Isle of Anglesey Wales UK

It was another busy day exploring Wales. This time on the Isle of Anglesey. 

We decided to try and beat the weekend crowds and so left right after our morning coffee to get a photo of Britains longest named place… it is 58 letters long. “Llangsirpwllgwgyngyllgogerychwynrdrobwllllantysiliogogogoch” it means “Church of St Mary in the hollow of the white hazel trees, near a fierce whirlpool and the church of St Tysilio, by the red cave”. It took me longer to write that than it did to take the photos!  Anyway there wasn’t much else to do here, especially as everything was closed as it was so early haha. 

We then crossed the island and onto Holy Island to the South Stack Lighthouse built in 1809 on a tiny islet. We ate our breakfast whilst gazing at the rugged coast. We took a few photos but decided it was too cold and windy here for a longer walk. 

Next we drove around the port town of Holyhead. It is the primary sea link between London to Dublin and is a transport hub with a major train station. Unfortunately to us, the city centre seems a little tired and neglected. It didn’t help that it got bombed numerous times during WWII. 

Back across onto the Isle of Anglesey again we made our way north via Cemaes 

and then stopped in Amlwch. We had a short walk along the coastal path and then down to the quay. 

It used to be very busy exporting copper from the Parys mine a few kilometres out which was our next destination. The sparse and colourful landscape bears witness to the effects of mining. The sulphides in the rocks produce very acid conditions and along with highly toxic metals make it difficult for all but specialised flora to grow here.

We followed the road down the eastern side via Beaumaris.

We took the Menai Suspension Bridge back over to the mainland. It was built in 1826 and was the world’s first major suspension bridge.

We made our way to Penrhyn Castle, a National Trust property. 

We were blown away by the dominating stony facade and all its turrets built in 1837.

The interior was extraordinary. The great hall ceiling was the beginning of the elaborately decorated rooms. 

Next was the library and the men’s retreat. 

The Drawing room had a distinctive feminine influence.

The timber in the Ebony Room was, well, made from the very hard and dark ebony wood.

We couldn’t get over the grand staircase that took 10 years to build! 

We looked at various bedrooms with exquisite wall paper and furnishings.

The bed made from slate was certainly unique. 

Then the timber bed designed by the house architect also held our attention.

The Dining Room was very opulent.

We exited via the servant rooms and Victorian kitchen.

We just had enough time before the rain to have a quick look at the walled garden.

As there are limited overnight parking spots we make our way to a pub that happened to be just outside the castle walls. We got there before the kitchen closed at 5pm as it is a Sunday, which is great as we were able to order the Sunday Roast. The 16hour cooked beef brisket was delicious along with the usual trappings and Yorkshire pudding.. what a way to end the day. Also it is our last Sunday Roast opportunity as we catch the ferry back to France on Friday.

148km today