Our Walled Towns

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Beaumaris

Beaumaris is a medieval town on the south coast of Anglesey (that’s the big island at the top of Wales). Its name comes from the Norman French ‘beau marais’, which means ‘beautiful marsh’. The town has views of Snowdonia, the Menai Strait and the mainland coast. There’s truth in a name, as they say.

Edward I’s medieval castle has a moat and a drawbridge. Spy holes and murder slots. A proper castle if ever there was one. Construction work began in 1295. Went on for about 35 years. And was never finished. It doesn’t really matter, though. Because those in the know think it’s one of the best examples of its kind in the world. Technically perfect, they say. But there’s more to this town than the castle.

Beaumaris Gaol. Not for the faint hearted. A Victorian house of correction with the UK’s only working tread wheel. After you’ve toured the punishment cells and stood in the dock at the Jacobean Courthouse opposite, you may be in need a stiff drink. Luckily, at Ye Olde Bull’s Head Inn they know a thing or two about hospitality. Dr Samuel Johnson and Charles Dickens thought so, too.

So before you know it, you’ll be ready to face whatever Beaumaris can throw at you. A good dose of retail therapy. Ancient pubs, modern brasseries. Seaside cottages in every pastel hue. A Victorian pier. 2 golf courses. Then a cruise to Puffin Island. Not exactly punishment.

Outside the town we’ve other great ways to not-exactly-punish-yourself. Navigate hairpin bends down to the award-winning beach at Llanddona. And Penmon has an award-winning beach, too. And a lighthouse. And a medieval monastery. And a dovecote built in 1600, with room for 1000 doves.

You can visit a neolithic burial chamber, like Barclodiad y Gawres. Or walk the coastal path. It goes all the way round the coast of Anglesey. In fact, most of Anglesey’s 125 miles of coastline is officially an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And walking isn’t the only way to see it.

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There’s sailing, too. Surfers can get to grips with the waves at Llygwy, Or go kite surfing at Rhosneigr. Home of 2002 national champion Alex Tritten. Other inhabitants with a penchant for our wild coast include puffins, guillemots, razorbills and cormorants. Which is why artist Charles Tunnicliffe spent nearly 30 years illustrating the wildlife here.

And it’s not just our nature that makes us so attractive. There’s our culture, too. Listen in on rehearsals of a real Welsh choir. Eisteddfod-winning Cor y Traeth is one of the island’s best. And listen out for our ancient language. 6 out of 10 people living on the island speak it.

And while you’re here, make sure you take a good look at our art. Llangefni’s Oriel Ynys Môn gallery has a permanent exhibition of the work of Anglesey’s artist, the late Sir Kyffin Williams. And Plas Newydd on the banks of the Menai Strait houses works by Rex Whistler. His largest painting is here. All 58 feet of it.

The Straits’ other masterpiece is Thomas Telford’s Menai Suspension Bridge. Completed in 1826, it’s 1000 feet long and stands 100ft above the highest tide. The biggest of its kind in the world at the time. A work of art indeed.

We’ve some great events, too. Like the Anglesey Agricultural Show in August. Gundogs, dairy cattle, dry stone walling, sheep shearing. Or the Anglesey Beer Festival. It’s held every September with spirits and ales from Anglesey and beyond.

Or check out the Anglesey Oyster and Shellfish Festival in October. And celebrate like a local at Eisteddfod Môn, It’s a huge celebration of the island’s culture and heritage.

There’s always something going on, whatever you’re into. They don’t call this the ‘Island of Choice’ for nothing.