Anglesey is Wales’ largest island situated just off the north coast. It's a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts with activities such as walking and beaches, however, if you know anything about Wales, it's that the weather can't always be relied upon.
That's why, in this guide, I've put together a list of the best things to do in Anglesey when it's raining.
1. Visit Beaumaris Gaol And Courtroom
My favourite indoor activities on the isle of Anglesey had to be Beaumaris Gaol (pronounced Jail) and Courtroom where you can learn what life was like for prisoners during the 1800s. These are two separate attractions, although they are just 5 minutes away from each other in Beaumaris so I'd recommend getting the joint ticket and visiting both.
According to legend, one prisoner who was executed in the Gaol put a spell on a clock in the church opposite the scaffold, and to this day it has never kept the right time.
Both the Gaol and Courtroom would be suitable for children as the exhibits are usually very visual and there are some interactive activities on the way around.
2. Take A Sea Salt Tour At Halen Mon
Halen Mon sea salt is used around the world by chefs, and major events such as the 2012 Olympics and even by Barack Obama himself! It's become a staple food export from Wales.
Take advantage of those rainy days to get a taste of the extra-special Welsh product for yourself by booking onto a tour of the factory which sits along the Menai Strait.
A well-informed guide will take you on a tour which lasts approximately 50 minutes so show you exactly what magic goes on behind the scenes.
On the way out, you can stop at the gift shop where you can purchase some of their award-winning salt, and browse the other items such as kitchenware, local foods and seaside gifts. I was also a big fan of the recipe book they had created where every recipe used Halen Mon.
3. See Over 100 Vintage Cars And Motorcycles At Anglesey Transport Museum
Anglesey Transport Museum has featured several tv programmes such as “A Great Welsh Adventure” with Griff Rhys Jones. It also featured on “Britain’s Best Walks” with Julia Bradbury
I can’t speak highly of the museum, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the different types of vehicles that are housed there – from cars and motorbikes to military vehicles, and a few others which I won’t reveal in this article!
Whether you're looking for a rainy day activity or simply a family-friendly activity in Anglesey whatever the weather, this one is perfect for all ages.
4. Admire Welsh Art At Oriel Mon
Oriel Mon is Anglesey's art gallery which I can definitely recommend you visit, come rain or shine. Not only is it full of really interesting exhibits and information, but it's free too, so there's nothing to lose.
The exhibits are always changing so it's worth checking their website to find out what is on. Usually, they will showcase Welsh artists which I really like. During my visit, there was an exhibition by Jenny Holland, who had painted over 150 scenes from across Anglesey and North Wales in an impressionist style using oil and acrylic paintings (see image above).
It's not just art here, it's a museum too. A huge room showcases the history of Anglesey, from it's geological foundations right through to it's cultures and traditions. Also don’t forget to pay a visit to the shop where you can pick up a range of items, including crafts, jewellery, children’s toys, books and much more.
5. Pick Up A Souvenir From The Exchange
The Exchange is a lovely old chapel in the centre of Beaumaris which has been turned into a retail outlet. What makes this place so special is that it's home to a variety of independent traders from the island who sell a unique handcrafted items that you won't find anywhere else.
I love the community feel of this project. Each of the traders takes it in turn to run the store which is divided into sections for each of them to showcase their products.
My favourite stall here was Mouse Sails by a local girl called floss who is the daughter of a sailor. She upscales and recycles sails into bags and each bag has the story of the ship it came from (see image above).
There are plenty of choices to suit all tastes, and I would recommend that everyone visit whilst in the area to pick up some souveniers and show support to local businesses.
6. Visit An Old Lifeboat Station At Holyhead Maritime Museum
Holyhead Maritime Museum is housed in the oldest lifeboat station in Wales and makes the perfect rainy day activity on Anglesey.
Here, you'll be able to learn lots about the local maritime history and how it played an important role in the area across many centuries. The museum is suitable for the whole family and any children will be fascinated by examining models of older ships and comparing them to modern-day ones.
There are also lots of different exhibits to see at the museum, including, shipwrecks and lifeboats, HMS Thetis and Holyhead at War.
7. Go Up A Lighthouse Tower At South Stack
South Stack Lighthouse is one of many lighthouses around the coast of Anglesey, but it's the only one you can actually go inside making it a must-do activity in Anglesey.
Set in a stunning location just northwest of Holyhead, the lighthouse plays an important part in helping coastal traffic, and is a landmark and orientation light for vessels crossing the Irish Sea to and from the ports of Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire.
In the base of the lighthouse, there's a small museum that teaches you about the history of the building including what it would have been like back when it was manned by a lighthouse keeper. Then, you can proceed up the tower to see the light itself and the panoramic views across the coast. Here, you'll also be given a talk by one of the wardens and have an opportunity to ask any questions.
Full disclaimer, although I'm including this as an indoor activity, you'll still need to walk there and descent down around 400 steps to reach the lighthouse, so you might want to take an umbrella if it's raining too much. Also, ensure you wear suitable footwear for the steps.
Please note that dogs are not permitted on the island and children must be taller than 1.1m. See my full guide to visiting South Stack Lighthouse for more information.
8. Learn About Anglesey’s Industrial Past At The Copper Kingdom Centre
The abundance of copper on Anglesey led to huge growth in areas such as mining, shipbuilding and the chemical industry. The town of Amlwch was at the centre and became Anglesey’s own “copper rush” town.
You can learn all about the industrial history of the area at the Copper Kingdom Centre, a small museum with interactive exhibits to learn more about life as a Copper Lady, Miner, Smelter, Mine Manager and Assay Manager.
When the rain stops, I recommend that you also visit Parys Mountain, a former copper mine that you can now walk around and get a glipse into life back in the day.
Related Questions
Is Plas Newydd Indoors?
No, although the main house at Plas Newydd is indoors, the gardens, walking trails and forest are all outdoors which are a large part of the experience. I would not recommend visiting Plas Newydd when it’s raining as you will have a limited experience.
Is Anglesey Sea Zoo indoors?
Yes, Anglesey Sea Zoo is an indoor aquarium suitable for all weather.
Is Pili Plas Indoors?
Yes, most of the activities at Pili Plas in Anglesey are indoors including the butterfly house, birdhouse, lizard land, bug zone, pet’s corner, the snake house and the tropical hide. However, the park, play area, and some of the larger animals are outdoors.
Published: 13 October 2022