Anglesey, a lot to offer

The drive to get to Anglesey had taken 5 hours.  Winding our way through the rolling hills and valleys of central Wales.  We had come this way on purpose as we were looking forward to seeing the wild landscape and isolated villages.  Unfortunately it was raining.  Heavily.  Windscreen wipers on as fast as they could go.  Through the small breaks however came a glimpse of those promised views, rough green and rocky outcrops.

Menai Strait

The final bit of our journey followed the road along the north Wales coast and then crossing the Britannia bridge into Anglesey itself.  A few more miles on we arrived in Beaumaris, on the eastern shore on the Menai Strait.  And in a weird film way the rain stopped and the sun came out.

Beaumaris itself is a buzzing little town, boasting several attractions, a Victorian pier, a variety of small boutiques and plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from.  However not being over crowded with tourists it retains its locals feel.  We were staying for two nights and this gave us plenty of opportunity to check out some local sites.  There are some stunning views from the cliff top walk just above the town itself, sweeping views across the strait, to the hills of north Wales and out to sea. 

Beaumaris Castle

It's also well worth checking out Beaumaris castle, run now by Cadw, the Welsh heritage preservation group.  Here you can pretend you are the rampaging invading English or a Welsh lord, defending your land from the impressive ramparts that still remain and are open for exploration.  Much remains of the castle and you can easily spend a couple of hours here, checking out the narrow corridors and towers.

Beaumaris Castle - Cadw

We were staying in the Bulls Head.  A fine example of an historic inn nicely rebranded into a hotel with rooms and great food.  Our room was in the newer part.  Modern facilities, well designed with a view over the busy street below.  The only weird thing being the glass panel between bedroom and bathroom, ensuring the person going to the toilet in the night will wake up the other, a quirky feature.  The pub / restaurant offers 2 excellent eating options.  The loft restaurant, where fine locally sourced ingredients are on offer in some well thought out dishes, or my personal favourite the Brasserie.  A more laid back affair with equally tasty treats on offer.  Not forgetting of course the opportunity to sample some tasty local ales in the small bar out front.

A very welcoming place to stay

Just a little further along the coast is the stunningly located National Trust property of Plas Newydd House and Gardens.  The gardens are beautifully kept with views over to Snowdonia.  Paths wind along the side of the Menai strait, woodland trails lined with rhododendrons offering glimpses to the water below.  The sun was shining and the water glistened and highlighted the house itself.  Helpful guides, as you would expect from National Trust volunteers were keen to show off all the house had to offer, including a spectacular mural by Rex Whistler his largest ever painting.  After checking all this out the teas shop was a welcome distraction.

Plas Newydd

For those people thinking of a weekend destination you could do a lot worse than this welcoming part of the Welsh coast.