Historical Sites in Anglesey
Take a Trip Through Time with a Tour of historical landmarks on Ynys Môn
Featured • April 04, 2023 • Author, Sharon Watkins
Are you looking for an exciting way to learn about Anglesey’s history? Why not take a tour of the historical sites in Anglesey? The beautiful island in North Wales is packed with ancient sites that tell stories of the rich history of Anglesey.
Our post starts with 2 short tours that you can take around the island of Anglesey taking in some of the historical sites in the area. Then you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the historical sites in Anglesey in chronological order.
Historical Tours Of Anglesey
It’s impossible to visit all of Anglesey’s historical sites in one day – there are just too many. Our tours of the points of interest and sights are designed to show you just a few of the highlights. Feel free to take in a few more of the sites as you wish.
Tour 1 of Anglesey’s Historical Sites
From neolithic burial chambers to castles and stately homes, this tour takes you back through time in Anglesey.
Beaumaris Castle
Start your tour of Anglesey by visiting Beaumaris Castle. This impressive fortress was built in the late 13th century by Edward I as part of his conquest of Wales. The castle is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in Europe.
Llynnon Mill
Next on your tour, visit Llynnon Mill (also known as Melin Llynon) – the only working windmill in Wales. The mill dates back to the 18th century and has been carefully restored to its former glory. Inside the mill, you can see the original machinery in action and learn about the history of milling.
South Stack Lighthouse
Make your way to South Stack Lighthouse, located on the most westerly point of Anglesey. This iconic lighthouse has been standing for over 200 years and has been guiding ships safely through the Irish Sea since it was first built.
Plas Newydd
Next on your tour, visit Plas Newydd – a stately home that dates back to the 18th century. The house is filled with historical artefacts and antique furnishings, and the landscaped gardens are a perfect place to relax and enjoy the views of the Menai Strait.
Barclodiad y Gawres
Finally, explore the ancient burial chamber of Barclodiad y Gawres. This Neolithic site dates back over 5,000 years and is one of the most important archaeological sites on the island. The chamber is adorned with intricate carvings and provides a fascinating insight into the lives of our ancient ancestors.
Our 2nd Historical Tour of Anglesey
From prehistoric sites to industrial revolution relics and transport history, this tour provides an insight into the multi-layered history of Anglesey, and a demonstration of just why the island remains one of the most popular destinations in Wales for those interested in history and culture.
Bryn Celli Ddu
Start your tour with an exploration of Bryn Celli Ddu, a prehistoric monument that dates back to the Neolithic period. It is believed this site was used for religious ceremonies and burials. Visitors can enter a reconstructed chamber to gain an insight into life in prehistoric times.
Beaumaris Gaol
Visit Beaumaris Gaol next, which dates back to the early 19th century. This impressive prison building was designed to hold prisoners who were awaiting trial, as well as those who had been sentenced. The gaol is open to the public, and visitors can explore the cells and exercise yard.
Amlwch Copper Kingdom
The next stop on your tour should be the Amlwch Copper Kingdom, situated amidst the spectacular scenery of the island’s northern coast. This was the world’s largest copper mine in its day drawing fame from all over the world. Visitors can take a tour to see the underground workings of the mine, before exploring the museum and nearby village.
Anglesey Transport Museum
Finally, visit the Anglesey Transport Museum, which exhibits a range of historical vehicles from cars to aircraft to tractors. The collection also features items related to the history of transport in Wales, such as steam engines and photographs from the 18th century.
A Comprehensive List of Historical Sites In Anglesey
A list of 24 historical sites in Anglesey for you to learn all about the vast history of Anglesey. It’s hard to comprehend just how many landmarks and places of interest there are to visit on Wales’s largest island.
Tick them off your list as you visit them all or choose a few that excite you the most to visit.
- Barclodiad y Gawres – A Neolithic burial chamber dating from around 4,000-2,500 BC.
- Bodowyr Burial Chamber – A Neolithic passage grave dating back to around 4,000-2,500 BC.
- Din Dryfol Burial Chamber – A Neolithic chambered tomb dating from around 4,000-2,500 BC.
- Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber – A Neolithic tomb dating from around 2,000 BC.
- Din Lligwy – An Iron Age hillfort.
- Castell Aberlleiniog – A ruined castle thought to have been built in the 12th century.
- Penmon Dovecote – A unique historical building located in Penmon, a small village on the southeast coast. It is believed to have been constructed in the 16th century and served as a dovecote for the adjacent Penmon Priory.
- Penmon Priory – this historic site located on the southeast coast of Anglesey was founded in the early 6th century by St. Seiriol, one of the early Welsh saints, as a monastic community. Over the centuries, the priory has been rebuilt and extended, but much of its original architecture remains.
- Llynnon Mill – An 18th-century working windmill used to grind flour.
- Plas Newydd – A grand 18th-century house with beautiful gardens and a military museum.
- Beaumaris Castle – A UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the late 13th and early 14th centuries by Edward I of England.
- Amlwch Copper Kingdom – tells the tale of the transformation of the worlds largest copper mine.
- Menai Bridge – A suspension bridge built in the early 19th century to connect Anglesey to mainland Wales. Also known as the Thomas Telford Suspension Bridge
- Beaumaris Gaol – a former prison built between 1829-1834, has an exterior which displays an impressive array of neo-classical stone construction.
- Skinner’s Monument – a memorial to a Holyhead character called Captain John Macgregor Skinner who died in 1832 when he was washed overboard from his ship, called Escape, on his route to Holyhead.
- Church Bay Watch Tower – A 19th-century watchtower built to protect against smuggling.
- Holyhead Breakwater Country Park – A park containing the remains of a 19th-century breakwater.
- Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – or Llanfair PG for short. A village with an impressive name, which originated in the mid-19th century as a way to attract tourists to the small village.
- Moelfre Lifeboat Station – An 19th-century lifeboat station.
- Swtan Heritage Museum – A gloriously restored thatched cottage from 1910
- Llanddona Transmitting Station – A transmitting station built in the 1930s.
- Anglesey Transport Museum – houses a unique collection of items related to transport, including vintage cars, model boats, pre-war buses and railway wagons.
- Oriel Ynys Môn – An art gallery and museum that opened in the 20th century.
- St Dwynwen’s Cross, Llanddwyn Island. A medieval cross built to commemorate St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers.
These historical sites in Anglesey offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich and varied past, from early prehistoric burials to more recent industrial and cultural heritage.
Anglesey is home to a wealth of historical sites and landmarks, and the tours and list of historical sites provide just a small taste of what the island has to offer. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique and memorable day out, Anglesey is sure to leave a lasting impression.
If you’re looking for other things to do and see on Anglesey take a look go to our “See and Do Anglesey” page and discover the best that Anglesey has to offer.
