Anglesey or Anglesea

Anglesey or Anglesea (wal. Ynys Môn) is an island and county in the north-western parts of Wales. From the mainland of Wales is separated by a narrow Straits called the Menai Strait. The island is connected to the mainland to by two bridges, the elders’ Menai Suspension Bridge “was built by Thomas Telford in 1826 as the road link, and later, double-przebudowywanym” Britannia Bridge “, which is run by road and railway line.

The main city and port of Holyhead

Caernarfon Castle

Built between 1283 and 1301, this castle was Edward I’s most impressive stronghold. The polygonal towers and colour-banded masonry were based on Constantinople’s 5th-century walls, and set it apart from the other castles of North Wales.

It has proved almost impregnable; in 1404, 28 bedraggled men withstood a Owain Glyndŵr’s siege, and during the 17th-century civil war it was unsuccessfully attacked three times.

Originally built as a seat of government rule and royal palace, the towers were decorated with ornate stained glass. The Eagle Tower is the finest remaining example. In the Queen’s Tower is a museum celebrating Wales’ oldest infantry regiment, the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Other towers contain exhibits on Edward I’s campaigns and the 1969 investiture.

When to Go

Wales is beautiful at any time of year but the soggy Welsh weather will probably play a major part in your holiday experience. To be honest, no one goes to Wales for the weather; it’s unpredictable and rain is a possibility at any time – even in midsummer. However, most of the rain is concentrated in autumn and early winter, with the worst of the downpours between October and January. Winter days are startlingly short, and although you may get a picturesque blanket of snow, many smaller attractions, tourist information centres (TICs) and B&Bs close for the entire low season (from mid-October to Easter).

After January the rain slackens off and, as temperatures pick up and days lengthen, it’s a good time to get out walking. Spectator sports, too, hit their peak, with both the rugby and football calendars coming to a close.

In July and August, peak season for Wales and the major school-holiday period across Britain, attractions, accommodation and roads get choked with visitors, prices rise and even the kindest of locals can get annoyed with the crush. However, this is prime time for a long, lingering night at one of Wales’ countless festivals or a concerted assault on its highest peaks.

In general, spring and autumn are the best times to visit, combining pretty good weather with glorious countryside, but avoiding the crowds, clogged roads and accommodation rush of midsummer.