The 18 Best Things to See on Anglesey (Ynys Môn)
Beyond the rippled spine of the North Welsh mainland lies an ethereal legend cloaked in the mists of the Menai Strait. An ancient land of Druids, Celts, and more sheep than one could hope to fornicate with – Ynys Môn (or Anglesey for English speakers!)
Affectionally known as Mam Cymru or Wales’ Mother, this rocky little outcrop in the middle of the Irish Sea is the true jewel in a Celtic crown. It has lived as a legendary stronghold for countless historic figures against the might of the English, Roman and even Viking empires! Mona has survived it all as a bastion of Welshness. A land where the English language becomes secondary, replaced by the deep rhythmic rumbles of Welsh – the original Britonic language, the dragon’s tongue.
No, it’s not a land of rollercoasters or skydives. It’s a land of roots, history, and more importantly, it’s home – where my Welsh heart lies. So in that case, here are the 12 best things to see on Ynys Môn (or Anglesey to you English speakers!).
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Table of Contents
Beaumaris Castle
This beautiful little moat-rimmed fortress is the only remaining castle on Anglesey! The hulking brute of stonework appeared in the late 13th century under the rule of Edward I as part of his campaign to bring Wales under his rule. So the jury’s out on whether it should be seen as a symbol of Welsh pride or an oppressive reminder.
Though it’s not all doom and gloom! Within its immaculate moats and concentric walls, every narrow passage and every detail whispers tales of battles and sieges fought over this very land.
The castle finds itself in the charming coastal town of Beaumaris– a worthy highlight in its own right. Its coastal location to the east of Anglesey provides the area with one of the best views back towards the mainland.
Menai Suspension Bridge
Luckily, the forgotten lands of Anglesey aren’t completely shut off from the outside world. This architectural beauty, along with the nearby Britannia Bridge, permanently connects the island to the rest of the British mainland.
Both bridges cross the treacherous whirlpool-filled waters of the Menai Strait. Their swirling currents twist through the narrow channel and feed nutrient-rich waters to the famous Menai mussels clinging to the rocks beneath.
From a distance, the Britannia Bridge offers a stunning postcard view that’s synonymous with the island, showcasing the beauty of Eryri Mountain and all that makes this island so special. Yet the bridge is equally beautiful up close, with walking trails leading over and under its magnificent structure.
South Stack Lighthouse
Being a tiny little island in the middle of the Irish Sea, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of coastal spots to marvel at – and this is by far one of the best!
The postcard image of the gleaming white lighthouse perched upon a rocky outcrop is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Despite being battered by constant winds and crashing waves, this lonely guardian has braved the storms and guided ships safely through one of Britain’s most treacherous stretches of sea since 1809.
Surprisingly, you can even visit it yourself! As long as you’re willing to climb the extraordinary number of stairs to get to the bridge at the bottom.
Llanddwyn Island
From one rocky outcrop to another, but this one has a far greater significance to Welsh culture. This unassuming little winswept peninsula holds the relics of a humble little chapel, which is home to the story of Saint Dwynwen – the Welsh patron saint of lovers, or more commonly referred to as the Welsh Valentine’s! As such, it’s a common pilgrimage spot for hopeful romantics.
Llanddwyn Island adds to its mysticism by only really being an island half of the time! That’s dictated by the whims of the tides, which from one time to the next will cut off its heartbroken relic from the outside world.
Ribride Along the Menai Strait
The wild waters of the Menai Strait are not to be messed with; the ominous whirlpools below have claimed more than their fair share of victims. However, in the hands of a trained professional, there’s no better way of experiencing the unique divide that separates the island from the nearby mainland.
Sitting on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat), the swift guides take visitors beneath the Menai Suspension Bridge to where the island breaks open to the Irish Sea. As such, there’s no more exhilarating way to experience the island firsthand!
On the way, you’ll be able to pass stunning villages and noteworthy sites on both sides of the channel, including one of Wales’ best castles in Caernarfon, and the mighty grounds of Plasnewydd. Speaking of which…
Plas Newydd House and Gardens
Despite the lack of infrastructure and severe lack of genetic diversity, my beloved home of Anglesey is still cherished by the more affluent classes.
There’s no better evidence of that fact than Plas Newydd – the grandiose stately home that makes Downton Abbey look like a Victorian orphanage. The opulent décor and grandiose portraits go some way to show the influences of centuries of nobility.
The manicured lawns and gardens with their free-roaming peacocks continue the opulent vibe. Yet nothing beats the incredible views along the shorelines, providing nothing but the beauty of nature as far as the eye can see.
Parys Mountain
While not strictly a mountain per se, this post-apocalyptic wasteland once played a vital role in shaping the modern civilisations that we have today!
It was once the largest copper mine in the world, with its history dating back to the Bronze Age. Sadly, those good times didn’t last, leaving behind a strange yet beautiful echo to an industry left to rot. Nowit’s become a kaleidoscope of sulphur-stained craters, rust-red cliffs, and pools of toxic turquoise.
From the summit, the view opens up across Anglesey and the Irish Sea that surrounds it.
Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber
This unassuming little island is home to far more history than people care to realise. In fact, there’s evidence of civilisations here from over 5,000 years ago! Bryn Celli Ddu is one of the many relics that prove so.
This Prehistoric Neolithic tomb is more than just a simple burial chamber; it’s evidence of how in tune with the cosmos this civilisation was. The entrance to this lumpy mound of grass perfectly aligns with the summer solstice sunrise. If you were fortunate enough to stand there at that time, you’d see the first beam of light crawling its way down the passage a la Indiana Jones until it hits the inner chamber.
On top of that, carvings on the chamber’s pillars still remain a mystery to this day. Trippy stuff.
Anglesey Coastal Path
Unless it was perfectly clear by now, Anglesey is in fact… an island. The benefit of a 360-degree coastline is that each spot has its own unique charm and beauty (some featured on this list). Better yet, you can pretty much walk around it in its entirety!
The Anglesey Coastal Path take you all the way along the island’s wind-gnawed cliffs and wind-swept beaches, bringing you past ancient druid stones, quaint little villages and one too many sheep.
Newborough Forest and Beach
Beyond Llanddwyn Island and its tranquil beach, the forests of Newborough hold an equally mystical serenity. The lands are reserved for wildlife and towering pines, which make the scenes far more ancient than they really are.
The area was once home to great ever-changing dunes battered by the bitter ocean winds. That’s why in the 1940s a large forest of pines was planted to reduce its shape-shifting nature. Doing so has encouraged a rich selection of wildlife to thrive within, most notably the iconic red squirrel, which has found a safe home among the pines. The area also comes with plenty of wonderful forest tracks, paths, walking routes and birds to spot.
The ultimate guide to hiking up to the summit of Wales’ highest mountain
– Yr Wyddfa
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
Despite looking like the results of a cat walking across a keyboard, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is the genuine name of this tiny little Welsh town. Unsurprisingly, that makes it the longest place name in Europe (not the world, sadly – damn you New Zealand!)
So what makes this place deserving of such an extraordinary name… well… not much really.
In a genius bit of Victorian marketing, the town renamed itself to attract visitors to its new train station at the time, and wouldn’t you know it, it actually worked. Coaches full of tourists arrive regularly to marvel at the signs posted throughout the town and attempt to conquer their linguistic Everest.
It’s ridiculous, it’s brilliant, it’s Wales condensed into 58 letters of defiance.
To learn more about this place, check out The Ultimate Travel Plan: Eating Snakes in Taipei’s Snake Alley!
Barclodiad y Gawres
From one Neolithic tomb to another, this is yet another burial chamber dating back to around 3000 BCE. The humble structure was believed to be used as a communal tomb by early farming communities. Excavations in the 1950s revealed a wealth of artefacts, including pottery, polished stone axes, and a variety of carved stones decorated with spiral and concentric circle motifs.
Though it may not be the most striking tomb you’ll ever see, its location is right out of a Viking or J.R.R. Tolkien playbook. It sits on a grassy headland above Porth Trecastell (Cable Bay), which overlooks the entire south-western edge of Anglesey from the cliffs above. With the powerful winds blowing in from the Atlantic combined with the tombs’ intricate carvings, there’s no doubt of the significance this spot had to Neolithic society.
The Dingle and the Llyn Cefni reservoir
This modest little nature walk might not compete with the drama of the Austrian Alps or the vast canyons of the Grand Canyon, but this trail captures the quiet soul of Anglesey better than almost anywhere else. What it lacks in grandeur, it makes up for in authenticity, peacefulness and natural simplicity.
Starting in the centre of Llangefni, the route guides ramblers straight through the town’s forest-cloaked nature reserve toward a serene pocket of woodland alive with scamperring red squirrels and a chorus of bird songs. The trail meanders beneath a leafy canopy, following well-worn paths that locals have wandered for generations, towards the tranquil serenity of Llyn Cefni. The path continues its way around the lake’s perimeter. For a time, you’re able to walk along the old abandoned railway tracks that cross the lake itself. If you had the energy, you could even follow this train track back to Llangefni for a whole new perspective.
Aberffraw Dunes
With the rugged coastline being a favoured spot for holidaymakers and the Royal Family alike, it’s still easily possible to find your own private slice of untouched unglory. Of all the nature-sculpted landscapes on the island, Aberffraw is one of the best examples.
The windswept dunes become a sun-bleached maze, like a bitterly cold Sahara. Marram grass lashes at your legs, and every crest promises a view of reckless beauty.
Trearddur Bay
This is where Anglesey comes to kicks off its boots. On a good day, the water glistens in a way that makes you question whether you accidentally drifted into the Mediterranean. The ocean and sands become filled with paddleboarders and sunburnt locals each summer, with plenty of beer on hand to wash it down.
As the evening settles, the bay shifts gears. The light melts into amber, fishing boats drift home, and the horizon turns the colour of old whisky. Grab fish and chips and watch the sun collapse behind the waves.
Anglesey Sea Zoo
Yes, a tourist trap, but a charmingly Welsh one. No flashy sharks, no dolphins doing circus tricks – just lobsters, seahorses, and squid drifting in aquariums that look like pub tanks gone rogue. A reminder of the creatures lurking under the ferry to Dublin.
Waterports in Rhosneigr
Anglesey’s bitterly cold and windswept answer to California. This is where the UK’s kite surfers and watersports bros decorate the skyline with neon wings. The wild winds create the perfect conditions for some
The beach hits you like a salt-sprayed slap of freedom, stretching out like a golden runway for adrenaline junkies, while the town behind it has a bit more of a small coastal energy. Boutique cafes with surfboards lined outside, darkened pubs and a Fat Face store, a hippie’s delight.
Holyhead Mountain
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Well…technically, it isn’t really a mountain… but close enough! Rising as the highest point in Anglesey, the hulking slab of rock crowned by heather and wind allows you to look back over the wonders of Anglesey and watch as the ferries make their way to Ireland. You might even pass an Iron Age or military leftover or two!
Below, the Holyhead Breakwater – Europe’s longest, at 1.7 miles – stretches like a concrete finger flipping the waves off. This mile and a half of stone defiance is the perfect final symbol of Anglesey’s defiance.
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