Things to do on Anglesey

There are so many things to do in Anglesey and and the surrounding area. All are within easy reach of Coed y Berclas, that it's hard to know where to start. We hope you like some of the suggestions below. We also hope it is a useful repository of information about Anglesey attractions and other attractions throughout North Wales. Further down this page you will find some ideas for the children's entertainment - and the emptying of your wallet...

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Beaches Islands and Sea

If you are looking for an active break, Anglesey has lots to offer. Being an island with 125 miles of coastline, you are never far from the water and the possibility of lots of energetic water sports; not forgetting the gentler arts of swimming, and sunbathing on our lovely sandy beaches.There are Blue Flag Beaches on Anglesey at Benllech, Llanddona, Llanddwyn, Newborough, Trearddur Bay, Porth Dafarch

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Llanddwyn Island

Look at Llanddwyn on the south west of the island with its three mile beach. The isthmus crossing to the small romantic islet and old pilot cottages, two lighthouses, delightful Pilot's Cove and - for those who stay late in the day - the breathtaking sunsets.

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Anglesey's Coastline

For anything from a gentle stroll to a 125 mile undertaking, the Angesey Coastal Path runs round almost all of the island and you don't even need to get in the car to reach it: you just walk to the top of the drive at Coed y Berclas - and there it is. We have a printout of all the path sections and many anglesey attractions in the holiday cottage for your use.

 

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Canolfan Ucheldre Centre for Performing and Visual Arts

Based in an old convent in Holyhead, is The Ucheldre Centre for Performing and Visual Arts.
There is a lively and wide ranging programme of events, exhibitions, music and theatrical performances. Take a look at their website - www.ucheldre.org/
For events which coincide with your visit. Tel: 01407 763361.

The textile art group, Cauldron - of which I am a member, together with some of our friends - had an exhibition there in 2008. We will be returning from 29th October to 27th November 2011.

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Walking

Anglesey is a great island for walking. As well as the Anglesey Coastal Path we have The Saints footpaths, the Circular Walks tracing the footsteps of our Island's early Saints. The walks combine Anglesey's wonderful scenery with many of its historic and prehistoric sites. They are carefully graded, to ensure that the right level can be chosen, and the leaflets feature details of all public facilities and amenities along the way. Leaflets can be found on their website.

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Red Squirrels on Anglesey

Did you know that the second largest Red Squirrel population in Wales is on Anglesey - and there are no grey squirrels with them?
If you like Red Squirrels we encourage you to look at Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels, fill in their questionaire about squirrels at Newborough Forest.

 

Prince Charles is actively supporting the Red Squirrel Survival Trust and they in turn support the work of the Friends of the Anglesey Red Squirrels and Menter Môn on Anglesey, North Wales. By 1998 the red squirrels of Angelsey faced extinction but there are now about 300 red squirrels on the island. They have returned, not only to coniferous woodland, but also to broadleaved woodland, their home before the grey squirrel invasion.

 

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Cycling

The Anglesey and Welsh National cycle routes also pass through the village, less than a mile from our holiday accommodation. There is cycle storage in the utility room beside the holiday cottage, and by arrangement, for holiday apartment guests. Sustrans is a charity encouraging people to cycle, walk and use public transport, with pages on North Wales. There are many good lanes to cycle on Anglesey. Starting out from Coed y Berclas, you can ride to Puffin sound or along to Benllech beach and further.

There are many wonderful mountain bike routes in Snowdonia. Bike hire and route information is available in a number of locations locally. If you want help contact us.

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Golf

If golf is high on your list of things to do on Anglesey, Baron Hill Golf Course, just along the lane from here, will offer a warm welcome to visitors. Contact them at Beaumaris, Anglesey. North Wales. LL58 8YW. Tel 01248 810231.

You can play on any of eight courses on the Island. Visit the Anglesey Web Page for Golf. E-mail tourism@anglesey.gov.uk for information about the Anglesey Golf Passes and many other Anglesey attractions.

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Bird Watching

Coed y Berclas is a superb base for bird watching or 'birding'. There is a file of information contributed to by guests detailing where you may visit and which breeds to look out for at different seasons.

There are a number of sites with hides on Anglesey. Look at Llyn Alaw and the RSPB sites. One ornithologist visiting Coed Y Berclas counted over thirty Egrets through his scope on the other side of the Menai Strait, along the wooded shores of the National Trust run Penrhyn Castle.

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Horse Riding

We know of two riding schools:- one at Tal y Foel towards the south western corner of the island, looking over the Menai Strait towards Caernarfon with its medieval castle. The second at Cromlech Manor Farm one mile from the Blue Flag beach of Benllech Bay. Both cater for novice and advanced riders. Great things to do on Anglesey!.

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Watersports

Watersports are widespread around the coast of Anglesey - including surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing, scuba diving, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing.... There are numerous launching sites, one of which is at Menai Bridge only two miles away from Coed y Berclas Holiday Cottage and Holiday Apartment where there's plenty of parking space for a jet ski or a small power craft as well as a car or two. Look at the Admiralty Tide Tables to check for best launch times and remember there are strong tides in the Menai Strait which can be fun if treated with respect. Dive boats operate from Menai Bridge. There are teaching facilities to be found on the island and at Plas Menai - the National Water Sports Centre - on the mainland side of the Straits.

Anglesey Coast Rib Ride

Explore the stunning coastline of North Wales. Experience the tranquility of the Menai Straits, its stately homes, ferocious tides and whirlpools or travel seaward to Llanddwyn island, a rocky peninsula of outstanding beauty, surrounded by white sandy beaches. Exhilerating..! RIB Menai Ventures operate out of the Victoria Dock in Caernarfon. Mobile telephone 07914 040001.

If you don't have a hairy chest - you may need a razor by the time you get back..!

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South Stack Lighthouse

South Stack Lighthouse, a big Anglesey attraction, near Holyhead, on the north western corner of the island, is beautiful to look at whatever the weather, sitting regally on its islet, with a backdrop of high craggy rock and thousands of sea birds swooping and soaring round it.

Approaching via a hawser bridge after a descent of about 400 steps down the rock face, visitors can see the engine room and exhibition before climbing to the top of the 28metre lighthouse where a 1kw lamp, refracted through huge rotating lenses, lights the sea, visible for 20 miles in clear weather.

Built in 1809, electrified in 1938 and automated in 1983, Southstack light gives both a welcome and a warning to sailors. Daf and I sail the waters off Holyhead and we love to cruise past the majestic stack in calm weather, gazing at the amazing rock formations and watching for all the different sea birds which nest there and the climbers on Gogarth - great thing to do on Anglesey - for the brave!. For information telephone 01248 724444 or 01407 763207

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Elin's Tower

Up on the rocks is Elin's Tower, run by the RSPB, a great Anglesey attraction. A warden and volunteers help visitors spot and identify the different birds. Guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes breed there in large numbers and a small colony of puffins nest in burrows above the cliffs. The rare chough, is frequently spotted at South Stack. Spring is probably the best time to visit, you can stay warm while watching birds through spotting scopes and binoculars and on a video screen linked to a camera and microphone on the cliff you can get a closer look at some of the nests. The reserve is open all year and Elin's Tower is open from Easter to September. For more information: 01407 764973

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Ty Mawr hut circles

You can walk up to the Ironage Ty Mawr hut circles in open land by the RSPB parking area. There are ten large circles and a number of smaller ones, with low, thick stone walls. Although there is archaeological evidence from the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age, the visible remains are from the Iron Age and were inhabited until the 6th Century AD. Roman coins have also been found here.

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Fishing

If you are keen on fishing we have course fishing, one just a short walk from the cottage. There are lakes and rivers for fly fishing. Keen fisherman John climbed up the mountain from Idwal Cottage in the Ogwen valley to catch Brown Trout in Llyn Bochlwyd nestling under the crags of Y Glyder. Sept 2006. Charter boats based in Beaumaris take groups out sea angling. The same boats, also take passengers on short cruises along the Menai Strait to Puffin Island.

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History and Heritage

History has left its mark on Anglesey. Visit the Anglesey Heritage website. There are Neolithic burial chambers such as Bryn Celli Ddu and Barclodiad y Gawres on the wild west coast.
Parys Mountain, the Copper Mine, above the town of Amlwch with its very old harbour (seen on the BBC2 Restoration programme) is just one of many reminders of the Industrial Revolution.

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National Trust

The Marquis of Anglesey's ancestral home Plas Newydd is a major Anglesey attraction, now owned by The National Trust, is open to the public as is their other local property, the magnificent Castell Penrhyn (Penrhyn Castle), built on the profits from slavery, sugar and slate trades. Both houses close at some time over winter so look them up to find out.

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Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris's fascinating castle, one of the biggest Anglesey attractions, built in the 13th century by the English king Edward 1, the last of seven built along the coast of North Wales to quell the Welsh, was Europes most ambitious and concentrated medieval building project.

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Crafts

Our beautiful island has attracted many artists and crafts people. Their work can be found for sale and on exhibition locally... Oriel Mon, Ucheldre, Tegfryn Gallery, Oriel Gwyngyll, Llynnon Mill Llandeusant, (Anglesey Craftworkers Guild shop) and the Market Square in Beaumaris are just some of the places worth a visit.
Glass work, jewelry, woodcrafts, silverware, woollen textiles ... its all here.

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Oriel Ynys Mon Gallery. Kyffin Williams.

The eagerly awaited opening of Oriel Kyffin Williams took place in the Summer of 2008. The Oriel will be a permanent and fitting tribute to one of Wales’ most celebrated and respected artists. Sir Kyffin Williams was a passionate advocate for the arts on Anglesey and was an active and enthusiastic supporter of the work of Oriel Ynys Môn since its opening in 1991. He generously donated over 400 original works of art and sculpture to Oriel Ynys Mon, ranging from sketches to drawings to major oils. The Gallery prides itself on this large and important collection which it holds for the benefit of the people of Anglesey and its visitors.

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Art Gallery in Menai Bridge

The Tegfryn Art Gallery in Menai Bridge can be found on the main street. You are welcome to view the works on show which include a number from leading local artists .

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Photography Gallery in Menai Bridge

A visit to the Glyn Davies Gallery in Menai Bridge reveals excellent quality photographs and images reflecting the genre of fine-art photography. Glyn's passion for the landscape is matched by his passion for the perfect print and you will find print browsers containing different subjects, ranging from eye-catching atmospheric landscapes to stunning unusual floral imagery and abstracts.

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Textiles

Needle workers will be pleased to discover Tan Lan Crafts Centre and Copperfields, both selling equipment and materials for quilters (and knitters at Copperfields).
Dorothy Russell, Quilt artist and proprietor of Coed y Berclas Accommodation, has her workshop in the main house and draws much inspiration from the flora and fauna of Anglesey. One of Dorothy's lino printed quilts hangs in the holiday cottage living room, with others in the holiday apartment.

Dorothy teaches Patchwork and Quilting courses to groups and in workshops around North Wales.If you would like a lesson, or a whole course, contact Dorothy to ask for details. Visit her Website at www.dotrussell.co.uk

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Just Relax!

If you haven't found anything which appeals yet, perhaps that's because all you want to do is escape the rat race, sit in our holiday cottage orchard - or our holiday apartment terrace - with a glass of wine, a good book at hand and gaze at the stunning view while the birds and bees go about their busy lives:

and isn't that what holidays are about?

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A Very Fast Cat

Well... if city life won't let you go, you can always pop over on either of the fast Cat ferries from Holyhead to Dublin - either Stena or Irish Ferries - for the day!

 

Enjoy!

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This image was taken sailing through Puffin Sound just before sunset.

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Looking for things to do on Anglesey with Children in mind...!

The list below is assembled with children in mind but is no less appropriate for the big ones ... in fact, many of them suit the big ones down to the ground!

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Greenwood Forest Park

Greenwood Forest Park has been described as a lot of fun by many of our younger visitors and their parents seem to have enjoyed it too. Actually, it's a fantastic place for kids. You'll need their map to find it. Ask us..! Y Felinheli, Gwynedd LL56 4QN 01248 671493

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Stone Science

Stone Science - not many people have found this place as yet but one young man with an interest in fossils and dinosaurs thoroughly enjoyed it. Bryn Eglwys, Llanddyfnan, Pentraeth, Anglesey, LL75 8UL 01248 450310

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Pili Palas

Pili Palas is only a couple of miles from Coed y Berclas and is definitely an Anglesey attraction and place to go if you like butterflies. There's also a bouncy castle and a little cafe. Penmynydd Road, Menai Bridge, Anglesey. LL59 5RP. 01248 712474

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Anglesey Sea Zoo

A fun thing to do on Anglesey for kids is a visit to Anglesey Sea Zoo, a place I have taken our children a number of times, in fact one of our nephews insisted on going every time he visited us. There's a little cafe, but be careful as they also sell homemade fudge. Halen Mon is next door. Brynsiencyn, Isle of Anglesey LL61 6TQ. 01248 430411

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Foel Farm Park and Chocolate Farm

Foel Farm Park and Chocolate Farm is very close to the Sea Zoo, on the shore of the Menai Strait. Very much a family run small business where children can see and touch or hold young animals. There is a cafe and don't forget the Anglesey Chocolates. Brynsiencyn, Anglesey. LL61 6TQ 01248430646.

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Boat trips round Puffin Island

Boat trips round Puffin Island Starida Sea Services, Little Bryn, Beaumaris, Anglesey, North Wales 01248 810251 The same company also do fishing trips . You could come back with sea bass or mackerel for dinner.

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Easter Bunnies

Easter Bunnies As well as seeing the lovely Angora rabbits they have lovely garments for sale. Slieve Donard, Talwrn Road, Llangefni, Anglesey LL77 7RP 01248 750297

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Off the Island. Onto the Mainland

 

Snowdonia and North Wales has many things to offer our guests at Coed y Berclas and, although not on the Island, we are compiling a list of activities and adventure for all within easy reach.

 

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Mountains of Snowdonia

Snowdonia is stunning to look at from Coed y Berclas but it also offers lots to do, in fact it's true to say there's something for everyone. Someone asked me if Anglesey was put here for the islanders to better appreciate the Snowdonia Mountain Range..!

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The Snowdonia National Park

The Snowdonia National Park Website gives a great deal of information on everything from today's weather, to Spectacular walks, local information, safety and so on. There are lots of walks to follow and if you don't want to do the steep type, there are plenty of easier leisure routes. However, if you hanker after something vertical and want to test your finger and toe grip, Idwal Slabs is just one of the places you can head for with your climbing rope slung casually over your shoulder. Contact the centre at National Park Office, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd LL48 6LF. 01766 770274.

There are many wonderful mountain bike routes in Snowdonia and Anglesey. Bike hire and route information is available in a number of locations locally. If you want help contact us.

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Snowdon Mountain railway

From Llanberis, at the foot of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, you can climb aboard a train on the Snowdon Mountain Railway Llanberis, Gwynedd LL55 4TY. 0871 7200033, and be steam drawn to the top where you can enjoy a cup of tea in the cafe and a splendid view (weather permitting!).

Back down in Llanberis the twin lakes, Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris bring other opportunities for amusement - swimming may be a little chilly in mountain fed lakes, but boating's fun.

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National Slate Museum of Wales

On the edge of Llyn Padarn is the National Slate Museum of Wales Llanberis, Gwynedd LL55 4TY 01286 870630, where you can learn a lot about one of the main industries, not only of Wales past, but also Wales present.

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Llyn Padarn Lakeside Train

You can also catch a little steam train here and chug along the side of the lake and back. Llyn Padarn Lakeside Train Rheilffordd Llyn Padarn, Gilfach Ddu, Llanberis, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL55 4TY 01286870549)

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Electric Mountain - Hydro Electric

Very close by is Electric Mountain with information about the exciting hydro-electric scheme where water is pumped up to the upper lake Marchlyn Mawr at night with surplus power from the national grid, then dropped down again during the day to drive the generatotrs and provide green power. You can take a bus into the heart of the mountain. It is said the generating chamber is the size of Westminster Abbey! Electric Mountain Electric Mountain, Llanberis, Gwynedd, LL55 4UR. 01286 870636.

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Dolbadarn Castle and Llyn Peris

Llyn Peris is very different, much more solemn. Standing sentinel between the two lakes stands Castell Dolbadarn, castle/fortress of the Welsh Princes of Gwynedd. Built around 1230 by Llewelyn Ap Iorwerth, known as Llewelyn the Great, it was a massive edifice with slate walls 8feet thick. Three stories high, it enclosed a complex of chambers. Entry was at first floor level, probably by wooden ladder. When the ladder was retracted, the castle would be unassailable. Take time to look at it, don't drive past without a second thought as so many do, heading for the Llanberis Pass through the mountains.

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Pete's Eats

Then, if you have the appetite after a day in the mountains, you might like to head for Pete's Eats in the centre of Llanberis - they've been feeding mountaineers large fry-ups for years. Pete's website is an awesome repository of local information.

 

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A few ideas there...?

 

Coed y Berclas Holiday Accommodation Anglesey is No Smoking only. Strictly No Pets.