 Regional Info
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Beaumaris
A picturesque town whose mixture of Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture
is enhanced by breathtaking views of the Menai Strait and the mountains of Snowdonia.
Beaumaris was established by Edward I as the site for the last of his 'iron ring' of castles
and other historic buildings include the Courthouse, the Victorian Gaol and the Church of St Mary and
St Nicholas.
Beaumaris is a vibrant town with excellent craft shops and lively pubs, cafes and
restaurants. The Museum of Childhood and Haulfre Stables small equestrian museum are well worth a visit.
Beaumaris is a great spot for fishing and sailing. Why not take a pleasure cruise to Puffin Island
to see the seals and puffins? There is a leisure centre which offers bicycle hire.
Penmon
St. Seiriol founded the priory here in the 6th century. Parts of the ruins, the holy well, cell and monks'
fishpond are still visible. Penmon was attacked by the Vikings in the 10th century and the present church
was constructed later. This Norman or Romaneque architecture is the finest example in the region.
Several early Christian crosses from the 9th - 11th centuries from the site have now been moved
into the church.
St. Seiriol also founded a church on Puffin Island, just off Anglesey but unfortunately there are very
few remains. This is an areas of particular scenic beauty with views of Puffin Island and the lighthouse.
The grounds are rich in bird life and there is excellent sea fishing from Penmon Point.
Menai Bridge
The two bridges linking Anglesey to the mainland, Thomas Telford's Menai Suspension Bridge (opened 1826)
and The Britannia Bridge (opened 1850) and both within easy walking distance of the town centre and
afford dramatic views of the Menai Straits with its islands and the Snowdonia mountain range. There is a 'heritage footpath'
around the area. Menia Bridge is an interesting place to shop, with antiques, books, art and much more
on offer. There is a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes and several welcoming pubs.
Pentraeth
A peaceful village on the banks of the Afon Nodwydd (Needle River) with a scenic river walk to the award
winning beach at Red Wharf Bay. Places of interest in the area include the memorial to Hywel ap
Owain Gwynedd, 'the Poet Prince', on the beach, the Panton Arms which was once visited by Charles
Dickens and the 12th - 14th century St Mary's Church. Nearby Stone Science provides a great family
day out.
Benllech
The scenery surrounding Benllech is breathtaking - dramatic cliffs and golden sandy beaches make
it a popular spot with walkers and nature enthusiasts. There is a slipway for launching boats at Traeth
Bychan. This is also an area steeped in anicient history. The Neolithic Burial Chamber at Cromlech,
Tynygongl and the 4th century 'Cytiau'r Gwyddelod' (huts of the Irish) can be found half a mile away.
Cemaes
Cemaes has excellent pubs, shops and a Heritage Centre but is probably better know for its wild
and unspoilt stretch of coastline with its dramatic cliffs, rock pools and lagoons.
Sailing, fishing and pleasure cruises to Skerries Lighthouse or the Isle of Man are popular.
There are excellent woodland, cliff and seaside walks.
Historic sites include St. Patrick's church and cave - possibly the oldest in Wales and Dinas Gynfor
prehistoric hill fort.
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