Top 12 Places To See On A Road Trip Around Anglesey

Planning a tour of Anglesey? Want to know the best places to visit on an Anglesey road trip? Here are some of the best places to visit on a trip around Ynys Mon, compiled into a handy circular route around the island. 

Highlights of Anglesey – What To Include in Your Anglesey Road Trip

• Bryn Celli Ddu 
• Anglesey Transport Museum
• Plas Newydd House And Gardens
• Newborough Forest
• Llanddwyn Island
• Dunes At Aberffraw
• Learn To Surf At Rhosneigr Beach
• Sea Arches At Rhoscolyn
• South Stack Lighthouse And The RSPB Reserve
• Cemlyn Beach Nature Reserve
• Beaumaris And Its Picturesque Castle
• Menai Bridge

Anglesey Road Trip Itinerary

Once you’ve driven over the bridge on Anglesey head straight to the first stop on our itinerary.  You can take as many days as you like to complete the trip around the island. 

Bryn Celli Ddu

Bryn Celli Ddu is an Ancient Burial Chamber that dates back to around 3,000 BC. It’s one of the most impressive burial sites in the UK. The chamber is a passage tomb, with a long passage leading to a large central chamber where the remains of the dead would have been placed.

Anglesey Transport Museum

For those interested in history and transport, the Anglesey Transport Museum is a great place to visit. Located just a short distance from Bryn Celli Ddu, the museum has a collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. There’s also a wealth of information about the history of transportation on the island. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the evolution of transport in Anglesey. There are also plenty of opportunities for photos and exploration.

Plas Newydd House and Gardens

If you love seeing stunning architecture and landscapes, then a visit to Plas Newydd House and Gardens is a must when in Anglesey. The neo-classical mansion boasts impressive interiors filled with fine art and historic artefacts. The extensive gardens are a peaceful escape with their rare plants, manicured lawns, and winding paths. The views of the Menai Strait from the house and gardens are breathtaking. The on-site cafe and gift shop makes for a convenient stop, and the surrounding picnic areas are perfect for a relaxing meal. Plas Newydd House and Gardens is an attraction that should not be missed.

Newborough Forest 

Newborough Forest is a beautiful woodland located in the southwestern part of Anglesey. It’s a superb place for anyone who wants to hike, cycle or explore on horseback. There are many trails where you can experience breathtaking sights of the surrounding countryside and sandy beaches. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare red squirrels, and a variety of birds including buzzards, kestrels, and warblers.

Llanddwyn Island

Reached by walking along Llanddwyn Beach in Newborough Warren National Reserve is the beautiful Llanddwyn Island. This stunning nature reserve boasts some of the island’s most breathtaking scenery. At the end of the Island which reveals itself during low tide are the 16th-century ruins of St Dwynwen’s Church. This is a great spot for a picnic, walks along the coast and wildlife spotting.

Aberffraw 

The Dunes at Aberffraw are known for their stunning sand formations. The area provides some of the best opportunities for bird watching on Anglesey, with rare species like the peregrine falcons, curlews, and dunlins seen in their natural habitat. It’s a great spot for a leisurely walk along the sandy beach and to take in the spectacular panoramic views.

Rhosneigr 

A road trip around Anglesey wouldn’t be complete without trying your hand at some of the Rhosneigr watersports. Rhosneigr is one of the best places in the UK to participate in wind and kite surfing, surfing and foiling.  The local shop’s rent equipment if you’re travelling light. Those new to these sports can have lessons from one of the Rhosneigr stores.  There are also a number of coastal walks in the area as well as plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.  

Sea Arches

The Sea Arches at Rhoscolyn are a stunning natural wonder located on the western shores of Anglesey. Visitors can take a walk along the scenic cliff-top path and take in the breathtaking views of the sea, and the magnificent arches. The area is also home to a variety of seabirds, and visitors can enjoy watching the birds soar above the waves. 

South Stack Cliffs

RSPB South Stack Cliffs Reserve is one of Anglesey’s most popular attractions. The operational lighthouse, built over 200 years ago, stands on a high rocky island, separated from the mainland by a narrow bridge. The geological forms, wildlife and lighthouse attract visitors from all over the world.  If you like hiking the Porth Dafarch To South Stack Walk and Holyhead Mountain Circular Walk take in this area of Anglesey. 

Cemlyn Beach Nature Reserve

Cemlyn Beach Nature Reserve is known for its beautiful shingle beach, which is backed by a large lagoon that is home to a variety of interesting birdlife. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the beach, or explore the lagoon on one of the many bird-watching trails. If you’re lucky you may spot seals and porpoises swimming in the waters.

Beaumaris Castle

Anyone interested in castles should not miss Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO world heritage site built in the 13th century. It is considered one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Europe.  Aside from the castle you can wander around the town, go crabbing on the pier or play in the paddling pool located at the end of the pier. 

Menai Bridge

Menai Bridge is a picturesque town located in the southeastern part of Anglesey overlooking the Menai Strait. The town is famous for the Menai Suspension Bridge, built by Thomas Telford in 1826 to connect Anglesey to the mainland. You can take a stroll along the bridge, explore museums and galleries and sample local cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes. 

Frequently Asked Questions Ahead of an Anglesey Road Trip

When’s The Best Time To Take An Anglesey Road Trip?

You can visit Anglesey all year round, it’s not one of those seasonal places where everything closes for the winter months. But if you want to take advantage of watersports and outdoor activities then visiting in the warmer months between Easter and October may be ideal. 

How Long Does It Take To Drive Around Anglesey?

If you stick to the main roads and don’t stop to look at anything, you’ll cover 75 miles (120km) and you could drive around the whole island in around 2 -3 hours. 

With that in mind, if you have just one day to spare you could drive around the whole island making just a few stops. If you have a long weekend, or even longer you could easily explore everywhere on the itinerary. 

The problem with trying to see the island for a whole day is that you will miss many of the beautiful places. A long May bank holiday weekend would give you plenty of time to see a lot of the island. Those with a week or two will be able to explore and fully appreciate the beauty of the island. 

Where To Stay On Your Anglesey Road Trip

There is no shortage of places to stay on Anglesey. Personally, I think that Rhosneigr is the ideal place to stay for your Anglesey road trip. All the places on the itinerary are within 30-40 mins of the village and there are plenty of places to stay in Rhosneigr, whatever your budget. The village also has lots of activities and amenities to entertain you during your stay. 

What is the most beautiful part of Anglesey?

Anglesey has many beautiful places, but many say that the most beautiful part of Anglesey is Llanddwyn Island which can be accessed by walking from Newborough Beach.