This post is a guest contribution written by Ella McKendrick. Ella is a full time travel film maker, she has a blog, and YouTube. She’s currently pursuing a goal to visit every tribe in Africa by 2025 and has travelled extensively across the UK and the world. She’s sharing her experience with Anglesey, here in Wales. If you’re going on holiday to Anglesey with the family, as a couple or a solo traveler, you’ll want to read on!
Covering just 260 square miles, Anglesey is a picturesque island to the north of Wales. What Anglesey lacks in size however it makes up for in stunning natural beauty and fascinating monuments.
Anglesey is an extremely popular destination for families visiting for either a long-weekend or a slightly longer break. There are tonnes of family-friendly activities for you to do from admiring Anglesey’s nature to exploring rock pools on a quiet beach. Below are some of my favourite things to do in Anglesey for families.
1. Watch for Puffins at South Stack Lighthouse and RSPB Reserve
On the small island of Holy Island, to the west of Anglesey is a famous lighthouse called South Stack Lighthouse. The picturesque working lighthouse can be viewed from the top of Holy Island’s impressive cliffs where there is a cosy cafe and visitor centre.
What’s significant about this lighthouse however is that it is located within an RSPB reserve and visitors can admire the thousands of seabirds including puffins which are nesting within the cliffs which is ideal for nature-loving families.
It’s possible to walk down to the lighthouse but the walk to the lighthouse requires that children need to be at least 1.1 metres in height and who are physically capable of ascending and descending the steps unaided.
2. Be Transported Back in Time at Ancient Beaumaris Castle
This unique castle is renowned for being the greatest castle that was never built. It has earned this title due to the fact that construction was never completed. Construction was ordered by Edward I as part of his campaign to conquer north Wales after 1282 but a multitude of factors delayed the build until it was finally abandoned altogether.
Visitors can walk around the stunning castle and admire views of Snowdonia National Park and mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, during the walk. Within the castle are lots of exciting nooks, crannies and passageways just waiting to be explored.
3. Explore Rock Pools at one of Anglesey’s Gorgeous Beaches
Anglesey is home to a multitude of impressive beaches for families to explore. One of my favourite beaches is Church Bay on the east side of Anglesey.
This beautiful beach has everything a family could hope for. Backed by impressive cliffs, it certainly looks the part. At the edge of the beach are a series of rock pools where you can look for marine life. The golden sand beach is dotted with pebbles of all different shapes and sizes and combing the beach searching for a unique find provides endless entertainment.
Other scenic beaches include Benllech Beach (one of the most popular beaches on the island), Llanddwyn Beach (backed by forests and extensive sand dunes) and Traeth yr Ora Beach (an untouched hidden gem).
4. Spot Red Squirrels in Newborough Forest
Newborough Forest is the home of numerous species of wildlife, namely the red squirrel. The Newborough National Nature Reserve includes an area of forest as well as a vast expanse of sand dunes which is actually one of the largest sand dune systems in Britain.
There are several walking trails through the park as well as an Animal Puzzle Trail for younger visitors. There’s also some cycling trails for families who love to explore on their bikes.
Llyn Parc Mawr within the forest is one of the best places to spot the elusive red squirrel.
Keep an eye out for upcoming events at Llyn Parc Mawr. On certain days the park hosts an event called Llyn Parc Pixies which is a child-friendly event and includes wood craft activities, nature identification and play in the mud and in the woodland.
5. Stroll Along of the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path
This scenic path covers an extensive area of 130 miles and requires 12 days to complete. Fortunately you can just walk a small section at any point on the trail which will take you along Anglesey’s stunning coastline.
Keep an eye out for birds and insects which can be seen at any point along the coastline. Those with keen eyes may even be able to spot a seal or two in the ocean!
The stretch of coastal path between Moelfre and Lligwy Beach and the paths to Traeth yr Ora Beach at Dulas Bay are touted as the best stretches for families with younger children.
6. Trot Along a Beach
The Anglesey Riding Centre provides the opportunity to go on scenic hacks through the countryside. They tailor for riders of all ages and abilities and provide lead rein rides for young children under 7 or first-time riders.
Longer rides include the opportunity to trot down a gorgeous beach.
7. Visit the Last Working Windmill in Wales
Llynon Windmill is the only working windmill in Wales and produces stoneground wholemeal flour using organic wheat.
A visit to the windmill gives you the opportunity to walk the family-friendly Llynon Trail as well as to build your own Iron Age structure using Den Building kits. A treasure hunt through the woodland is also available for children to take part in.
8. Hang Out with the Animals at Foel Farm
Foel Farm is a friendly little farm with a host of activities for families to enjoy. Not only can you meet the animals of Foel Farm but you can enjoy a tractor ride through the farm which yields fantastic views of the nearby countryside. There’s a huge jumping pillow for children to enjoy and for more adventurous visitors you can enjoy a mini trailer ride behind a quad bike.
9. Enjoy a Day at Plas Newydd House and Gardens
This Grade I listed building is managed by the National Trust and sits within acres of pristine countryside including its own woodland.
On a visit to the property you can enjoy a selection of food and drink at The Old Dairy Café. Children can feel exhilarated as they explore the adventure playground in the Dairy Wood play area and can enjoy a game of frisbee or golf.
10. View Dozens of Old Cars at the Anglesey Transport Museum
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander round this museum, marveling at the over 60 gleaming classic cars and vehicles, some of which date back to the 1920s. Here you will find a selection of motorbikes, cars, vans, military and agricultural vehicles. Several of the vehicles have even been used in films.
The museum houses an on-site café where you can grab a bite to eat as well as an outdoor play area for the children to enjoy.
Conclusion
I hope you have enjoyed my list of 10 family friendly activities for you and your family to add to your itinerary. If you’ve got any other suggestions for family friendly attractions in Anglesey, let me know in the comments!
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