Our easy guide for living in Anglesey

  • 26th May 2020
  • 14 minute read
  • Written by Ellie New
Our easy guide for living in Anglesey

Are you thinking of moving to Anglesey? We have put together this easy guide full of information about the picturesque Isle of Anglesey.

Anglesey, or Ynys Mon as it is known in Welsh, is an island off the coast of North Wales. It covers an area of 276 square miles and has a coastline some 125 miles in length. Two thirds of the coastal path are in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.

The Isle of Anglesey was also known as Mon, Mam Cymru, or Anglesey, the Mother of Wales. Due to its fertile lands providing food for the whole of Wales. If you enter Anglesey by car you will see Mon, Mam Cymru on road signs.

In addition to Anglesey there are also several other islands such as: Llanddwyn, Porth Cwyfan, the Skerries, West Mouse, Middle Mouse and East Mouse, Ynys Dulas, Ynys Moelfre, and Ynys Seiriol or Puffin Island.

Best areas to live in Anglesey

Amlwach: Amlwach is located on the north coast. The name Amlwch is derived from two welsh words am and llwch, which means around or near the creek or inlet. Which refers to the harbour at Port Amlwch which is just a short walk from the town of Amlwch itself.

The town is north east of the island and is the most northerly town in Wales. Back in the early 19th – century Almwch was the leading exporter of copper. It was extracted from the nearby Parys Mountain, and taken to the harbour at Porth Amlwch, and loaded on to boats for export. Amlwch has a vast history which also includes ship building, its maritime history continues to this day and you can see Mersey Docks and Harbour Board pilot boats moored in the outer harbour. You find out more detail by visiting the Heritage Centre and Cafe, housed in the Sail Loft.

Modern day Amlwch is an outstanding area of beauty and has so much to offer. Fishing and golf are popular past times, visit the Bull Bay Golf Club or numerous fishing locations. Amlwch has a range of local bars and shops and hosts a market every Friday. Amlwch is also iconic for its beautiful beaches, and there are 5 beaches in and around the town such as: Bull Bay, Porth Eilian, Porth Wen, Porthygwychiaid and Traeth yr Ora.

Amlwch has a local primary school Ysgol Gynradd Amlwch nearby and a secondary school Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones as well as a wide variety of other schools nearby. You can find out more information on the Estyn website.

The town also has a leisure centre and is one of the few on Anglsey, it has a swimming pool, sports centre, and squash courts.

There are two local football clubs, cheer on Amlwch Town F.C., who play in the Welsh Alliance League, and Amlwch Port F.C., which play in the North Wales Sunday League. Amlwch is also home to a sea rowing club based in Bull Bay, Trireme Ynys Mon Rowing Club.

Amlwch has a wide variety of properties on offer and there is certainly something for everyone. Properties in Amlwch had an overall average price of £172,248.

The large majority of sales in Amlwch in 2021 were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £128,111. Detached properties sold for an average of £264,604, with semi-detached properties fetching £130,704. If you’re looking to rent whilst living in Amlwch, depending on the type of property you are looking for, you can expect to spend on average between £350 per calendar month up to £1,100.

Beaumaris: Beaumaris is a on the south-eastern corner of the island, its name comes from the French via the Normans. Known as Beau Marias, or good marsh, which was a good description of the site chosen by Edward 1 for the construction of his castle, the last of his series of castles in Wales. The castle was built between 1295 and 1297 but was never entirely finished.

Today Beaumaris is a lively town with stunning Georgian architecture, with pretty pastel houses and trendy design shops, it is also well known for its seafront and pier. The town has a wonderful range of restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, and craft shops, making it the perfect destination to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The seaward side of the town is dominated by the Bulkeley Hotel and Victoria Terrace, with magnificent views over the Menai Straits to the iconic mountains of Snowdonia. The main street on the landward side is Castle Street, with the castle itself at its eastern end. Other renowned buildings on Castle Street are the Old Bulls Head, built around 1475, the Tudor Rose which dates from about 1400, and the Town Hall or Neuadd y Dref which dates back to 1563.

Close to the castle is the White Lion public house, in front of which is a small square. Over summer weekends, this is often the site of entertainment, ranging from folk music and dancing to performances by the Beaumaris Band. Close by is Canolfan Beaumaris, a small public hall with sports facilities and a small exhibition area.

The Victorian pier is a hot spot that offers a lovely seaside walk, why not take a picnic, or enjoy an ice cream as you soak up the sun, whilst looking out over the horizon. Or pick up a warming hot chocolate from a café nearby and brave the elements in the colder months. The pier offers several boat excursions too including pleasure cruises across along the Strait.

The river known as the Anglesey Riviera runs around Beaumaris and has some outstanding beaches. The main beach offers long sandy walks, perfect for exploring with family and friends. Fishing is also very popular with crabs being a the most popular catch.

From Beaumaris the rest of Anglesey is only a short walk away.

If you’re looking to purchase a property in Beaumaris the overall average price was £300,818 in September 2021.

The majority of sales in Beaumaris during the past year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £257,068. Detached properties sold for an average of £397,750, with semi-detached properties fetching £296,250.

If you’re considering renting a property in Beaumaris depending on what it is you’re looking for, you can expect to pay around £575 per calendar month up to £2,500.

Holyhead: Holyhead is located to north west of the island. Holyhead is the largest town on the island, is and known as Caergybi in Welsh, which means the fort of Cybi, a Welsh saint.

Holyhead is renowned for being strategically important for port linking to London and Dublin at the start of the 19th century. It marks the end of the historic A5 trunk road from London, designed by the famous engineer, Thomas Telford. Best known as a point of arrival or departure from and to the republic of Ireland. Being synonymous with ferry travel, and it is now the third busiest port in the United Kingdom after Dover and Felixstowe.

Its position as the principal port of North Wales was initially in doubt when an alternative route to Ireland was suggested, which did not require crossing the Menai Straits, which at this time had yet to be bridged. However, the Menai Suspension Bridge, erected in 1826, meant that the Straits were no longer an obstacle to commercial travel. From then on, Holyhead’s pre-eminence was assured, and it has remained unchallenged for nearly 200 years.

Nowadays Holyhead is home to around 13,659 according the 2011 census and is vibrant bustling town which attracts many visitors. It has a superb range of shops and restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes with a leisure centre, theatre, and a cinema.

The town has an interesting harbour and a marina sheltered by the second longest breakwater in the world. Why not walk down the harbour and take in the spectacular views.

Holyhead is also proudly a frequent winner of the Britain in Bloom and Wales in Bloom contests each year with its colourful, eye-catching floral displays that are admired by many.

Holyhead has plenty of activities for all. There is excellent fishing, sailing facilities, boat trips and golf available at the 18-hole Holyhead Golf Club. Walkers and cyclists alike can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the beaches at Treaddur Bay are ideal for families. The sheltered coves around Holyhead have safe clean waters for bathing in. With a rich variety of water sports available, there is a surf school nearby at Rhosneigr.

Take a stroll to South Stack Lighthouse which is known for its remarkable scenic breath-taking views from the clifftop. There is a Visitor Centre with a webcam to view the many puffins, guillemots and razorbills that nest on South Stack Cliffs, perfect for families.

Take a step back in time and explore the Maritime Museum at Holyhead. It has many exhibits where you can learn about the shipwrecks that have taken place on the rocky shores nearby.

The average cost of purchasing a property in Holyhead sits at £179,066 in September 2021.

Many of the sales that took place in Holyhead during the year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £109,003. With detached properties selling for an average of £305,725, and semi-detached properties fetching £156,471

Renting in Holyhead, depending on what it is you’re after, can cost you between £440 per calendar month up to around £750.

Llangefni: Llangedni is the central area of the island and is located just off the A55 Expressway. It is an historic market town, with a stone clock tower in its central square, a feature shared by several other towns and villages on the island, such as Rhosneigr and Newborough.

Llangefni is home to Oriel Ynys Môn, the museum and arts centre, which was opened by Queen Elizabeth in October 1991. The Oriel’s main gallery hosts several major exhibitions every year, many with a local focus. It is also home to a substantial collection of drawings and paintings by the renowned wildlife artist Charles Tunnicliffe.

Key features of the town are the Town Hall or Neuadd y Dre, constructed in 1884 with limestone quarried on the eastern coast of Anglesey. Overlooking the central square or Maes Bulkley, with its stone tower and clock, also built from limestone.

To one side of the square is the remarkable Bull Hotel or Gwesty’r Bull, with its plush rooms and a roaring fire downstairs, perfect for sheltering with one of its remarkable choices of ales on a winters evening.  Two days of the week Thursday, and Saturday a street market takes over the square and the adjoining car parks

There is also a Leisure Centre at Plas Arthur offering swimming and gym facilities.

Take a walk round the outskirts of Llangefni to Nant y Pandy, or the Dingle. This is an extensive nature reserve comprising woodland and wetlands, with access over footpaths and boardwalks. One walk leads to Llyn Cefni, one of two reservoirs which supply drinking water to the people of Anglesey. This reservoir was created after the Second World War by damming the Afon Cefni.

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy why not visit one of the amazing restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes that play host to Llangefni. Visit the ever popular Popty Pizza for a slice of heaven, the portions here are not on the small side, renowned for its giant pizzas. Sip a coffee at the chic Coffee Hut and relax in this cosy corner and enjoy tasty homemade food.

If you’re sold on the idyllic sights of Llangefni and want to buy within the area, the average cost of properties in Llangefni this year is £215,395.

Most sales in Llangefni this year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £278,077. Terraced properties sold for an average of £134,463, with semi-detached properties fetching £156,000.

Menai Bridge: Menai Bridge is located on the south coast of Anglesey. Porthaethwy, or the Port of Aethwy, is the Welsh name for Menai Bridge, Aethwy being an ancient Celtic tribe.

Menai Bridge is a small town that overlooks the Menai Strait and lies by the Menai Suspension Bridge, built in 1826 by Thomas Telford, just over the water from Bangor. It’s renowned for its stunning waterfront, with a promenade leading to St George’s Pier. During Victorian times, pleasure boats regularly embarked from St George’s Pier to Llandudno, a practice which still takes place today. Now a modern walkway from the promenade leads to the berth for Prince Madog, a maritime research vessel belonging to the University of Wales, Bangor.

Take a walk from the Menai Bridge and head in the direction of the Britannia Bridge along the Belgian Promenade, this was built by Belgian refugees during the Great War (1914-1918). The promenade skirts a hilly wooded area known as Coed Cyrnol, or the Colonel’s Wood, perfect for getting back in touch with nature and whilst taking in the peace and tranquillity. If you continue along the promenade, it leads to a causeway connecting to Church Island, known as Ynys Tysilio. The path then goes around the outside of the island, giving superb views towards the Britannia Bridge.

Menai Bridge is known for its vibrancy and variety of shopping destinations, pubs, restaurants, bars, and hotels. Visit the Michelin Star Sosban & The Old Butchers and the vibrant Dylan’s – an easy stroll from the waterside and the chance to taste amazing food.

There is so much to do and see in this area. If you’re interested in purchasing a property in Menai Bridge, the average price of buying a property was £308,554 over the past year.

A large majority of sales in Menai Bridge during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £446,657. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £218,883, with terraced properties fetching £203,038.

Things to do in Anglesey

Anglesey boasts many activities and certainly has something for everyone. 

From the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge to wildlife reserves, castles and the Anglesey Coast Path, there are plenty of unmissable monuments, towns, and landscapes to see.

Menai Suspension Bridge

Visit the Menai Suspension Bridge, designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1826 and is a Grade I listed structure. It was the biggest suspension bridge in the world at the time, standing 100 feet above the Straight.

Anglesey’s main source of income came from trading cattle, which required moving them to the markets of the mainland, before the invention of the bridge they had to be driven into the water and encouraged to swim across the Menai Straits which was a dangerous practice.

Today the bridge is used for entering and exiting the island to the mainland of Wales, the bridge gives stunning views across the Menai Straits.

The Newborough Warren

Take a trip to The Newborough Warren. It has a vast seascape and vast views across the Snowdonia peaks. Take a walk through the beautiful pine forest down to the beach.

On the south coast of Anglesey is an idyllic spot offering breathtaking views, it’s the perfect place for a picnic with family and friends. The Newborough Warren was formed 700 years ago when a storm blew sand inland. Nowadays the sand dunes are rich with magnificent wildflowers.

Cemaes Bay

Cemaes Bay is an outstanding area of natural beauty. Discover the rocky shores, old churches of the most northerly village in Wales with a five-mile walk along the Anglesey coast.

South Stack

Another must visit is South Stack. South stack is a small island located just off the north west coast of Angelsey. You’ll find one of the most famous lighthouses on the island as well as the South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve, you’ll be able to spot guillemots, puffins and razorbills during the summer months. You’ll also be spoiled with stunning views across the horizon. However, take into consideration if you venture across to the lighthouse, you’ll be up against a 400 step climb back up.

Plas Newydd

Plas Newydd House and Garden is situated in a beautiful position on the southern bank of the Menai Strait. You can explore its enchanting broad grounds and luxurious interiors. It belongs to the National Trust and is free to enter for National Trust members. It also offers magnificent views across the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia.

Beaumaris Castle

Take a step back in time and visit the charming Beaumaris Castle. Set in a tranquil corner of an ancient Celtic land, it is now a seaside haven protected by a mighty fortress. Beaumaris castle is the last great castle built, but never completed, under Edward I’s rein in the 13th century. It’s designated as a World Heritage Site and its innovations remain for all to ponder. To the north to striking Penmon point, for views across the Irish Sea to a solitary lighthouse and Puffin Island.

Anglesey Farmers Market

The Anglesey Farmers’ Market is held every third Saturday of each month. You’ll be able to buy deliciously mouth-watering Welsh Black beef and fresh crab caught along the Anglesey coastline, as well as a range of handmade cheeses and other locally sourced and produced goods.

Angelsey Sea Zoo

If you love marine wildlife the Angelsey Sea Zoo is the perfect place to visit. The aquarium has over forty tanks which display some of the best British marine wildlife. There is a collection of more than 150 species of underwater creatures. Watch live feeds as well as talks, educating you about the wonderful wildlife that surrounds us. There’s even a chance to take a virtual scuba dive – an experience you won’t want to miss out on.

Copper Kingdom

The Copper Kingdom is situated in the picturesque fishing harbour of Amlwch. Its award-winning centre gives informative tales of the transformation of the district.

Historically copper has been mined at Parys Mountain since the Bronze Age. This will show you how things evolved until the ‘Great Discovery’ of copper during 1768. You will also be in with the chance to get a feel for workers in the mines with their extraordinary re-creation of an underground mine.

Pili Palas

Venture into the magical Nature world of Pili Palas, perfect for all the family whatever the weather! Be guided round the park by a quiz and enter a jungle full of exotic tropical butterflies. Meet and singalong with Elvis the parrot, if you’re feeling brave visit Billy the 14ft Burmese Rock Python and stroll through the lizard land. Walk through the meerkat tunnel and see these mischievous creatures in action, next you’ll come face to face with all sorts of creepy crawlies. Kids can enjoy a variety of play areas.

There is also a soft play area for younger explorers, an adventure playground with Lenny’s castle, a giant bouncy castle, ride-on tractors, fun barn, and a zip zone. If you decide to visit during school holidays, there are lots of events which take place during this time, so be sure to check the website before you head off.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll

Visit Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, this village in Anglesey is famous for having the longest place name in Europe. It is situated on the Menai Strait next to the Britannia Bridge and across the strait from Bangor. You can get your picture taken next to the village sign, a popular pastime with tourists.

Dining Out

If that’s not tickling your fancy why not have a drink or dine out in one of the excellent pubs and restaurants in Anglesey offering fresh local cuisine…

The Oyster catcher is a restaurant with a difference and a superb view. The food is amazing, and the restaurant is located is right on the beach front at Rhosneiger. Drop by and enjoy a cold pint of craft ale in the downstairs beach bar or a meal in one of the heated beach huts overlooking Rhosneigr’s sand dunes. The formal dining area also offers the perfect setting for special group gatherings or romantic occasions.

The Marram Grass  situated in Newborough is a rustic chic restaurant that offers delightful settings and an innovative menu with a focus on fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. It’s fast becoming the trendiest place to eat on the island.

Things to do in Anglesey with a dog

If you’re thinking of moving to Anglesey or you already live in Anglesey and you’re looking for things do with your furry companion then rest assured, you’ve come to the right place.

Anglesey is full of beautiful walks down the sandy beaches perfect for your pooch to paddle in. Or visit a nature reserve and let your dog explore amongst the woodland areas.

We’ve compiled a list of recommendations of dog friendly things to do in Anglesey.

Silver Bay

Our four-legged friends love nothing more than running wild and free – which is why they’ll love the beach at Silver Bay.

The green coast award-winning beach provides a safe haven for dogs to be let of the leash. You can also have the peace of mind that its one of the cleanest beaches in the country. Let them splash in the water and enjoy a game of catch. Running wild and free is one of every dog’s favourite pastimes – which is why they love frolicking in the sand at Silver Bay beach! Its perfect solution for dog-loving families looking for an outdoor retreat suitable for everyone.

Holyhead Land Train

Visit the Holyhead land train, the train is accessible to the all the family including our furry friends! Catch a glimpse of the of the beautiful breakwater area – an outstanding sight to be seen. The train will take you along a one – and three-quarter mile journey, so sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Black Lion Pub

If you’re looking to sample delicious fresh, local produce then visit the Black Lion Pub. In an idyllic countryside location, you won’t be disappointed, they also have a dog-friendly bar area where your dog can tuck into a tasty treat and fresh water is supplied. The pub is complete with a cosy log burner, perfect for those chilly days.

The Tavern on the Bay

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Tavern on the Bay is pefect when it comes to dining with a view. This fantastic style gastro-pub not only offers wonderful scenery but a fantastic menu and dog-friendly atmosphere too.

Transportation

Transportation across the island has never been easier. There are two bridges that you can enter and exit the island on, the Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge.  Anglesey is served by two major train stations – Holyhead and Bangor. Trains from London take a little over 3 hours. Manchester, just over two hours, Birmingham 2 1/2 hours and Chester less than an hour away. There are other train stations situated across the island. Anglesey also has an airport located to the south west of the island at RAF Valley. Travel across the island is easy by car, bus, bike or taxi journeys are also available.

We hope you love the outstanding Isle of Anglesey and everything it has to offer as much as we do.

For more information get in touch with us at customerservice@easyproperty.com

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