Best Things to do in Anglesey in Winter
Anglesey is one of the UKs most popular holiday destinations for a very good reason, with a plethora of fantastic visitor attractions and things to do, even during the winter months.
As we head into the tail end of the year, we thought it might be helpful to put together a guide to the best things to do in Anglesey in winter for our holiday home owners. This means that you can arrive on site each time they visit with a clear idea of how you are going to be spending your time away.
1. Plas Newydd House and Gardens
Plas Newydd is a stunning grade 1 listed mansion which lies on the banks of the Menai Strait. Affording spectacular views from both the house and gardens, the current building has origins which stretch back as far as 1470 but was crafted into its current form in the 18th century.
The mansion is completely intact and features much of the original décor and furnishings which adorned the house during the Tudor period. This includes the gothic hall, music room and saloon which was the main sitting room that was used by the family during the Tudor era.
Plas Newydd House also has a room which has been transformed into a military museum which is dedicated to the role that the occupying 1st Marquess of Anglesey played in the Battle of Waterloo.
If you are willing to brave the cold weather, then we would highly recommend touring the 40 acres of gardens. From here you will be able to take in the stunning views looking across the Anglesey and the Menai Strait.
2. Anglesey Sea Zoo
The Anglesey Sea Zoo is the perfect family attraction and is open year-round. With over 40 tanks which are filled with 150 different native species of marine wildlife, it will take quite some time to truly take in everything that the zoo has to offer.
There are various sections of the zoo to explore including the ‘no bone zone’, wolf fish lair and kelp forest. You will also be able to learn more about the zoos conservation work in the lobster hatchery and seahorse exhibit which provides details of the teams seahorse breeding programme.
Once you have completed your tour, you can browse around the gift shop and dine at the Rockpool Cafe which serves a wide range of hot and cold dishes. The team makes a huge effort to cater for varying dietary requirements, with many locals opting to visit the zoo just to enjoy the fabulous food that the cafe has to offer.
3. Oriel Môn Art Gallery
Located in Llangefni, less than 15 minutes away from Woodland Falls Holiday Park and 30 minutes away from Silver Bay, the Oriel Môn Art Gallery showcases the very best of Welsh art and culture. Here you will be able to explore the local heritage, history and creativity, with exhibits ranging from landscape paintings and photography, to ceramics and sculptures.
If you have a penchant for history, then you’ll love the archaeology collection which includes Roman artefacts and stone tools dating to circa 9,000 years ago. There are also roughly 400 artworks created by the renowned Welsh artist Kyffin Williams on display, in what is unquestionably the most expansive collection of his works.
As with the Anglesey Zoo, the on-site cafe is highly recommended with breakfast served between 10am and 11:30am, lunch 12pm till 2pm and cakes until 4:30pm. If you are planning ahead, then you are also able to pre-book a sophisticated afternoon tea at the cafe between 2:30pm and 4pm with at least 48 hours notice required.
4. The Anglesey Coastal Path
All of the three aforementioned recommended things to do in Anglesey during the winter have been indoor attractions. However, there is never a bad time of year to enjoy a walk along the famous Anglesey Coastal Path.
Stretching out for 125 miles, you can enjoy spectacular views of rugged coastline, beaches and cliffs on an invigorating walk at any time of the year. The winter months also present the perfect opportunity to spot seals near our shores, with the island’s sheltered coves becoming a resting area for both grey and harbour seals. Rhosneigr, Holyhead and Church Bay are three of the areas where seals are most likely to be found.
If you are a holiday home owner at Silver Bay, the Anglesey Coastal Path is of course directly accessible from our resort. Why not pack a flask of warm tea and head out on an adventure which is sure to blow away the cobwebs.
5. Anglesey Christmas Markets & Events
In the build up to the festive season, there are countless Christmas markets and seasonal events planned across the island in towns such as Beaumaris and Holyhead. This includes the Beaumaris Victorian Christmas Market which is always a highlight of the season.
Elsewhere, you will find that many of the most popular tourist hotspots hold Christmas Light switch on events. This includes Holyhead which traditionally holds their event in the final week of November where there is normally live entertainment and a Christmas Grotto complete with Father Christmas himself who will hopefully be making an appearance once more this year.