Our Top 10 Hidden Gems
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Our Top 10 Hidden Gems Anglesey is an island full of culture, history and immense beauty. You can be assured of stunning views on any day trip, however we thought we would highlight some of our favourite hidden gems! 1. South Stack Lighthouse South Stack Lighthouse, and Elins Tower are possibly the most picturesque locations on Anglesey. As part of an RSPB reserve there is a wealth of wildlife throughout the summer, with over 4000 birds visiting the area. Visitors can not only learn about the fascinating history of the lighthouse as they descend the 410 steps to it, but can also appreciate the complex rock formations and geology of the surrounding vertical cliff faces. 2. Penmon Point and Puffin Island Head to Penmon Point to explore this section of wonderful coastline. Enjoy great views of the lighthouse and Puffin Island in the distance whilst learning about some 13th Century history and Penmon priory and dovecote. Puffin Island is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and unfortunately it is not possible for visitors to land on the island without permission from the landowner. However, if you want to see the birds then the best way is to take a boat trip around the island. Boat trips operate from Beaumaris all through the summer months. 3. Bodafon Mountain Walk to the summit of Bodafon Mountain (178m) from the gates of Tyddyn Isaf for an unsurpassable 360 degree view across the whole of Anglesey. On a clear day guests will be able to see the Great Orme, the Snowdonia Mountain range and even the Isle of Man! 4. The Stepping Stones at Dwynran These huge limestone block stepping stones span the tidal Afon Braint and form part of the Anglesey Coastal Footpath. They are located in a truly beautiful part of the island and make for a great family challenge! 5. Llanddwyn Island Llanddwyn is a picturesque area full of little sandy coves, fantastic views of Snowdonia and the Lleyn peninsula, and full of welsh history. Llanddwyn Island is the home to St Dwynwen, the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers. It is easily accessible along various footpaths at low tide, but be aware that Llanddwyn becomes an Island for six hours as high tide approaches! 6. Dulas Bay Shipwrecks Lots of stories of espionage and corruption exist about how the shipwrecks in the Dulas estuary came to rest, but no-one really knows the truth! At low tide it’s a great place for an adventure and to explore these unusual structures. 7. Lligwy Burial Chamber and Din Lligwy Ancient Settlement Enjoy great views across Lligwy Bay whilst walking to these ancient monuments. Lligwy Burial Chamber is a Neolithic burial chamber consisting of a circle of upright stones, made into a low chamber by a very large roof slab estimated at 25 tonnes. Nearby sits the ancient village of Din Lligwy which dates back to the Romano-British Period. 8. Parys Mountain Words cannot begin to describe the uniqueness of the ancient copper mines at Parys Mountain. There are several waymarked easy walking trails around the mountain that allow guests to marvel at the bright orange and red hues of the copper mines. This is a must visit for children and adults alike! 9. The Britannia Lions Hidden beneath Britannia Bridge are four lions which guard the entry and exit points the island. These fascinating stone structures were created in 1848 by Victorian sculptor John Thomas (1813 – 1862). They are made from Penmon limestone are about 25ft (8m) long and weigh in the region of 8 tons each. 10. The place with the longest name! Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerycwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch! A visit to Anglesey wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the village that holds the longest place name in Europe (2nd longest in the world!). Once you’ve posed for the obligatory photograph pop into James Pringle Weavers to pick up a selection of welsh food and crafts! .