Overview
Two landscapes face each other across the Menai Strait: Anglesey's low farms and shore on one side, the mountains of Snowdonia on the other. This day takes in both.
On the island, Beaumaris, and the priory and lighthouse at Penmon Point looking across to Puffin Island. On the mainland, the cottage that legend says was built in one night, and the stone bridges of Betws-y-Coed.
To finish, Caernarfon Castle, which Edward I built on the strait to hold them both.
- Duration
- 1 day
- Group size
- Up to 7 guests
- Vehicle
- Mercedes V-Class
Includes
- Expert bilingual local guide
- Travel in a Mercedes V-Class
- Daily pick-ups & drop offs
- Fully customisable
Excludes
- Flights, transfers and accommodation
- Food and drink
- Entry fees to attractions
- Mountains & lakes
- Castles
- Coast & beaches
Itinerary
The island and the mountains
Over Telford's bridge for Europe's longest place name, the Georgian streets of Beaumaris, and the headland at Penmon, where a lighthouse from 1838 still marks the channel. Back on the mainland, into the mountains by way of Tŷ Hyll and Betws-y-Coed, then down to the sea again at Caernarfon.
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Telford's 1826 span, the world's first major suspension bridge
Thomas Telford's suspension bridge of 1826, the first major one in the world, crossing the Menai Strait where the ferries used to run. The small town on the Anglesey bank takes its name from it, with a waterfront walk to Church Island, and shops and restaurants near the bridge. -
The village with Europe's longest name, and the photo to prove it
The village with the longest place name in Europe, 58 letters, stretched to that length in the 1860s as a stunt to bring visitors to the new railway station. It still works: everyone stops to be photographed under the station sign. The name means roughly 'St Mary's church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and St Tysilio's church by the red cave'. -
Elegant Georgian seaside town with its World Heritage castle and cafes
A small Georgian town on the Menai Strait, laid out beside the last of Edward I's castles, which sits in its moat at the top of the main street. The Victorian pier looks across the water to Snowdonia and up the strait to Puffin Island. Independent cafes, restaurants, gift shops and galleries, and the old courthouse and gaol to visit. -
Headland views across to Puffin Island and the mainland coast
A scenic headland on Anglesey offering panoramic views of the Menai Strait, Puffin Island, and the coast of mainland Wales. The area is home to historic landmarks including Penmon Priory, a 12th-century priory, and Penmon Lighthouse, built in 1838 and still in operation today. -
A one-night cottage of legend, now a woodland cafe and centre
The Ugly House is in reality far from that. It is believed to have been originally built as a hafodunos, which means a house built overnight to conform to an ancient law providing land for development. It is now a very picturesque visitor centre and cafe in a beautiful woodland glade. -
Victorian resort village of stone bridges and riverside woodland walks
A gem of a village and the gateway to Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed has been a popular holiday destination since the Victorian era. Situated in a picturesque valley at the confluence of the River Conwy and River Llugwy, the village offers charming stone bridges, woodland walks, and a wonderful selection of outdoor shops and cafes. -
Working quarry workshops and machinery telling the slate story
(Closed for redevelopment until summer 2027.) The National Slate Museum occupies the Victorian workshops of the Dinorwig quarry, under Elidir mountain in Llanberis, kept as though the quarrymen and engineers had just put down their tools and gone home: a foundry, a forge, the joiners' shop and the great water wheel that drove them all. Craftsmen split slate by hand in demonstrations through the day, and a row of quarrymen's cottages moved here from Blaenau Ffestiniog shows how the families lived. -
Edward I's mightiest fortress, guarding the Menai Strait since 1283
Edward I's fortress palace at the mouth of the Seiont, begun in 1283, its banded masonry and polygonal towers modelled on the walls of Constantinople. The first English Prince of Wales was born here in 1284, and the investiture of Prince Charles took place here in 1969. A World Heritage Site with its walled town, and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe.
What guests say
Our family spent a wonderful day with John exploring Snowdonia and Anglesey. The sights were breathtaking and John’s knowledge of the area and its history was outstanding. We were particularly pleased with the way he was able to incorporate several sites of personal significance to us into the tour. It was a totally awesome experience.
Our Celticos guide was very knowledgeable, a local resident of Anglesey, and his transportation vehicle comfortable. Couple that with his great driving skills which is a must on Welsh roads! He knows the history and details of Wales well, and in this trip especially Anglesey, and Snowdonia, two famous parts of Wales. And, he is happy to share of this knowledge. His interpersonal listening skills also make for a very enjoyable and learning trip. I highly recommend Celticos.
Frequently asked questions
- Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Every tour we run is customised, so treat this itinerary as a starting point. Tell us what interests you and we will build the days around it.
- Can this tour be combined with other tours, or made longer or shorter?
Yes. A day tour can be built into a multi-day tour, and a multi-day tour can be shortened, extended or joined to another. Tell us how many days you have and we will plan around them.
- Are admission fees included?
No. Entry to castles, gardens and other attractions is paid on the day, where a fee applies. Many of the castles are cared for by Cadw, and we can advise on the best-value tickets when you book.
- Is food included?
No. As we tour we will suggest eating places that our guests have enjoyed.
- What should we wear and bring?
Sensible footwear for some light walking, and a rain jacket, just in case.
- How much walking is involved?
Some, and none of it strenuous: the walk from the car to a castle gate or a viewpoint. If walking is a concern, tell us and we will plan the stops accordingly.
- Where should we stay?
Somewhere central, so that touring time is not spent driving to the start. Our accommodation advice lists places our guests have used, and we are happy to suggest a base for your tour.
