At a glance
Parking
£5.20 all day
Best time
Arrive early in summer — the car park fills.
South Stack
First two hours free.
Tides
Llanddwyn is cut off at high water.
After spending quite a few holidays and weekends exploring Anglesey I thought I’d share this ultimate guide to the island. It covers some of the best places to visit, with attractions perfect for the whole family as well as thrill-seeking adventures. The epic views begin from the moment you cross over from the mainland.
The crossing
There are two ways to get across to Angelsey if you’re travelling by car from mainland Wales. Both of these take you over the Menai Strait. The most popular way is to take the A55 across the Britannia Bridge, but just to the right of this bridge is a second one just a short detour away. This second bridge is the Menai Suspension Bridge. It was the first modern suspension bridge in the world and it was built by Thomas Telford in 1826.
I’d recommend detouring off the A55 to pick up the A5 to cross over this bridge especially if it’s your first time visiting Anglesey.
Where to go
Newborough
Ynys Llanddwyn
A tidal island off the sandy beach, with a pine forest of red squirrels behind. Parking is £5.20 all day. Check the tides — it gets cut off at high water, and the walk from the car park takes 30–50 minutes.
Holyhead
South Stack
The island’s most iconic lighthouse, and an RSPB reserve. Four hundred steps down if you want the engine-room tour. Parking is free for the first two hours. A favourite for sunset.
Amlwch
Parys Mountain
If you ever wanted to experience what it might be like walking on Mars. The colours of this old copper mine dazzle in orange and red, especially on a sunny day. Free to visit.
Where to eat
Llanddeusant
Melin Llynon Mônuts
Some of the best doughnuts in North Wales, or in my opinion the whole of the UK. They often sell out before 1pm, so arrive early. The windmill itself, built in 1775, is the only working windmill in Wales.
Menai
Dylan’s, Hydeout, Tom’s
Some of my favourite restaurants in Menai include Dylan’s, Hydeout Bar Smokehouse, The Liverpool Arms and Tom’s Hamburger House — a good reason to stop once you’ve crossed the bridge.
Cemaes Bay
Woodfired pizza on the seafront
Parking is right on the seafront, with one of the car parks featuring a small hut that sells some of the best woodfire pizza’s I’ve had. They taste particularly amazing after a morning in the sea.
Where to stay
There are plenty of places to stay across Anglesey if you are looking to extend your trip here. Beaumaris is a good location to stay at, with easy access across the whole island. As well as breathtaking views, and great restaurants it is the perfect base for a holiday here.
Base
Beaumaris
Pastel-coloured houses, quirky shops, the unfinished castle, and boat trips from the pier around Puffin Island and Penmon Point. A good location to stay, with easy access across the whole island.
Menai Strait
Plas Newydd
A National Trust country house on the water, with origins dating back to 1470 and incredible views across the Menai Strait.
East coast
Penmon Point
A private toll road (£2.50) and free parking after, a cafe with pizza, and one of the best places on the island for sunrise.
Family days out
These places are perfect for families, thrill-seekers as well as those who want to relax at the beach.
Near the coast
Anglesey Sea Zoo
An award-winning family attraction, with seahorses, octopus and lobsters. Over 40 tanks, and one of the largest aquariums in Wales, displaying over 150 native species.
Near Menai Bridge
Pili Plas
Tropical butterflies, snakes, lizards and an adventure playground, plus an indoor play zone — useful whatever the weather.
The farm
Foel Farm Park
A real farm experience, with the opportunity to bottle feed lambs or calves, pony rides and a tractor ride, a short distance from the coast.
On the map
Anglesey, North Wales
Reached by
Menai Strait — Britannia or Telford’s bridge
Newborough parking
£5.20 all day
South Stack
First two hours free
Penmon Point
£2.50 toll road, parking free after
The views begin from the moment you cross over from the mainland. For Ynys Llanddwyn, check the tide times before you walk out — the island is cut off at high tide.
A note on this guide This guide includes affiliate links. I only recommend places I’ve been, or would send you to anyway.
