Beaumaris, a coastal town on Anglesey, Wales' largest island, has been named one of Europe's most underrated destinations, offering far more than expected, from a 13th-century castle to wildlife boat trips and a 9.48 landscape rating.
During a recent road trip around Anglesey, I visited Beaumaris and found it to be one of my favourite stops. The town's wildlife, coastline, and community feel were so captivating that I ended up staying longer than intended. HomeToGo previously listed Beaumaris in the top 10 of underrated European destinations, describing it as ideal for explorers enchanted by rugged shorelines, medieval castles, and boat trips to wild islands. The Telegraph also named Anglesey Britain's finest island.
History and Heritage
Beaumaris is an ancient borough, awarded its first charter in 1296. Wander around, and you'll spot reminders of its past, including the impressive 13th-century castle and a courthouse standing since 1614. Don't miss the Beaumaris Gaol or the Tudor Rose, a 14th-century timber-framed house, one of the oldest of its kind in Britain.
For a pint with a side of history, the Bulls Head Inn, built in 1472, is where General Thomas Mytton set up camp during the 1648 Siege of Beaumaris in the second English Civil War and was visited by Charles Dickens in 1859. The Grade II-listed pub was named the best pub in Wales in 2024, renowned for real ales and live music.
Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Castle is one of the town's highlights, an imposing reminder of the ambition of English royalty to subdue Wales. Known as "the greatest castle never built," it was to be the crowning glory of King Edward's "Iron Ring" of fortresses at Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris, and Harlech. Its defences include four concentric rings and a water-filled moat with its own dock.
According to Cadw, a lack of funds and brewing trouble in Scotland meant building work petered out by the 1320s. The south gatehouse and six great towers never reached their intended height. Today, Cadw manages the site, and visits are cheaper with the UK Government's Great British Summer Savings reduced VAT rate from 25 June to 1 September 2026.
Outdoor Adventures and Wildlife
Outside grand castles, there are plenty of outdoor activities. Beaumaris Pier, opened in 1846 and rebuilt in 1872, is a favourite spot for crabbing with kids. You can buy gear from the pier kiosk or the RNLI Lifeboat Station shop. After crabbing, settle on the green with fish and chips and watch out for greedy seagulls.
Wildlife-spotting boat trips with Seacoast Safaris depart from Beaumaris Pier to Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol), a bird sanctuary and nesting site for seabirds, home to a colony of Atlantic grey seals. For a more adventurous trip, book an all-day Rib Ride to explore Anglesey's 100-mile coastline, skimming past rugged headlands, remote beaches, and sea caves.
Coastal Landmarks and Trails
One of the most exhilarating parts of a rib ride is bouncing over the Menai Strait's notorious Swellies, with rapid tidal flows and a history of shipwrecks. You'll also pass South Stack Lighthouse and Ynys Llanddwyn while spotting seals, dolphins, and seabirds.
Penmon Point Beach is a craggy, historic part of the Anglesey coast, offering epic views of Puffin Island and Trwyn Du Lighthouse, built in 1838. A seven-mile circular trail from Beaumaris, featured on AllTrails, takes in sweeping coastal views and historic sites, including the Church of St Cawrdaf and Castell Aberlleiniog.
Where to Stay
For a longer stay, Ynys Faelog is a unique six-bedroom home just a 10-minute drive from Beaumaris, surrounded by the Menai Strait and connected by a private causeway. The open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room is flooded with natural light, with space for 12 people. Hotel deals can be found on booking.com and Holiday Cottages.
