Wild coastal adventures in and around Anglesey
Intro
Anglesey is one of Britain’s top coastal destinations, an outdoor playground in summer full of thrilling adventures and experiences. Separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait, Anglesey packs a lot into a compact island. Expect fast-paced RIB boat trips, exhilarating kite surfing, scenic coastal walks and relaxing seaweed bathing, plus fine dining and characterful places to stay. Summer brings longer daylight hours and more time to explore.
What to do
RIB Ride Adventure Boat Tours, Menai Bridge
Hop into an inflatable RIB boat and hold on tight as experienced guides zoom along Anglesey’s wildlife-rich coastline at high speeds. RIB Ride’s tours depart from St George’s Pier in Menai Bridge, with each route revealing different sides of the island – from a trip to Puffin Island’s seabird colonies to an exploration of the Menai Strait where clients discover the history of Plas Newydd and Caernarfon Castle. The one- to three-hour tours balance wildlife encounters, sightseeing (from the waterside) and storytelling with high-speed runs across open water.
Wild Seaweed Baths by Halen Môn, Brynsiencyn
Halen Môn – the company that turned Anglesey’s sea salt into a culinary export – now uses the sea’s therapeutic properties for Wild Seaweed Baths. The concept draws on an old coastal tradition where iodine-rich kelp is added to hot bath water, releasing minerals and turning it into a skin-softening, muscle-relaxing treatment. Clients can book a 45-minute soak in a private outdoor barrel bath with panoramic views across both the sea and Holyhead Mountain (Mynydd Tŵr).
South Stack Lighthouse
An icon of Anglesey, South Stack Lighthouse has warned ships since 1809. The lighthouse rises from the rocks to the north-west of Holyhead, with its original foghorn and engine room preserved for visitors. Summer opening hours (21 March 2026 to 13 September 2026) allow clients inside the tower itself, where a spiral staircase leads to the lantern room. Please note that access is weather dependent (check the website before visiting).
Kitesurfing by Gecko, Rhosneigr
Take advantage of Rhosneigr beach’s westerly winds for a thrilling kitesurfing adventure on Anglesey’s southwestern coast. Gecko Surf offers clients two-hour lessons in both kitesurfing and surfing for beginners and those who want to brush up their skills. Intermediate and advanced riders can hire equipment and hit the waves at their leisure.
Sea kayaking with B-Active, Rhoscolyn
Discover Anglesey’s coastline at sea level on a kayaking trip with B-Active. Launching from Rhoscolyn beach, half-day excursions explore nearby coves and sea caves, while Wildlife Kayak Trips allow clients to get up close with seals and sea birds. Full-day trips venture further to offshore islands. No previous kayaking experience required – guides provide full instruction and all equipment.
Anglesey Boat Trips, Beaumaris
Launching from Beaumaris Pier, Anglesey Boat Trips whisk clients out on one-hour adventures in a RIB boat. Two routes operate daily from spring through autumn: the Puffin Island Tour, where puffins, guillemots, razorbills and seals make regular appearances, and the Bridges Tour, which zips along the Menai Strait, past Bangor Pier and into Port Penrhyn. Along the way, skippers mix wildlife-spotting with tales of shipwrecks, geology and local history. All trips provide the necessary safety equipment.
Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path
Circling the island for 130 miles, the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path is one of Britain’s most varied long-distance routes. Expect everything from limestone cliffs and marshes to working harbours and windswept beaches. The route is split into 12 manageable sections, with clear signposting for walkers. Wildlife spotters can spy seals and even dolphins, while history buffs pass Roman forts including Caer Gybi, medieval churches and old copper mines. Whether your clients are tackling the whole circuit or dipping in for a coastal stroll, the path provides walkers with a front-row seat to Anglesey’s natural beauty. Download route maps and detailed descriptions from Visit Anglesey’s website, including practical information about parking, refreshments, and terrain difficulty.
Beaumaris Castle, Beaumaris
Admire near-perfect symmetry at Beaumaris Castle, often hailed as the best example of technical castle design in Britain. Built by Edward I in the 13th century as part of his ‘iron ring’ of strongholds, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an array of family-friendly trails and medieval-themed festivals. Although never completed, with its concentric walls, moat and imposing towers, it’s easy to picture knights clashing swords or dragons circling overhead, especially since the nearby town featured in House of the Dragon.
Anglesey Bees, Llanddaniel Fab
Clients can pull on a full bee suit and follow Anglesey Bees’ experienced beekeepers into an apiary where dozens of hives hum with activity. The ‘Meet the Bees’ experience (from the start of April to the end of August) gives an insight into honey production while providing hands-on hive inspection and concludes with a honey tasting to discover the distinctly different flavours made from pollen harvested from Anglesey wildflowers. The experiences range from 90-minute sessions to full-day beekeeper experiences with added extras such as beeswax candle making (each experience is limited to four to six people; bookings for larger private groups by arrangement).
Anglesey Circuit, Trac Môn, Ty Croes
Thrill-seekers can head to Anglesey Circuit, or Trac Môn, a 2.1-mile (3.3 km) racing track in Ty Croes, offering a variety of motorsport experiences for racing cars and motorbikes. The circuit features multiple configurations, each designed to challenge drivers with a mix of fast sections, technical corners, and elevation changes. The track is known for its dramatic coastal views overlooking the Irish Sea and the mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri). The Performance Driving Centre offers single-seater experiences on the Club Circuit, while other providers offer supercar driving experiences and Track Days when the track is open to all levels of experience.
Plas Newydd House and Garden, Plas Newydd
Explore the lives of the Paget family – Marquesses of Anglesey – through collections accumulated over centuries at Plas Newydd House and Garden on the Menai Strait. Inside the 18th-century mansion clients will find Rex Whistler’s 17.5-metre dining room mural featuring an imaginary Mediterranean landscape. Military galleries celebrate the first Marquess’s career during the Napoleonic wars through campaign medals, uniforms, weaponry – and his artificial leg. Family portraits by 18th-century artists Sir Joshua Reynolds and Sir Thomas Lawrence line the state room walls. Set within 169 acres designed by 19th-century landscape gardener Humphry Repton, the grounds feature terraces, woodland and a coastal walk with views across the Strait.
Conwy Castle, Conwy (on the way to Anglesey)
Built by Edward I between 1283 and 1287, Conwy Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the English King’s four great Welsh fortresses, alongside Caernarfon, Harlech and Beaumaris. Clients can relive history while clambering up spiral staircases, patrolling the battlements with sweeping views of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, and exploring the King’s Great Chamber. Don’t miss the secret ‘watching chamber’ with its own private latrine, where royalty could discreetly observe religious services. Eight towers and the most complete set of medieval royal living quarters in Wales complete the experience.
Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon (on the way to Anglesey)
Dive into medieval history at Caernarfon Castle. Built by Edward I in the 13th century, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the striking stronghold boasts polygonal towers, curtain walls and battlements with panoramic views over the Menai Strait and Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park. Inside, clients can wander the King’s Gate, explore the Great Hall, and trace the footsteps of royalty. Interactive exhibitions bring the castle’s turbulent history to life, while its cinematic fame includes a starring role in The Crown, where Prince Charles’ (King Charles III) investiture as Prince of Wales was recreated.
Where to eat and drink
Llanfairpwll Distillery and Anglesey Rum Co, Gaerwen
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – the village with Europe’s longest place name (58 letters) commonly known as ‘Llanfairpwll / Llanfairpwllgwyngyll – lends its name to the nearby Llanfairpwll Distillery in Gaerwen, specialising in small-batch gins made with Anglesey botanicals as well as rum. The award-winning distillery (Welsh Food and Drink Awards 2025) offers tours and tastings where clients can learn how their gins and rums are crafted and discover the history of the island distillery. The tour concludes with a guided tasting of three spirits from the distillery’s range.
Sosban and The Old Butchers, Menai Bridge
Set inside a former butcher’s shop in Menai Bridge, Michelin-starred Sosban and The Old Butchers features curated tasting menus shaped by what North Wales producers can supply each day. Chef-owner Stephen Stevens serves a surprise sequence of dishes that change regularly, reflecting the season. With only a handful of tables, the dining room is cosy and relaxed, with earthy colours and sheepskin-covered chairs. An open kitchen adds a bit of culinary drama, giving clients a front-row seat as Stevens crafts his inventive dishes.
Bull’s Head Inn, Beaumaris
Regional winner of the National Pub and Beer Award 2024, The Bull’s Head Inn has been a firm fixture on Beaumaris’ Castle Street since the 15th century. The Loft Restaurant upstairs serves Modern British cooking showcasing Anglesey produce, from classic pub favourites and burgers to freshly prepared seafood, while the ground floor bar serves real ales as well as tea and coffee. Period-feature bedrooms and suites offer convenient overnight stays for those wanting to linger over a pint or two.
Where to stay
Tre-Ysgawen Hall Country House Hotel and Spa, Capel Coch
For a luxury escape, clients can stay at Tre-Ysgawen Hall, set within 11 acres of formal gardens and parkland. Behind its grand stone façade, this 19th-century country house hotel offers individually designed rooms ranging from traditionally furnished doubles with antique pieces and rich fabrics to larger suites with garden views and period features. In the spa, clients can unwind in a 16-metre indoor pool, sauna and steam room, or book massages, facials and body treatments in one of the dedicated therapy rooms. Dining spans refined and relaxed: the fine-dining restaurant, Romanas, serves British and Italian-influenced dishes including seafood and classic Sunday roasts, while The Clock Tower offers a more informal setting for light bites and snacks.
Château Rhianfa
Set on the shores of the Menai Strait with Snowdonia’s (Eryri’s) peaks on the horizon, Château Rhianfa is a Grade II-listed Victorian hotel resembling a French château. With 27 rooms, suites and lodge options for clients to pick from, many offer four-poster beds and sweeping mountain views, period-inspired décor and modern amenities. The grounds include landscaped gardens that lead down to a private beach and jetty on Menai Strait, while inside clients can unwind in the elegant lounges. Dining at Le Dragon Rouge draws on produce from across Anglesey and Snowdonia (Eryri), including afternoon tea and seasonal dinner menus.
Anglesey Arms, Menai Bridge
The Anglesey Arms is a 200-year-old coaching inn and boutique hotel in Menai Bridge. Rooms range from cozy doubles to family suites, all decorated with individual character. The pub downstairs serves Anglesey ales and occasionally hosts live music. Or head to the restaurant to celebrate seasonal Welsh produce – from roast lamb rump to honey roast duck breast.
More information for the travel trade
Getting around: From Manchester Airport, direct trains to Bangor take around two hours 30 minutes, with Anglesey accessible via a short bus or taxi across Menai Bridge. Hiring a car is recommended for those wishing to explore Anglesey’s remote beaches and historic sites.
Information for the travel trade: