Holyhead is a major ferry port and a gateway to the beautiful island of Anglesey. Part of Wales, Anglesey is full of pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and natural wonders.
The extraordinary number of historic sites is a timeline of British history. From Neolithic chambers, Roman remains, and medieval castles to Victorian beach towns, there is an endless variety.
What separates Anglesey from much of the rest of Britain is the rich Welsh culture, heard in language and song. The lilt of Welsh voices will welcome you to a place that literally stands apart.
Why Visit Holyhead
Celtic Gateway Bridge
Holyhead is the largest town on Anglesey, an island off the coast of Wales. This rugged western coast of Great Britain faces Atlantic storms and Holyhead is an important sheltered harbor.
Since the 19th century, it has been important for transatlantic and European shipping. Today, it remains a major ferry port for people and goods connecting to and from Ireland.
Separated from the Welsh mainland by the Menai Strait, Anglesey has a unique history. Prehistoric sites and impressive castles add to its strong Welsh cultural identity.
The island is equally known for its scenic beauty. With rugged coastlines, beautiful beaches, and lovely landscapes, it’s a perfect place to escape to nature.
History & Culture
Holyhead Port
The strategic importance of Holyhead can be appreciated by the presence of a small Roman fort. Built to defend against Irish sea-raiders, it dates to the fourth century.
The town grew up around this fort, built on the tiny Holy Island, also known as Holyhead Island. That name reflects the abundance of ancient standing stones and other ritual sites, some dating to around 4,000 BCE.
A stronghold of the Druidic religion, Anglesey was one of the last parts of Britain to be conquered by the Romans. Long after the Romans, Wales became a thorn in the side of English kings, as is evident in its wealth of castles.
It remains a bastion of the ancient Welsh language, the strongest of the four surviving major Celtic languages. Welsh nationalism is seen—and heard—mostly strongly during rugby or soccer matches, particularly when playing English teams.
Wildlife & Nature
South Stack Cliffs Reserve
This wild western coast of Wales is a graveyard for ships and a refuge for seabirds. You can appreciate why at the South Stack Cliffs Reserve.
The dramatic cliffs here are home to a tall lighthouse and thousands of seabirds, including puffins and kittiwakes. Walk the winding, scenic trails and you might spot dolphins, seals, or harbor porpoises.
South Stack Lighthouse
At the South Stack Lighthouse, you can rent binoculars at the shop for a better view. Bird-lovers will also want to visit the Breakwater Country Park.
The walks here form part of the 130-mile Anglesey Coastal Path, which loops around the island. Taking in cliffs, dunes, salt-marsh, and farmland, much of it is inside an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or AONB.
Read: Best Hikes in the UK
Tips for Visiting Holyhead
Holyhead Harbor
Wales is subject to changeable weather, so pack layers that include a waterproof coat. Avoid shoes such as lightweight sneakers that cannot cope with rain.
Wales is part of the United Kingdom, which also includes England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The first three form the island of Great Britain, while Northern Ireland is part of the island of Ireland—which is also the name of the independent country.
While the Welsh language is strong here, English is still the daily language. As part of the United Kingdom, the currency is the English pound, with credit and debit cards widely accepted.
Tipping follows British norms, with around 10 percent tip being usual. Restaurants might add a larger “service charge” to your bill, but you can ask for it to be reduced if service is poor.
Things to Do & Attractions in Holyhead, Wales
Be Awed by Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle
One of Wales’ most impressive medieval fortresses, Caernarfon Castle was built by England’s King Edward I in the late 13th century. It was part of an “Iron Ring” of castles to maintain his control over North Wales.
The castle’s distinctive polygonal towers and its color-banded walls are the most striking features. This style echoes that of the walls of Constantinople, intended to lend English rule the legacy of Imperial Rome.
Those walls, reflected in the calm waters of the River Seiont, are a very photogenic image. Castell Caernarfon is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Wales’ most popular visitor attractions.
Tour Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Castle is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Finished in 1295 by Edward I, it was the last and most technically perfect of his “Iron Ring” of castles.
The concentric design confronted potential attackers with a wall within a wall. Other daunting defensive features included numerous towers, arrow loops, and so-called “murder” holes.
Visitors today are much more welcome, with guided tours to show off the castle’s history. Visit the interior chambers and climb to the battlements to take in spectacular views across the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia.
Read: Best Castles in Europe
Spend the Day in Conwy
Conwy Castle
Travel back in time in Conwy, a medieval walled town dominated by a splendid castle. The town’s walls are among the most complete in the whole of Britain.
With 21 towers and three of its original gates, the walls are a photographer’s delight. They enclose sights such as Plas Mawr, Britain’s best-preserved Elizabethan townhouse.
On the quayside, you’ll find the bright red “Smallest House in Great Britain”, only 72 inches wide. The quay has several seafood restaurants, while the rest of the town offers unique shops and traditional pubs.
Wander in Bodnant Garden
Bodnant Garden
Bodnant Garden is a spectacular National Trust property near Conwy, North Wales. Its 80 acres of grounds encompass both formal gardens and wilder areas.
The most famous feature is a 180-foot-long walkway of golden laburnum flowers. This Laburnum Arch blooms in late spring to create a magical tunnel of yellow blossoms.
The Dell, a deep valley, holds giant North American conifers and a picturesque stream. Another lovely sight is the formal upper garden with its Italianate terraces, rose garden, and lily ponds.
Cross Menai Suspension Bridge
Menai Suspension Bridge
The Menai Suspension Bridge, completed in 1826, was the world’s first major suspension bridge. A revolutionary design in its time, its influence can be seen in later structures such as New York’s Brooklyn Bridge of 1883.
The bridge connects mainland Wales to Anglesey across the turbulent Menai Strait. It was designed by Thomas Telford, a Scottish civil engineer who made his reputation building roads and canals.
The original wrought iron chains used by Telford two centuries ago were replaced by steel ones in 1938. That’s a reassuring thought if you choose to walk or drive across the bridge to take in the views.
Photograph Snowdonia
Snowdonia
Snowdonia—“Eryri” in Welsh—is a mountainous national park in North Wales, UK. It’s named after Mount Snowdon—“Yr Wyddfa”—which, at 3,560 feet, is the highest peak in Wales and England.
The park, established in 1951, covers 823 square miles of beautiful natural scenery. Formed by ancient volcanic and glacial activity, the majestic mountain landscapes are steeped in Welsh mythology and folklore.
Many visitors come to climb Snowdon’s summit, which can be climbed on foot, or accessed via the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway. The only public rack-and-pinion railway in the United Kingdom, it sells out quickly on sunny days.
Inspect the One-Ton Bed at Penrhyn Castle
Penrhyn Castle
Penrhyn Castle is a neo-Norman castle built between 1820 and 1837, although its medieval design makes it look much older. It has a Victorian kitchen and servants’ quarters, a railway museum, and the 60 acres of garden.
The castle was built for politician George Hay Dawkins-Pennant, whose wealth was founded on Jamaican slavery and slate mining. His workers led a three-year strike over working conditions, one of the longest labor disputes in British history.
Today, it’s cared for by the National Trust and everyone can enjoy its lavish rooms, paintings, and antique furniture. Memorable highlights include a one-ton slate bed made for a visit by Queen Victoria.
Ride the Great Orme Tramway
Great Orme Tramway
Opened in 1902, the Great Orme Tramway is Britain’s only surviving cable-operated street tramway. One of the oldest of its kind in the world, it was originally steam-powered.
Now more reliably driven by electricity, it climbs the Great Orme, a 679 ft-high limestone headland in Llandudno. The tramway is split into two sections with an interchange at Halfway Station.
Besides a restaurant and gift shop, the Summit Complex has great views over Llandudno Bay and the Irish Sea as far as the Isle of Man. The Great Orme’s other attractions include Bronze Age copper mines and a nature reserve.
Relax in Breakwater Country Park
Breakwater Country Park
Breakwater Country Park was created out of a former stone quarry used for building Holyhead Breakwater. Established in the 1990s, the park has transformed a wasteland into a beautiful nature reserve.
At its heart is a lake popular with local fisherfolk and full of bird life. A two-mile circular walking trail offers even more sighting opportunities for bird lovers.
In the grasslands and coastal areas, you might spot a little owl, a rare chough, or peregrine falcons. Visitors can also enjoy views over the Irish Sea and Holyhead Mountain.
Admire the Windows of St. Cybi’s
St. Cybi’s Church
Right in the heart of the historic town center, you’ll find the lovely St. Cybi’s Church. This medieval church was built inside a Roman wall and incorporates third-century masonry.
Extensively restored in the 19th century, the church is unusual for this position within surviving Roman walls. The Roman fort once stood on a low seaside cliff but land reclamation means it is now further inland.
Inside the church, your eyes will be drawn to the mesmerizing stained glass “Jesse Window” by artist William Morris. This Tree of Life fills the glass with rich foliage and pomegranates in sumptuous colors.
Visit Holyhead Maritime Museum
Holyhead Maritime Museum
This small local museum is an absolute gem for anyone who loves the sea. Packed to the roof with interesting artefacts, it’s run by enthusiastic volunteers.
With everything from an old diver’s suit to a model of RMS Titanic to see, you can spend hours browsing. An even better option is to enjoy a guided highlights tour with one of the volunteers.
The museum is housed in a 19th-century lifeboat shed, the oldest in Wales. A former air raid shelter outside adds room for a fascinating history of Holyhead during World War II.
Walk on Holyhead Breakwater
Holyhead Breakwater
At 1.7 miles long, the longest breakwater in Europe was built from 1847 to 1873. A walking trail along it allows you to learn about this amazing historic feat.
Do keep an eye on the weather beforehand, as waves can crash over during storms. On most days, however, it’s a pleasant stroll to see the unusual, square-shaped lighthouse at the seaward end.
The pier has a base using seven millions of tons of rock, most from the Breakwater Quarry. Divers in submarine bells had to clear the seafloor during construction and 40 men died out of a workforce of 1,300.
Food & Drink
Fish and chips
The food in Holyhead is very similar to that elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Expect hearty fried all-day breakfasts and pubs offering fish and chips, or sausage and mash.
However, this area is known for its fantastic seafood, particularly fresh mussels, lobster, and Welsh sea bass. Traditional Welsh dishes like cawl, a hearty lamb stew, Welsh rarebit, a spiced-up cheese on toast, and bara brith or fruit bread are also worth trying.
Welsh cawl
The busy Harbourfront Bistro near the marina is known for excellent seafood and local Welsh lamb. You might also find surprises such as teriyaki beef tacos.
Among the pubs, The Stanley Arms stands out for its traditional atmosphere and hearty pub classics. Some good beers and ales are on tap with a pleasant mix of locals and visitors.
Holyhead has its own small brewery, Bragdy Cybi, named for Saint Cybi. Its Taproom is open Thu-Sat, from 2pm to 9pm if you want to try their beers or some local ciders.
Best Time to Visit Holyhead
Breakwater Country Park
Like anywhere in Western Europe, the best time to visit Holyhead is in the spring and summer. From May to September, the weather is warmer, with temperatures between 59-68°F.
The days are longer and wildlife—particularly seabirds—are more active. To avoid the peak crowds of July and August, a visit in April or May is ideal, even more so for wildflower lovers.
From fall through winter, temperatures drop and rain is more frequent. This is a time to enjoy cozy pubs and bracing walks along the wave-lashed coast.
Read: Best Beaches in the UK
Holyhead
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