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Porth Tyn Tywyn

Porth Tyn Tywyn is a south facing storm beach just east of the town of Rhosneigr. Quite a good size beach backed by sand dunes which are great to explore. There is soft sand to the rear of the beach with sections closer to the sea a mixture of sand and shingle.

Tyn Tywyn Beach

To the east of the beach there are a few rocky outcrops that form rockpools at low tide, great for the kids to explore. The section of rock seperates Tyn Towyn beach from Porth Nobla, the rockpools are great and full of life. In summer they are literally teeming with prawns which can be caught with nets. In summer you could have a BBQ with the amount of prawns you will find here, or just chill out relax and enjoy a lazy day at the beach.

Tyn Towyn beach is pretty flat, which is great for playing ball games on. It never gets too busy either, with plenty of parking behind the dunes. Unfortunately its now pay and display but it doesn’t cost too much for the day. There are also toilets on the car park which are open during the holiday season. A bonus as most beaches don’t have these facilities as close by. The car park is a little bumpy so be careful when driving on it. Furthermore you are not allowed to stay overnight either.

Close by is Porth Nobla, Cable Bay, Anglesey Circuit, Rhosneigr and Barclodiad y Gawres. Barclodiad is within walking distance and is a 5000 year old Neolithic burial chamber. Some of these are only a 15 minute walk away. Moreover Keen fishermen are also known to come here to catch Bass and Rays in the evenings and early mornings.

If you are wanting a nice beach and prefer being away from the hustle of busy beaches like Rhosneigr. Tyn Tywyn maybe the beach for you. Just be aware that if you fancy taking a swim that there is no lifeguard presence on this beach. There are shops and other facilities at Rhosneigr which is only a short drive away.

Check it out next time you are in the area or head straight there, you won’t be disappointed. The old listed fishermans cottage above the beach is available as a holiday let too.

The beach parking area is on the A4080, at Ty Croes LL63 5TD

Closest toilets are on the car park behind the beach but they are not always open. Rhosneigr library car park does have public toilets with a 20p charge. LL64 5YJ
Rhosneigr Beach

Rhosneigr beach is in an absolutely great location. There are beaches on beaches around Rhosneigr with everything you need close at hand.

Great for water sports enthusiasts and families alike. Whether you like to sit, relax and sunbathe or get in amongst it, Rhosneigr beach caters for all.

Rhosneigr is a busy beach in summer with holiday makers heading in their droves to the sun kissed sands. Even when busy the beach it still has plenty of space for more as it is quite vast. Outside of the summer months there can still be great weather here, great for walking the dogs or mini getaways. There are many holiday properties which overlook parts of the beach where you can stay, some of which have there own paths onto the beach!

Soft sand to the rear of the beach warms up nicely during the summer months, the remainder of the beach is tidal. At low tide there are plenty of rockpools around for the kids to discover prawn and crabs as they scuttle around. The river Crigyll is to the right of the beach, where you can play on inflatables or spot the flatfish under foot.

There are no lifeguards on Rhosneigr beach which is something to be aware of if you have the kids, however the water is quite shallow close in. Moreover dogs are allowed on the beach year round too. Unusual for Anglesey beach’s, there is plenty of room for them to roam. Try Crigyll just across the river, there is tons of space for them to run around.

There is boat launching down to the south of the beach, its very popular with jetskis and boats. Tractors are on hand for a fee to help you launch.

A short distance away in the small town of Rhosneigr there is ample parking and public toilets. If you need anythings else there are several restaurants, shops and even a pizza shop if you fancy it. There are also some great little surf shops where you can buy wet suits or even hire them for the day. Paddle boards can also be hired here too for fun on the water. All literally at the top of the road in the picture below.

A great beach in an awesome location with everything you may need less than 5 minutes walk away. Awesome place alround.

Check it out on your next trip to Anglesey, there are some great caravan and camping sites close by too.

The beach can be found here, Beach Road, Rhosneigr, Wales, LL64 5QD

Closest toilets are Rhosneigr library car park with a 20p charge. LL64 5YJ
Puffins

Puffins are one of life’s little treasure birds, absolutely stunning little animals and they nest on Anglesey too!

Puffins spend the majority of there lives at sea, they are fantastic swimmers, this enables them to catch fish at depth (up to 70 metres). As the weather begins to warm they head back to land for the breeding season. Puffins will dig burrows to lay there eggs in as apposed to a more traditional birds next. On puffin Island they are slightly different and tend to lay their eggs in cracks in the rocks on top!

They are a beautiful birds with bright oranges legs / feet and equally as bright beak. They are often affectionatly refered to as sea parrots. You can see them bring back mouthfuls of sand eels to feed their chicks. The record for one bird was 70, which is huge given they are only small birds.

The breeding season is from April to July, this is the only chance you will have to see them before they head out back to sea. South Stack is known as one the best places to see them in the UK to see Puffins. Skomer Island in Pembrokeshire and St. Kila in Scotland are also the best places to see them. The St.Kilda colony contains over quarter of the Puffins entire population in Europe.

You can see the puffins here, RSPB Visitor centre, Holyhead LL65 1YH
Basking Sharks

Basking Sharks are an immense beast! Reaching up to 10 metres in length, the average however is around 8 metres. Weighing close to 6 tons when fully grown, they are able to filter a huge 2000 litres of water per hour.

Basking Sharks are the largest shark species you will see in the waters around the UK. These gentle giants are no threat to swimmers or much else for that matter. Filter feeding is what they do best, slowly meandering through the water with their huge mouths agape. The tiny zooplankton close to the surface of the sea is all they will feed on.

They usually appear during the warmer months as the sea temperature starts to rise. The best time to see them is from May through to September. They can be spotted from shore but by boat is your best chance. If you see a large black, triangular looking fin protruding from the water you are very lucky. Basking sharks are grey in colour, sometimes you see the snout poking out of the water to the front.

Best times to spot them are when the weather is calm and they come in closer to shore to feed. It also makes them easier to spot there dark shadow on top of the water. They are quite docile in nature so swim very slowly along the surface. Prime locations to see Basking Sharks in Anglesey are along the Western coastline. At times they will venture into other areas. However its not very often they are seen at other locations off Anglesey. Try the high cliffs of South Stack and the coastal path around Holyhead Breakwater Country park.

What will you see while visiting Anglesey? Seals, Dolphins, Harbour Porpoise and even Killer whales we seen off Holyhead. Get out and see for yourself!
Penmon Point

Penmon Point is on the north east coast of Anglesey with views across the mainland, Great Orme and of course Puffin Island. It is also a great place for anglers to target Mackerel in summer. It is also home to one of the 5 working lighthouses located on Anglesey, Trwyn Du Lighthouse.

Penmon Point is the quickest way to get to Puffin Island by Kayak. Moreover it is a brilliant sea fishing hot spot. Also a great place to spot dolphins and harbour porpoise in summer. Seals resident to Puffin island are often seen close to the shore around Penmon Point. The views are on par with what you generally find around Anglesey, beautiful and spectacular. Make sure you take your binoculars and camera!

Access is via a Penmon Point toll of £3, there is plenty of parking at the point itself. It is often frequented by motor home owners who stay for the night, officially it’s not meant to happen. A blind eye is usually turned and you are charged the toll fee again on the way out. Just be mindful that the road down to Penmon Point is not as smooth as it could be and there are a few small speed bumps.

A great holiday let sits on the end overlooking Puffin Island and it’s surroundings. There is also a great little cafe too, good food and a few toys and trinkets for sale. Toilets are for customers only though…you need to ask for the key.

During the evenings when the sky is clear and there has been a decent coronal ejection, the northern lights are visible. Its the perfect spot night and day for photography, trying to catch the dolphins before they dip can be a pain. Another thing that makes Penmon Point special is at certain times of the year is has bio luminescent algae. It is absolutely awesome, the water glows blue when disturbed. Dare I say magical? It will be a treasured memory by all who see it.

At the start of the toll road is Penmon Priory, the remains of the 11th century Aberlleiniog Castle are close too. To get to Penmon Point you have to travel through Beaumaris which has lots to see and do. Beaumaris Castle is great, history, with long dark corridors to explore adults and children love it.

A bit of exploring and a great place to view the local aquatic wildlife at the right time, or just take in the views and relax. Penmon Point is whatever you ask of it. How about taking one of the Puffin Island cruises from Beaumaris as you get to take everything in with commentary.

Definitely try some cake from the Pilot House Cafe or how about catching your own tea? Cheap fishing tackle is available at Anglesey bait centre, Unit 1 Gallows Point Beaumaris Anglesey LL58 8YL Tel: 01248 810009

You can find it here Penmon Point at the following address, Beaumaris, Gwynedd, LL58 8RR. Its worth the toll when chances of seeing Dolphins and Seal are better than other places. You will definitly return to this awesome little spot.

Closest toilets are in the cafe – Patrons only
Newborough Beach

Newborough Beach is vast expanse of sand from Llanddwyn Island down to the start of the Menai Strait.

Dare I say it has the most stunning scenery on Anglesey, backed by Newborough pine forest and vast sandy dunes of Newborough Warren. To the east are the mountains of Snowdonia, South the rolling Llyn Peninsula hills. Last but far from least, west is the tranquil and beautiful Llandwyn Island.

Look at those stunning views

Soft sand nestles to the rear of the beach, there is also plenty to the east among the sand dunes. Moreover, if its a bit breezy you can head into the dunes to the east Literally miles of pathways with various entry points back on to the beach. Keep your eyes out for the lizards that call the dunes home. To the west are the pine forests complete with rare Red Squirrels.

Dog friendly area

Newborough Beach is favored not just by beach lovers, walkers, fishermen but waters sports enthusiasts too. The general wind direct is from the south west making it perfect for wind kites etc. It is also a great place to launch Kayaks from, check out the area around Llanddwyn Island if you launch here.

The beach itself is quite shallow, leaving a vast expanse of beach as the tide recedes. This makes it generally safe for bathing and swimming, weather permitting. There is no lifeguard presence here which is something to be aware of.

Dogs are allowed year round which is different from many other beach’s on Anglesey. This only applies to the section east of the carpark. To the west of the carpark to Llanddwyn Island there are restrictions between 1st May to the end of September. This also applies to Llanddwyn Island, there are no restrictions covering Newborough Forest.

A vast expanse of blue sky and ocean

There is large car park complete with toilets that has plenty of space and in summer an ice cream van. To the rear of the beach behind the dunes is a great place for a picnic or to get out of any wind. This area is referred to as the Newborough Warren and its great trying to spot the local lizards here.

If you need any essentials there is a shop (Premier) not too far away in the village of Newborough. You should see it before the last road turning for Newbourgh Beach in the village.

Close by there are a couple of caravan and camping places where you can walk through the forest down to the beach. It is a bit of a trek if you have the kids with you though.

If this beach had a money back guarantee nothing would be paid back, ever. Its absolutely stunning. Most definitely in the top 10 beaches in Anglesey without a doubt. Do not miss out on this gem of a beach, even if your not planning on staying for the day. You will be amazed by the views and scenery with so much to explore.

If you visit Newborough beach and fancy a nice walk, pay a visit to Llanddwyn island. You will kick yourself if you miss this other local gem. You have the option of walking down the beach or through the woods. You can often see a seal or two and if you are lucky Porpoise frequent the area.

You can find it here, Newborough Beach, Traeth Llanddwyn, Newborough, LL61 6SG

Newborough Beach Post Code LL61 6SG, it is often referred to as Llanddwyn beach. The closest toilets are on the main car park.
Snakes

Snakes are abundant across Anglesey. There are few hot spots where you have a better chance of seeing them. Snakes love the heath and also the Marram Grass that grows on the sand dunes around Anglesey. They can hunt and bask in relative peace away from prying eyes. Small mammals, lizards, frogs, spiders, eggs and more are all on the menu. Where there are snakes on Anglesey you will also come across common Lizards.

Grass Snake

Adders are the UK’s only poisonous snake species, they are recognisable by their diamond patterned skin. They can be found all over Anglesey and other parts of the UK, this island habitat is perfect for them. Between October and March Adders hibernate, only emerging when the weather is warm enough. You can see them basking on rocks, the heat from the sun kick starts their metabolism. As they are cold blooded they need the sun to warm there blood, this heat allows them to hunt.

Poisonous or not they are a shy species and will not usually attack humans. Bites tend to happen if they are stood on by accident. Dogs do get bitten occasionally due to there inquisitive nature. It’s not uncommon for this to happen if they come across a snake in the long grass. The bite is defensive in nature and they will try to get away from perceived danger if they can.

Grass Snakes are found across the UK, they are the largest of our snake species. Males grow to around 90cm and females can grow up to 190cm, they are usually olive green in colour. They lack the diamond skin pattern of the Adders and are also found on Anglesey.

Great places to spot snakes on Anglesey are South Stack, Holyhead Mountain, Breakwater Coastal Park and the dunes around Newborough, Rhosneigr and Aberffraw. The latter three have Marram grass covered dunes where they like to hunt. The former two have an abundance of heath for them to hunt in with open areas for basking in the sun. That said if you are lucky you could find them in plenty of other areas around the island.

If you really want to see them head for the sand dunes to the rear of Crigyll Beach or South Stack. More often than not, you will find them when you are not looking or if you have a keen eye. In early spring you will find them basking on rocks to

Remember these are wild creatures and they can give a serious and venomous bite. Observe them at a safe distance and never try to touch or provoke them. Safety first, always.
Treaddur Beach

Trearddur Beach is a nice wide beach in a sheltered and safe cove. South facing and loved by beach goers and boaters alike. Trearddur Bay is surrounded by some of the most stunning coastal scenery found in the UK.

A very popular beach with tourists during the holidays and you can see why, the stunningly clear water is perfect for swimming. Trearddur Beach has plenty of room for the kids to play and adults to relax. Although typically a large beach it is tidal, close to high tide space is at a premium as there is little sand left.

Whilst waiting for the tide to recede there are plenty of rocky outcrops for the kids to explore. A small park is just aver the road to the west of the beach. Overlooking the beach is a great restaurant, moreover there’s always an ice cream van at hand, perfect for hot summer days. Several shops close by have everything you need, including one for any fishing enthuesiasts among you.

There is ample pay and display parking directly behind the beach, it fills up very quick in summer.

There’s a reason it’s such a busy beach, its ace!

You can find the beach here LL65 2YU

The closest toilets are on the car park directly behind the beach LL65 2LZ. 15 March – 31 October only.
Sandy Beach

Sandy beach (Porth Tywyn Mawr) is located on the far west coast of Anglesey, there are two holiday parks to the rear of the beach and very little else.

Sandy beach is beautiful, what is striking is just how crystal clear the water is at times, the view from the beach is straight out across the Irish Sea.

It is a relatively safe beach for swimming or paddling, it is a gently slopping beach that is quite shallow close in. There are no lifeguard facilities on this beach which though is something to be aware of. Further up the beach to the north there are rockpools that are slowly uncovered as the tide recedes. Kids can lose hours searching through the pools in search of crabs, prawns and other mini beasts..

Backed by soft sand it is great for relaxing in the sun. It is also a dog friendly beach unlike some others on Anglesey, just don’t forget to clean up after your furry friends. There is plenty of room for everyone

To the left of Sandy beach, next to the holiday park is a slipway, ideal for boat launching. The site has a tractor unit or two to assist with launches. I can think of worse places to launch. The are plenty of boats and jet skis flying around when the weather is good, these don’t feel intrusive. you could almost be sat somewhere in the Mediterranean.

The holiday park to the rear has a shop and restaurant should you need anything, the beach is in quite a remote location so it can come in handy. The road down to the beach and holiday park can be very congested in summer as its a popular beach. It effectively becomes as single track road as visitors park up along the narrow lane. Don’t let that put you off as there is plenty of room, its an amazing place to visit, in fact you should definitely visit. You will be back if you do.

Sandy beach Anglesey is busy during the summer holidays as it is a great all rounder! If you are in the area you definitely must pay it a visit. When you see it you will know why. Its also a great place to visit outside of the holiday season.

Sandy Beach can be found here LL65 4YH

The closest toilets are on the Sandy Beach holiday park
Anglesey Lizards

As a relatively small island Anglesey has a lot of diverse habitats that allow lizards to thrive. A few locations hold good sized populations where you can see them if you know where to look. They are fast little creatures with a good ability to blend into there surroundings.

Slow Worms

Slow Worms are a wierd looking Lizard native to Anglesey. Why are they wierd? Well they have no legs and look like a snake. Though they are most definitely lizards despite their appearance. They have the ability to blink with their eyelids and shed their tail if attacked unlike actual snakes. If this happens it will grow back but it’s usually bit smaller when it does.

A legless lizard native to the UK. This gentle animal is generally nocturnal and has a taste for slugs.

Common Lizards

Common Lizards live in most areas around Anglesey and are widespread across the UK. This is the one you are most likely to see of the 3 species of Anglesey lizards. Habitats such as heathland is where you can usually find them but they have adapted to other habitats.

Common Lizard

Sand Lizards

Sand lizards are extremely rare around the UK due to the destruction of their natural habitats. As their name suggests they live in sandy dunes and heathland in coastal areas. Though now naturally confined to only a handful of places, reintroduction programs have begun to try and increase numbers. This makes them the rarest Anglesey lizards you may come across so they are a little more special.

Get out and find them! A good place to watch out for them is the coastal path. The areas around South Stack, Holyhead Mountain and Newborough Warren are the best places to start.
Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

Plas Cadnant is quietly hidden away up on the hills just off the coast road to Beaumaris.

Head up the steep road through the woods and then through the fields of sheep. As you get over the crest, head down to the parking area and entrance to the Gardens.

The drive is as nice as any with great views and frolicking sheep. At times you will get a little glimpse of the gardens you will soon be exploring. On arrival at this wonderful and historic estate you can see why it is loved by all who visit. Its multiple buildings are now grade 2 listed and have been since 1967. The old Georgian house has been in situ since 1803.

Plas Cadnant hiddens gardens is immaculately maintained and has some rare and exotic plants. The owner who I met when visiting was very friendly and full of information on the history of the site. Lack of planning on my part saw us arrive 30 minutes before opening time and he was kind enough to grant us early access. I am so glad he did as we got to explore the place entirely to ourselves for a while.

The highlight for us on our visit was the ravine area. A great spot to explore and the flowing pools at the bottom were stunning, and we spotted fish too.
Otters

Anglesey has a good size population of Otters spread around the island. However there are a few spots that will give you a higher chance of seeing them. Anglesey Otters like anywhere else are generally quite shy creatures and can be hard to find.

Now is one of the best times in modern history to see them. During the 1950’s pesticides used for farming devasted the Otter populations around the UK. As the rivers have become cleaner and less polluted the Otters have bounced back.

There is still a way to go but Otters are now spreading out their territory. Moreover they are increasingly being seen in areas they once inhabited across Wales.

Otters are crepuscular, meaning they are most active in the early morning and during late evening. They are carnivorous predators hunting mainly fish but also Crayfish and crustaceans if available.

Anglesey has a few areas where they are now thriving and where you are most likely to spot them. There are several habitats that are ideal for them to live and breed.

They can now be found on most of the main rivers in Anglesey. This seems especially so on the Cefni, Llyn Cefni particularly around Maltraeth.

If you intend visiting the area please stick to the speed limits to avoid accidents. Several Otters have been hit by cars as have red squirrels. We want there numbers going up not down.

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Slow Worms

Common Lizards

Sand Lizards