Holiday homes & rentals on Anglesey

Located off Wales's north-west coast, the gorgeous Isle of Anglesey is one of the largest islands in the British Isles and the Irish Sea. The island is characterised by numerous ancient monuments, picture-perfect beaches, and unparalleled natural beauty. A holiday cottage on the Isle of Anglesey makes for an ideal base to explore the unspoilt coastline and stunning landscapes this island has to offer.

Anglesey holiday lettings offer cultural treasures and thrilling outdoor adventures on the coast, like diving down to discover shipwrecks. Self catering holidays in Anglesey couldn't be more enjoyable, with so many delicious local products on hand and options for accommodation.

How to get to Anglesey

The Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge connect the Isle of Anglesey with mainland Wales. Aside from driving, the options for getting to Anglesey include travelling by air, train or ferry.

Isle of Anglesey by car There are numerous dual carriageways that cross Wales, leading directly to the island. However, for the most scenic drive, take the A5 which passes through the stunning mountains of North Wales. You can reach the island in around five hours form London, two hours from Manchester and three hours from Birmingham.

Isle of Anglesey by air The Isle of Anglesey is served by Anglesey Airport, which is approximately two miles from the A55 Expressway and located at Llanfair yn Neubwll. The airport offers daily flights from and to Cardiff Airport, which is one of the UK’s major airports. Travel time to Cardiff from Anglesey is around one hour.

Isle of Anglesey by train Anglesey is served by six railway stations, which are part of the North Wales Coast Line. Train services are operated by Transport for Wales Rail and Virgin Trains. Train services from Anglesey are available to various cities in the UK including London, Chester, Birmingham, and Cardiff.

Isle of Anglesey by ferry You can also reach Anglesey by taking a ferry ride from Dublin via Holyhead Ferry Terminal. The Stena Line and Irish Ferries offer regular ferry services from Holyhead to Dublin.

What to eat in Anglesey

Anglesey is brimming with quality local produce and the freshest of seafood, so it’s no wonder that the island is a food lover’s paradise. Why not pick up some ingredients from local farmer's market and try your hand at making any of the below in your holiday cottage kitchen?

Bara Brith This popular local speciality is made with yeast bread and mixed dry fruits. The bread is served fresh out of the oven and is traditionally enriched with mixed spices and dried fruits. Bara brith can also be prepared using self-raising flour without yeast.

Lobscouse This tasty traditional stew recipe originates from the Norwegian Vikings and is made using beef or lamb. Other ingredients include onions, carrots, meat stock, and potatoes.

Welsh Rarebit This cheese on toast dish is another classic made with melted cheese and a variety of other ingredients including butter, flour, mustard, and cayenne pepper. The dish is served hot with slices of toasted bread.

Cawl Another traditional stew, this is one of the most popular dishes on the island and consists of lamb or beef, potatoes, swedes, leeks, and other seasonal vegetables. The dish is traditionally made the day before it will be served.

Welsh Cake Also known as 'Bakestones', this delicious Welsh teatime treat is traditionally prepared on a cast-iron griddle. They are made from eggs, milk, flour, butter, and various spices including nutmeg and cinnamon. Welsh cake is served hot or cold with a generous sprinkle of caster sugar.

What to see on Anglesey: castles and mansions

Beaumaris Castle is mediaeval architecture at its best. The immaculately executed 13th c. building boasts an ingenious double-wall that strengthens its fortification.

It was the product of Edward I's extensive building programme in North Wales. However, King Edward was soon distracted by his attempt to invade Scotland, and he abandoned the castle's construction before it was complete. Nevertheless, it remains a monument to King Edward's power, and a gateway to a fascinating period of Welsh history.

The National Trust Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens overlooks Snowdonia. The mansion is set on the Menai Strait, and was redesigned in the 18th c. by James Wyatt. In the 1930s, the interior was redecorated with an impressive Rex Whistler mural.

The Plas Newydd also houses the Military Museum, which charts the Battle of Waterloo and is surrounded by a remarkable rhododendron garden and arboretum.

Anglesey with children: marine marvels

Explore one of the United Kingdom's most spectacular natural areas. Diving in Anglesey will let you discover underwater shipwrecks now filled with marine life.

You can also head off for a hike in the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with your family. The majority of the island's coastline is included in the protected area, which is considered one of the most diverse and beautiful in the British Isles. Benllech and Newborough Beaches are perfect spots for picnics and paddling.

Children are wowed by the marine wildlife at Anglesey Sea Zoo. Wales' largest aquarium is a state of the art facility where you can learn about more than 150 species, along with marine biology and conservationism. There's so much to do: check out the Lobster Hatchery, the Seahorse Nursery, and Octojump bouncy castle.

Lookout points and secret gardens

Why not hike to the historic South Stack Lighthouse? It was built in 1809 on a small island, and is accessible via a great number of steps which form a cliff path. In the lighthouse proper, you can tour the engine room and climb to the observation deck for dazzling panoramic views of the coastline. Look out for coastal bird varieties like guillemots, razorbills, and bright beaked puffins.

Alternatively, discover the splendour of the Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens. Impressive formal gardens and British woodlands filled with wild flowers are part of the attraction of these remarkable gardens. Look out for waterfalls, visit the valley garden, and from April to October, see the famous Welsh poppies bobbing in the breeze.

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