Perfect for your family break

It’s a wonderful place for a family holiday, too. The best place to start is Beaumaris, which has the castle of course, and also Beaumaris Gaol. Quite often there are plays, costumed dramas and other interactive things going on, which makes them particularly good for children. Then there’s crab fishing off the pier, followed by an ice-cream at the Red Boat, a really nice little ice-cream parlour on the main street.

If they want something a bit more energetic, there’s horse-riding at Anglesey Riding Centre near Brynsiencyn, or kayaking from Porth Daniel in Menai Bridge. RibRide offer fast rib rides along the Strait, which are so exciting, or try out the more sedate wildlife watching trips. The tides really rip through here, so you need to know where you’re going. There’s a stretch called the Swellies where there are whirlpools, and you can go right under both bridges, which is brilliant.

Beaumaris Castle, on the Isle of Anglesey, from above.
stone court yard of goal.
Four people on a boat ride with the Menai Bridge behind them

Beaumaris Castle, Beaumaris Gaol and a RibRide on the Menai Strait, Anglesey, North Wales

Beach breaks surround the island

It’s also brilliant for sandcastles, gathering shells, watching kitesurfers, or simply running around. The best place for rock-pooling is the beach at Porth Cwyfan in Aberffraw. My favourite beach, Llanddwyn, it’s just fabulous, and there’s always something going on there.

St Cwyfan’s Church from above.
Image of the lighthouse and beach at Ynys Llanddwyn in the bright winter sun.

Cwyfan Church and Porth Cwyfan, and Llanddwyn, Anglesey, North Wales

My favourite beach, Llanddwyn, it’s just fabulous, and there’s always something going on there. "

The RSPB reserve at South Stack is great for children, because there’s a massive stone staircase that leads down to the lighthouse. We always used to take our kids there to build up an appetite. And the birds you see there are birds children will love - like puffins and choughs - which are very colourful and make lots of noise.

Atlantic Puffin with sand eels in beak.
Image of South Stack Lighthouse from above, perched on a clifftop.

South Stack Lighthouse and puffins on the Isle of Anglesey, North Wales

Then there are the old favourites: Plas Newydd House & Gardens, Anglesey Sea Zoo, the Pili Palas butterfly attraction and Anglesey Model Village at Newborough.

Anglesey Sea Zoo, on the Isle of Anglesey

Eating out

Eating out? At Dylan’s pizzeria in Menai Bridge the food is healthy but kid friendly. There are also lots of gastro pubs which cater nicely for children: the Black Lion at Llanfaethlu and the Brasserie at Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn in Beaumaris, the Oyster Catcher at Rhosneigr and the White Eagle at Rhoscolyn.

Exterior of an old white painted pub.
Interior of an old pub with comfy sofas and a bar.

Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn, Beaumaris, Anglesey, North Wales

Further information

Discover your perfect place to stay - there's a great choice of rural cottages, waterside apartments and child-friendly caravan parks. Search for more attractions and activities including watersports, karting, coastal walks and family-friendly museums and farm parks.

Related stories