We’ve been waiting a long time to share an Anglesey road trip itinerary with you all! Anglesey is such a special place for us, a little island tucked away in northern Wales with so much to see and do. Anglesey is a tranquil place, filled with rolling green hills and surrounded by crystal clear waters. It honestly looks like it’s been plucked straight from an episode of Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings — but without any of the violence, of course!
Photo by Bradley Pritchard Jones on Unsplash
Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your road trip around the island, including tips for driving around Anglesey and plenty of things to do there.
Getting to Anglesey
Driving to Anglesey is simple and easy. Head to northern Wales, just above Snowdonia, and then take Britannia Bridge over the water. You’ll be following the A55 directly onto Anglesey. You could easily combine your holiday in Anglesey with a few nights in Snowdonia before or afterwards, or as part of a larger Wales road trip.
Driving around Anglesey is similar to the rest of the UK, with some steep inclines and narrow roads to consider. You can follow a coastal path around the entire island.
Day 1 — Llanfairpwll and Aberffraw
The moment you cross over to Anglesey, you’ll reach one of our favourite sights here. Anglesey is home to a village with the longest place name in Europe and the second-longest place name in the entire world! Welcome to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. Don’t worry, even the locals don’t bother saying the entire name, so you can just call it Llanfairpwllgwyngyll. This name translates to “St. Mary’s Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the red cave”.
Legend has it that a local cobbler derived the name, and you can even try to find their shop during your stay. Be sure to take a picture with the town sign to prove you were in the presence of a world record. Once you’re done exploring Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, drive 14.8 miles to your next stop: Aberffraw. This should take about twenty-five minutes if you follow the woodland route.
Things to do:
- Take a break from driving to visit the Anglesey Model Village and Cafe. Here you’ll find intricate miniatures of many great sights on the island. You’ll get to learn about the past and present of Anglesey, as well as observe the quirky lives of residents. It’s located in an Area of Outstanding Beauty, so you can head out for a stroll afterwards or grab a bite to eat in the cafe.
- If you’re a fan of cider, head to Jaspels Fine Cider Makers. This cider shop is a gem of the region and aims to make use of fruit that would otherwise go to waste. You can wander around the facilities and enjoy a cold drink with a view. Be sure to buy plenty extra to take with you — one of the many perks of travelling by motorhome!
- Aberffraw Bay is the perfect place to end your first day of travelling. Stretch out on the sandy dunes and listen to the rolling waves. It’s usually not busy, even in the peak of summer, so you could even enjoy a little snooze. If you feel like visiting one more sight today, head to St. Cwyfans Church, which is only accessible during the low tide.
Staying at: Pen-Y-Bont Caravan and Camping Site
This family-run campsite doubles as a working farm, so you’ll get to enjoy some very furry neighbours for the evening. Don’t worry, sheep and cows make the best neighbours, and you’ll likely not even notice them.
One of the highlights of Pen-Y-Bont Camping and Caravan Site is its location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which will make you feel like you’re thousands of miles away from the stress of your daily life. You also can spot the Snowdonia mountain range from here!
Pen-y-Bont Farm, Malltraeth, Bodorgan, Isle Of Anglesey LL62 5BA
53.190118, -4.371907
Day 2 — Rhosneigr and Holyhead
After a lovely cup of coffee with a view, pack up your motorhome and head to Rhosneigr, your first stop of the day. This drive is only 4.3 miles and should take about ten minutes. Although you might fancy a stop at Porth Trecastell, a lovely beach right along the route. This is especially handy if you’re travelling with a dog, as you could take them for a walk here and encounter more pups.
As lovely as Rhosneigr is, you’ll need to leave by lunchtime to head to Holyhead. This is one of the most popular sights in Anglesey, and you might want to plan even more time here, if possible. Holyhead is the largest town on Anglesey and features a stunning harbour. The drive from Rhosneigr to Holyhead should take about twenty minutes.
Things to do:
- Rhosneigr is a delightful seaside town, and the perfect place for breakfast and a cup of tea. If you fancy an adrenaline rush, you could try your hand at surfing, paddle boarding or kite surfing. Or for a calmer morning, explore the rock pools and stroll along the pristine sandy beach.
- On every list of things to do in Anglesey, you’ll see that they mention the South Stack Lighthouse, and we’re about to be one of them too! This isn’t for the faint of heart, as it’s a narrow climb to the top of the lighthouse, with over 400 steps. But trust us when we tell you that view is definitely worth it!
- Hike the esteemed Holyhead Mountain. It reaches over 700 feet above sea level, and offers panoramic views of the entire island, and perhaps even over to Ireland on a clear day. While trekking, you can plan a stop by the South Stack hut circles, which features the remains of an Iron Age settlement.
Staying at: Llanfair Bach Caravan and Camping Site
This rustic site takes you back to the roots of camping. It’s a simple campsite with grassy pitches, toilet and shower facilities, and not much else. But the attraction of Llanfair Bach Caravan and Camping Site is its proximity to the beach as well as Holyhead. You can easily walk to the centre for a bite to eat, or be the first one on the beach in the morning — if you can brave the cold!
Penrhos Beach Rd, Holyhead LL65 2PR, United Kingdom
53.302504, -4.614041
Photo by Ellena McGuinness on Unsplash
Day 3 — Cemaes Bay and Moelfre
Your legs might be sore after yesterday, so we’re going to take things slightly easier today. Don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do on Anglesey that don’t involve strenuous activity!
The first stop of the day is Cemaes Bay, a cosy village with two beaches. If you want to go sailing during your Anglesey road trip, this would be the perfect place to do it.
After you’ve had your fill of this small town, drive about 13 miles to Moelfre, which should take half an hour. Moelfre is a former fishing village known for its stunning beaches, incredible nature, and the plentitude of activities available.
Things to do:
- If you’d like to stretch your legs to ease off the soreness, then you can embark on the Anglesey Coastal Path from Cemaes Bay. This route isn’t too difficult, and the time will fly by with the incredible views. You’ll get to see a lot of dramatic cliff faces and gorgeous countryside along the way.
- Ligway Beach is one of our favourite beaches in Anglesey. It’s backed by low sand dunes, has a massive car park that can fit any motorhome, and features a cafe ideal or an afternoon snack.
- If you’re travelling with little ones and need a way to expel their endless energy, then we’ve got just the thing for you. Head to Tyddyn Môn Activity Farm and let the kids go wild in the soft indoor play area. You can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a slice of cake in the meantime. This is also your recommended campsite for the night, so you won’t need to drive any further!
Staying at: Tyddyn Isaf Camping and Caravan Park
This family-run campsite overlooks the stunning Lligwy Bay, and has a direct footpath to the beach. It’s ideal for anyone travelling with kids or pets, as it has large open spaces and a playground on-site. There is also a restaurant and shop on-site, so you’ll have everything you need for a peaceful evening by your motorhome.
Lligwy Bay, Dulas, Amlwch LL70 9PQ, UK
53.362535, -4.275656
Day 4 - Red Wharf Bay and Beaumaris
And just like that, we’ve come to the final day of our Anglesey road trip itinerary!
Spend the morning at Red Wharf Bay, an idyllic village and sandy bay located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It earned its name after a battle between the Welsh and Viking invaders in 1170, when the beach was left soaked in blood.
Today, it’s a peaceful place, fringed by pinewoods with plenty of wildlife sneaking about. Speaking of which, you’ve hopefully spotted a red squirrel by now, as this is one of two places in the UK where you’ll still find these mischievous little creatures!
After you’ve had your fill of Red Wharf Bay, head to the final stop of your road trip in Anglesey: Beaumaris. Some of the best things to do in Anglesey are located in this quirky little town, and it’s the perfect place to round off your trip.
Things to do:
- Visit Beaumaris Castle, a World Heritage Site that was built between 1295 and 1330 by Edward I. You can take a tour of this huge castle and witness one of the greatest feats in defence architecture.
- If you have the time, we definitely recommend taking a boat trip over to the nearby Puffin Island. This little island is less than an hour from Beaumaris and is a dedicated bird sanctuary. During your boat trip, you’ll likely see some grey seals as well!
- Spend some time strolling through Beaumaris. You can visit the local artisan market and pick up some souvenirs to take back home. There are also many boutique stores dotted around, perfect for a rainy day spent shopping.
Staying at: Kingsbridge Caravan Park
For the final night of your holiday, treat yourself to a pitch at Kingsbridge Caravan Park. Keep in mind that this campsite is very popular, so be sure to book in advance to secure your spot. You’ll quickly see why it’s so beloved, and why visitors tend to return annually. The site is known to be well-maintained, with friendly staff and spacious pitches.
Camp Road, Llan-faes, Beaumaris LL58 8LR, United Kingdom
53.284486, -4.092675
In just four days, you’ve managed to see some of the best things to do in Anglesey. From spotting wildlife to travelling on the open water, you’ll struggle to run out of activities on this idyllic island. This Anglesey road trip route is perfect for a bank holiday or short getaway.
Travelling in summer will allow you to hopefully enjoy some time sunbathing on the beach, but this route could just as easily be enjoyed in autumn or spring, and allow you to have the place to yourself!
Driving around Anglesey will provide a restful and rejuvenating holiday, with a strong dose of adventure! Need a motorhome for your trip? You can hire a motorhome in Wales directly from a private owner.
Check out more things to do in Anglesey, and our list of the best campsites in Anglesey.
