiting.
By opting for Trearddur Bay instead, you can enjoy the beautiful beach and laid-back atmosphere, whilst still having access to all the great attractions on Holy Island such as South Stack Lighthouse, Holyhead Mountain, and Holyhead Breakwater Country Park.
Considering it’s just a village, there are still lots of accommodation choices and several top rated places to eat including Seacroft, The Sea Shanty Café, and Catch 22 Barsserie.
Published: 16 January 2023 · Last updated: 5 July 2023