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  • Cemlyn Bay

    Cemlyn Bay

    Cemlyn Bay is a stunningly special location on the north west coast of Anglesey. The bay consists of a steep shingle beach stretching over 600 metres round with rocky outcrops to the right. Cemlyn Bay has a little bit for everyone, sea fishing, bird watching or just taking in the beautiful scenery.

    The bay is a favourite spot of many anglers but they don’t get on well the resident grey seals! Behind the shingle beach is a man made brackish Lagoon. Cemlyn Bay is home to hundreds of sea birds and has the only breeding Sandwich Terns in Wales. These both make up part of the Cemlyn Bay nature reserve.

    The Cemlyn estate is owned by the National Trust and is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. It is also an area of special scientific interest and part of Angleseys heritage coast. I told you it was special!

    The bay is definitely a place to visit if you particularly enjoy watching various bird species. Plenty of native species are here year round with some migratory ones stopping over.

    Parking is plentiful on both sides of the bay and it is currently free. The carpark to the west (Bryn Aber) will put you closer to the birds, its a lot more of an interesting area to explore. The one to the east will leave you with a bit of a walk but its also better for anglers.

    You can find Bryn Aber carpark by clicking this link Bryn Aber

    Cemlyn Bay car park directions are available HERE

    The closest toilets are in Cemaes on the main road LL67 0HH or the beach car park LL67 0ND

  • Private Beach

    Private Beach

    Known as private beach as it was, well, a private beach in the past. Moreover to others it is known as the secret beach at Penrhos. It is located on the edge of the Penrhos nature reserve, a beautiful beach in a fantastic location.

    At high tide the beach is small, backed by soft white sands. To the rear of the beech are woodlands, home to the rare Red Squirrel. As the tide recedes the beach opens up into a vast expanse, exposing Rock pools which are always great for the kids. Moreover the dogs will love the flat sandy beach, there is literally tons of space for them to run around. From here you can also see the ferries as they come and go from Holyhead Port.

    The closest nearby parking is on the Penrhos Coastal Park car park, its free too. There are toilets here and more often than not, a decent burger van. Also there is a great little cafe on the left before the main car park called the Toll House.

    To get to the beach you have two options. At low tide you can follow the soft sand around the bay to find Private Beach. This way can be a bit wet and muddy sometimes so maybe is not the best option. Secondly but definitely the best way is to walk through the woodlands, theres always a chance of catching a glimpse of the rare red squirrels and other wildlife too. Moreover the is also a pet cemetery in the woods and a 13th century Notre close by.

    To say Private Beach is known as the secret beach at Penrhos, its a busy coastal park with over 100,000 vistors per year. If you leave the woodland path it quite easy to find.

    Definitely worth a visit, great for the kids and dogs too. A great beach with alot more going for it than the soft white sands, get out and explore it.

    42 Stanley Avenue, Valley, Holyhead LL65 2JE

    The closest toilets are on the car park and have been open every time we have been.

  • Bird watching in Anglesey

    Bird watching in Anglesey

    Bird watching in Anglesey is fantastic! For such a small island it has such a diverse range of habitats. Drawing in regular seen birds throughout the British Isles and some much rarer species. (And Red Squirrels…just saying)

    Anglesey is an island of hills, cliffs, heaths, sand marshes and wetland areas. Each drawing in a multitude of adapted birds to each area. Lets look at the rarer species and the habitats we can see them in. When bird watching in Anglesey we have some awesome species to look at. Moreover most of the island is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

    Puffins

    Who doesn’t love Puffins? These special birds can be seen at two areas in Anglesey which are in opposite corners of this fantastic island. Puffin Island just off Penmon Point to the North East and South Stack on Angleseys South Western coast.

    Peregrine Falcon

    Fastest bird on the planet? Oh, yes indeed. It can be seen around the island, Try anywhere with high cliffs or tall man made structures. South Stack and the 2 bridges on Anglesey are a great place to start.

    Choughs

    Rare type of bird? Yes, but its largest colony in the UK is based in Anglesey. Chuffs inhabit westerly facing cliffs quick it what Anglesey has. South Stack and the surrounding areas is the perfect place for them.

    Raven roost

    Yes, Ravens. In fact it’s largest roost of Ravens in the world. You can find them in the pine forest in Newborough. Located on in the south east corner of Anglesey, it is also home to Red Squirrels.

    Small Eared Owls

    Not exactly a rare species but one that is worth a mention. These owls love to hunt among salt marshes for voles and other small creatures. The area around Abeffraw is the best place to see them in there natural habitat. Top tip – winter is the best time to search them out.Some of the best locations to see birds on Anglesey are listed below.

    RSPB Valley Wetlands

    RSPB South Stack

    Puffin Island

    Cemlyn Bay

    Anglesey Coastal Path

    Common birds live all over Anglesey which is home to many different types of sea and inland birds species. This helps compliment the rarer types and frequent visitors to the island. There is always a special bird during the year to see, you just have to find them. Throughout the year there are many migratory birds that will turn up on the island. Not all of these are rare in terms of numbers but its rare to see them in the UK.

    Get your binos, spotting scope and camera and get out and look! Bird spotting in Anglesey is great, you may even see Red Squirrels and the elusive Otters. I know they are not birds but who wouldn’t want to see them on their travels.

  • Plane Spotting in Anglesey

    Plane Spotting in Anglesey

    Plane spotting in Anglesey is great, particularly if you are in to military aviation. The major training base of RAF Valley is located on this stunning island. Moreover it has regular movements of the Hawk training aircraft as well as more powerful and exotic visitors.

    The Hawks are usually training day in day out Monday to Friday dependant on the weather. RAF Valley does not usually have any flying at weekends or bank holidays. As expected no flying schedule is issued to the public for security reasons.

    When plane spotting in Anglesey you will notice a decent amount of Hawk movements. Not just at RAF Valley but passing over most areas of the island. What is great about RAF Valley are it’s visitors from the RAF and the US Air force. Again you really never know when they will arrive but its special when they do.

    Visiting aircraft to RAF Valley are usually fuelling up as part of excersises. RAF Eurofighter Typhoons are one of these visiting aircraft. That said you will also see American F15’s and recently the new special forces Ospreys have been on the base. Some of these will be on low level training through the mach loop in mid Wales.

    Once a year the base holds RAF Valley’s family day. Civilians are not able to enter the site but will still get a free Air show! Both modern and classic planes attend and if they are available the Red Arrows will put on a display.

    The great thing about plane spotting in Anglesey is RAF Valley’s location. The sand dunes which back on to the airfield give great elevated views of the runway. This allows you to see all aircraft take off and land. Moreover near the base entrance there is a large free carpark next to the opposite side of the runway.

    On the west side of the runway is the town of Rhosneigr over which the planes fly. There are some grassy areas where the aircraft fly right above you. Shoreside caravan and camping park sits directly underneath the flight path. It’s literally the best alarm clock ever as the jets scream overhead.

    You can’t miss the plane spotters carpark just outside of RAF Valley, you can find it at LL65 3NX. It is also home to the Valley Aviation Society, https://www.valleyaviationsociety.co.uk/

    At the opposite side of the runway is Rhosneigr which has plenty of free on road parking. Toilets, shops and cafes etc are here if you need anything. Some stunning places to stay or let too.

    On a side note you will also see some helicopter movements at times and at weekends too.

    Check it out, it’s worth a visit and the surrounding areas are fantastic too.

  • Short Eared Owl

    Short Eared Owl

    Short Eared Owl are one of natures great little predators that you can see in Anglesey.

    So called due to the little tufts of feathers that resemble little ears. These medium sized owls are unusual in that they are not nocturnal and prefer to hunt during the day. Instead of using a traditional tree nest the Short Eared Owl will nest in small ground hollows. The nesting hollows are surrounded with feathers and grass.

    The UK has around between 1000 and 2000 breeding pairs which are usually in the north and across Scotland. During winter Short Eared owls will often fly across from Scandinavia, Iceland and Russia to hunt. They will also move further south than where they normally nest in the northern uplands of the UK. With their numbers bolstered this the best time to see them in Anglesey.

    Habitat plays a key part in where you will find these fantastic animals. Their preference is for low lying coastal marshes and wetlands. Anglesey has a few of these areas that a perfect hunting grounds for the Short Eared Owls.

    One if not the best place to see these great creatures is the area around Aberffraw during winter. It’s the perfect area for them to hunt small animals such as there favoured prey, Voles.

    Typically Short Eared Owl are between a length of 34-42cm with a wingspan of 90-105cm. The average weight of the stunning birds is between 260-350g. Tracked ringed birds have been know to fly down to Africa. One Owl clocked an average speed of 50mph across the English channel as it migrated.

    Don’t forget the best time to see these birds in Anglesey is the end of December through to February. Aberffraw is located following post code LL63 5AJ on the south west coast of Anglesey. There is plenty of free parking moreover the A4080 has plenty too.

    Bear in mind it can be cold and blustery at this time of year so dress appropriately. Long range camera lenses and binoculars are best so as not to disturbe the Owls.

  • Anglesey beaches with Dog restrictions

    Anglesey beaches with Dog restrictions

    Anglesey Beaches with dog restrictions. There are loads of great beaches on Anglesey for the dogs, vast expanses for them to run around to their hearts content. Anglesey has lots of dog friendly beaches they can enjoy year round, check out our dog friendly beach article HERE.

    There are however some Anglesey beaches with dog restrictions in place, these only cover the peak tourist months only. This is between 1st May to 30th September.

    • Beaumaris
    • Benllech
    • Cemaes Bay
    • Llanddwyn, Newborough
    • Llanddona
    • Porth Dafarch
    • Trearddur Bay

    Although these beaches have restrictions in place it does not mean it is a blanket ban covering the whole beach. Many have dog friendly areas ie the eastern section of Llanddwyn is huge and dog friendly. Moreover the western side of Trearddur Bay is also dog friendly.

    Just remember to clean up after your pups and hopefully there wont be any more restriction for our canine companions.

  • Penrhos Coastal Park

    Penrhos Coastal Park

    Penrhos coastal park is located just outside of Holyhead and has a bit of everything. The park is a jack of all trades but actually comes close to mastering them all. History, sea, and wildlife are blended into one fantastic park to visit. The park covers an area of around 200 acres too so there’s plenty of room.

    First off there is ample parking and its free too which is an added bonus. Moreover its super easy to find as it’s just off the Cob. That’s the A5 Stanley Embankment which is the original road to Holy island before the A55 was built.

    We were not sure where to start with this one as it has plenty of things to take in so here we go.

    Red Squirrels

    What’s not to love? There are enough of these rarer squirrels to makes the trip alone. You may see them as you walk through the wooded paths. Better still there are a few “feeding stations” where they have become used to getting easy food. The squirrels have become a little more used to people watching them. No sudden movements or barking dogs and they will happily let you watch them.

    Walking and Cycling

    Penrhos Coastal park is a great place for walking, jogging and Cycling. There are loads of paths around the site. Further more it’s part of the Anglesey coastal path and national cycle route 8 to Holyhead. At low tide there are sections of the beach which you can also use.

    Private Beach

    What a cracker, Private beach is also known as the hidden or secret beach. It can only be reached by walking through Penrhos Coastal Park. It’s backed soft sand and is quite extensive at low tide. Moreover the views are decent too with views of the breakwater and Anglesey. You may also spot the ferrys as they come and go from Holyhead Port.

    Pet Cemetery

    This one might not be for everyone but its in the woods and you will probably stumble upon it. It’s Penrhos most quirkier feature with some stones dating back to the 70’s. It’s definitely pretty enough with Bluebells growing among the stones and it’s still in use to date.

    Fishing

    Sea anglers will target the fish that come in with the flowing tide. Some will use lures and fish around the Stanley Embankment others bottom fish. Different species caught in this area including more elusive Garfish and smoothhounds. This is as well as Bass, Dabs, Whiting and dogfish that are numerous in the area.

    If your feeling peckish or fancy a drink there is a burger van on the carpark. You also have the option of a sit down meal at the cafe next to the entrance.

    The address for the coastal park is:

    42 Stanley Avenue, Valley, Holyhead LL65 2JE

    There are toilets on the main car park.

  • Free things to do in Anglesey

    Free things to do in Anglesey

    Looking for free things to do in Anglesey? We’ve got you covered.

    With its 124 miles of coastal path to walk you will always find something fun and free to do. That’s a lot of ground to cover that’s full of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. Moving inland this fascinating island has history going further back than the Neolithic period. Lots of relics and dwellings from these ancient times are still visible today. Anglesey has this and much, much more to offer. It really does have a bit of something for everyone.

    There may be parking charges involved for some of the locations. Let’s have a look at free things to do in Anglesey. Both attractions and activities.

    A young boy holding a small purple flower he just found during summer in Anglesey
    Get out an explore

    Free Attractions

    Parys Mountain – Closed open cast mine,

    South Stack RSPB – Nature reserve, puffins in summer

    The Dingle Nature Reserve – catch a glimpse of Red Squirrels

    Aberlleiniog Castle – Castle hidden in the woodlands

    Moelfre Sea Watch – RNLI Visitor centrre

    Holyhead Breakwater Country Park – keep an eye out for seals

    Penrhos Coastal Park – Red Squirrels and castle ruins

    Oriel Ynys Môn – Museum of Anglesey

    St Tysilio’s Church, Church Island – Stunning place and location

    Anglesey Circuit – Track days only

    An image of an information board showing free places to visit in Anglesey

    Free Activities

    Coastal Path – 124 miles of amazement

    Llanddwyn Island- An enchanting island

    Sea Fishing – Sharks, Ray and Congor

    Cycling – Miles of road with unspoiled views

    Bird Watching – Puffins, Owls and more

    Plane Spotting – Raf Valley training base

    Finding Seals – Colonies around the island

    Looking for Red Squirrels – Plenty of these magical critters

    Beaches – 7 blue flag and many hidden gems

    Coastal Foraging – Abundance of marine foods

    The best thing to do on Anglesey is just to get out and explore. There are so many little treasures and hidden coves to find. Let us know if you find any!

    Happy hunting

  • Best books about Anglesey

    Best books about Anglesey

    Let’s look at some of the best books about Anglesey. Given the islands relatively small size lots of books have been written about this little Emrald. There is literally so much to see and do on Anglesey they just want to tell you all about it! If you are thinking of visiting some of these books will help you plan a memorable trip. Before we look at the best books on Anglesey, I’ll give you an idea why it’s so well written about.

    The island of Anglesey is steeped in history and has strong ties to the sea. During one of its most famous periods it was home to the ancient druids. Relics of this long forgotten past are visible all areas of this stunning island. Some of these ruins are in good condition considering their age and all can be seen by visitors.

    Following the druids and the subsequent Roman invasion Anglesey become an important maritime island. Tales of shipwrecks litter it’s windy and rocky coastline. Many of these have become important tourist attractions with divers coming from around the UK.

    Another important aspect of Angleseys past is it’s mining heritage. Parys Mountain is a huge open cast copper mine, it’s varied pastel colours need to be seen to be believed. Moreover it even has its own vistor centre.

    Ruins of old an Porcelain works, the old brickworks looks like a film set from an alien world. There are also many other reminders around the island of Angleseys more recent industrial past.

    Anglesey is also great to get out and about with miles of walkways and it’s impressive 137 mile coastal past. The long country road ways are frequented by cyclists as a way to explore the island. Moreover as you explore this stunning island you will get to meet its native animals.

    The rare Red Squirrels inhabits several areas as well these fascinating critters there are also Otters around. Many more creatures call Anglesey home, the seas around the island a also bursting with marine life. Regular visits from Dolphins, resident Seals and occasionally Whales can be see from the coastal path. It is a Mecca for anglers who try their hand at catching Rays and Sharks.

    The books in the list are in no particular order, they are here to cater to various interests. We’ll include a bit of fiction to that you can read while you visit. Without further ado here’s our list of the best books on Anglesey

    The Anglesey Murders

    There are 5 books in this thrilling series by Conrad Jones.

    Anglesey Ghosts

    The are several books in this series by Bunty Austin. Delve into the paranormal history of Anglesey.

    Anglesey Coastal Path

    With 124 miles of coastal path to trek this book will help you find your way. This the perfect guide to it’s estuaries, beaches, forest and cliffs.

    The Rocks of Anglesey’s Coast

    A easy to read comprehensive guide to Angleseys geology. Written by Jack E. Treagus and Susan H. Treagus.

    The Guide to Anglesey

    A great book covering all aspects of Anglesey from the past to the present day

    If you think there are awesome books about Anglesey we have missed let us know and we will add them.

  • Dog friendly Beaches on Anglesey

    Dog friendly Beaches on Anglesey

    Dog friendly beaches on Anglesey. When it comes to days out to the beach or your seaside holiday it’s great to watch our canine companions have fun. There are loads of stunning beaches on Anglesey with more being dog friendly than you may expect. Moreover some of the pristine blue flag beaches allow dogs outside of the main holiday season.

    All beaches were dog restrictions are in place are always clearly signed to say as much. Some beaches simply do not allow dogs between certain months of the year, others allow dogs in specific areas of the beach only. Dog restrictions apply from the 1st May up to the 30th September every year. These restriction do apply to some certain areas on beaches listed below, if it does we’ll let you know.

    Something to bear in mind when visiting Anglesey Beaches is that they are all very tidal, if the tide is fully in there may be very little beach available.

    Lets have a look below at some of the dog friendly beaches on Anglesey.

    Cable Bay

    A cracking little sandy beach just outside of the town of Rhosneigr on the western coast of Anglesey. The headlands on either side of the beach helps to shelter the beach from windy conditions. What’s more these form part of the Anglesey coastal path, which is great for the dogs too.

    If you are in the area why not check out Barclodiad Y Gawres, a 5000 year old Neolithic burial chamber. It only a few minutes walk from the beach along the western headland. There is a pay and display car park directly behind the beach, it’s small and fills quickly in summer.

    Porth Nobla

    On the other side of the headland heading west from Cable bay is Porth Nobla. Barclodiad Y Gawres is easily accessible from here too along the coastal path.

    A sandy beach with rocky section containing numerous Rock pools to explore. It’s not the biggest beach, however there is more than enough room to allow your canine companions to stretch their legs.

    Tyn Tywyn Beach

    Tyn Tywyn has a mixture of soft sand and fine shingle sections of beach. Quite a large beach, particularly at low tide. Plenty of room for the dogs to run around even with other beach users around.

    To the rear of the beach there are sand dunes full of Marram grass. Behind these dunes is quite a large pay and display carpark. Just be aware the ground is very uneven in places, there are toilets here that are open in summer.

    Rhosneigr Beach

    Traeth Llydan or Broad Beach as it is also known is great for the dogs. The beach consists of coarse sand and is a particularly large beach. There are also ample walking paths in the sand dunes to the rear. Toilets are available a short walk away in the town centre. As are shops and a chippy!

    Rhosneigr Town Beach

    Town Beach is a great open beach for dog walking. It is however very popular with holiday makers in the summer months as well as water sports enthusiasts. If you a looking for somewhere quieter in summer then this beach is not for you. Shops and conveniences are located close by as well as street parking.

    Crygill Beach

    Crygill is one of the best beaches to walk your dog on Anglesey, seriously it is huge! Its is tidal and remote but safe too. You can park up in the town of Rhosneigr and make you way down the beach, there are fantastic sand dunes that are perfect for dogs to the rear. There are no facilities close by and that includes parking, its definitely worth the walk though. Due to its lack of close facilities you will usually have the beach to yourself, its also very quiet in summer.

    Cymryan Beach

    Cymryan Beach is next door to Crigyll Beach and just as open and desolate, each leads on to the next and are separated by ys Feirig. This rocky outcrops splits what is effectively one massive beach, and its always quiet. Perfect for the dogs or even horses too. Just bear in mind there are no facilities close by so everything will need to be taken with you.

    Benllech Beach

    Benllech is a hugely popular beach in one of the larger tourist hotspots on Anglesey. Benllech does unfortunately have a dog ban in place, this covers the beach directly infront of the car park. However the east side of the beach is huge and perfect for the dogs. Most of the beach is covered at high tide but this still gives plenty of time for the dogs to enjoy it.

    Cemaes Bay

    Cemaes has two beaches, the one to the east is smaller with rocky areas. Totally dog friendly all year round, the main beach however is cover by the dog restrictions. On the north west area next to this is dog friendly but there isn’t much beach to exercise the dogs. Perfectly fine if you fancy a bit of time on the beach to chill out with the dog. Camaes beach does have local facilities on hand, very close by.

    Llanddwyn, Newborough

    Absolutely huge but you can only choose to walk east to the Menai, the beach is backed by some fantastic dunes. Secondly west takes you to Llanddwyn Island with Newborough forest to the rear. Unfortunately west of the carpark is covered by the dog restrictions. Going out on a limb here…It’s probably Angleseys most fantastic area for walking, absolutely stunning. The parking area cost £5 for the day and has toilets, moreover there is usually an icecream van too.

    Trearddur Bay

    Your best friend is allowed on the westerly side of the beach, which area is clearly sign posted. It’s a decent sized area but like Porth Dafarch it is a very popular beach if the sun pops out. From the 1st May to 30th September dogs are banned from the easterly side of the beach. There is a large pay and display carpark to the rear complete with toilets.

    Sandy Beach

    Sandy Beach is a huge expanse of beach, perfect for everyone and not just the dogs. There is free parking on the road / track down the the beach, you need to get there early though. It’s a popular and busy beach, somehow the water is always pristine and clear. There are no public facilities close by although there is a holiday park with toilets and a shop close by.

    Aberffraw Beach

    Aberffraw beach is totally dog friendly and it’s huge. You have two option getting there really. Follow the river down from the village, it’s a cracker of a walk with postcard scenery. Secondly you can walk through the sand dunes and if you’re lucky in winter you may see the Short Eared Owls around. Defo one to check out.

    There are many other dog friendly beaches on Anglesey, unfortunately not quite as big as the list above. Literally only 7 have restrictions in place. These are the following :

    • Beaumaris
    • Benllech
    • Cemaes Bay
    • Llanddwyn, Newborough
    • Llanddona
    • Porth Dafarch
    • Trearddur Bay

    Just make sure you clean up after your canine friends and everyone is a happy camper. There are plenty of dog waste bins around the island. Unfortunately some irresponsible owners are leaving little black bags of dog mess behind. If it continues it may lead to further restrictions which we really dont want!

  • Haunted Anglesey

    Haunted Anglesey

    Anglesey is an island steeped in history and ancient folklore going back over five millennia. That’s a long time to grow its spooky population! Likewise there are tales a plenty of Ghosts from all over Haunted Anglesey. Ladies in white to the ghost of Wylfa power station, ghost hot spots litter the landscape. With a unique history like Anglesey its should be no surprise there are spectral goings on.

    Archaeological history has been dated all the way back to the Neolithic period. Moreover there are plenty of places you can visit to see some of it for yourself. Ynys Mon once held a significant population of druids that were subsequently massacred by the Romans in around AD57. The island of Anglesey around this time was known as Mona. The Romans believed human sacrifice and other unsavory acts occurred across the island.

    Anglesey has always had a great connection with sea travel as you would expect from a large island. There have been literally hundreds of ship wrecks around its coast over the years. The strong prevailing westerly wind has a habit of driving ships up on to the rocks around the islands 137 miles of coastline.

    A famous example is the Royal Charter with crashed upon the rocks near Moelfre in 1859. Laden with Australian gold the ship was wrecked with around 450 lives lost during a force 12 storm. The storm itself was then named after the ship, it led in part to the the first gale warning system being created by Captain Robert Fitzroy.

    Neolithic burial mounds, Roman ruins, ship wrecks to castles and stately homes, all are said to house various apparitions. Ghost can apparently be found all over the island. As well ghost hunting groups organise trips to places such as Plas Newydd and Beaumaris Goal. The latter held prisoners prior to their execution at Gallows Point. The last time a prisoner was hanged at the goal was in 1862.

    What about the ghost of Wylfa head? Reputed to be Rosina Hickman, a famous opera singer. Consequently a theory is that Rosina wanders the area around the power station and the cliff tops, missing from the place she remembers. 

    Check the ancient ruins spread out across the island. Thousands of years of history in localised locations. Relics of burial grounds and ancient dwelling. For instance Bryn Celli Ddu, one of these ancient mounds translates to “Mound in the dark grove”. How cool is that? Up in the north of Anglesey are the remains of an ancient bronze age village, Din Lligwy. Furthermore this is one of the earliest known dwellings that are still visible on Anglesey. Moreover just before South Stack are the remains of iron age round houses. All potential hotspots for paranormal activity.

    Hunting for Ghosts on Haunted Anglesey can be great fun, night or day there is always plenty to see and do. Whether or not you find a ghost you will have great fun exploring this fabulous island.

    What are you waiting for? Get ghost hunting on Anglesey today!

  • Menai Bridge

    Menai Bridge

    The Menai Bridge is the original gateway to Anglesey and construction was started on the bridge in 1818. Moreover it was the largest of its kind, all previous suspension bridges across the world were much smaller.

    It was Designed by Thomas Telford and construction was completed on the 30th of January 1826. Once the bridge was finished road traffic and people would be able to cross safely between Anglesey and mainland Wales. This was the principal reason for the bridges construction, a road connection was needed for what was quickly becoming an important route.

    With the Union between Britain and Ireland taking place it was an important route for diplomats travelling from Ireland to Parliament. A quicker way was needed and not just for the diplomats coming from Ireland. It made life far safer and simpler for the local population.

    Prior to the bridge the only way to cross the Menai was via ferries. The Menai Strait was and still is a dangerous section of water with strong tidal currents. The locals and diplomats alike would have to make this perilous crossing on every journey. Plenty of boats capsized or crashed on to the rocks when making this perilous journey. It also gave local farmers a way of safely moving their cattle to the markets on the mainland. Land owners would have to wait until low tide and swim their cattle across the Menai, this would often lead to losses.

    The Menai suspension Bridge was made from the nearby quarry at Penmon. It was loaded onto boats and floated down to the construction site.

    The closest toilets are by the library and are open year round LL59 5AS.