Foel Farm Park is located on the shores of the Menai, looking across the sea to Caernarfron Castle. Set in a stunning location and close to a few other local attractions.
The park is a great attraction for younger members of the family. With plenty to keep them entertained around including getting up close to the animals.
Whats better than visiting a real live working farm! Enjoy a tour around the farm on the tractor trailer or for the more adventurous the mini quads. Kids will love getting up close and personal with the farm animal, there is also the option to feed some too.
The farm park is also has its own chocolate shop, all of which is produced on site. You can watch the chocolate being made via a viewing window located in the on site cafe. The cafe / bistro offers a fantastic selection of tasty treats for all the family.
Other local attractions in the area are the Anglesey Sea Zoo, Halen Mon and the Anglesey Model Village.
Holyhead Breakwater is located on Holy island which is part of Anglesey in Wales. The Breakwater is the longest in the UK, its 1.7 miles in length. The breakwater protects the harbour and the docking ferries from the prevailing westerly winds.
There are two paths along the Holyhead breakwater, the upper and lower. Moreover there are steps at sections should you wish the have a closer look at either. The upper section is solid stone and pretty much flat, there is no hand / safety rail on the inside along the entire length. The outer side has a wall for safety, the views out to sea are spectacular. You can see the Skerries in the distance and the ferries coming in and out of the bay. It also ideal for cycling and should speed up your journey to the end, its quite a wide path so has plenty of room.
The lower section is loose and compacted gravel it is still fine to walk and cycle on. It is also considerably wider than the upper path, again there is no fencing on the water side. Something to be aware of if you have younger children with you.
Holyhead Breakwater is also a Mecca for fisherman, there are loads of species, big and small. Charter boats also run from the marina, these go out fishing over the numerous wrecks and reefs in the area.
The walk back is just as stunning with great views of the sea front and in particular, Holyhead Mountain making a great backdrop.
If you take a look down the inward side of the breakwater during summer you can sometimes see fish. Moreover seals are often seen swimming in the marina.
There is ample free parking at the start of the breakwater as access to cars is no longer allowed.
It’s definitely worth the walk, exercise, fresh air a stunning views. Why not?
South Stack RSPB on the western coast of Holy Island. Home to the huge colonies of nesting sea birds that call it home. From the breakwater at Holyhead round to South Stack the cliffs rise from the sea. Vertical in places and upto 60 metres in height.
South Stack Cliifs
A haven for birds, moreover is has regular visits by marine animals. Dolphins and Harbour porpoise can be seen when in search of food and passing through the area. Seals also frequent the area too, there are a few that inhabit the area near North Stack. In July 2018 two Orcas from a pod in the Hebrides visited the area, Minke Whales can also be seen but sightings are rare.
South Stack Cliffs
The cliffs are home to nesting birds in the spring, these included Puffins, Giullemots and Razorbills. Chough’s which are now quite rare call South Stack there home year round. Literally the cliffs are covered in nesting birds, the noise they make gives you an idea of how many breed here. There are some great spots to see or take pictures from, it is a gentle walk down to the viewing point and not too difficult to get back up as the path is well maintained. It also has great views over the lighthouse of South Stack.
Bird watching hide
Near the viewing area is Ellin’s Tower. Built between 1820 and 1840 by the Stanleys of Penrhos as a summer house. It is now an information centre for the RSPB, it has great views around the area with a camera on the cliff nests veiwable inside.. There is also free use of binoculars too which the kids (and adults) may enjoy. Occasionally you make catch a glimpse of a passing Basking Shark which are the 2nd largest of the shark species. This is generally in the warmer months of May to September.
The area is managed by the RSPB who look out for the nesting birds. There is a great new cafe and visitor centre which also has toilets. The cake selection looks amazing with good portions too. Seating areas outside let you soak in the view and sunshine (weather permitting) while you eat, drink and relax. You have sea views for miles around with the hills of the Llyn Peninsula in the distance.
Elins Tower
Parking is by pay and display but not expensive, it is able to take coach parties too. If you like bird watching or stunning scenery, South Stack RSPB without a doubt should be on your list to visit.
You can find South Stack RSBP at RSPB Visitor centre, Holyhead LL65 1YH
Anglesey Sea Zoo sits on the shore of the marine diverse Menai Strait. Complimenting this diverse area, the sea zoo acts as a window into the underwater world around Anglesey.
Starfish Pool
Having the ability to see the animals that live around this thriving coast is amazing. No need for diving if you don’t like getting wet! The sea zoo has a great selection of marine life exhibitions showcasing all Anglesey has to offer. Look and learn. Adults and children alike will love the displays and learn about these fascinating creatures.
Seahorses
The sea zoo has 40 marine tank exhibitions. Little little Sea Horses, Pipefish to much bigger shark species, these fascinating creatures continue to amaze as you make your way around. See what life is lurking underneath the local piers and harbours. Check out the Lobster hatchery and learn about the life cycle of these powerful little creatures, or take a peek into the little rockpools.
Sunken Galleon
The Sea Zoo also help with local marine conservation projects and breeds various species that it releases when they are ready, a favorite among visitors is the Cuttlefish. Moreover that’s just the inside.
Rays and Sharks
Outside is also great for the kids, a nice size bouncy castle slide. A great park with a separate play area to the rear for younger kids too. A great feature of the sea zoo is that on the free car park, there are a couple of dog kennels complete with water bowls. Should you have a canine friend with you during your visit.
Play Park
The Anglesey Sea salt company is literally next door, Foel farm park is only a minute away by car too. The views of the Menai are stunning in this area too, great opportunity for a photo.
Anglesey Sea Zoo is a must see attraction and family favorite with visitors to Anglesey.
Atlantic Grey Seals are a regular sight in the Irish Sea around Anglesey, moreover there are multiple little colonies around the island. The island provides the perfect habitat for them with an abundance of food. Rocky coves and secluded inlets and islands allow them to live and breed in relative piece.
Playful Seals
There are several hotspots around Anglesey where you can watch them as they laze around on the rocks and beaches. The Anglesey Coastal path will bring you into close proximity to where the seals live, they can be seen from any section the path in their search for food. Moreover Summer or winter they are on the island year round, they can literally popup at any time.
The seals generally start to give birth to their pups in September through to December. The pups are born fluffy and yellow like baby chickens! If you come across them do not touch or disturb them as they maybe abandoned by their mothers. Try to keep dogs on leads as well as maintaining your distance to avoid distressing them. They are great to watch as they congregate in vast numbers during the breeding season.
Several companies around Anglesey offer cruises, which allow you to see all manner of wildlife. The companies operating from Beaumaris have trips up to Puffin Island, a known hot spot and breeding ground for the seals.
Sea fishing Anglesey is fantastic, it offers literally some of the best sea fishing in the UK. With a 130 mile of pristine coastline there is something for everyone. Deep water rock fishing venues to storm beaches, day or night, Anglesey is home to a great abundance of fish species. Fantastic views wherever you decide to fish with a chance of seeing seals and Porpoises on a fairly regular basis.
All disciplines of sea fishing are catered for, moreover whatever the weather there is always a sheltered spot to avoid the wind. Whether you enjoy fishing on the bottom or enjoy a bit LRF, there are spots all over the island. Some are well know such as Mackerel Rock, Penmon Point and the famous Holyhead Breakwater reaching 1.7 miles into the sea. Others spots are closely guarded secrets, take a walk along the coastal path and you will find them dotted around.
Anglesey is also one of the few places around the UK that you can target Tope from the shore! Huss and various species of Ray, some big ones too can be found all around the island.
Congor Eel are also abundant around the rocky sections of Angleseys coastline. Moreover its great for targeting mini species including the colourful Corkwing Wrasse to the strange looking Scorpion fish.
If you fancy a trip out sea fishing in the depths there are several charter boats around the Island. Further out you can catch the bigger fish among the wrecks, shark fishing the Holyhead Deeps with fish upto 79lb! is very popular. Beaumaris, Holyhead and Amlwch have charter boats operating daily, weather dependent.
One thing is for sure, when sea fishing Anglesey it can always throw up a surprise or two. Spider crabs, Lobster and even Octopus are fairly regular shore catches in summer.
Check out www.turnerstackle.co.uk for places you can fish and directions to get there. Its also covers other parts of North Wales and the North West.
Traeth Crigyll is a vast expanse of sandy beach backed by sand dunes topped with Marram Grass. The beach is huge but 3 separately named beaches all together split by the Afon Crigyll to the east and Ynys Feurig further west. Cymyran to the east, Crigyll is central and Town beach in front of the town of Rhosneigr. Crigyll Beach is also dog friendly all year round too, its great for walks.
The rear of the beach up to the sand dunes is soft sand, ideal for setting up camp for the day ahead. Park up at Rhosneigr and make your way across, Crigyll is a little out of the way from the town centre and there are no facilities. The beach is quite long and shallow as the water comes in so is pretty safe for swimming. Bear in mind there are no lifeguard facilities on this set of beaches. There will also be lots of watersport activities if the weather is nice but its not obtrusive.
Vast expanse of Crigyll Beach
What makes Crigyll beach so special is its isolation. Less frequented than neighbouring beaches, it has the odd dog walker or maybe a horse or two walking the length. If you like having places to yourself this is the place to be. Rhosneigr town beach a little walk away which can become really busy during the summertime with tourists and locals alike.
Crigyll Beach from the dunes
The beach is south westerly facing which means the majority of winds will be sweeping straight onshore into the beach. On hotter days this is welcomed but make sure you wear sun cream as you will burn quickly. To the rear of the sand dunes is RAF Valley, there are regular flights during the week by Hawk jets trainers and visiting fighter jets. For some this is an added bonus, they are loud and low but for the most part the noise disappears into the background.
Crigyll is a mecca for watersports enthusiasts due to its south facing position which makes it perfect for windsurfers etc, Boats can be launched at Rhosneigr with locals offering launching help with their tractors for a price.
Rockpools at low tide
The waters of Crigyll can be crystal clear if there have been no recent storms. Its possible to safely snorkel among the rock pools around the outcrop of Ynys Feurig. At lower states of the tides the rockpools are great for kids, they are full of crabs, Prawns, Sea Anemones and various species of fish. It is possible to see baby squid too! As the tide rises you can safely snorkel around the rocks and what were once the rock pools, Bass, Dogfish and other species come in as the depth rises. Please remember safety first if attempting snorkeling, never leave children unattended.
Sand dunes to the rear of the beach gives great views all round. Moreover they let allow you to watch the aircraft take off and land at Raf Valley during the week. Another cracking place to walk the dogs, just be aware of Adders in the area.
As far as beaches go on Anglesey Crigyll Beach is definitely a shining star. Get in on the action or sit back and relax the day away. Rhosneigr is close by with facilities and places to grab a bite to eat. Not one to miss.
Closest toilets at Rhosneigr library car park. toilets with a 20p charge. LL64 5YJ
Anglesey is home to a healthy population of around 700 Red Squirrels, moreover there are ongoing efforts to increase this population. One of the hotspots to see the Red Squirrels is in the forested area of Newborough on the south east coast of Anglesey. The second hotspot is on the north east coast in the woodland at Pentraeth. They also frequent the wooded areas on the banks of the Menai along the east coast. In terms of population spread they are in most of Anglesey’s larger wooded areas.
Red Squirrel at Penrhos Coastal Park
Penrhos Coastal Park is another good place to view Red Squirrels, there are many pathways to take through the wooded sections. Some of these have feeding stations that serve a dual purpose. Both birds and the Squirrels use the feeders making them easier to spot. They are also more used to visitors walking around here and so are less skittish, makes getting a few picture easier too.
There are numerous paths through these stunningly beautiful areas. Some of these are also along the 125 miles of the Anglesey coastal path. If you are quiet enough you will see their bushy tail disappearing around the back of trees. Keeping dogs on leads will help you spot them as they are fast and have great senses. They will quickly hide if they see dogs coming, mostly lying on top of branches or staying still high in the trees.
The grey squirrel population is believed to have been eradicated from Anglesey, furthermore there have been no sighting since 2013. The neighboring county of Gwynedd is also undergoing its own cull of grey squirrels. The Menai and Britannia bridges help to keep the grey squirrels from recolonising the island. Grey Squirrels are not native to the British Isles. Moreover they are invasive species from North America, Grey Squirrels are much larger so can out compete the smaller reds. Likewise they also carry a virus they are immune to but is fatal to our native Red Squirrels.
In terms of wildlife Anglesey is a very diverse location given its relatively small Size. Red Squirrels are definitely one of the little Jewels in its crown, absolutely lovely little creatures. Get out and explore Anglesey today!
