Anglesey (Ynys Môn) is a beautiful island just off the northwest coast of Wales, famous for its golden beaches, ancient castles, family-friendly days out, and some of the best coastal walks in the country.
Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teenagers, or tail-wagging companions, you’ll be spoilt for choice with things to do on this unique island. Discover award-winning beaches, imposing mountains, fascinating history, and wildlife-rich clifftops.
In this helpful guide, we’ve rounded up the best things to do on Anglesey to help you plan the perfect Welsh getaway—rain or shine!
Welcome to Anglesey
Known as Môn Mam Cymru (“Mother of Wales”), Anglesey is the fifth-largest island in Britain, bursting with attractions and outdoor adventures.
Accessed via the 19th-century Menai Suspension Bridge, this stunning island has so much to offer visitors. It’s no wonder it’s one of Wales’s most popular holiday destinations!
As well as a huge choice of attractions, Anglesey boasts breath taking views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdonia) and the Menai Strait. Be sure to take them in during your getaway.
What’s in This Blog:
1. Things to Do on Anglesey for Children, Toddlers and Families
2. Things to Do on Anglesey with Teenagers
3. Dog-Friendly Activities on Anglesey
4. Things to Do on Anglesey When It’s Raining
5. Outdoor and Adventure Highlights on Anglesey
6. Events in Anglesey
7. FAQs About Visiting Anglesey
8. Places to Stay in Anglesey
1. Things to Do on Anglesey for Children, Toddlers and Families
A must see-attraction during your stay on Anglesey is the superb Anglesey Sea Zoo. Displaying the very best of marine life from across the UK’s coasts, it is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Meet and learn more about the likes of lobsters, octopuses, and conger eels, as well as the zoo’s conservation projects.
Once you’ve met a variety of sea creatures, why not enjoy a tasty lunch in the Rockpool Cafe and Restaurant? You will also find an indoor play area and bouncy castle for the little ones to enjoy, crazy golf, The Pirate Blaster, a picnic area, and Gator Boats.
📍 Brynsiencyn, LL61 6TQ
🕒 Open daily from 10am; last entry 4:45pm
🎟️ Adults: £12.95 | Children: £11.50 | Under 3s: Free
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Next up on our guide is the family-friendly Foel Farm Park. This charming working farm by the sea is perfect for a day out with children and toddlers. Meet and feed adorable farm animals, and if you visit in spring or summer, you may even spot lambs and calves.
Hop on a tractor or quad bike trailer ride for stunning sea and mountain views, then make a pit stop at the Foel Country Café, where you can refuel with a tasty meal or a slice of homemade cake and a coffee! If you can’t get enough of the views, why not dine out on the Garden Terrace which overlooks the Menai Strait and Snowdonia?
📍 Brynsiencyn, LL61 6TQ
🕒 February–November, 10am–5.30pm
🎟️ Adults from £6.95 | Children from £5.95 | Under 2s: Free
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Perfect for younger children, Pili Palas is a magical mix of butterfly house, bug zone, meerkat enclosure, reptile area, and a farmyard with goats, pigs, and chickens.
There’s also a soft play barn and outdoor adventure playground to burn off energy. The on-site café serves kids’ meals, snacks, and drinks—ideal for a rainy-day activity in Anglesey. (Carry on reading for even more rainy day activities!)
📍 Penmynydd Road, Menai Bridge, LL59 5RP
🕒 March–October, 10am–5.30pm
🎟️ Adults: £9.25 | Children: £7.75 | Under 3s: Free
2. Things to Do on Anglesey with Teenagers
This tidal island is steeped in Welsh legend and reached via the sweeping sands of Llanddwyn/Newborough Beach. It’s one of the most iconic, and Instagram-worthy—spots in Anglesey. Making it the perfect day out to impress your teens.
Explore forest trails, sand dunes, and the ruins of Saint Dwynwen’s church and lighthouse. Teens will love spotting the wild ponies and snapping scenic photos of Snowdonia and the Llŷn Peninsula.
📍 Newborough National Nature Reserve, LL61 6SG
🚫 Dogs restricted 1 May–30 Sept in certain zones
⚠️ Check tide times before visiting as the island becomes cut off at high tide.
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For thrill-seeking teens, RibRide offers high-speed boat tours along the Menai Strait.
Choose from adventures like Puffin Island, the swirling Swellies tidal rapids, or the adrenaline-filled Velocity tour. Along the way, spot marine wildlife and historic landmarks from the water.
📍 Departure: Menai Bridge
🎟️ From £35pp | Private hire from £350/hour
Top Tip: Wrap up warm and bring a waterproof—these rides are splashy but unforgettable!
3. Dog-Friendly Activities on Anglesey
Wales is famous for its castle filled landscapes, with it having more castles per square mile than any other destination in Europe!
Arguably, one of the most beautiful is the unfinished masterpiece of Beaumaris Castle, a Cadw Heritage Site. Built in the 13th-century from the mind of Edward I, the castle boasts near perfect symmetry. It is no surprise this is the first addition to our guide on the best things to do on Anglesey with a dog.
Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the ground floor levels, which include a small cinema, a courtyard and the weaponry. You and your pooch can also explore the castle grounds and historic walls, with stunning views across Beaumaris.
📍 Castle Street, Beaumaris, LL58 8AP
🕒 Seasonal opening; typically 9:30–17:00 spring/autumn
🎟️ Adults: £8.70 | Children: £6.10 | Family tickets available
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From Beaumaris, you and your faithful friend can embark on a Seacoast Safari to Puffin Island. Expect breath-taking scenery and an informative commentary, and that is just on the way!
Once you have reached the island, you can spot an array of wildlife. The main season takes place April-July, where you can spot kittiwakes, guillemots, and the famous puffins. Whilst the surrounding waters are home to dolphins and porpoises!
Dogs travel free but must be on laps, so consider your dog’s size before booking.
📍 Departure: Beaumaris Pier
🕒 70–80 mins | April–October (weather dependent)
🎟️ Adults: £19.95 | Children: £11.95 | Under 3s: £0.95
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Well-known for being one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Anglesey, Red Wharf Bay, is perfect for blowing away the cobwebs.
Also known as Traeth Coch, Red Wharf Bay welcomes dogs to its sands all year round. A designated nature reserve, backed by dunes and salt marshes, it is popular with birdwatchers and watersports enthusiasts.
After your walk, head to The Tavern on the Bay, a gastropub with resident pianist and beautiful views over the beach. It is one of our favourite dog-friendly pubs in Anglesey.
📍 LL75 8RJ | Dogs welcome year-round
4. Things to Do on Anglesey When It’s Raining
If the weather turns, swap the beach for a visit to Halen Môn, the island’s world-famous sea salt producer. On the Saltcote tour, you’ll discover how crystal-clear seawater is transformed into award-winning salt crystals used by top chefs worldwide. Enjoy a tasting session and browse the shop for Welsh foodie gifts, from flavoured salts to local produce.
If you don’t mind getting wet, why not book one of their outdoor seaweed salt baths? Nestled on the banks of the Menai Strait, these warm, mineral-rich tubs infused with seaweed and sea salt are the ultimate way to relax, recharge, and soak up the view.
📍 Brynsiencyn, LL61 6TQ
🕒 Pre-booking required; tours last ~45 minutes
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Take a step back into the Victorian era at Beaumaris Gaol, one of Anglesey’s most atmospheric historical attractions. Wander through dimly lit corridors, explore the original cells, and hear stories of daring escapes, daily prison life, and harsh punishments.
Your ticket also includes entry to the Beaumaris Courthouse, where you can learn about 19th-century justice and imagine what it was like to stand trial in front of a stern Victorian judge. This is the perfect rainy-day activity for history lovers, families, and anyone looking for a bit of mystery on a wet afternoon.
📍 Steeple Lane, Beaumaris, LL58 8EP
🕒 10:00–17:00 (seasonal)
🎟️ Adults: £6.50 | Children: £5
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When the rain starts to fall, Oriel Môn in Llangefni is the ideal cultural escape. This vibrant art gallery and museum tells the story of Anglesey’s history, heritage, and creative spirit.
Explore archaeology exhibits, island life displays, and discover the work of Sir Kyffin Williams, one of Wales’s most celebrated artists, who was born right here on Anglesey. The museum also hosts rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events, making it a great option for repeat visits.
Round off your trip with a coffee and homemade cake in the welcoming café, and pop into the gift shop for local crafts, books, and unique souvenirs- perfect for taking a little piece of Anglesey home with you.
📍 Rhosmeirch, Llangefni, LL77 7TQ
🕒 Open daily | Free entry
Weather on Anglesey ⛅
Ahead of your getaway, check out the seven-day weather forecast for Anglesey.
Don’t worry if the sun isn’t shining for the whole of your stay! You can find even more things to do in our blog things to do on Anglesey in the rain. Whatever the weather, you’re sure to have a memorable escape.
5. Outdoor and Adventure Highlights on Anglesey
For jaw-dropping scenery and incredible wildlife, South Stack Cliffs on Holy Island is an unmissable Anglesey adventure if you’re near Holyhead. Managed by the RSPB, this dramatic clifftop reserve is home to over 9,000 seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills, and guillemots.
Take a scenic walk along the winding cliff paths, where you might spot dolphins, seals, and harbour porpoises playing in the waves below. For an even closer look, binoculars are available to hire from the on-site shop.
Don’t miss South Stack Lighthouse, perched on a tiny island reached via a steep descent and a bridge across the sea. Pair your visit with a trip to Ellin’s Tower, an observation point with panoramic views and interactive displays for families. It’s no surprise this is one of the top outdoor things to do on Anglesey.
📍 Holy Island, LL65 1YH
🕒 Free entry to the reserve; small charge for lighthouse access
🐾 Dogs welcome on leads
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Stretching for 130 miles and within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the famous Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path.
Lace up your walking boots and set off along the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, a 130-mile trail that circles the island within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Beginning at St Cybi’s Church in Holyhead, the route passes Menai Suspension Bridge, Menai Strait, Penmon Point, and Llanddwyn Island, each offering its own unforgettable scenery.
You don’t need to tackle the whole route to enjoy it—choose a short scenic section or a coastal loop walk. In winter, Anglesey’s dark skies make some stretches particularly magical, with lucky visitors occasionally spotting the Northern Lights.
Check out our top five walks in Anglesey and explore the Anglesey Coastal Path for yourself.
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Penmon Point
Located on the northeast tip of Anglesey is the beautiful Penmon Point. One of the most sought-after places to visit in Anglesey, thanks to its superb views out to the mainland, Puffin Island and the Great Orme.
This destination is popular for seafishing, as well as watersports, including surfing and kayaking. It is also the best spot for views of dolphins, seals and porpoises. If you time your visit right, you may even be able to see the Northern Lights!
For a truly unique experience, take in the natural light show from the bioluminescent algae all year long. It is not to be missed when looking for the best things to do in Anglesey.
After experiencing the wonders of Penmon Point, head to the Pilot House Cafe for a well-deserved sweet treat.
📍 LL58 8RR | Parking: Pay and display
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Step into the copper-coloured heart of Anglesey’s industrial past at Parys Mountain, just outside Amlwch. Once the largest copper mine in the world during the 1780s, this unique landscape sparked Anglesey’s very own Copper Rush, drawing workers and traders from across Britain.
Today, the mine’s cratered terrain and rainbow-hued rock faces make it feel almost otherworldly. Follow the 2.3‑mile Copper Mine Heritage Trail to explore old spoil heaps, deep open‑cast pits, and panoramic viewpoints that showcase the island’s geological history.
While the Copper Kingdom exhibition at the historic Sail Loft is currently closed for relocation, the outdoor trail and interpretation boards still bring this fascinating history to life. It’s a must‑visit for history lovers, geology fans, and photographers alike.
📍 Location: Parys Mountain, near Amlwch, LL68 9RE
🕒 Trail: Open year‑round; daylight hours recommended
🎟️ Entry: Free | Outdoor trail only
🐾 Dogs: Welcome on leads
6. Events in Anglesey
Not only is there a wide variety of things to do in Anglesey, but there is a whole host of events too!
Unleash your inner foodie at the Menai Food Festival or step back in time at the Beaumaris Castle Medieval Festival. Both of which take place in August.
You can guarantee the island will be joining in on the celebrations for St David’s Day, so make sure you don’t miss out!
Time your visit right to ensure you don’t miss these events in North Wales during your stay in Anglesey.
7. FAQs About Visiting Anglesey
When is the best time to visit Anglesey?
May to September is perfect for beach days and outdoor exploring. Spring and autumn are quieter and ideal for walking holidays.
What’s the weather like in Anglesey year-round?
Anglesey has a mild, temperate climate. Summers average 18–20°C, while winters are cool but rarely harsh at 5–8°C. Showers are common year-round—pack a waterproof!
Where is the best place to stay in Anglesey?
Beaumaris for history and charm. Benllech, Trearddur Bay, and Rhosneigr for beach lovers and families. Holyhead for travel links and ferries. Menai Bridge for a central base close to Snowdonia
What is the most popular place on Anglesey?
Llanddwyn Island and Newborough Beach top the list for beauty, wildlife, and photography. Visit in spring or autumn to avoid peak crowds
Best beaches on Anglesey?
Llanddwyn Beach, Benllech, Lligwy, Trearddur Bay, Aberffraw Bay, and Cemaes Bay are all spectacular. For more inspiration, see our Guide to Beaches in Anglesey.
8. Places to stay in Anglesey
You will never be stuck for things to do whilst staying in Anglesey! From golden sands to rugged coastlines and charming villages, Anglesey offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. If you’re in need of a base to explore, then we’ve got plenty of accommodation options to choose from.
➡️ Book your Anglesey holiday cottage today and start making unforgettable memories on this magical Welsh island!
We have a fantastic selection of Anglesey holiday cottages, ideal for accessing all the island has to offer. If you don’t want your pooch to miss out on the fun, we also offer a great selection of dog-friendly cottages in Anglesey too.
Have a look at these amazing places to stay in Anglesey below…
Ardwyn, Rhosneigr (Ref. 1175231) BOOK HERE
Glan Towyn, Rhoscolyn (Ref. 1066882) BOOK HERE
Manadwyn, Menai Bridge (Ref. 1008914) BOOK HERE
Want to dive deeper into this beautiful island? Check out our Top 10 Facts About Anglesey– perfect for impressing the family on your next adventure! Planning a visit to Moelfre, Beaumaris or Menai Bridge? We’ve got detailed guides to help you explore like a local.
Feeling peckish? Don’t miss our roundup of the 6 best restaurants in Anglesey.
However you choose to spend your time here, book your perfect stay with Menai Holiday Cottages and start making unforgettable memories on this magical island!
