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THIS CAPTIVATING SEASIDE TOWN HAS A BLEND OF MEDIEVAL, GEORGIAN, VICTORIAN, AND EDWARDIAN ARCHITECTURE ALONGSIDE THE 'GREATEST CASTLE NEVER BUILT.' 16:26, 03 Jun 2025 Perched along

the treacherous Menai Strait, colourful Beaumaris is the historic hub of Anglesey. This captivating seaside town has a blend of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture

alongside the 'greatest castle never built.' Beautiful Beaumaris was an ancient borough, awarded its first charter in 1296. Wander around, and you’ll spot plenty of reminders of

its past, from the impressive 13th-century castle to a courthouse that’s been standing since 1614. Don’t miss the Beaumaris Gaol or the Tudor Rose, a 14th-century timber-framed beauty and

one of the oldest of its kind in Britain. And if you fancy a pint with a side of history, the Bulls Head Inn, built in 1472, is where General Thomas Mytton set up camp during the 1648 Siege

of Beaumaris in the second English Civil War. While the town is packed with stories, there's still plenty to do here on an Anglesey holiday. Go crab fishing off the pier, take a

wildlife-watching boat trip or hike along the blustery shoreline. Here's how to make the most of a trip to Beaumaris EXPLORE THE CASTLE Beaumaris Castle is a reminder of the ambition of

English royalty seeking to subdue Wales. This commanding fortress, famous as "the greatest castle never built," was to be the crowning glory of King Edward's "Iron

Ring" of mighty fortresses at Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris, and Harlech. Article continues below Ruthless Edward I launched two military campaigns in Wales, in 1277 and 1282-83, aimed

at defeating the Welsh princes and establishing English authority, and massive castles were a key part of the military plan. “Beau Mareys,” meaning “beautiful marsh,” located beside the

Menai Strait, proved to be the perfect setting for a grand-scale fortress with near-perfect symmetry. Its defences were nothing short of formidable; four concentric rings encircled the

stronghold, including a water-filled moat complete with its own dock, blending strength and strategic elegance. According to Cadw, a lack of money (show-off castles are quite pricey) and

brewing trouble in Scotland meant that building work on the grand castle had petered out by the 1320s. The south gatehouse and the six great towers in the inner ward never reached their

intended height. The Llanfaes gate was barely started before being abandoned. Today, this incomplete castle serves as a poignant reminder of Wales' tumultuous past, marked by bloody

battles and Celtic defiance, all encapsulated within its imposing stone walls. Cadw now manages the site, and you can visit for just £33.60 for a family ticket. GO CRABBING ON BEAUMARIS PIER

Nothing says 'family holiday in Wales' like crabbing off a historic pier while the wind whips around you. Beaumaris Pier was originally opened in 1846 and rebuilt in 1872, and is

a favourite spot for crabbing with the kids. You can buy all your gear from the small pier Kiosk or the RNLI Lifeboat Station shop. Both locations offer crabbing nets, bait, and buckets to

get you going. After crabbing, settle in on the green with fish and chips and watch out for greedy seagulls. _FROM SUPERSTAR GIGS TO COSY PUBS, FIND OUT WHAT’S ON IN WALES BY SIGNING UP TO

OUR __NEWSLETTER HERE_ GO ON A WILDLIFE-WATCHING BOAT TRIP Seacoast Safaris depart from Beaumaris Pier and offer nature and sightseeing cruises to Puffin Island (or Ynys Seiriol in Welsh).

This protected island is a bird sanctuary and a nesting site for many species of breeding seabirds, as well as home to a resident colony of Atlantic grey seals. Want a longer trip? Book an

all-day Rib Ride boat trip and explore the entire coastline of Anglesey. With its spectacular 100-mile coastline, there’s no better way to uncover its dramatic beauty than on a high-speed

RIB ride, skimming past rugged headlands, remote beaches, and eerie sea caves. One of the most exhilarating parts of the trip is bouncing over the Menai Strait’s most notorious stretch of

water—the Swellies. As you pass Telford’s magnificent Menai suspension bridge, you'll be entering a treacherous body of water with rapid tidal flows and a history of shipwrecks. The

tide here is wild, rushing in from both ends and colliding with full force over a seabed dotted with hidden rocks. The remains of shipwrecks are a stark reminder that not everyone has made

it through unscathed. As you thread your way between whirlpools and racing currents, your trusty skipper will explain how, centuries ago, tall ships had to navigate this treacherous channel

with nothing but sails and oars, hoping the tide wouldn’t drag them onto the rocks. You'll also explore the wizz past other coastal landmarks like South Stack Lighthouse and Ynys

Llanddwyn while spotting resident seals, dolphins, and seabirds. HIKE TO PENMON POINT BEACH One of the most popular beaches in Anglesey, Penmon Point Beach, is a craggy and historic part of

the Anglesey coast. From the beach, you have epic views of the nearby Puffin Island and the Trwyn Du Lighthouse, also known as Penmon Lighthouse, which was built in 1838 to mark the north

entrance to the Menai Strait. One of the best ways to explore this area is to hike to Penmon on a circular trail. The All Trails app has a 7-mile loop trail near Beaumaris that you can

follow. This is a beautiful and varied trail that takes in sweeping coastal views and historic sites as you make your way past the Church of St Cawrdaf, on the road to Trwyn Dy Lighthouse,

along the coast to Castell Aberlleiniog, and back to the start past Llangoed. EAT AT BULL'S HEAD INN The Grade II-listed Bull's Head Inn was named the best pub in Wales in 2024 and

is renowned for its real ales and live music. Located at the heart of town on Castle Street, it dates back to the 15th century and retains all the character and charm it has acquired over

the last 550 years. Its listed bar is decorated with an array of memorabilia, including antique weaponry and, reputedly, the town’s original ducking stool. You can stop by for food –

including breakfast, light bites, and dinner- or spend the night in its array of rooms. Their delicious, homemade food is freshly cooked to order, and the seasonal menu features pub

classics. Typical dishes include a lamb burger, traditional fish and chips, and pan-fried chicken supreme. STAY AT CASTLE COURT HOTEL This Free house pub with rooms is located in the centre

of historic Beaumaris with commanding views of the Menai Straits and Beaumaris Castle. Article continues below Each room features a TV with satellite channels, a view, and tea and

coffee-making facilities. They also have an en-suite bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. Book here