Ultimate Itinerary For 4 Days In Anglesey, Wales 2026
Just off the northwest coast of Wales, you’ll find the beautiful isle of Anglesey with some of the best experiences the UK has to offer. The best golden sand beaches, the best spots to see puffins and the best place to take a seaweed bath… yes, you read that right!
Anglesey has so much to offer, it makes the perfect spot for a long weekend getaway. In this blog, I’m sharing my ultimate itinerary I used to explore so much of the island in just four days as well as the best places to stay and eat.
Read on to discover all my tried and tested tips from the top or use the options below to jump to the section you’re most interested in.
- Getting to & around Anglesey
- Best time to go
- The route
- Day 1: Crossing into Anglesey
- Day 2: Puffin spotting & castles
- Day 3: Beaches & seaweed baths
- Day 4: Exploring abandoned mines, quarries and more
- Best places to stay
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase through them I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Anglesey at a glance:
- Best budget beach cottage (£65 per night)
- Best mid-range cosy cabins (£95 per night)
- Best puffin-spotting boat tour
- Most incredible seaweed bath experience!
Getting to & around Anglesey
First things first, you’re probably wondering exactly where Anglesey is and how you’ll get there. As you can see from the map below, the island sits off the northwest coast of Wales, just beyond Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park on the mainland. It’s connected by the Menai Bridge which has passage for trains, cars, and pedestrians so you won’t need to worry about a ferry.
While there is a train line that runs from Bangor on the mainland across the island to the biggest town, Holyhead it only has six stops and is limited to the southern half of the island. If you’re only going to visit a couple of the major sights or are happy to rely on local buses, you could enjoy Anglesey by train. You can learn more about the train network on Anglesey and book your tickets with Trainline here.
But for this itinerary and to get the most from your time here, I’d really recommend travelling by car. There’s plenty of parking across the island and the roads are generally quiet too!
Best time to go
Now you know how you’re going to get to Anglesey, let’s look at the best time to go. As you can see from the table below, like much of the UK unfortunately it gets a lot of rain. Which is why the best months to visit are the driest from April to August.
I personally did this trip over the Easter break in April and while we did have some rain, it was mild and beautifully quiet before the summer season kicked in. This is also when puffins start returning to the area to breed until August so if spotting these rare birds is on your agenda, bear that in mind too!
If you’re wanting to spend more time on the beach and have a greater chance of sunshine, I’d do this trip in June or July, again before the peak visitor numbers in August.
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Average Days Of Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | 3°C | 14 |
| February | 8°C | 3°C | 11 |
| March | 9°C | 4°C | 11 |
| April | 12°C | 6°C | 10 |
| May | 15°C | 8°C | 9 |
| June | 17°C | 11°C | 9 |
| July | 18°C | 12°C | 10 |
| August | 18°C | 13°C | 10 |
| September | 17°C | 11°C | 11 |
| October | 14°C | 9°C | 13 |
| November | 11°C | 6°C | 16 |
| December | 9°C | 4°C | 15 |
The route
Next, let’s look at the main spots you’re going to visit in your four days on the island, as well as a couple on the Welsh mainland that you can explore on the way there and back. As you can see, not only are there a whole heap of amazing sights to experience, but they’re generally around the coast which is why I’ve broken down the itinerary into different sides of the coast each day.
Plus, as I mentioned earlier, all routes across to Anglesey will take you through stunning Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park which has some amazing sights of its own. I’ve detailed a couple of spots I recommend stopping at as part of the full itinerary in the next section, but if you have a little more time or want to see more of Snowdonia on the way, here’s a couple of extra stops I’d recommend…
Pistyll Rhaeadr (waterfall): This is the tallest single drop waterfall in Britain that you can admire from the bottom or a short walk to the top.
Ceunant Mawr (Llanberis Falls): A beautiful short walk to dramatic waterfall that plunges twice into a wooded gorge.
Swallow Falls: A rocky wooded path will lead you to the bubbling Swallow Falls, just note it’s £2 entry per adult.
Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa): If you have the best part of a day to spare en route and have never climbed the highest mountain in Wales, this could be a great opportunity. Depending on where you’re coming from, you’re likely to pass relatively close to the start of the walk. While climbing Snowdon does require a good level of fitness and the right kit, it’s worth every step for the views at the top. Plus, if you don’t fancy the walk, there is a train that goes right to the summit! Click here to get all the information you need.
…and if you’re in need of a great coffee along the way, discover my list of the top 10 coffee shops in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park.
Day 1: North Wales & crossing into south Anglesey
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty – here’s what I’d recommend doing on day one of your Anglesey adventure!
Marvel at Aber Falls
Start strong by visiting this incredible waterfall in northwest Wales on your way to the island. It’s under 30 minutes drive from the bridge over to Anglesey and will give you the chance to stretch your legs on the lovely accessible walk and enjoy the drama of the 120ft drop!
Visiting the waterfall itself is free, just note you will likely have to pay to park. Also, this place is very popular so try to arrive earlier in the day if you can to avoid the crowds.
Admire Menai suspension bridge
From there, it’s time to cross the famous Menai Bridge that connects Anglesey to the mainland. Designed by Thomas Telford and opened in 1826, it was the world’s first iron suspension bridge. Not only is it a historic sight but it’s beautifully designed and worth stopping for a few minutes to admire it.
I’d recommend parking up in Wood Street Car Park or the nearby Waitrose car park to get out and wander to the bridge viewpoints. Walk along the Belgian Promenade on the riverfront and under the bridge itself for the best views.
Explore Bryn Celli Ddu burial mound
From there, you can head even further back in time to one of Anglesey’s most famous prehistoric landmarks. Bryn Celli Ddu which translates to ‘Mound in the Dark Grove’ in English and is a neolithic chambered tomb with a passageway leading to a small room where human bones, arrowheads and carved stones have been found.
But it’s most special feature can only be seen once a year – as the sun rises on the longest day of the year (summer solstice), the light shines directly down the tomb’s passageway lighting the way!
Open every day, today you can visit and explore the passage and small chambers for yourself for free. Just park up along the road and follow the path to the tomb.
Wander Rhosneigr beach at sunset
After what’s likely to be quite a long drive over to Anglesey and a strong dose of history, you’re probably ready to relax with a glass of something tasty, tuck into some good food and watch the sunset. For that, I’d recommend heading to Rhosneigr beach.
Towards the middle of the west coast of the island, it’s a nice central position to head to your accommodation afterwards and the long sandy beach and tufted grass dunes make for a beautiful sunset like the one we saw above! Plus, there’s a brilliant restaurant just behind the dunes called The Oyster Catcher (more details below) with a balcony to sit back and enjoy – perfection!
Best places to eat & drink
If you’re in need of a caffeine hit or a tasty brunch on your way to Anglesey, head to The Swellies! We loved this cute and cosy spot on the small Dinorwic Marina. The brunch was excellent, the coffee delicious and the service perfect.
Plus39 $$
If you’re ready for a sweet treat or wood-fired pizza after crossing into Anglesey then Plus39 is your spot, named after the Italian dialling code. This authentic Italian restaurant is just along from the Menai Bridge and the owners pride themselves on offering only the best dishes made with the finest local ingredients.
Mojo’s $
Another great spot that serves everything from coffee and pastries to brunch, lunch and dinner is Mojo’s. Just along from the beach this spot is perfectly located for exploring Rhosneigr and serves fresh and tasty dishes. I’d just recommending booking a table if you can as it does get busy.
As I mentioned above, when it comes to dinner with a view, you can’t really beat The Oyster Catcher. Grab a table on their balcony terrace in time for sunset over the beach and enjoy fresh fish and chips or other classic favourites with a glass of wine. They also often have a DJ or live music in summer so this really is the perfect spot. Just be sure to get there in good time as it fills up!
Also next to the Menai Bridge is Dylan’s serving traditional Welsh dishes and incredible local seafood alongisde international favourites and flavours.
Day 2: Puffin spotting & castles in east Anglesey
On day two, I’d recommend exploring the east coast around the town of Beaumaris to spot some of Anglesey’s most famous residents – the puffins! As well as some key historic spots and hidden gardens, here’s my top line up…
Head out on a Puffin Island cruise
One of the best things to do on Anglesey is hit the waves to spot puffins. These cute and elusive birds capture our imaginations and being able to see them in the wild is just magical. As I mentioned earlier, this puffin colony starts returning to aptly named Puffin Island just off the coast of Anglesey to breed from April until August. So you’ve got a great chance to see them in that window.
When we visited in early April they were just starting to return and we saw a couple of pairs fishing and settling on the rocks. To see greater numbers, I’d consider making the trip from late April onwards. Plus, it’s not just puffins that enjoy this spot – you can expect to see other seabirds like razorbills and kittiwakes as well as harbour porpoises, grey seals and sometimes dolphins – we were very lucky and saw all of the above!
To book your cruise, I’d recommend Seacoast Safaris. Their Puffin Island tour is 80 minutes and for £18.95 per adult, you’ll get to see a lot of wildlife as well as the local area. For any questions you can also visit their stand in Beaumaris harbour, and don’t forget a waterproof and warm jacket, it gets windy out there!
TOP TIP: To make sure you don’t miss any puffin sightings, I’d recommend taking a pair of binoculars. They don’t have to be expensive – I got a decent pair for around £30 on Amazon and they’re great. You can find my exact binoculars here. I’ve also used them on loads of other trips since so a great travel investment!
Visit Beaumaris Castle
After racing down the water, you’re probably ready for something a bit more relaxed. For this, you could visit what’s considered a nearly perfectly symmetrical unfinished masterpiece. Beaumaris Castle was commissioned by Edward I in the early 1300s to be the crown jewel of his string of Welsh castles but unfortunately lack of money and trouble brewing in Scotland meant it never got finished.
Which is why the 6 towers you see today are surprisingly short – they were designed to be much taller in-keeping with this grand fortress. But despite it still being unfinished, there’s a lot to explore and great views over the water. You can find more information here as well as book tickets which are £9.50 for adults.
Tour Beaumaris Gaol
You could also visit the much more recent but equally interesting site, Beaumaris Gaol which is just along the road. It was built in 1829 to house Victorian prisoners like Richard Rowlands who was executed for the alleged murder of his father-in-law. He protested his innocence and according to local legend put a curse on the clock tower and it never kept the right time since!
Today you can explore the dimly lit corridors and bare cells to get a feel for what it was like. Tickets are £7 for adults and can be bought on site.
Explore Penmon Coast & local ruins
From Beaumaris out to the east is the beautiful and serene Penmon coast, capped off at the end with Penmon Point Lighthouse that you can see above. If you join a Puffin Island tour you’ll be able to see this from the boat but to get up close and explore more the area, I’d recommend continuing on the coastal road.
Along the way you’ll be able to stop at ruins like Penmon Dovecote – an epic bird box that’s free to explore, built to house over 1,000 pigeons and doves in the 1600s. Just the other side of the road is Penmon’s Priory, Cross and St. Seiriol’s Well dating back to the 6th century and thought to have healing properties.
Just be aware, the end of Penmon coast becomes private land so you’ll need to pay £3.50 to enter and park.
Discover Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens
Alternatively, if you’ve had your history fill and you’re craving some nature instead, you could take a trip to Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens between the Menai Bridge and Beaumaris. This 200-acre estate was bought by the current owners in 1996 and ever since, they’ve been restoring the property to its former glory and finding unique hidden gardens along the way.
When visiting, you can explore an unusual walled garden with curved walls and a pool, as well as a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and an upper woodland garden with the remains of a folly. Entrance to the gardens, tea room and other facilities is £10.50 per adult – just note, the site is only open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Wander Rhoscolyn beach at sunset
To round off your jam-packed day, head to another stunning beach to enjoy sunset. Rhoscolyn is just north from Rhosneigr beach with the same golden sands but a fresh angle to enjoy the last of the sun’s rays.
Best places to eat & drink
To grab breakfast or brunch before your Puffin Island cruise, we headed to Pier House Café and loved it. They serve great fresh dishes right on the waterfront.
Mercado $
For a quick and easy lunch on-the-go, I’d recommend grabbing a fresh hot pie or sausage roll from Mercado. Plus, the shop is lovely and you’ll likely find some treats for later too!
For the best ice cream in Beaumaris, head to Great Taste Award-winning Red Boat. They have a whole range of flavours to choose from but their tiramisu ice cream took the top spot.
If you’re after a fuss-free snack at Penmon Point, stop by Pilot House Café for a cream tea, slice of cake or cup of tea.
The Midland Tapas & Wine Bar $$
If you’re staying in Beaumaris for dinner, this tapas spot is very well reviewed serving super fresh plates of tasty Spanish treats.
Day 3: Beautiful beaches, lighthouses & seaweed baths in west Anglesey
On your third day, it’s time to explore further west – home to precariously perched light houses, incredible nature reserves and a special seaweed treat to end the day.
Climb South Stack Lighthouse
Start your day off at the most northwesterly lighthouse on the island, a short drive from the main town, Holyhead. Down 400 steps and across the old bridge, you’ll reach the beautiful South Stack islet with the lighthouse built in 1809 to warn ships of the rocks when crossing the Irish Channel.
It’s a stunning spot to look out over the sea and you can climb up into the lighthouse to learn how it works and see the light up close. This really is a must-do on Anglesey and your £10 ticket goes towards continued restoration and protection of this special spot. It’s also worth knowing – there’s no need to purchase a ticket in advance, just buy it on the day from the office by the car park.
Explore Ynys Llanddwyn beach & lighthouse
From one lighthouse to another, further down the west coast you’ll find the beautiful beachy haven that is Ynys Llanddwyn. Think rolling dunes, sweeping golden beaches and historic maritime relics that you could freely explore for hours. We brought a packed lunch and enjoyed a couple of hours relaxing here.
Plus, if you’re in the mood for a quick dip, this is a Blue Flag beach recognised for it’s clean waters and protected environment so perfect for swimming.
Walk in Newborough Forest
Backing onto Ynys Llanddwyn beach is uniquely beautiful Newborough Forest, where pine trees meet the sandy shores and you have the chance to spot the UK’s rarest mammal – the red squirrel. I’d recommend taking even a short stroll here before or after exploring the beach as it’s just such a lovely spot. But to see more of this National Nature Reserve, pick up one of the circular walking trails that will lead you through the forest to the beach. You can discover all the trails on their website here.
If cycling is more your style, there’s also lots of bike paths you can follow as well as trail running routes and even horse riding tracks.
Enjoy a wild seaweed bath at Halen Môn salt factory
Is there any better way to finish the day than with a seaweed bath!? Soothe any aching muscles and relax after a long day of exploring in the warm waters of your own seaweed barrel at Halen Môn salt factory. As the seaweed is warmed, it releases mineral-dense oils that moisturise and soothe your skin. Plus, you get to look out across the sea as you bathe – a win, win!
Each seaweed bath is 45 minutes and costs £39.50. You can book a slot directly on their website here.
Side note -if a seaweed bath isn’t your idea of a good time, there’s lots of other things to enjoy at Halen Môn and it’s worth stopping by. You can join a tour of their salt production facilities to learn more about how it’s made, grab a cuppa from their on-site cafe or just browse the salt-based treats in their shop.
Best places to eat & drink
For coffee, lunch or an afternoon tea with the ultimate view, head into the RSPB run cafe at South Stack Lighthouse. This is a lovely spot with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the lighthouse and you can feel good knowing you’re supporting the local wildlife too!
For excellent quality locally roasted coffee as you’re passing through Holyhead, look no further than Cuffed-In Coffee.
For delicious breakfast options and fresh filled ciabatta sandwiches, Reuben’s is the place. Its got excellent reviews for a reason!
For lunch or dinner in Holyhead, The Harbourfront Bistro has an extensive menu and a great waterfront position with (as the name suggests!) views over the harbour. From sandwiches and light bites to tacos and hearty Welsh classics, you’re sure to find something you like!
If you’re in need of a caffeine lift after an afternoon of walking, this is a great option that’s a short drive away.
Cafe Notos $$
For other brunch options, coffee or tasty lunches as you pass through Rhosneigr, don’t miss out on Cafe Notos. It’s a super stylish and fresh café just in from the coast.
Day 4: Exploring abandoned brickworks, mines and quarries in north Anglesey
On your final day, it’s time to head up north to explore fascinating ruins before you journey back across mainland Wales. Here’s the key sights I’d recommend…
Hunt down Trearddur Bay abandoned houses
Start off your morning close to Holyhead at Trearddur Bay, which is not only a fantastic beach but home to imposing and abandoned Craig Y Môr. The house was built in the early 1900s for the Smellie family and has remained in their ownership ever since, passed down from William Smellie and his wife to their children and grandchildren although none of them live there.
The interior is supposedly so well preserved it can be hired as a filming location to make the most of its stone staircase, period features and servants quarters. Plus, for its bold scale and design it was designated as Grade II listed in 1998 so it’s worth stopping by to admire this spooky local treasure.
Explore the old Porth Wen brickworks site
Next to Porth Wen beach you’ll find the fascinating remains of the old Victorian brickworks where many of the original buildings still stand including store houses, kilns and machinery. It’s well worth a stop to see this slice of history that’s been left exactly as it was since it was in operation.
Just note, this isn’t an official sight although it has been designated as a monument by the local government so there’s no allotted parking for it. But you can pull into one of the lay-bys on the main road and walk the short section of hill down.
Just be aware, this site isn’t maintained and so could move or fall so be careful while exploring.
Marvel at the colours of Parys Mountain
A short drive further north east will take you to the rainbow hills of the former copper mine, Parys Mountain. In the 18th century, this was the biggest producer of copper globally and continued to be a major employer and economic power in the area until closure in 1911.
Today, you can explore the incredible colours left behind by the sulphites in the rocks that create acidic conditions and turn the ground red. There are well-signposted trails across the site that are free to enter and you can easily park up at the entrance. You can also explore the remains of some of the mining buildings so all in all it’s a really interesting place and makes for some beautiful photos across the hills.
Stop at Dinorwig slate quarry ruins
After exploring the north of the island, it’ll be time to start heading home as your four days comes to and end. But don’t worry, it’s not over yet! There’s a final sight I’d recommend stopping at just across the Menai Bridge back in mainland Wales.
From the small town of Llanberis you can walk to what was the second largest slate mine in the world and was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. From Padarn Country Park car park, follow the well marked trails across the quarry to Anglesey Barracks (that you can see above) where miners from Anglesey stayed during the week so they didn’t have to travel home each day. These tiny units only had a fire place and very simple bed and would each house four men. Unsurprisingly, after a visit by health inspectors in 1948 they were condemned as unfit for living!
Now they sit as a reminder of this important industry in a beautiful position overlooking the lake. You could easily spend an hour or more here exploring, just note again, the rocks and slate can move so be careful where you tread.
Best places to eat & drink
If it’s a quick bite or ice cream after hunting abandoned houses you’re after, stop off at friendly community-focused Sea Shanty Cafe in Trearddur Bay.
Skye’s $
For a delicious sweet or savoury treat near Parys Mountain, head to Skye’s creperie. There’s lots of crepe flavours and fillings to choose from in this popular local spot!
For hearty breakfasts and lunches, don’t miss the colourful Bell – Y Gloch. With lovely indoor and outdoor seating you can take a break from ghost hunting at this decidedly un-spooky café close to the brickworks!
Best places to stay
Best campsites
Mulberry’s Farm (adults only)
This is the campsite we stayed at and it’s one of the best I’ve been to. The whole site is immaculate, so peaceful and has views of sunset across the fields every night. If you’re camping, I’d really recommend staying on their fairy light-lit Rabbit Warren pitches for the ultimate experience. Or book one of their spacious and private motorhome or caravan pitches with full electric and water hookups for a very comfortable stay.
Not only is this campsite really lovely, but it’s perfectly situated to explore the main sights. Just 10 minutes drive to the main town of Holyhead and a stones throw from the best beaches.
Nant Bychan Farm (family camping)
If you’re camping with kids or want to be closer to the sea then this campsite on the east of the island just a stone’s throw from the beach is a perfect choice. It’s super well reviewed, in a great location and with modern and fresh amenities. Plus, there’s a small café serving pizza and ice cream on the beach – what more could you want!? 🙌
Best B&Bs & Hotels
The Beach House (£65 per night)
For more creature comforts without losing the views, this cosy B&B in west Anglesey is a lovely option. Complete with your own mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, private immaculate bathroom and your own sea view, this is a lovely stay with excellent hosts.
Luxury Pods at Mornest Caravan Park (£95 per night)
For an extra touch of luxury close to gorgeous Ynys Llanddwyn beach, choose these luxury pods designed with a full shower unit, kitchen and sofa area / double bed. Settle in for a night under the stars and sip wine on your own little patio.
Dafarn Newydd Studio £160 per night
For full pampering in a spacious studio, look to Dafarn Newydd in the centre of Anglesey. This place is very popular and for good reason. Its spotless, roomy and has views over the Welsh mountains.
There we have it, my full tried and tested itinerary for a fantastic four days on the Welsh island of Anglesey. I hope you enjoy your time here as much as I did! If you have any tips to add or want to share how you found these places, please comment and let me know. Happy travelling!
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