What to do in Anglesey
Our first trip into Wales together we spent time in Anglesey, We explore castles, villages and beaches.
Caernarfon Castle
Not actually on Anglesey, Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. You can take the best Instagram picture of Caernarfon on Aber Foreshore Road, park in the park around the corner from the castle, where you’ll have a spectacular view of the castle. This is what we did and it gave us the best view of the castle without being right under it looking up. To enter the castle charges are Adults £11.10 / Children £7.80 and there is a no dogs allowed policy meaning we didn’t go in.
Penrhyn castle
Also not on Anglesey, Penrhyn Castle, built in the 19th century, it’s less a fortification than a fantasy. But it’s still pretty spectacular to see a Victorian interpretation of a medieval fortress. It is a lovely propety that unfortunatly we couldn’t enter due to having Barney with us, although you could take it in turns. We had a walk round the gardens instead.
Penrhyn Castle is a National Trust property which is free to members or Adults £13 / Children £6.50 Dogs are allowed in all the grounds but not inside the castle.
South Stack Lighthouse
South Stack is a lighthouse and RSPB reserve just off the Northwest coast of Anglesey. Known for its many seabirds such as the puffins and guillemots that frequent the area. This was the first place we visited in Anglesey and it was very windy but the lighthouse itself was beautiful to look at. If you decide to brave the steps down to the lighthouse there is a tour of the former lighthouse engine room, but there are 400 steps to get back up to the top! There are plenty of coastal walks in this area, where you can spend a day walking around and enjoying the scenery.
To enter the lighthouse charges are Adults £7.50 / Children £3.50
Newborough Beach
This location is incredible for so many reasons, but the views are certainly the highlight. From the rugged mountains to the soft sand beach and the pine forest that runs along the coast. This was by far the best place on Anglesey we went to. It was very windy but we found a way on to the beach where we weren’t pelted with sand. There are unfortunately dog restrictions through summer.
Cemaes Bay
Cemaes Bay is the most northerly village in Wales. With two beaches and an idyllic harbour, this location was a good stop. There’s apparently a great hut on the harbour carpark that serves incredible smoke fire pizzas, freshly made just for you. Cemaes bay also has dog restrictions through summer
Welsh village with the longest name
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (Llanfair PG for short) is a small, quiet town on the island of Anglesey off the northwest coast of North Wales, famous for having the longest place name in Europe. We didn’t stop anywhere other than the train station to see the name in full because it was the end of the day and we were ready to head home. It was fun watching Chris try to pronounce it unsuccessfully though.
