Craig y Don
Planning your Stay
Looking to make the most of your stay at Craig y Don? We’ve got you covered. Here is our list of recommendations to help you plan the best possible experience. Please note that some things need to be booked well in advance and so we strongly recommend that you enquire and make bookings as soon as possible after confirming your stay at Craig y Don.
There are so many things to do on Anglesey that it’s hard to pick favourites. We recommend that you look through all the different sections of this Planning Your Stay guide and choose those things that best suit your tastes. Please be sure to plan and book as early as possible as many activities get booked up quickly. These are some of our favourite things to do when staying on the island..
Ribride. It’s hard to beat the thrill of a speed boat ride down the Menai Strait. Weather and tide permitting, the Ribride Team should be able to pick you up from our little slipway at Craig y Don. When booking please be sure to let them know you are staying at Craig y Don and ask about pick up from the house. They offer various tours but one of our favourites is a trip all the way down to Pilots Cove at Llanddwyn Isand with a peek at Caernarfon Castle on the way.
For the energetic thrill seekers in your group, we also recommend a go at jet foiling on the Strait directly opposite the house. It is harder than it looks but if / when you get up and foiling, it is the most wonderful flying sensation. When you call to book, please be sure to let them know you are staying at Craig y Don and ask about pick up from the house.
Stand up paddle boarding. A lovely way to explore the Strait in front of the house. The team at SUP Ski Fit will bring the boards and kit to Craig y Don and you can start from our water’s edge.
Spa. After an energetic day, you might wish to have a massage or facial in the treatment room at Craig y Don. We recommend Arden Therapy. Abbi will come to Craig y Don and set up in our private treatment room. All you need to do is lie back and relax. Message Abbi on 07714 818223.
Beaumaris. Just down the road from Craig y Don you’ll find a beautiful little seaside town of Beaumaris. Take time to explore the Castle, the old Gaol and the shops. We love Cole & Co, Janet Bell, Oriel Beaumaris, Stiwdio Biwmares, The Exchange Beaumaris and M Jones a’i Fab Antiques. No visit to Beaumaris would be complete without an ice-cream from Red Boat at 34 Castle Street.
Plas Cadnant Secret Garden – A thirty (ish) minute walk or 5 minute drive from Craig y Don, Plas Cadnant has been described as one of North Wales’ best kept secrets. This is a lovely place to explore and the café offers excellent homemade food too!
Trearddur Bay and South Stack. On a sunny day visit Trearddur Bay for a swim and play on the beach. Eat lunch at Sea Shanty Café or Ocean’s Edge Restaurant. Drive along the wonderful coast road to South Stack. On the way stop at one of the little beaches, such as Porth-y-Post beach which is typical of Anglesey being rock, pebble and sand where you can always find a sheltered corner to relax and take in the views. Drive on to South Stack and park at the RSPB café. Buy tickets to explore the old lighthouse and cross the suspension bridge and climb to the top of the tower! Wonderful on a windy sunny day.
Rhosneigr beaches and Cable Bay. We love this bit of coast. Rhosneigr has two beaches. Rent a surf board or book windsurfing, kitesurfing or wing foiling lessons at Funsport. Drink coffee and eat cake at Notos. Dine in the sand dunes at The Oyster Catcher or in the village at Sandymount House.
Newborough Forest and Llanddwyn Island. We love exploring the forest and beach. Walk (right) along the beach to the corner and at low tide cross to LLanddwyn Island and walk to the old lighthouses at the end of the island. Have a picnic and swim at Pilots Cove.
Castles. Some of the best castles in the UK are nearby. Explore Beaumaris, Caernarfon and Conwy castles.
Plas Newydd and Oriel Mon. Plas Newydd is a Grade I-listed house and garden on the banks of the Menai Strait. With the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) as a dramatic backdrop, enjoy the 40 acres of peaceful garden and 129 acres of woodland and parkland. In the same trip take in Anglesey Museaum and Art Gallery – Oriel Mon. The museum tells the story of Anglesey over thousands of years. The art gallery showcases contemporary artists and makers and Oriel Kyffin offers exhibitions of national and international significance.
Plas Menai for a multi activity day. Plas Menai is the National Water sports Centre for Wales. Why not learn to sail or book a multi activity fun day.
If you don’t want to cook after such a busy day, treat yourself to a private chef who will cook for you at Craig y Don. Try Welsh chef Meals By Chris or one of those other chefs listed in the Private Dining section below. Or book a table down the road in Menai Bridge at Dylans.
We have a good selection of private dining chefs willing to come and cook for you at Craig y Don. Whether you fancy relaxed nibbles, comfort food, a good old dinner party or Michelin star fine dining, we have it covered.
Meals By Chris – Chris is a highly skilled freelance chef specialising in private dinner parties. Trained at the prestigious Castle Hotel in Conwy under the esteemed Graham Tinsley MBE, he went on to work at several renowned establishments. Represented Wales as a member of the Welsh Culinary Team and was awarded the title of Junior Chef of Wales in 2013. Cooked at a St. David’s Day celebration dinner at 10 Downing Street, showcasing his skills and representing Welsh cuisine. Email christull1@hotmail.com or telephone 07707646002.
Dining With Darek. Darek Chmielnicki cooks a delightful range of styles from tapas to formal dining. Tel 07827 399565. Email: diningwithdarek@gmail.com
Luxury Private Chef. Chef Joshua Jennings and team – clients have given rave reviews. Email hello@luxuryprivatechef.com or WhatsApp on +447898209846.
Sosban. Michelin Star private dining at Craig y Don. EXCLUSIVELY for guests at Craig y Don. Chef Stephen Stevens will bring his incredible dining experience to you. Stephen’s menu utilises a wealth of North Wales ingredients in dishes that provide bold flavours and original, personal touches, demonstrating an innate understanding of cooking techniques and flavour combinations. Telephone: 01248 208 131. Email: eat@sosbanandtheoldbutchers.com. Contact: Stephen Stevens.
The Cheshire Dining Experience: Fine Dining. Telephone 01829 742594. Email: hello@thecheshirediningexperience.co.uk. Contact: Tori or Becky.
Kilty & Co. Fine Dining & Relaxed. Telephone 0778 871 1177. Email: Eat@kiltyandco.co.uk. Contact: Eddie Kilty.
Yhangry.com. This is a national network that offers to find a private chef for any location across the whole of he UK. Some of our guests have used this service and have loved the food. Email info@yhangry.com or telephone 020 4525 5238.
Anglesey & North Wales has been called the adventure and fun capital of the UK! We agree. There are so many options you really are spoilt for choice.
RIB RIDE – Menai Bridge – A must do experience when staying at Craig y Don. Weather and tide permitting, the team will pick you up by speed boat from the water’s edge at Craig y Don. Choose from many trips and perhaps try some foil riding too on the Straits just in front of the house. Book early. Email bookings@ribride.co.uk or telephone 0333 1234 303.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding – Fancy a go at stand-up-paddleboarding (called SUPing)? Fancy trying it directly from the water’s edge at Craig y Don? Catherine and team will come to the house and take you on a super SUPing adventure! Email catherine@supskifit.com or telephone 07969544988.
Plas Menai – From exciting on-water activities and thrilling expeditions to RYA (Royal Yachting Association) accredited courses, Plas Menai offers something for every fun and adventure seeker. Whether you or the kids are after sailing, stand up paddle boarding, multi-activity adventures, windsurfing, dinghy sailing, mountain biking, kayaking or rocks and ropes courses, Plas Menai has all bases covered. Email info@plasmenai.wales or telephone 0300 300 3112.
Seacoast Safaris – Departing from beautiful Beaumaris (10 mins by car), Seacoast Safaris offer wildlife cruises, sightseeing cruises and relaxing family days out at sea. Email hello@seacoastsafaris.co.uk or telephone 07854 028393.
Anglesey Adventures – A long-established outdoor adventure provider offering coasteering, abseiling, gorge scrambling, mountain days, kayaking and much more! Email info@angleseyadventures.com or telephone 07896 239951.
Anglesey Pursuits – An adventure based company operating in and around Anglesey and North Wales ideally placed and within reach of numerous blue flag beaches, ample coastline and Snowdonia’s National Park giving you the opportunity to take part in activities such as coasteering, kayaking, gorge walking, raft building, climbing and abseiling. Email info@angleseypursuits.com or telephone 07814 730256.
Zip World – Penrhyn Quarry, Betws-Y-Coed and Llechwedd offer a fantastic selection of adventures at three locations across North Wales. From the world’s fastest zip line, to weather proof underground adventures to family-friendly forest adventures.
Green Wood Forest Park – If you are looking for a great fun day for kids under 12 years of age, look no further. This eco friendly adventure park is a super day out for younger children.
Sea Kayaking Anglesey – A small company that specialises in sea kayak courses. Based on Holy Island, Anglesey, arguably the best place in the world for sea kayaking, they offer an exciting range of courses whatever your level of ability. The sheltered bays, stunning scenery and abundant wildlife appeal to those looking for an introduction to sea kayaking, while the offshore islands, rugged cliffs and complex tides appeal to those looking for more advanced conditions. Email seakayakinganglesey@gmail.com or telephone 075836 38557.
Anglesey has a gentle, restorative quality, creating a perfect environment to unwind. Whether you’re beginning the day with a seaside yoga session or indulging in a half-day spa treatment, these local options will help you make the most of your downtime.
Arden Therapy – We highly recommend Abbi from Arden Therapy. She will come to Craig y Don and set up in our private treatment room. All you need to do is lie back and relax. For more information and to book Abbi to attend at the house, please message her on 07714 818223.
Island Plates – Island Pilates specialise in creating personalised and group Pilates experiences. They offer private 1:1 Pilates sessions (mat-based or small equipment) and small group classes tailored to different abilities and Matwork and Reformer Classes. You can visit them at their studio at Menai Bridge or they can bring all the necessary equipment to Craig y Don and sessions can be enjoyed in our versatile games room space. Telephone 07794 914741.
Dhyana Yoga – A bright, calming studio specialising in Vinyasa, Hatha, Restorative and Slow Flow yoga. Classes are designed to suit all levels: beginners are warmly welcomed and more experienced yogis will appreciate the refined attention to alignment and breath. Morning classes are especially peaceful, with sunlight filtering through the windows and the sound of the Menai Strait drifting in. Telephone: 07858 599114.
Pink Iris Yoga – Helen Haider offers Hatha, Restorative & Vinyasa styles of Yoga and she specialises in Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga too. Telephone 07467197682.
Emily Kyle Yoga – Emily offers tailored one-to-one or small-group classes that can be adapted for relaxation and stress relief or a more energising workout. Her teaching style is grounding and highly intuitive, making this ideal for anyone recovering from injury, beginners needing confidence, or guests simply craving a mindful, quiet moment during their stay. Telephone 07775 798536.
Anglesey has an impressively diverse selection of places to shop, from all the normal supermarkets to independent farm shops bursting with Welsh produce. Whether you’re gathering ingredients for dinner at Craig y Don or preparing a picnic for the coastal path, the island makes it easy to eat well.
Supermarkets – the nearest is Waitrose and it offers home delivery to Craig y Don. Mona Road, Menai Bridge LL59 5EA. Telephone 01248 712947.
Hootons Farm Shop. One of Anglesey’s best farm shops; family-run, deeply local and exceptionally fresh. Their seasonal vegetables, berries, jams, pies and locally reared meats are especially good. The shop also stocks honey, chutneys and baked items perfect for breakfast at the house.
Anglesey Fine Foods. A renowned, family-run butcher and deli established in 2017. They specialise in locally sourced, high-quality meats, including award-winning Black Label Welsh beef and lamb. Known for sustainability and traceability, they offer a wide selection of products including homemade goods and artisanal products.
Anglesey Hamper Company. A small family-run business offering luxury hampers, filled with carefully selected Welsh artisan produce from local makers across Anglesey and beyond.
Halen Mon – Anglesey Sea Salt Company. World-famous sea salt harvested right here on Anglesey and used in fine restaurants across the world. Their shop offers salts, seasonings, smoked items, gifts, ceramics and tours.
Dylan’s General Stores – A super range of foodie products curated by the chefs at Dylan’s Restaurant. As they say on their website: “Customers asked us to bottle up the Dylan’s magic so that they could take it with them & enjoy a little taste of North Wales at home. We did & everything in our range grew from there!”. Menai Bridge. Telephone 01248 565203.
The Spirit of Anglesey – Craft distillers creating Welsh gins, rums and liqueurs inspired by the island. Tastings are available, and their gift sets make excellent souvenirs.
Anglesey’s dining scene is vibrant and varied, shaped by its coastal environment. From Michelin-level tasting menus to beachfront cafés, the island offers memorable meals for every occasion. The following highlights focus on tried-and-loved favourites within easy reach of Craig y Don.
Dylan’s – Menai Bridge. Modern styling with a boatyard theme but utilising the tremendous natural beauty of the local coastline, views out across the waters of the Menai Strait from practically every table, the Telford bridge as a backdrop. Dylan’s serves wood-fired seafood dishes, fresh mussels, Welsh classics and handmade desserts. The views across the Strait — especially at sunset or during high tide — create a stunning dining experience.
Sosban – Menai Bridge. The only Michelin star restaurant on the island, this is a very special treat for lovers of creative and fine dining. A must visit for real foodies! Each dish is beautifully presented and often features ingredients sourced from across Anglesey. Run by chef Stephen Stevens and Bethan Stevens, it features only a few tables in a rustic, former butcher’s shop with an open kitchen, focusing on bold flavours and sustainable, zero-waste, cooking. Advance booking is essential.
Freckled Angel – Menai Bridge. A stylish, small-plates restaurant known for inventive cooking and relaxed sophistication. Expect modern British dishes with global influences, perfect for sharing across the table.
Catch 22 – Valley. A hidden gem tucked away on the West coast of Anglesey. The menu reflects the owners’ true passion for good food, blending a variety of flavours while celebrating the best local ingredients and producers. No gimmicks, no fuss—just top-quality ingredients, expertly cooked, complemented by a friendly service team.
Marram Grass – Newborough. One of our favourite places – unassuming in some old sheds on the edge of a caravan and camp site – this place exceeds expectations! From pastries to brunch, seasonal menus to private dining, the team cooks from scratch, using seasonal produce sourced directly from local growers and producers. Every dish they create is crafted with care and creativity by the passionate team. Check out their cookery workshops too. Combine with a trip to Newborough beach and Llanddwyn Island.
Le Dragon Rouge at Chateau Rhianfa. Within easy walking distance and right next door to Craig y Don, the Chateau Rhianfa hotel has a highly regarded restaurant offering formal dining, afternoon tea or Sunday lunch.
The Gazelle. Less than a 5 minute drive from Craig y Don or a 20 minute walk, the Gazelle hotel shares the same fabulous views as Craig y Don. Its a great choice for a few drinks overlooking the Menai Strait and serves good food too. In summer is often has live music outside with a great vibe.
The Oyster Catcher – Rhosneigr. On a sunny windy day the two beaches at Rhosneigr (Main beach and Broad beach) are wonderful for walking, playing in the sea and watching the windsurfers and kite surfers. The Oyster Catcher sits in the sand dunes and offers good food as well as outdoor music in the summer months. There is a great après beach and surf atmosphere.
Sandymount House – Rhosneigr. Another great choice to combine with a beach walk at Rhosneigr, this is a contemporary beach house restaurant and bar.
Starida – This longest-established family-run business offers scenic boat trips from Beaumaris Pier to Puffin Island and family fishing trips. Email book@starida.co.uk or telephone 01248 810379.
Sea Fishing Trips – Operating form Conwy (35 mins by car) and specialising in wreck, deep-sea and reef fishing. Whether you’re hoping to reel in pollack, cod, conger, bass or mackerel, Skippers Carl Davies and Will Small provide expert guidance throughout. Email carl@sea-fishing-trips.co.uk or telephone 07710 819747.
Anglesey offers some of the finest coastal walking in Wales: gentle wooded paths, dramatic headlands, quiet sandy tracks and sweeping sea views.
Anglesey Coastal Path – The 130 mile Anglesey Coastal Path falls within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) which covers 95% of the coast. It passes through landscape that includes a mixture of farmland, coastal heath, dunes, saltmarsh, foreshore, cliffs and a few small pockets of woodland. You can pick and walk the best bits. Follow the link above for route descriptions and maps for each section.
Newborough Forest & Llanddwyn Island – A magical area of pine forest, dunes, wildlife and golden sands. Trails range from short shaded loops to longer hikes to Llanddwyn Island, home of St Dwynwen, Wales’s patron saint of lovers. Red squirrels are often spotted in the early morning. Pilot’s Cove and the old lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island with views back towards Snowdonia is one of our favourite places in the world.
Penmon Point & Puffin Island Views – A scenic walk along the stony shoreline towards the lighthouse, with views across to Puffin Island and Snowdonia’s mountains. The Pilot’s Café makes an excellent post-walk stop.
Holyhead Mountain & South Stack Lighthouse – A must do walk on a sunny windy day when the sea is at its most impressive or at sunset! Dramatic coastal views. Buy tickets and explore the old lighthouse and climb right up the tower to the light. Lovely circular walks.
Snowdonia / Eryri National Park – Just a short drive from Craig y Don lies one of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK, described in literature as a rugged, magical landscape filled with ancient myths, giants, fairies and Celtic lore. Perfect for outdoor lovers, photographers, walkers of all levels and mythology enthusiasts. There are many mountains to explore in Eryri and we’d recommend avoiding Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa (Wales’s highest peak) in holidays as it can get very busy. Check out all these super walks and hikes. In peak season in some areas a park-and-ride or pre-booked parking system operates. It is important to Plan Your Visit carefully.
Anglesey has many fabulous beaches. They are exceptionally varied, from wide family-friendly bays to surf spots to remote coves framed by cliffs. Here are some of our favourites.
Benllech Beach – Located on the eastern coast of Anglesey, this is a premier, Blue Flag-awarded destination known for its wide stretch of fine golden sand and clear, shallow, azure waters. It is a highly popular, family-friendly beach that gently shelves, making it safe for swimming/paddling and exploring rock pools.
Traeth Lligwy at Moelfre – Expansive, soft sand backed by dunes and coastal heathland. Excellent for dog walkers, quiet even in summer. A favourite for wild beachcombing days. Grab a delicious wood-fired pizza at Lligwy Beach Cafe.
Trearddur Bay – A beautiful large, sandy beach sloping to the sea. Rockpools and slipways. This beach has a protected bathing area marked by buoys. Cafes, toilet facilities (including disabled), car parks and beach warden service. Combine it with a visit to South Stack. The coastal road form Trearddur to South Stack is a lovely drive or cycle ride with many little beaches or coves on the way including the lovely Porth Dafarch beach.
Rhosneigr Beaches – One of our favourite places on a sunny windy day! With its two broad sandy beaches, Traeth Crigyll and Traeth Llydan, it is a great place for beach walks and a very popular centre for all water sports. On a windy day watch the windsurfers, kitesurfers and wingfoilers. If you want to join in the fun and get wet, rent kit and book lessons with the fabulous team at Funsport. Afterwards drink coffee at Notos. Eat and drink at The Oyster Catcher or Sandymount House.
Newborough Beach & Llanddwyn Island – A magical area of pine forest, dunes, wildlife and golden sands. Pilot’s Cove and the old lighthouse on Llanddwyn Island with views back towards Snowdonia is one of our favourite places in the world. Combine with a trip to Marram Grass Cafe & Restaurant.
Cable Bay – A sheltered, small sandy bay on Anglesey’s southwest coast between Rhosneigr and Aberffraw. It is popular for swimming, kayaking, and rock pooling. The beach features easy access from a pay-and-display car park. Check out the Neolithic burial chamber on the headland.
Anglesey Outdoors – Guided Wild Swimming. Immerse yourself in the clean waters of Anglesey, setting your own pace with guided sessions with Anglesey Outdoors. Whether you seek stroke improvement tips or simply want to bask in open waters, their expert guides promise a great session, not only ensuring your safety in the water but also pointing out the diverse local wildlife.
Wild Swimming & Mountain Walking – Wild Wales offers wild swimming in iconic spots and secret places, waterfalls, rivers and lakes. They also offer adventure days in the mountains. Email hello@explorewildwales.co.uk or telephone 01766 607003.
Gone Swimming – Dan & Gabby love North Wales, love swimming and want to share it with you. Gone Swimming offer a variety of swimming experiences in and around Snowdonia National Park, the Llyn Peninsula and Anglesey. Swims include exploring remote mountain lakes, finding hidden waterfalls and discovering secret coves. North Wales is a wild swimmers paradise. Email info@goneswimming.co.uk.
Swim-Walk Adventures – North Wales offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes and serene waters, perfect for those seeking both adventure and tranquillity. Holiday booking specialist Boltholes & Hideaways has teamed up with Emma Marshall, local insider and author of ‘Wild Swimming Walks Eryri / Snowdonia’ to list some of her favourite boltholes with nearby swim-walk routes to spark your imagination.
Beaumaris Castle – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with near-perfect symmetry, moat bridges, arrow loops and panoramic wall walks. Just a 10 minute drive from Craig y Don, Beaumaris Castle is a 13th-century unfinished masterpiece built by King Edward I and architect James of St George starting in 1295. Known as the “greatest castle never built,” it is renowned as the most technologically perfect, symmetrical example of concentric, “walls-within-walls” medieval military architecture in Britain.
Caernarfon Castle – Caernarfon castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. This fortress-palace is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site. The castle was born out of bitter war with Welsh princes and its immense curtain walls and daunting King’s Gate were designed to withstand assault. However the polygonal towers, eagle statues and multi-coloured masonry sent a more subtle message. These echoed imperial Roman architecture, especially the walls of Constantinople. They also recalled the Welsh myth of Macsen Wledig, who dreamed of a great fort at the mouth of a river – ‘the fairest that man ever saw’. So Caernarfon is a castle of dreams. A legend brought to life. Even after 700 years it still stirs the imagination like no other Welsh castle.
Conwy Castle – An exceptionally preserved medieval fortress overlooking the estuary, Conwy Castle, built between 1283 and 1287 by Edward I and architect Master James of St George, is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This formidable fortress, distinctive by its climbing, dark stone towers, commands the Conwy estuary. It features eight massive towers, two barbicans, and remarkably well-preserved medieval royal apartments within a compact, elongated layout.
Penryn Castle & Garden – A fantasy castle with industrial and colonial foundations. The dominating stone façade of Penrhyn Castle hides more than just its internal red-brick construction. Built in the early 19th century, its formidable architecture, opulent interiors and fine art collection lean on a long history of sugar and slate fortunes, social unrest and the longest-running industrial dispute in British history. Owned by the Pennant family, Penrhyn is a key example of how wealth derived from slavery shaped the built environment of Wales and underpinned local working histories. Penrhyn Castle’s vast rooms, rich neo-Norman architecture and opulent furnishings are steeped in colonial histories. Set on the Menai Straits, with a backdrop of the Eryri (Snowdonia) summits, Penrhyn Castle commands views to its quarry, and to the port from where the slate was exported around the world. It is surrounded by wooded and open parkland, ripe for exploring, and a walled garden that pre-dates the Castle and provides a calm haven for relaxation.
Oriel Mon Anglesey Art Gallery – The museum tells the story of Anglesey over thousands of years. The art gallery showcases contemporary artists and makers and Oriel Kyffin offers exhibitions of national and international significance. At the cafe, Caffi Bach y Bocs, you’ll find the taste of Môn (Anglesey) which will leave you with an appetite for more!
Mary Jane Flower Artist – we love Mary’s paintings so much that we have chosen them to hang in the Entrance Hall at Craig y Don. You can buy her paintings via her website or visit her delightful shop Cole & Co in beautiful nearby Beaumaris. Her shop is at The Old Post Office, 10 Church St, Beaumaris LL58 8AB. She also makes a range of fragrances.
Beaumaris – The delightful town of Beaumaris is a ten minute drive from Craig y Don. We love it. Explore the independent shops on the Castle Street and the back streets. We love Cole & Co, Janet Bell, Oriel Beaumaris, Stiwdio Biwmares, The Exchange Beaumaris and M Jones a’i Fab Antiques. No visit to Beaumaris would be complete without an ice-cream from Red Boat at 34 Castle Street.
Beth Horrocks Gallery – Another our our favourite local artists. We have her work hanging the the Boot Room at Craig y Don. You can view more of her work and buy it at her gallery in Caernarfon. Whilst there also checkout Galeri Caernarfon and the Glyn Davies Photo Gallery. Do check opening times before going.
Plas Newydd House and Garden – Plas Newydd is a Grade I-listed house and garden on the banks of the Menai Strait. With the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) as a dramatic backdrop, enjoy the 40 acres of peaceful garden and 129 acres of woodland and parkland. There is plenty of space to relax and explore, with gently sloping lawns, towering trees, and beautiful borders to discover, while the comfortable house contains an unusual mix of military history, theatre, and art. The Old Dairy café offers tasty home made food.
Plas Cadnant Secret Garden – An easy walk or 10 minute drive from Craig y Don, Plas Cadnant has been described as one of North Wales’ best kept secrets. A new garden is being created on an historic site, becoming a plantsman’s paradise. Now considered amongst the liveliest twenty gardens of Wales, and featured in a new book ‘The Finest Gardens of Wales’ by Tony Russell’. This is a lovely place to explore and the café offers excellent homemade food too!
Bodnant Garden – A world-famous garden, home to National Collections and Champion Trees. With intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland, there are many gardens in one at Bodnant. Created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, and the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family and Puddle head gardeners, this haven of rarity and beauty with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) is a delight for the senses. With year-round colour, the garden can be whatever you want it to be, whether that’s a hive of activity or a haven of tranquility and relaxation, this is truly a special place for all ages.
Portmeirion – Located in Gwynedd, North Wales, Port Meirion is a unique, colourful Italianate tourist village built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1976. Situated on a private peninsula overlooking the Dwyryd Estuary, it features pastel-coloured buildings surrounding a central piazza, beyond which sprawl 70 acres of woodland and subtropical gardens. Known as the filming location for “The Prisoner,” it offers a surreal, Mediterranean-style experience in a coastal Welsh setting. It’s a bit of a trek from Craig y Don but we think it’s well worth a visit.
For up to date listings of What’s On and Tourist Information, keep an eye on these tourist information websites.
Visit Wales – Ten Anglesey favourite places to go.
Visit Anglesey – Places to go, festivals and events.
Visit Wales – Mountains to do!
Go North Wales – What’s on guide.