Best Beaches & Outdoor Activities
Best Beaches & Outdoor Activities on Anglesey
Anglesey’s coastline is a living postcard, where rugged cliffs, wide-open skies, and golden sands change character with the seasons and tides. The island seems to invite you outdoors at every turn, whether that’s exploring the coastline on foot, paddling in calm waters, or simply pausing to watch the tide roll in while listening to the cry of seabirds overhead. Each corner of the island offers its own rhythm and charm, from busy surf beaches to secluded coves that feel entirely your own.
Hidden Beaches
Beyond the well-known stretches of sand, Anglesey hides quieter treasures perfect for families, swimmers, and anyone seeking peace. Traeth Lligwy, near Moelfre, offers broad sands and gentle waters ideal for children, while Cable Bay, tucked between cliffs, provides a sheltered spot for paddleboarding or a quiet afternoon by the sea. Llanddwyn Beach, with sweeping vistas across to Snowdonia and a walk out to Llanddwyn Island, provides one of the most photographed views on Anglesey and a chance to step into history as you wander past the ruins. Red Wharf Bay stretches for miles at low tide, with salt marshes alive with birds and wildlife, and at Penmon, bioluminescent plankton sometimes illuminates the waves after dusk, turning a simple evening walk into something magical. Sheltered coves and quiet sands can also be found at smaller spots highlighted in The Anglesey Best Beach Guide and The Best Beaches on Anglesey. For those bringing four-legged friends, our Dog-Friendly Holidays guide points you to beaches and paths that welcome dogs with open paws.
Coastal Walks & Hiking Adventures
If movement is your preference, Anglesey’s coastal path is hard to beat. The Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path spans over 120 miles of diverse coastline, linking villages, dunes, cliffs, and hidden coves. Every stretch tells a different story, from the dramatic sea arches and puffin colonies along the north coast to the tranquil forests and tidal flats at Red Wharf Bay. Walks around Trearddur Bay lead to secret beaches, tidal pools, and historic sites such as St Gwenfaen’s Well at Rhoscolyn, where legend encourages visitors to toss quartz pebbles for luck. For those seeking hidden corners, The Wild West: Anglesey’s Top Naturewatch Spots provides inspiration for lesser-known coastal treasures, and a visit to Bardsey Island offers solitude and wildlife in one of Wales’ most remote settings. Coastal walks here are less about reaching a destination and more about immersing yourself in the rhythm of the sea, the changing light, and the island’s wildlife.
Water Sports & Adventure
Water enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. Rhosneigr is the hub for surfing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, backed by a friendly local scene. Kayak along Porth Dafarch, try coasteering near Trearddur Bay, or enjoy peaceful paddleboard sessions on glassy mornings. For expert guidance, check out Ride the Wind in Rhosneigr or partner-led adventures with RibRide and Anglesey Adventures. For combined land-and-sea exploration, Sea to Summit Holidays in North Wales offers curated itineraries that connect Anglesey’s beaches, hills, and coastal trails. Cyclists will also enjoy Cycling on Anglesey – Get on Your Bike for scenic rides around the island.
Wildlife & Hidden Coastal Spots
For those drawn to nature, Anglesey is full of quiet wonders. At Red Wharf Bay (Traeth Coch), a rich salt‑marsh and dune habitat supports rare plants such as the pyramidal orchid, while wading birds including purple sandpipers and long‑billed curlews can often be spotted along the shoreline. Clegir Mawr, a coastal heath and cliff habitat on the island, is home to the very rare spotted rock‑rose, Anglia’s county flower, which blooms in summer, adding a delicate splash of colour to the rugged landscape. Coastal walks, for example from Porth Dafarch to South Stack, offer excellent chances to see seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and even puffins perched on the cliffs, creating unforgettable wildlife moments.
Quiet tidal pools, hidden coves, and secluded meadows add to the island’s sense of discovery. St Gwenfaen’s Well, tucked into the cliffs at Rhoscolyn, invites visitors to pause and soak in the legend, while the remote landscapes of Bardsey Island reward those who wander off the beaten track, offering solitude, natural beauty, and a touch of history woven into the land.
Family Friendly Outings & Golf
Anglesey offers activities that delight visitors of all ages. Nature and animal lovers will enjoy Pili Palas Nature World, where colourful butterflies flutter freely and interactive exhibits introduce children to fascinating insects from around the world. Nearby, Anglesey Sea Zoo provides a hands-on marine experience, showcasing the rich wildlife of the surrounding seas, from crabs and lobsters to seahorses and native fish. Foel Farm Park is another family favourite, where children can meet and feed animals, take tractor rides, bounce on giant pillows, and enjoy artisan chocolate, all set against stunning coastal views overlooking the Menai Strait.
Golf enthusiasts, young and old alike, are well catered for. Anglesey Golf Club welcomes guests from select properties to enjoy free rounds for up to four people, while Golf Mon combines a driving range, mini-golf course, and family-friendly lessons, making it ideal for beginners or a relaxed day out. To top it off, Popty Pizza at the same location serves freshly made pizzas, with a special discount exclusively for AHL guests, ensuring the whole family has a fun and delicious day.
Whether chasing waves, exploring wildlife, walking the cliffs, or teeing off on a sunny course, Anglesey provides the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, discovery, and family fun for every member of the family.