Bustling Beaumaris is an architectural gem with a maritime twist. Along and just behind the seafront, Georgian mixes with Victorian (and even a touch of Tudor). At the end of the main street mighty medieval architecture reigns in the shape of landlocked Beaumaris Castle, a World Heritage Site, whose south gate could originally have been reached by ship.
At the northern entrance to the Menai Strait, Beaumaris is a popular sailing centre – and also popular for its far-reaching views across the Strait to mainland Wales from its airy seafront promenade and pier.
From Beaumaris drive along the Strait to Menai Bridge, an attractive little town celebrated for its links with the pioneering Thomas Telford Suspension Bridge across the Strait, opened in 1826. Call into Menai Heritage museum for the full story, and if you have the time walk the coast path to the modern Britannia Bridge.
Lunch: From cosmopolitan cooking to a traditional pub meal, Menai Bridge has plenty to offer.
Follow the A4080 to Newborough and be prepared for a surprise. First – and unexpectedly – you drive off the main road through a conifer forest. The trees end to reveal a massive beach (there’s a toll road through the forest to the beach, plus a choice of car parks) with spectacular views across to Caernarfon Castle.
Walk further along the beach and you come to Ynys Llanddwyn (Llanddwyn Island), one of Anglesey’s most magical spots. On this island, accessible on foot except for high tides, are the ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church, named after Wales’s patron saint of lovers (St Dwynwen’s Day, Wales’s ‘Valentine’s Day’, is 25 January).
In all honesty, you can easily spend a day at Newborough. In addition to the forest and beach there’s Newborough Warren, part of the first coastal National Nature Reserve in Wales (designated in 1995) with plentiful walking and trails.
Re-join the A4080 for Malltraeth, a small village at the end of a large bay of sand and wetland. Like Newborough, it’s rich in wildlife – Malltraeth inspired wildlife illustrator Charles Tunnicliffe, whose exquisite work can be seen at Oriel Môn, Llangefni.
Next stop is Aberffraw, a village fringed by dunes that meet the sea at Traeth Mawr, a peaceful, off-the-beaten track beach. Park in the village and walk through the dunes to Traeth Mawr.
