Our Blog


We’re keen bloggers at both of our holiday parks and we love nothing more than giving our luxury lodge owners and friends an insight into life at our holiday resorts on Anglesey. With our bi-weekly blog, we like to update you on key topics that make us and our lodge owners tick. From things to do to the best restaurants to visit (including The Deck House or The Oaklands of course!) you’ll have plenty of reading material to help you plan your next Anglesey break.

We also post about upcoming events on site including everything from beauty events to annual parties, so if you want to keep ahead of the game and make sure you get tickets, keep checking back!

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Halloween is just a few weeks away and things are getting spooky here at Silver Bay. With October half term just around the corner we wanted to share our October Half Term 2019 Activity Planner with you. We’ve also got lots of parties coming up as well as live music and some fantastic offers at The Deck House. Keep reading to find out more.

Summer winners

First of all we’d like to say a big congratulations to our competition winners over the summer. Maisie, Eva, William and Evie were the winners of our sandcastle competition with their amazing sand crab. We also held our annual fishing competition, with Bill Booth winning the prize for heaviest fish and Gareth Coates winning the prize for most species caught. Last but not least, the Silver Bay Surfers were, once again, crowned the winner of our Beach Mudder competition. Well done to everyone who took part and we hope to see you all taking part again next year.

October half term 2019 activities

October half term 2019

There’s just over a week to go until the October half term and we have all sorts of exciting activities planned for you. Keep reading to find out more and you can download our October Half Term 2019 Activity Planner to remind you what’s coming up.

We’ve introduced some new activities for the October half term including Feel the Beat on Tuesdays and Silver Bay Scarecrows taking place on Tuesday 22nd October and Friday 1st November.

For the sporty ones out there we’ve got Soccer School on a Wednesday and Family Football on Fridays.

In the run up to Halloween we’ve got some spooky themed activities, including Jack-O’-Lantern Pizzas, Creepy Crafts, Magic Potions, Pumpkin Pottery Painting and Spooky Sand Art.

Missed the bees over the summer? Not to worry! We’ve got more Meet the Bees sessions on the 24th and 31st October as well as our Beeswax Candle Making sessions.

We also have lots of other activities available, such as movie nights, photography for teenagers and woodland cupcakes to name just a few.

As usual, booking for these activities will be available on our online booking system from 10am the day before.

Party season has begun!

October half term 2019

Halloween party

Don’t forget to grab your ticket for our Halloween party (owners only), taking place on Saturday 26th October. Arrive in your spookiest costume from 5pm for fun and games and then dance the night away until midnight. The children’s buffet will be served from 5:30pm to 6:30pm and the adults buffet will be available from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Adult tickets are £9, child tickets are £7 and infants go free. If you haven’t reserved your ticket already, head on over to our online booking system to reserve yours today.

Family Christmas party

Santa Claus is coming to town! Our family Christmas party (owners only) takes place on Saturday 30th November this year. Starting at 5pm with fun and games followed by the delicious children’s buffet before our VIP arrives. We’ll be carrying on the festive cheer with a disco, dancing and adults buffet. Adult tickets are £10, child tickets are £8 and infants go free. Tickets are available to purchase now on our online booking system.

Adult’s Christmas party

The Adult’s Christmas party takes place on Saturday 7th December and is for owners, spa members and their guests aged 18 and over. Starting at 7pm, you’ll receive a Prosecco cocktail on arrival, a delicious buffet meal, live entertainment and dancing until late. Tickets are £10, grab yours before they’re gone over on our online booking system.

New Year’s Eve

You’re invited to welcome in 2020 with friends and family at The Deck House, starting at 5pm on Tuesday 31st December. We’ll have live music from Uptown Beat followed by a disco until 1am. The children’s buffet will be served on arrival and fabulous food for the adults will be served later in the evening. Adult tickets are £27.50, child tickets are £12 and infants go free. Tickets are available on our online booking system.

Offers at The Deck House

October half term 2019

Throughout October, November and December our Sunday carvery is back! Available every Sunday from 12pm, choose from a selection of different meats and all the trimmings. Make sure to book in advance by calling The Deck House on 01407 862046.

We’ve also got some amazing offers here at The Deck House, including:

  • 3 for 2 on Prosecco Raffaello (all 750ml or 200ml bottles)
  • Gin of the week with free fever tree tonic – call The Deck House on 01407 862046 to check what the choice of the week is
  • Sports Special – 4 nibbles of your choice and a draft pint for £6.95
  • Beer Bucket – 4 bottles of lager for £10 (choose from Sol, Peroni, Budweiser or Corona)

Throughout December we’ll also have our Christmas menu available, including three delicious courses for just £22.50. The menu will be available from the 1st until the 23rd of December and must be booked at least a week in advance; call The Deck House on 01407 862046 to book. Take a look at the menu below:

Silver Bay Christmas menu 2019

Live music at The Deck House

October half term 2019

We’ve got some amazing live music acts coming up at The Deck House to keep you entertained.

On Saturday 19th October the fabulous 45RPM return; starting at 9pm, 45RPM are upbeat and exciting, playing classic covers from the 1960s right up to present day chart hits.

On Saturday 16th November at 9pm we’re joined by Fleetwood Mac tribute duo The Chain, playing all the Fleetwood Mac hits as well as other popular guitar rock classics.

There’s no need to book tickets for the live music but we suggest you reserve a table if you wish to dine on these evenings. You can reserve a table by calling The Deck House on 01407 862046.

Christmas gifts at the Spa

Looking for that extra special Christmas gift? We have some lovely aromatherapy candles and luxury Quartz Spa gift sets available with prices starting from £7.99. Not forgetting our gift vouchers! Give the spa a call on 01407 862049 to find out what gifts are available.

We hope to see you all over the October half term and through into the festive period. If you would like to find out more about life here at Silver Bay, you can download our free brochure or find out more about our available lodges.


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We are proud to announce we have once again received a David Bellamy Conservation Award for our commitment to the environment and wildlife in Anglesey. Professor Bellamy has awarded Silver Bay Holiday Village the Gold accolade as well as the Woodlands Badge and we are now proud to call ourselves a Honey Bee Friendly Park.

But what did we do to earn this accolade? Keep reading to find out more.

What is the David Bellamy Conservation Award?

David Bellamy Conservation Awards

The David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme is one of the longest running green tourism awards in the UK with the first awards being made in 1997.

All parks are regularly assessed by local wildlife experts to look at the steps they are taking to:

  • Manage the land as a haven for wildlife
  • Reduce the use of energy, water and other resources
  • Reduce, reuse and recycle waste
  • Support the local community

Three levels of excellence can be achieved and we’re thrilled to have been awarded the gold accolade. Parks in the list range from peaceful getaways to larger leisure parks but you can rest assured that your park is committed to environmental excellence and be safe in the knowledge that you made the greener choice.

Here’s how we earned the gold accolade:

Supporting and working with the local community

All our staff are local and some are recruited from Môn CF, which is a charity that provides opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Supporting and working with local/national charities

Earlier this year we became a member of the North Wales Wildlife Trust and RSPB and continue to support local charities. We’re also members of the National Trust and Red Squirrel Trust.

Energy conservation

All our main buildings are well insulated and double glazed and all our staff receive training in energy conservation. We also use LED lights throughout the park and turn them off between 1am and 7am. We have two electric buggies on site and also have two electric vehicle charging points on site. Also, we recently introduced battery powered strimmers and chainsaws which we have found to be quieter as well as using no fossil fuels.

Reuse, reduce, recycle

We make some of our outdoor furniture and decking from recycled plastic. We also have a freecycling policy if any of our owners are looking to get rid of old furniture.

Wildlife and environment activities

We’re proud to offer all sorts of activities for children during the school holidays, including woodland and gardening activities.

Food and shelter

Our park has plenty of natural habitat providing plenty of food and shelter for local wildlife. Plus we have bird feeders, bee hives, bug hotels and toad homes.

How do you become a Honey Bee Friendly Park?

Jonathan the beekeeper

In 2016, the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme teamed up with the British Beekeepers Association to run the Honey Bee Friendly Park Project. The aim was to get as many parks as possible to conserve Britain’s bees.

Parks that take part in the scheme commit to planting forage crops that bees need to survive, spreading the word about the importance of bee conservation, and working to give bees a home.

With the help of our beekeeper, Jonathan, we established a bee hotel on the park to create a place for our local bees to live and work. Jonathan makes sure that the colony is strong and healthy but also makes sure that it doesn’t swarm.

We also hold ‘Meet the Bees’ sessions during school holidays so our holiday home owners have the chance to meet them and learn more about them. Plus, if it’s been a particularly fruitful year, we’re able to harvest some of the honey and sell it  to the public from our reception area

Want to find out more about life here at Silver Bay? Download our brochure to find out more.


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Anglesey, and north Anglesey in particular, extends into the Irish sea, so it’s the perfect place for sea fishing. Whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced angler, here are some top tips on sea fishing in Anglesey, from essential equipment and safety to the best times to go and the best fishing trip providers in the area. 

Top tips for those new to sea fishing

top tips for sea fishing

Interested in sea fishing but don’t know where to start? Here are some top tips for the beginners out there:

Essential equipment

Making sure you have the right equipment is very important; for a normal sea fishing trip make sure you have:

  • Rod and reel
  • Tackle
  • Bait
  • Sharp knife
  • A bucket to keep your catches in
  • A cloth to wipe your hands
  • Spare spool of line
  • Small first aid kit
  • Small pair of pliers

This is just to give you an idea of what you will need but please seek advice from a fishing expert before going out on your first trip.

Other items you might want to take along could include a chopping board, night sticks and sellotape.

Safety

Safety is paramount when it comes to sea fishing. Here are some important things to consider when heading out:

  • Don’t go alone – it is recommended to always take a friend with you, especially if you’re fishing in a particularly dangerous area and during the winter months when there are less people around; if you are going alone then make sure to let someone know when and where you’re going
  • Floatation suit – essential if you ever fall in the water, the water gets very cold and the current very strong so you’ll need all the help you can get
  • Whistle – this is a cheap item and can help to get attention if you do fall in the water; it can be difficult to shout if you’re in cold water
  • Mobile phone – keeping your phone in a waterproof bag is a great way to make sure you don’t damage it in case you need to get in touch with someone 

When is the best time to go sea fishing on Anglesey?

the best time to go sea fishing

When you choose to go sea fishing on Anglesey all depends on the type of experience you’re looking for and what type of fish you’re looking to catch. Conditions and species of fish available can vary month by month so here’s an overview of what you can expect (this may vary depending on where on Anglesey you are fishing):

January, February, March, April

This time of year can offer some calm, sunny days with good visibility. You could have the chance to catch herring, thornbacks, whiting and dabs as well as pollock and cod. This tends to pick up in April so you may notice a more plentiful catch.

May and June

This a great time for sea fishing and you can expect to find herring, coalfish, codling, spurdog and bass. At the beginning of June you’ll also notice more pollock and mackerel, as well as gurnards and tope starting to show.

July, August, September, October

All sorts of species can be found during these months, including large quantities of quality pollock as well as codling and coalfish. You may even find some conger eels and ling or some good quality tope, rays and gurnards as well as bull huss and the occasional turbot.

November and December

This time of year sees a gradual return to winter fishing and you’ll notice a decline in certain species such as tope, mackerel and gurnards. At this time of year you can expect to find pollock and codling as well as whiting, dabs and plaice. Herring also make a return at this time.

Times of day

Time of day also plays a part in sea fishing; for example, dawn and dusk are good times with dawn, in particular, being the best. That’s if you’re willing to get out of bed before dawn!

If you’re planning on going during the day, make sure to check the tide predictions for the day. A rising tide or high tide are usually the best times for most fish as most types of fish prefer the higher water. On a new moon and full moon, the day and the three consecutive days after it will have the highest tides of the month.

However, this isn’t always the case. For example, some fish prefer hunting on a low tide and when the tide is turning.

If you know what type of fish you’re hoping to catch, it would be best to ask a local tackle shop or there are lots of fishing forums out there that can help.

The best sea fishing trips on Anglesey

sea fishing trips

Whether you’re brand new to fishing or a seasoned angler, an organised sea fishing trip makes a perfect day out and often lets you see sights you don’t get on land. Plus you get to find out the best spots for fishing as well as advice and techniques from the experts. Most importantly, it lets you give sea fishing a try before going out and buying all the expensive equipment. You never know – you may love it or hate it!

We’ve put together some of the best sea fishing trips below but there are many more out there to choose from; it all depends what type of trip you’re looking for.

Anglesey Charter Fishing

Anglesey Charter Fishing offers daily sea fishing trips from Holyhead Marina, designed for the complete beginner to the more experienced angler. Head out on board their vessel, Bad Boyz III, which has space for up to 10 people if you want to make a group booking.

There’s a wide range of rods and reels free of charge and all trips are supplied with tea, coffee and biscuits, plus a breakfast sandwich and hotpot if you go for a full day trip. You can also purchase tackle and bait from them at an extra cost.

Take a look at the different types of fishing they offer.

Starida

Starida offers different types of fishing trips, from trips for the whole family to trips for experienced anglers.

The family fishing trips are designed for ages four and above and last for two to three hours. You’ll get to learn something new and get some great views of Puffin Island, plus every boat trip includes free rod hire.

If you have a bit of experience, you could give the enthusiast fishing trip a go, aimed at ages eight and above. This one lasts for four to six hours and is ideal for the more experienced angler or someone who is looking to challenge themselves after the family trip.

For the experienced angler there’s also the option of the experienced fishing trips, aimed at ages 14 and above and lasting for 8 to 10 hours. This trip gives you the opportunity to catch bigger fish and a wider range of species.

Find out about the different Starida fishing trips.

Stingray Angling Charter

Stingray can run trips of up to eight people and can cater for all sorts of groups, whether it’s for a special family event, to get out on the open water or to learn more about fishing. The trips come with basic rods and tackle for beginners as well as assistance and advice. More advanced rods and tackle can be hired for the more experienced angler.

These trips aren’t all about fishing either, they may also appeal to the keen photographer and birdwatcher. Observe the cliffs, coves and offshore islands including Middle Mouse, West Mouse and Skerries Lighthouse. You might even have the chance to come close to porpoise, dolphins and seals plus there’s opportunity to see terns, puffins and gannets.

Find out about their sea fishing trips here: http://www.seafishingtrips.co.uk/trips.htm

Did you know that, here at Silver Bay, we have our own private boat park, accommodating crafts of up to 6.5m in length. This is ideal if you’re looking for a holiday home that can accommodate your boat as well.Want to find out more about life at Silver Bay? Download our brochure to find out more.


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We know how hard it can be when you’re looking for something to do as a family, but the task of searching the Internet can be endless. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best family days out in North Wales to save you all the time and hassle of searching!

Anglesey Sea Zoo

Anglesey Sea Zoo

Firstly, we have Anglesey Sea Zoo, a perfect visit for when the weather isn’t on your side! With over 40 tanks of the best British marine wildlife, you can find creatures from around the coasts of the UK, such as octopus, lobsters and seahorses. Alongside this you can also learn about British marine habitats and the conservation work that is being done to save them. If the weather is on the nicer side, there is a free outdoor playground, giant bouncy castle with a slide, crazy golf and outdoor picnic sites. This day out will provide both a fun and educational experience for the whole family!

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4.45pm (last entry)

Visit the Anglesey Sea Zoo website to learn more: https://www.angleseyseazoo.co.uk/en/

Address: Brynsiencyn, Isle of Anglesey, LL61 6TQ

 

Foel Farm Park

Foel Farm Park

Foel Farm Park is a great family attraction to experience all of the sights of a real working farm, with a variety of different activities for the whole family to take part in. They have tractor and trailer tours of the farm to meet their shire horses, mini trailer rides with quad bikes, pony rides for smaller children and feeding the farmyard animals. In addition to all these activities, there is a tea room and cafe bar with a garden terrace that has amazing views overlooking Snowdonia. If you do plan on taking a visit here, be sure to visit their website beforehand as they have a page full of children’s activities to do during your visit.

Opening Hours: 

(April – November) Monday – Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm

(November – December) Monday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm

Visit their website here: http://www.foelfarm.co.uk/

Address: Brynsiencyn, Isle of Anglesey, North Wales, LL61 6TQ

 

Pili Palas Nature World 

Pili Palas Nature World

We have another exciting animal attraction based here in Anglesey, Pili Palas Nature World. This family attraction is well known for its exotic butterfly house, but there really is much more to it! You can meet and chat to all the different birds in the birdhouse. If the kids are feeling adventurous, they can attend the ‘Meet our Animals’ sessions where they get to meet, handle and feed snakes, lizards, bugs, guinea pigs or rabbits. There are lots of other animals to meet in the farm barn such as pigs, donkeys, goats, sheep and even meerkats!

After spending the day with all the animals, kids can play on both the indoor play area and outdoor adventure playground with zip wires. If you get hungry you can visit the cafe that serves hot meals, you could even get to sit in the conservatory where you get to watch the meerkats in their enclosure as you eat! With such a great and varied amount of activities available at Pili Palas Nature World, you definitely don’t want to miss this one out.

Find out more on their website: https://www.pilipalas.co.uk/ 

Address: Penmynydd Road, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5RP

 

Beacon Climbing Centre

Beacon Climbing Centre

The Beacon Climbing Centre is the largest indoor climbing centre in North Wales. It’s a perfect day out for when the family are looking to get a little more active. No previous experience is required for you to come and enjoy a day out here. If you’re looking to get the most fun out of your time here, CrazyClimb is the best activity to take part in with 15 different challenges available. If you aren’t interested in taking part in the climbing, there is the Beacon Climbing Centre Cafe available to relax and enjoy some food and drinks whilst watching the climbers below.

Find out more here: https://www.beaconclimbing.com/ 

Address: Zone 5, Cibyn Estate, Caernarfon, LL55 2BD

Zip World Slate Caverns 

Zip World Slate Caverns

This activity is slightly further away but definitely worth the journey. If you’re looking for an action packed day full of adventures (both above and below ground) then this is definitely an attraction you should check out. It is home to the largest zip zone in Europe,  a four person zip line meaning that you can race against each other as a family. You can take part in the three hour challenge that takes you below ground into the caverns of the slate mine that was unused for 200 years! If all of that isn’t enough, there is also a ‘Bounce Below’ activity where you can bounce on an enormous underground net. With so much to enjoy here, there is definitely something to do for everyone!

Visit their website to find out more about all of the activities that they offer: https://www.zipworld.co.uk/location/slate-caverns

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 9am – 6pm

Address: Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL41 3NB

 

B-Active Rhoscolyn

B Active Rhoscolyn

Located in Rhoscolyn on the coast of Anglesey, B-Active is the perfect activity for warmer days, or when you’re feeling brave enough to adventure out into the waters. They offer a variety of activities from water based to guided walks. For those that are feeling adventurous, they offer kayaking for all ability levels. From fun taster sessions and introductory courses to adventure days exploring the coastline with experienced guides. They even offer wildlife kayak trips where you have the chance to get up close and personal with all the marine and bird life of Anglesey. This activity is great for viewing the beautiful views Anglesey has to offer whilst still being fun and adventurous.

Visit their website to find out more about the different activities they offer: https://b-active-rhoscolyn.co.uk/course/wildlife-kayaks/

Address: Cerrig Yr Adar, Rhoscolyn, Holyhead LL65 2NQ 

 

Cartio Mon – Go Karting

Cartio Mon Carting

There’s nothing quite like a bit of family competition and Cartio Mon Go karting is the best place for that. Get kitted out in race gear and hit the track to race against each other. This activity is also fun for all the family as they offer a separate track for under 8s to join in the fun with cub karts that are battery powered for the little ones. Ages 8+ can use cadet cars to race against the other adults in the group on the main track. They also offer Grand Prix and Endurance Events which are ideal for birthday groups, stag dos, corporate events etc. where you can make a whole day of it with practice sessions, qualifying, heats, semi final, and a top three podium.

Booking is advised for this activity, to book call 07407 741144 or visit their website for more info: http://www.cartiomonkarting.co.uk

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 8:30pm and Sunday, 10am – 5:15pm

Address: A5, Bodedern, Anglesey LL65 3PA

 

Greenwood Family Park 

Greenwood Family Park

Greenwood Family Park is a great family day out with so many different activities to fill the day with for all weather occasions. Take a ride on the Green Dragon Roller Coaster – the world’s only people powered coaster! There is also the Solar Splash, the first solar powered ride in the UK with a huge water slide. Alongside these rides there are many other activities including: an Enchanted River Ride, Archery, Woodland Rovers, a Giant Jumper, Dragon Maze, Den Building, Barefoot sensory trails and many more. For those rainier days they have a Woodland Barn which is full of the latest indoor play with a separate area for under 3s. With so many different activities, Greenwood Family Park is a place where you can spend the entire day having fun. If you book your tickets in advance you can save money too!

Visit the Greenwood website to read about all of the activities in more depth and book a visit: https://www.greenwoodfamilypark.co.uk/

Opening Hours: 10am – 5:30pm

Address: Bush Rd, Y Felinheli LL56 4QN

 

Beaumaris Treasure Trail

Beaumaris Treasure Trail

The Beaumaris Treasure Trail is a slightly different activity to the rest on this list but still involves some family fun! The treasure trail involves searching for and solving clues on the Beaumaris self-guided treasure hunt themed trail. The clues are written with all ages in mind from 6+ so that all members of the family can get involved and are based on plaques, buildings, monuments and signs. Follow the trail at your own pace so you can spend as long as you want exploring the historical sites that you come across. Buy and download the map from the website to print at home or have it posted to you!

Visit the website to buy the Treasure Trail here: https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/north-wales/beaumaris

 

The Slate Caverns 

Slate Caverns

The Slate Caverns offer a great adventurous and educational family trip that is guaranteed to be a fun day out. You can learn all about the story of slate, which started over 500 million years ago, through various different activities. Travel 500ft underground right into the belly of the mountains on Britain’s steepest cable car during the Deep Mine tour. They also offer a Quarry Explorer tour which is perfect if you’re after even more of a daring experience. It’s an off-road adventure in a 4×4 military truck exploring the slate mountains. This day out is the perfect mixture of fun whilst learning and a perfect family fun activity.

Have a look at their website for all of the information: https://llechwedd.co.uk/the-tours/the-quarry-explorer

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday 9am – 5:30pm

Address: Quarry Tours Ltd, Slate Mountain, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3NB

 

We hope our list has given you plenty of inspiration for some family days out in North Wales.

Interested in finding out more about life here at Silver Bay? Download our brochure to find out more.

 


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Earlier this year, we introduced the Crystal Clear Quartz Spa range to complement our award-winning skincare treatments. And it’s already been a hit with our customers! But what is Crystal Clear Quartz Spa? Keep reading to find out more about this fantastic new range.

What is Crystal Clear Quartz Spa?

Quartz Spa was developed alongside a leading international spa consultant and is a revolutionary new approach to aromatherapy. It combines the power of Quartz crystals with three incredible lifestyle blends – these are Hope, Happiness and Energise. Each blend is bursting with powerful aromatherapy oils which help to restore joy, harmony, hope and total happiness.

Inspired by nature to help soothe and recharge, Quartz Spa takes the purest ingredients and most powerful crystals to create effective and indulgent therapies for the mind, body and soul.

crystal clear quartz spa

Now you know a bit more about Crystal Clear Quartz Spa, why not give it a try for yourself? We offer a full range of professional treatment rituals and a complimentary retail range that include hand-poured candles, massage oils and body washes. Our treatment rituals are perfect for anyone looking to tackle the stresses and strains of modern life, including massages, scrubs and wraps to facials and eye treatments. For example, reset your body clock with the Jet Lag Reviver or achieve deep relaxation with our Mum-To-Be Massage – plus much more!

Here’s what some of our happy customers are saying already:

“I was really impressed with my aromatherapy massage with the lovely Emma – I actually fell asleep at one point.” – Fiona R (Quartz Spa Massage Ritual)

“Products are amazing, I fully recommend the bath oils and ‘Hope’ is the best blend!” – Claire W (Quartz Spa Pure Heaven Ritual)

“I really believe in crystal healing now, my back felt amazing after my treatment and I was totally relaxed!” – Janet E (Quartz Spa Aromatherapy Back Ritual)

So, if you would like to find out more about the Spa at Silver Bay or, for more information or to book, please contact our spa team on 01407 862049.


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We know that Anglesey is stunning. The Times recently remarked “This is life at a slower pace, with time to admire the sea and mountain views”, and we wholly agree. Anglesey has many gems, but our pride and joy is our beaches. We arguably have some of the best coastlines in Wales and we’re not afraid to say it! With this in mind, we wanted to do the hard work for you. Here are some of Anglesey’s BEST beaches…

Anglesey’s Best Beaches

Silver Bay Beach

Well of course – Silver Bay Beach has to be number one. We are extremely proud of our beautiful beach and its stunning views of Snowdonia and RAF Valley in the distance. Our beach at Silver Bay is reserved specifically for clients. Equipped with a beach shack to get an ice cream when the sun is shining, our beach is the perfect place to wind down. Perfect for the dog walk, the evening walk, the day out with the kids – it is the centre of everything here at Silver Bay.

Porth Dafarch Beach

Just a 17 minute drive away from Silver Bay Holiday Village, Porth Dafarch is not one to miss. Owned by The National Trust, it is a gorgeous sheltered beach located on the south coast of Holy Island. Perfect for all the family, Porth Dafarch provides the opportunity for all sorts of activities from rock pooling to scuba diving. Home to the ruins of Missouri steamer which crashed in 1886, there is much to explore. We highly recommend this beautiful beach for a great day out. If you’re looking for a bite to eat afterward, Porth Dafarch is a 5 minute drive from the town of Holyhead – full of fantastic cafes and restaurants! 

Church Bay

Although it is a 30 minute drive from Silver Bay, it is well worth the journey. This stunning pebbled beach is perfect for families with dogs on a sunny day. Alongside this, Church Bay is renowned for the nearby restaurant The Lobster Pot. It’s speciality? It’s in the name! 

Llanddwyn Beach

Ynys Llanddwyn is a must see! The beach is located 35 minutes’ drive from Silver Bay. The island is rich in myth and legend and takes its name from Dwynwen, the Welsh Patron Saint of lovers. The ruins of her church can be found on the island and much more. Whether or not you are looking for a beautiful beach, or to immerse yourself in Welsh culture, Llanddwyn Beach is the place to be. Read more about The legend of Santes Dwynwen here. Looking for a nice place to go for dinner afterward? Check out the Marram Grass Cafe, just 3 miles from the beach.

Rhosneigr Beach

Rhosneigr Beach is a stunning sandy beach, known for its great surfing and canoeing conditions. Whether you’re looking for adventure and activity, or a stroll along the beach with gorgeous views – Rhosneigr Beach has it all. This dog friendly beach is a perfect day out with the family. Home to the fantastic Surf Cafe, Rhosneigr offers activity and a bite to eat afterwards! The beach has a small car park, toilets, plenty of road side parking and a train station, making it highly accessible via car or public transport. With just a 26 minute drive from Silver Bay, what have you got to lose?

And that’s it from us! Some (but certainly not all) of Anglesey’s best beaches. Do make sure you take the time during your visit to Anglesey to check them out, as these are not ones to miss!


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We can’t believe it’s almost the summer holidays, where has 2019 gone? Once again we have an action-packed summer planned for you all, including activities to suit all the family.

Keep reading to find out about the different activities and download the summer holidays 2019 activity planner to take away and read later.

Silver Bay Owners Annual Summer Party

 

As always, we like to show our appreciation to all our fantastic holiday home owners and celebrate the beginning of the summer holidays with a summer party. This year the summer party takes place on Saturday 27th July.

This year the theme is ‘Film Stars’ – dress up as your favourite! Doors will open at 5pm with the children’s buffet available from 5:15pm to 6pm in time for the children’s entertainer. The adult buffet will be available later in the evening with live music from Four Kicks and dancing until 1am.

Here’s a reminder of our summer party last year:

 

Summer Holiday Activities at the Pool

 

Our inviting swimming pool with dedicated lanes and splash area is perfect for relaxing or having some family fun.

Get your morning swim in before an action-packed day with our adult only swim sessions, every day 9:30 – 10:30am.

Or join us every Thursday afternoon for our Rookie Lifeguard sessions, aimed at children aged eight and above and starting at 4pm. The summer holidays are also a great time to kick start your child’s swimming or improve their skills with our one-to-one swimming lessons, every Thursday at 5pm and 5:30pm.

In the gym

summer holidays 2019

Our state of the art gym is the perfect place for working up a sweat and getting active.

On Mondays and Saturdays we have spinning classes, focused on endurance, strength, intervals, high intensity and recovery. Or maybe you want to give our kettlebell classes a try, every Friday at 5:45pm, for a total body workout, including dynamic movement, cardio and strength training.

Improve your physical strength, flexibility, posture and enhance your mental awareness with our Pilates classes at 6pm every Tuesday or tone and sculpt your body with our Zumba classes at 6:45pm every Tuesday – a fun way to burn calories!

Outdoor Activities

summer holidays 2019

We’re hoping to be blessed with warm weather over the holidays and what better way to make the most of the weather than taking part in one of our outdoor activities.

Your little ones can practise their serve every Monday with our tennis sessions; we have sessions at 11am for children under six years old and sessions at 12pm for ages six and above. Or if they fancy giving soccer a go, we have the Soccer School every Wednesday at 1pm for ages six and above.

We’ve also got family sessions so everyone can get involved, including family waterpolo every Tuesday at 1pm, family archery every Thursday at 1pm and family football every Friday at 1pm.

On Saturday 10th August we’ll be hosting our annual fishing competition (weather dependent); to enter it’s £10 per boat, £5 per adult and children go free. Book your place at the Silver Bay reception.

Over the bank holiday weekend we’ll be hosting our annual sandcastle competition, Beach Mudder and more. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.

Busy Bayers

 

For the little creators out there, we have all sorts of arts and crafts activities planned, from sewing skills, mocktails and cake pops to tie dye beach bags, playdough factory and trash to treasure.

Preserving the local environment and wildlife is a priority for us here at Silver Bay so we’re offering sessions aimed at protecting the local wildlife and recycling. On Monday 5th August and Monday 19th August we have Saving Squirrels sessions at 3pm. On Monday 29th July and Monday 12th August we’ll be holding Hedgehog Rescue sessions at 3pm.

Our bees are back for summer, of course, and we’ll be holding Meet the Bees sessions every Thursday at 10:30am and 1pm so plenty of time to see how they’re doing. You’ll also be able to have a go at harvesting honey with Jonathan, our beekeeper, or beeswax candle making on selected Thursdays at 3:30pm. Make sure to check the timetable for dates.

Our family movie nights have been a great success so we’re bringing them back for summer. Kick back and relax with a film, every Monday and Wednesday at 6pm.

This is just a taste of all the fantastic Busy Bayer sessions taking place over the summer holidays, so make sure to check the summer holiday timetable for the full list.

You can find out more about each session and book over on our online booking system. We would recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited. Booking is available for each session from 10am on the day before the activity is due to take place.

We look forward to seeing you all over the summer holidays 2019!

 

Want to find out more about life here at Silver Bay? Download our brochure for more information.



Originating in Wales in the 1970s, coasteering has become one of the UK’s fastest growing outdoor adventure activities. In particular, coasteering in North Wales is extremely popular. But what exactly does coasteering involve? Keep reading our guide to find out what coasteering is, the best places to go coasteering and top tips to make the most out of your experience.

What is coasteering?

When asked what exactly coasteering is there seems to be a real mix of answers. The nature of the activity is what makes it difficult to define, but that’s also what makes it so interesting.

Put simply, coasteering is a group activity that involves traversing a coastline through a mix of rock climbing and swimming. Plus a bit of jumping too, so expect to get wet! The main aspects of coasteering are:

  • Wild swimming – sometimes a coasteering route may require you to swim to get from one section to another
  • Low-level traversing – this is where you use partly-submerged rocks to make your way across a section of deep water, making your way sideways one foot at a time. You can make it as easy or difficult as you like, plus if you lose your footing you have the deep water to fall back into
  • Cliff jumping – this is probably the most fun part of coasteering, or the most daunting for some. A guide will often suggest you start off with a small jump and work your way up to the larger jumps, helping even the most cautious take the leap
  • Cave discovery – with some cave entrances cut off by the tide, coasteering enables you to access some of the most unique and untouched parts of the coastline
  • Sluices and pour-overs – this is where water rises and pushes between two rocks or pours over a ledge into a deep pool; if timed right, you can let the ocean take you through or over a section
  • Gullies – often hidden and requiring a bit of wriggling to get to, gullies can give you access to untouched sections of coastline
  • Whirlpools – if timed right, certain rock formations and layouts create a fun whirlpool effect

The best places to go coasteering in North Wales

coasteering north wales

Coasteering originated in Wales in the 1970s so it’s no surprise that the country offers some of the best coasteering spots. North Wales, in particular, has miles of exciting coastline perfect for exploring and plenty of spots to choose from. Here’s some of the best spots:

  • Holy Island – the deep clean water, hidden beaches, sea cliffs and the largest sea cave in Wales make this a top destination for coasteering enthusiasts
  • Llŷn Peninsula – with its mixture of low cliffs and larger waves, the Llŷn Peninsula is accessible to everyone of all levels of ability. Plus in some areas you might even be lucky enough to play with the seals. The most recognised spots are the villages of Morfa Nefyn and Aberdaron

Top tips for coasteering

coasteering north wales

Don’t do it alone

Coasteering is definitely a team activity and it’s advisable to do it as part of a guided tour with an experienced guide. An experienced guide is sure to know the route like the back of their hand and what may look safe to a newbie might not be safe to a seasoned professional.

Wear the right gear

An activity provider will often provide you with the correct equipment and advise you on what to wear beforehand. But if you’re curious about what you’ll need, here’s a list of the essentials:

  • Wetsuit – a full length wetsuit will keep you dry all over and provide extra warmth
  • Coasteer shorts – these are usually made from neoprene and are specifically designed for coasteering
  • Trainers – make sure they lace up; old trainers are great for coasteering as they provide the grip and sole protection needed to tackle the slippery rocks
  • Buoyancy aid – even the strongest swimmers need a little help to keep afloat sometimes
  • Helmet – a must-have in case you experience any bumps or falls

Keep an eye on the weather and the tide

As coasteering takes place where the ocean meets the rock, it’s important to always check the sea state and tide to make sure the conditions are suitable and safe.

Coasteering and wildlife

coasteering north wales

If you take part in a coasteering session here in North Wales you’re sure to see some wildlife; including seals, dolphins and razorbills. The Anglesey coastline is one of the most varied and distinctive landscapes in Britain. It is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as home to a variety of wildlife.

Coasteering activities at Silver Bay

We’re lucky to be situated next to a stunning piece of coastline, perfect for a spot of coasteering. That’s why we offer family coasteering sessions during the school holidays, guided by an experienced coach.

That’s just one of the amazing benefits of being a holiday home owner here at Silver Bay Holiday Village. You can find out more about Silver Bay life on our blog, from organised activities on site to all the amazing things to see and do in the area.


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We are thrilled to announce that we received a Green Coast Award by Keep Wales Tidy.

The Green Coast Award recognises the beautiful, untouched and rugged beaches for their excellent water quality and unspoiled environment. Unlike the beaches that have received a Blue Flag Award, a Green Coast Award beach doesn’t have the infrastructure and intensive management generally associated with the more traditional seaside resort.

In order to receive the Green Coast Award the beach must comply with the following criteria:

  • Have excellent water quality
  • Encourage dog and horse owners to clean up after their animals by providing suitable facilities and literature
  • Have a guardianship scheme in place
  • Provide information on locally organised environmental activities
  • Public access to the beach must be safe and well maintained

Wales has some of the most beautiful and well managed beaches in the world. The Wales Coast Awards help to raise environmental awareness, recognise good practice and promote Wales as an international destination.

18 beaches in Wales received the Green Coast Award this year, recognising all the hidden gems on our coastline. The award helps to encourage people to “adopt” areas of the coast. This helps contribute towards the sustainability of the area while promoting volunteering. We are also the first private business to apply for a coast award on behalf of a beach.

The local contribution is evident in recent news with Anglesey announced as the UK’s first Plastic Free Community. This was decided by the marine conservation charity, Surfers Against Sewage.

What other environmental initiatives are we involved in?

Obeewan Silver Bay beekeeper

Our dedication to preserving the natural environment and supporting British wildlife is a priority for us. We also received the David Bellamy Gold Award for our commitment to protecting the local wildlife, reducing energy use, recycling waste, and supporting the local community. As part of our commitment to the rural environment and the impact of the coastal path, we have also started to plant indigenous species to reestablish the flora and fauna.

And not forgetting our honey bees. The bees are still in their winter home at the moment but will be moving back this month. They were very busy during the warm spell in April; so much so that we had to hire an extra pair of hands (or paws). We also made up some extra frames in anticipation but Obeewan was too busy eating all the honey so our beekeeper, Jonathan, had to do it all by himself. Starting in the May half term holidays, we will be offering ‘Meet the Bees’ sessions throughout the summer so our owners can have the opportunity to meet the queen and her workers.

You can find out more about our beach and boat park as well as any further updates on our ongoing work to benefit the local wildlife and environment.


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It’s that time again! We look forward to seeing you all here over the holidays; keep reading to find out more about our May Half Term 2019 holiday activities. We’d like to start off by thanking everyone that joined us over the Easter holidays; we were blessed with some amazing weather and we hope you made the most of it on Silver Bay beach. Well done to everyone that took part in our Easter egg hunt and well done to the adults that searched high and low for the golden tickets. The lucky winners were the Patey-Kreitzman and McColl families.

We’re thrilled to announce that The Deck House Easter raffle raised £200 for the RNLI and £55 for the Air Ambulance so thank you to everyone that took part.

And finally, we wouldn’t be able to offer such a first class experience without the help of our lovely staff so here’s a shout out to our team members of the month:

March – Shane (Maintenance Team)

April – Lynne (Housekeeping Team)

Keep reading to find out what activities we have planned for the May half term and beyond.

May half term 2019 activities

We’re bringing back the most popular activities this May half term. For the active and outdoorsy, we’re welcoming back the B-Active family guided walk, family kayaking, soccer school, archery and coasteering. For those into arts and crafts we’ve got all sorts of creative activities, including wildlife windchimes, garden in a box and pottery painting.

We’ve also got our movie night on Monday and Wednesday at 6pm and we’ll be welcoming the bees back so make sure to book on one of our Meet The Bees sessions.

View the full May Half Term 2019 timetable to find out more about the different events and timings.

Our commitment to the environment

We are pleased to announce that, once again, we have been awarded the Green Coast Award as we continue to help the ongoing protection of our coastline and wildlife. As part of our commitment to the rural environment and the impact of the coastal path, we have started to plant indigenous species to reestablish the flora and fauna.

Plus, it’s almost time to welcome back our bees! Make sure to book onto a session with Jonathan to meet the queen and her hard workers.

Events at The Deck House

We’re kicking off the May half term with a gin tasting night at 6pm on Tuesday 28th May. You’ll have the opportunity to sample a selection of Aber Falls Gin with accompanying canapés. Make sure to reserve your place by calling The Deck House on 01407 862046.

We also have an amazing offer on for those dining with little ones. Join us between 5:30pm and 6:30pm and children eat for just £1.50 with every adult meal. We know how difficult it can be sometimes to keep your little ones entertained on a rainy day; it won’t be long until our new soft play area is up and running at The Deck House to help ease their boredom.

This year, our annual owner’s summer party takes place on Saturday 27th July. The theme this year is “Film Stars” so make sure you have your best costume ready to walk down the red carpet. Tickets are limited so early booking is highly recommended.

Other upcoming events and activities

Get practising your swing for our golf competition, taking place on Saturday 15th June. Entry is £10 and all proceeds will go to Wales Air Ambulance. If you’d like to find out more and register, please leave your name and number with reception.

We look forward to seeing you all over the May half term holidays and onwards.