Rhosneigr and Anglesey: More Than Just A Beach Holiday!
We rightly celebrate the Anglesey coastline as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has awe-inspiring coastal walks.
Its broad, sandy beaches are stunning, the stuff of happy family holidays whose memories last a lifetime.
And those who discover Anglesey later in life are in for a treat.
The Green Coast seaside award-winning Rhosneigr beach is especially famous. Lying on Anglesey’s western shore, it actually comprises two beaches, Traeth Crigyll and Traeth Llydan. That makes Rhosneigr a popular centre for watersports. If you enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing and even wing foiling, there is nowhere better in the UK.
Alternatively, simply enjoy a long walk on the beach, admiring the rocky outcrops and dramatic sand dunes. Nearby Llyn Maelog even features an accessible boardwalk for birdwatchers and other wildlife lovers who want to get really close to the action. No wonder so many of us relish the prospect of a holiday cottage in Anglesey.
Off-Season Is The New Peak Season
If you’re picturing a typical summer beach holiday, you are not wrong. Anglesey in general and Rhosneigr in particular are ideal for traditional bucket-and-spade fun. The beaches are perfect for swimming and sunbathing when the weather is fine. But that’s not the whole picture.
Ramblers enjoy Anglesey’s many scenic walks at all times of year. In fact, the changing seasons only add to the natural splendour on offer. The freshness of spring, the bold colours of autumn and the austere beauty of winter in this rugged and inspiring part of Wales have to be experienced to be believed.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Lovers of wildlife have particular reason to get excited about what can be seen all year round in Anglesey. Coastal path walkers routinely spot grey seals on and around the beaches. Further offshore it’s not unusual to see dolphins and porpoises at play. And naturally there are huge numbers of seabirds to be seen, especially at RSPB reserves like the one at South Stacks cliffs. Anglesey is home to not one buy three species of tern and choughs can often be spotted in the west and north of the island. Meanwhile, the island’s estuaries such as Malltraeth attract abundant numbers of waders and wildfowl.
Perhaps most famously, just off the coast is the uninhabited Puffin Island, a Special Protection Area because of its 750 pairs of cormorants. Cruises are available to give visitors fantastic views of some of the most exciting wildlife ‘Wild Wales’ has to offer.
Nature, Adventure And History Too
Other important reserves include Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve. In addition to its vast sand dunes, the reserve features an Animal Puzzle Trail for kids. There are not one but two family friendly cycle trails, a trim trail and two waymarked running trails. Ideal for those seeking an adrenaline boost as part of their wild Welsh holiday. In fact, Anglesey is a great destination for runners and cyclists as well as water sports enthusiasts. Explore its quiet roads and beautiful surroundings at speed or at your leisure.
But don’t forget to visit Beaumaris Castle. Edward I built this classic Norman concentric castle seven hundred years ago in a bid to conquer north Wales. Some of the locals had other ideas, and the castle was briefly captured during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr. It also played a part in the Civil Wars of the 17th century before becoming a stately home in the 19th century. It is now open to visitors, who can discover its fascinating history in more detail.
Of course, Anglesey is also home to the world-famous mouthful of a village that is Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. The railway station, with its super-sized nameplate, is always popular with tourists. But the nearby church, hidden gardens and sea zoo are all worth a visit too.
Whatever your plans, and whatever the time of year, get ready to explore Anglesey.