Anglesey: A Premier UK Island Destination for Living and Leisure
Even if you are not ready to embrace island life permanently, this location offers an ideal setting for a weekend retreat or a brief holiday escape. Anglesey, the seventh largest island in the British Isles, spans approximately 275 square miles and is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, ranging from secluded coves to expansive sandy shores.
Recognition and Accolades
Anglesey consistently ranks highly in travel guides and best-of lists. Earlier this year, Time Out designated it as one of the top places to visit in the UK for 2026. Additionally, The Telegraph previously honoured it as the UK's 'best island'. Most recently, The Sunday Times included Anglesey in its list of the best places to live in the UK for 2026, praising its "landscape of rolling greenery set against the cinematic, jagged backdrop of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula".
Vibrant Communities and Attractions
The Sunday Times guide highlights several key locations on the island. Menai Bridge is noted for its excellent shops and restaurants with delightful views, while Beaumaris serves as the island's artistic hub. The guide also mentions that Aberffraw, Benllech, and Trearddur Bay are lively seaside villages, with remote areas offering wildness and a warm community spirit.
For those interested in real estate, the average house price on Anglesey is £270,500. However, visitors can enjoy the island through holidays or short trips. Menai Bridge is a recommended base for experiencing town life, especially as the Menai Suspension Bridge marks its 200th anniversary this year. Designed by Thomas Telford, this impressive structure spans 1,265 feet with a central span of 579 feet, offering stunning views, particularly in winter with Snowdonia's snow-capped mountains as a backdrop.
Historical and Natural Wonders
In Beaumaris, visitors can explore pastel-coloured buildings and the magnificent Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Edward I with architect James of St George, this fortress features near-perfect symmetry, though it was abandoned due to financial constraints and conflicts in Scotland. Its walls remain a testament to its historical significance.
Anglesey's coastline stretches for 125 miles, making its beaches a must-see. Near Aberffraw, Traeth Mawr offers a vast sandy beach backed by powdery dunes with gorgeous mainland views. The beach connects to the Anglesey Coastal Path, a long-distance trail that follows much of the coastline, taking about 12 days to complete, with options for shorter sections.
Scenic Highlights and Wildlife
The Sunday Times also highlights Newborough Beach and the tidal Llanddwyn Island, known for its rolling sand dunes and rock outcrops. This stunning spot is steeped in legend, home to the remains of St Dwynwen's Church, named after the Welsh patron saint of lovers. Nearby, Newborough Forest features towering corian pines growing beside sand dunes and is a perfect location to spot red squirrels, introduced in 2004.
Overall, Anglesey combines natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant communities, making it a top choice for both living and visiting in the UK.
