Holiday Cottages in Anglesey — Beaches, Walks and Coastal Escapes
The Menai Strait divides Anglesey from mainland Wales by less than a mile at its narrowest. Cross the Britannia Bridge and the pace changes — flatter roads, emptier beaches, sky that seems wider. The island’s 125-mile coastal path passes between sand dunes, sea cliffs and cattle fields, and the best of the walking is immediately outside your cottage door.
This page lists self-catering cottages across Anglesey — from the surf-friendly west coast around Rhosneigr, to the family beaches at Trearddur Bay, to quieter spots on the eastern shore near Beaumaris. Properties range from one-bed coastal retreats to large houses sleeping ten, most within a short drive of the sea. Browse holiday cottages in Wales for the full Welsh picture, or compare with Pembrokeshire cottages on the south-west coast.
The island runs well in spring and early summer. South Stack RSPB reserve — on the western cliffs near Holyhead — is home to puffins between April and July, when thousands arrive to breed. September and October bring quieter roads, lower prices, and walking conditions that beat anything in peak summer.
What are the best beaches on Anglesey?
Anglesey has around 140 miles of coastline and some of the cleanest sand in Wales. Rhosneigr on the west coast draws surfers and kitesurfers year-round. Trearddur Bay is the pick for families — sheltered, lifeguarded in summer, good parking. Newborough beach on the south-west is backed by one of Britain's largest dune systems and has a 3-mile stretch where dogs are welcome throughout the year.
Are there dog-friendly beaches on Anglesey?
Several Anglesey beaches welcome dogs year-round — Newborough is the standout, three miles of open sand backed by dunes and Newborough Forest, with no seasonal restrictions. Dogs are also welcome year-round at Bull Bay and Traeth Bychan. The main family beaches, including Trearddur Bay and Rhosneigr, have seasonal restrictions between May and September — check Anglesey County Council's beach guide before travelling. The 125-mile Anglesey Coastal Path offers excellent off-lead walking for dog-friendly holiday cottages guests outside lambing season.
When is the best time to visit Anglesey?
Late April to June is hard to beat — South Stack RSPB reserve has puffins on the cliffs from April through July, the beaches are quieter, and the Anglesey Coastal Path is dry enough to walk properly. September is the other sweet spot: summer crowds clear, sea temperatures are still reasonable, and self-catering prices drop. Avoid peak July and August if you can — popular beaches fill early and coastal roads get slow.
Where should I stay on Anglesey for families?
Trearddur Bay is the top family base — sheltered beach, calm water, a handful of good cafés nearby, and a cluster of cottage properties within walking distance of the shore. Rhosneigr suits families who surf or want more active watersports. Beaumaris on the east coast is quieter and suited to families who want history alongside the beach — Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of Edward I's Iron Ring of castles, is a short walk from the harbour.
How do I get to Anglesey from London?
By rail, trains from London Euston to Holyhead via Crewe take around 3 hours 30 minutes, with stops at Bangor and across the Britannia Bridge onto the island. By road, the A55 North Wales Expressway connects to the island via the Britannia or Menai Suspension Bridge — around 5 hours from central London depending on traffic. Holyhead is also a ferry port for Ireland (Dublin and Dún Laoghaire), making Anglesey a practical stop for longer trips.