Ynys Môn is stunning whatever the weather but where to go on Anglesey when it’s raining? With it’s 134 miles of pristine coastline it boasts some great locations to visit when the sun is shining. Towering cliffs, Blue Flag beaches and a stunning array of wildlife. Moreover its got plenty of little gems to visit when the weather turns poor ie wet, windy and its time to head indoors.
When the weather is poor there is always something to see and do on Anglesey. The island is steeped in history but also caters for the more casual tourists too. We have put together a list of the best things to do on Anglesey when it’s raining.
The Jam Factory on Anglesey produces up to 10,000 jars per week. Not only jams but a varied selection of chutneys and curds too, they are delicious!
Set in the grounds of what would previously have been the farm courtyard. It’s got a real old worldly feel about it. The place certainly does not look like any sort of factory which adds to the charm. With this in mind there are no tours etc. The courtyard and work areas you can see are covered in signs from the 40’s, there is also an old car in the garage with old signs around. It all adds to the character of the courtyard.
The Jam Factory sells it’s produce under the branding of Beehive Preserves, Chutneys and Relishes. All ingredients are sourced from the UK when produce is in season. Out of season ingredients are sourced from around the world. Local honeys are also sold on site under the same branding. The site itself has a small Plum Orchard to rear which are picked at the end of August.
No entry to anywhere other than the shop
The Jam Factory is a brown sign tourist attraction but is honestly little more than a small shop and cafe. The jams and chutneys are a little expensive at £4.50 a jar but are of high quality. The caramelized red onion chutney is the Bee’s knees, best we have ever tried. You can get 3 Jars of the decent selection available for £12.50.
Its not somewhere you could spend more than 10 minutes really, if you are not after buying anything specific. The produce is worth trying as the quality is exceptional in our opinion. The cafe is actually in the old farm house, it is however poor value for money compared to pretty much anywhere else on Anglesey. Small portions at very high prices which should be on show before you walk in so you can choose to avoid if needed.
There are a few things to be aware of before you visit. The Jam factory is closed on Fridays and Sundays, it is also not dog friendly and no phones allowed on in the cafe.
The quality is really good, we’ve tried local produce from all over. The Jam Factory ranks high on our list of brands we have tried.
You can find the Jam Factory or Beehive Preserves as its known here – Nanner Farm, Cemlyn, Cemaes Bay, Anglesey. LL67 0EA.
Unfortunately the owners have now retired and will not be allowing visitors or making Jams any longer.
Parys Mountain is an awesome open cast mine just outside Amlwch in Anglesey. Mined heavily for its copper ore deposits years ago, its now a magnificent place to visit while on Anglesey.
Operations began on Parys Mountain back during the Roman occupation. So it’s got a bit of mining history to it’s name.
One thing that strikes you as you walk around the numerous paths at Parys Mountain are the colours. The pastel shades of the various stone ore that litter the site are stunning to looks at. Not only does it add to the ambiance of the area. with the sea and greenery in the back ground. More over it is accented by the numerous colourful flowers dotted around the site. Absolutely fantastic for budding photographers to hone their skills.
We had a go…..
The numerous paths around the site are great for leisurely strolls and taking the dogs for a walk. Just be mindful not to let the dogs don’t drink from the ponds just incase. Pretty though they are they may contain hazardous material left by the mining process.
As you reach the higher parts of the mines the views over the surrounding area is amazing. You can see for miles around in most directions. On the peak of one hill are the remains of the former pumping windmill. This extracted the water from the lower reaches of the mine and supported the engine.
A decent sized car park is free to use for anyone visiting the site. Information boards start your journey onto the path around Parys Mountain. These contain detail of its past history, it’s wildlife and local fauna.
You can find the carpark for Parys Mountain by heading South from Amlwch on the A5111. The carpark is on the left as you head up the hill, you can’t miss the sign posts.
The closest toilets are in Amlwch, Lon Goch, LL68 9EQ. These are across from the Coop and are open year round.
The Creek in Amlwch, an Anglesey hidden gem, its only small but the place memorises. You really feel like you have found somewhere fantastic an exotic. During the summer months the pristine blue waters look and feel as though you could be in the Caribbean. It really does.
The Creek after a stormy day
At low tide the great little beach in the bay slowly uncovers with the ebbing tide. A great place to setup camp for the kids to play and paddle, on a calm day it is a fantastic place for swimming. There is a railed path around the rocky outcrop that sticks out into the sea, this is a good spot for a bit of crabbing down the sides.
Looking back towards the steps
The creek has a history of being a swimming place favoured by the local people. Lots use the areas various paths (Anglesey coastal path) around to Creek to walk the dogs. In years gone by there were little bathing huts for people to use, these fell into disrepair. Susequently around 30 years ago they were washed into the sea and are now long since gone. Luckily the handrail steps down are still in good condition, allowing is continued use to everyone.
There are a few nooks and crannies around to explore, a small cave sits to the rear of the beach, just be careful if you take a look. The Creek in Amlwch also has some great views around the little bay, a path meanders its way around the top for you to explore. Great views too.
The Creek is only a short 10 minute walk from where you park. The path down from the parking area has decent tarmac so an easy enough and also a rather pleasant walk. Either side of the path are fields full of wild flowers of various colours, in summer anyway.
Park in the green area
Follow the path on the left
Definitely one of Angleseys numerous hidden gems. You should check it out if you are in the area, there is plenty more to do around Amlwch too.
You can find The Creek close to, Amlwch LL68 9DU.
The closest toilets are in Amlwch, Lon Goch, LL68 9EQ. These are across from the Coop and are open year round.
Church Island is the home of St Tysilio’s church, the building and adjoining cemetery take up this 2.7 acre island. Somehow it feels smaller than its size suggests, its also surround by stunning scenery. Some of best on Anglesey. St Tysilio’s was built during the 15th century, its widely believed to be a replacement church for one pre dating this from around 640AD
Church Island itself sits just off Anglesey within the Menai Strait. Close to the Menai suspension bridge, it also has a great view of the Britannia Bridge too. It’s in a perfect location to get pictures of both while you are there.
Access to Church Island and of course St Tysilio’s church are by a causeway, connecting it to Anglesey with the sea on both sides at high tide. On crossing the causeway you enter through the gate into the cemetery grounds. You are greeted by an amazing looking Yew tree with gravestones to the rear.
Heading to the left will take you straight to the church. Right, there is a path for you follow and do a bit of exploring of the island. Take your time and you will see the rabbits scurrying around as they go about their business.
St Tysilio’s church is quite small, it has no electricity but services are still held on a regular basis. It is a popular venue for weddings and has featured on the tv show Cold Feet.
The inside of the St Tysilio’s is very quaint as expected of a church of this age. Small but steeped in history of times gone by. The surrounding cemetery has graves of various ages, a few with a nautical theme which is expected due to its location.
The island is not flat, there is a rocky section that also has graves on the top. This part of the island has the Cofgolofn commemorating all the lives lost in war. Moreover it is also a great place to take a few photos, particularly of the Britannia Bridge and the surrounding areas.
You can find Church Island at Menai Bridge, there is a pay and display car park near Waitrose. It does get busy during the summer months though. There is a path through the woodland from the carpark or follow the beach road down onto Belgian promenade. This is a great route with views of both the Menai and Britannia bridges. Moreover you can walk under the Menai Bridge from here, it’s awe inspiring when looking up.
Definitely one to check out while visiting the area. Anglesey is littered with hidden gems, this is one of them for so many reasons.
Parking be found next the Jade Village Mona Rd, Menai Bridge LL59 5EA (Pay and display)
The closest toilets are by the library and are open year round LL59 5AS.
Lligwy Cromlech is a Neolithic burial chamber dating back to around 5000BC. It sits on the North East coast of Anglesey, close to the village of Moelfre.
The site is very close to the remains of the Neolithic village known as Din Lligwy. Getting there is easy as it’s just off the road to Din Lligwy next to the Moelfre roundabout. Two great sites to visit within a short distance, history you can’t miss.
Lligwy Cromlech has a cap stone of around 24 tons! It amazes how in the ancient times they can move a stone of such size and weight and not dissimilar to Stone Henge. What knowledge did the druids have that we still don’t know about to move these massive stones.
As you head to Lligwy Cromlech from Moelfre, you will see a layby. Pull in here, there is enough room for a few cars. On the opposite side of the road you will see the gate. Walk through here and Lligwy Cromlech will be right in front of you. It’s not well signed at all so use the layby as a marker. Most of the rest of the road is single track so you shouldn’t miss it.
The site itself is fenced off to stop curious visitors damaging the site. Crawling underneath or climbing on top is a definite no no. Lligwy Cromlech was excavated and remains from two periods were found. Further more these were from both the Neolithic and Bronze age as well as the remains of up to 30 people.
History buff or not it’s something fascinating to check out. Couple it with a walk to Din Lligwy and you get two great sites in one hit.
If you use the postcode Moelfre LL72 8NH to help you find it.
The closest toilets are by the library and are open year round LL59 5AS.
There are several functioning Lighthouses on Anglesey. These still serve to keep ships from straying to close to the shoreline. The lighthouses are all now empty of keepers and controlled remotely. They are all operated by Trinity House in Liverpool.
Trwyn Du, Penmon Lighthouse
Penmon lighthouse sits at the start of the Menai Strait across from Puffin Island. . Standing at 29 metres tall it was constructed between 1835 and 1838. Getting close to the lighthouse is via a private toll road costing £3.50. The closest postcode for the site for sat nav purposes is LL58 8RR.
Point Lynas Lighthouse
Point Lynas or in Welsh Goleudy Trwyn y Balog is located on the northern coast of Anglesey. Situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Irish sea near the village of Llaneilian. The area was served by a pilot station until the lighthouse was added in 1779. You can walk around the entire site and moreover the two keepers cottages on the site are available as holiday lets. The address for Point Lynas lighthouse is Llaneilian, Amlwch, Anglesey LL68 9LT
The Skerries Lighthouse
The Skerries or in Welsh Ynys Moelrhoniad are also called the Isle of Seals. Built in 1716, the only access to the Skerries is by boat as they are around 3km from mainland Anglesey.
South Stack Lighthouse / Ynys Lawd
South Stack Lighthouse is based on the Southwesterly tip of Holy island near Holyhead. Built in 1809, it sits perched on it own little island and is accessible via a small metal bridge. The lighthouse grounds and building entrance fee is £6 an adult or £3 for a child. It’s does involve a walk down over 400 fairly steep steps, coming back up is the hard part! The address for the site is RSPB Visitor centre, Holyhead LL65 1YH (parking)
Holyhead Breakwater Lighthouse
Holyhead Breakwater was built in 1873 and the lighthouse was the last structure built on the breakwater. It sits on the very end of the 1.7 mile long harbour wall, the longest in the UK. You can walk the entire length or use a bike to reach the lighthouse. You can find the lighthouse using the postcode LL65 1EP.
To quote James Turner ” Tall flashy washeys no shippy crasheys”
RNLI Moelfre currently operates a Tamar Class all weather lifeboat. The station has 37 gallantry awards, two awarded to one person Coxswain Richard Evans. There is also the Moelfre Sea Watch here, a small but interesting visitors centre.
Lifeboat House, Moelfre LL72 8LG
RNLI Beaumaris
RNLI Beaumaris has been operating for over 100 hundred years and currently has 12 gallantry awards. It operates an Atlantic 85 B class inshore lifeboat.
2 Boathouse, Beaumaris LL58 8BS
RNLI Trearddur Bay
RNLI Trearddur Bay currently operates two boats. One is a B class, the other a D class, both are inshore only and cover around 30 miles of coast. The station currently has 4 gallantry awards.
Fron Towyn, Lon Isallt, Trearddur Bay, Holyhead LL65 2UL
RNLI Holyhead
RNLI Holyhead currently operates with two boats, an all-weather Severn class lifeboat and an inshore D class lifeboat. It’s long history has earned the station 70 gallantry awards.
Newry Beach, Holyhead LL65 1YA
RNLI lifeboat stations in Anglesey are operational 365 days a year 24/7. Helping to save lives at sea and it’s also a service provided mainly by volunteers who crew the lifeboats. The service they provide is purely funded by public donations as its a registered charity.
For more information on the RNLI and the great work they do, please visit https://rnli.org/
The Roman Fort Caer Gybi is after it’s Welsh namesake (Caergybi) located in Holyhead on the western coast of Anglesey. Whats left of the fort are well in good condition and give parts of Hadrians wall a run for its money. Not in terms of size obviously but in your ability to see from the remains what was once there.
Location wise the Roman Fort Caer Gybi sits quite literally in the heart of Holyhead town. Its ancient walls make up the boundaries or various buildings in the area. You can literally walk out of Co-op and be in the grounds within minutes.
The Romans also had a lookout tower on nearby Holyhead Mountain buts it quite a walk from Caer Gybi. You can park at the Holyhead Breakwater nature reserve to get closer. Failing that parking on South Stack RSPB will put you closer too but walking from the opposite direction.
The Romans played a pivotal role in Angleseys long and varied history. The druids who lived here were one of the last people’s the Romans were yet to conquer. They did so ruthlessly too, killing men women and children. At the time of the legionarres arrival the rumours of the druids human sacrifices were rife. Rightly or wrongly.
If you decide to visit the site there is plenty of parking around it both free and pay and display. Moreover it is only a few minutes walk from Holyhead train station which is almost just across the road.
The closest parking when visiting the fort is HERE
The nearest toilets are on Beach Road behind the Maritime Museum and on the Breakwater Country Park LL65 1YG.
Dylan’s is nestled in to the banks of the Menai with stunning views over this coastal haven.
The restaurants modern boatyard theme, both inside and out allows it to blend in perfectly with the natural environment of the area. Plush, lush and discrete.
Recently Dylans has been making a name for itself as one of the restaurants to visit when in North Wales. There are currently 3 Dylan’s around North Wales with Criccieth and Lllandudno hosting the other two. All 3 restaurants are in great locations with views across the local surrounding seaside.
Menai bridge has to be our favourite due to its location, its literally over the sea. Moreover we are a little biased towards Anglesey but for good reason. The local scenery is amazing and there is just something calming about the little boats as they pass. Rain or shine it is an area of outstanding beauty, where better to enjoy some of the fantastic local produce they have to offer.
Making a booking is highly recommended especially during the summer holiday season, there is also parking available a short walk away.
Anglesey riding centre sits close to the stunning shores of the Menai. Directly across the Menai on the opposite bank is Caernarfon and it’s mighty castle.
Where better to learn to ride with such stunning scenery and well trained staff to guide you. Everything needed for the budding horse rider or professional is located on site or in the immediate surroundings.
If you are feeling in the mood why now go for a hack along the sandy shores of the Menai. Moreover more experienced riders can go for a gallop in the same location, all under the watchful eye of an experienced guide.
Horses for courses and all that, avid equestrian or are looking to learn, you will love Anglesey Riding Centre.
Choughs are a member of the crow family, they are only found on the extreme Western and rocky coasts of the UK.
Male and females are both similar in appearance, black bodied like crows with a red/brown/orange beak. Moreover their feet are oddly very different from the rest of the crow family of birds.
Anglesey is one of the last bastions of Chough habitat that has breeding pairs of these now rare birds. They can be found year round on the cliffs around South Stack and areas local to it. They nest on the high cliffs in nooks and cranny’s on the cliff face, sometimes just inside small caves or even tall buildings at times.
On occasion they will also form small flocks in winter when flying around the area. They can often be seen at times performing acrobatics as they are very nimble flyers. Great fun to watch.
Ellins tower on the South Stack RSPB reserve is a great place to spot them from or at the various viewing points. Try walking down the stairs to the lighthouse as this also give great views of the birds, Puffins too April to July.
Best place to view them is here, RSPB Visitor centre, Holyhead LL65 1YH
