If you’re searching for peace and tranquillity, then look no further than the charming Isle of Anglesey. Once you’ve been lucky enough to spend a day among their rolling green hills, never-ending views and crystal waters, you’ll never want to leave. Anglesey is filled with numerous delights and gems, and so we’ve compiled our top 7 reasons to visit Anglesey. From basking in history to spotting the cutest squirrels, there is something for everyone on this little island. The only way to make this Anglesey even better? By visiting in a motorhome and pitching at one of the best campsites in Anglesey, which you’ll also learn about in this blog!
1. Fascinating History
Those with a love for history will be enticed by all the stories Anglesey has to tell. A simple visit to Parys Mountain will allow you to examine rocks spanning four eras and 12 geological periods, spanning over 1,800 million years. Your eyes will not believe the vivid colouring of purple, orange and green covering this heritage site, and your camera will be filled with photographs trying to capture the beauty. Another site that history fans in Anglesey will appreciate is Bryn Celli Ddu, an ancient burial mound and one of Wales’ famous Neolithic passage tombs. It is recorded as being 5,000 years old and is adorned with extensive rock art.
2. The Best Street Food in Wales
The Welsh can pull off wonders in the kitchen, and so there are numerous delicious Welsh dishes to try, such as Glamorgan sausage and Welsh laverbread. But a visit to Anglesey requires you to taste something different from the national cuisine… the best street food in Wales! The former Caffi Ffynnon Cybi ice cream parlour was transformed by Mark Roberts into an international foodie “den” by the name of Simply Street Bar & Grill. It offers everything from Mexican to American, Korean to Italian… the list is endless! We personally recommend trying the Jack Daniels Whisky and Coke burger or the halloumi tacos for vegetarians. But anything you order here is sure to be scrumptious, so be sure to plan in a meal (or two) here!
3. Spot a Red Squirrel
Did you know that a visit to Anglesey can allow you to see an endangered species? Newborough Forest is actually one of the rare Red Squirrel strongholds, with an estimated population of 700 red squirrels on the island. This is thanks to the Anglesey Red Squirrel Project of 1997, which has aided the little creatures' plight. Red squirrels were wiped out almost 20 years ago as a result of the introduction of grey American squirrels. The UK population of red squirrels is estimated to have dropped from about 3.5 million to 120,000. So while strolling around Anglesey and Newborough Forest, be sure to keep an eye out for the furry little friends.
4. The Largest Aquarium in Wales
Anglesey is home to Wales’ largest marine aquarium and the leading all-weather family attraction of the island… Anglesey Sea Zoo! This aquarium is home to some of the best British marine wildlife from across the coasts of the UK. Make a family day and bring the kids here to gaze at creatures such as octopuses, seahorses, conger eels and catsharks. But the real reason Anglesey Sea Zoo shines above the rest is that it is a learning experience made fun, with the help of daily talks, feeding displays and interactive sessions. Kids will also love rounding off the trip by playing in the playground, bouncy castle and crazy golf course!
5. To Climb Great Heights
The highest point of Anglesey is Holyhead Mountain, and it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Anglesey. It is known as Mynydd Twr in Welsh, it boasts views from the summit that can stretch as far as Ireland on a clear day. On the east side of the mountain sits a late Roman watchtower, overlooking the town’s harbour, and intended to be a lookout point for Caer Gybi Fort, within the remains of an Iron Age hillfort. Whilst the remains are scant, but stones from the original footings still remain. The mountain further attracts many bird watchers who flock over to see the variety of birds nesting along the cliff faces near South Stack - including stonechats, oystercatchers and Atlantic puffins. If you’re lucky you may also spot porpoises and grey seals below.
6. The Longest Place Name in Europe
In Anglesey, you’ll find a large village named Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. It has the longest place name in Europe and the second longest place name in the world. Alternatively, it can be shortened to Llanfairpwll, and translated in English as ‘St. Mary’s Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the red cave. The long name was chosen as a promotional tactic trying to attract more visitors to the town, and legend has it a local cobbler derived the name. Stop by this town during your trip for a photo with their lengthy town sign, you’re in the presence of a world record!
7. Six Blue Flag Beaches
Anglesey is the proud home of six Blue Flag Beaches; Benllech, Llanddwyn, Church Bay, Trearddur Bay, Llanddona and Porth Dafarch. All these beaches earned their waving Blue Flag through their high standard of water quality, safety, cleanliness and other excellent facilities. Seven other beaches on the island have won a Seaside Award, ensuring you’ll be spoiled for choice! Are you somehow still not enticed? Well then, how about a picnic with some dolphins? Lligwy Bay is a sheltered beach situated in the North East of Anglesey that is famed for regular sightings of seals and dolphins. It was also named one of the 10 Best Picnic Spots in Britain by Coast Magazine!
The Best Campsites in Anglesey
If you’re travelling as a family, the best campsite for you may be Tyddyn Isaf Camping and Caravan Park. This family-managed park is situated overlooking Lligwy Bay, with a direct footpath to it, so your dolphin picnic is even closer than you think! It has large open spaces and a playground, with an on-site shop for essentials. This combined with the small restaurant, means that everything you could possibly need is right within reach! The 5-star award-winning campsite is also highly praised for their accessible facilities, ensuring their campsite is reachable for all. During high season enjoy a drink in the bar, but have no fear, their closed license ensures you’ll be surrounded only by like-minded holidaymakers and not rowdy groups.
Price starts from £40.50 per night
GPS: 53.362535, -4.275656
Lligwy Bay, Dulas, Amlwch LL70 9PQ, UK
Relishing the idea of a rural retreat? Then you should consider Pen-Y-Bont Farm for pitching your motorhome or tent. Situated on the South West coast of the island, this family-run touring and camping park also doubles as 200 acres of beef and sheep farmland. This is a site of Scientific Interest, with magnificent views of the Snowdonia mountain range. The site offers a full-sized tennis court, and rentable equipment to play, as well as a children's play area and timber trail.
Price starts from £ 8 per night
GPS: 53.190118, -4.371907
Pen-y-bont Farm, Malltraeth, Bodorgan, Isle Of Anglesey LL62 5BA, United Kingdom
Now that you’ve considered the places to visit in Anglesey and where to stay during your trip, you must be ready for a holiday on the most fascinating island in Wales? But there is one thing left to do! Find a motorhome to complete this exciting journey in! Search on Goboony, the motorhome rental platform, and find your dream motorhome today through a few simple clicks.
