Things to see and do…
Pilot’s Cottage is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the tiny historic port of Amlwch.
From the cottage, it’s just a short stroll down the hill to the port where you can arrange a boat trip for sightseeing and fishing, or alternatively launch you own boat. And in the harbour you can fish from the high wall.
At the Copper Kingdom Visitor Centre, you can learn about the fascinating history of Amlwch’s association with the mining of copper, found in the nearby Parys Mountain, the largest copper mine in the world at one time.
The Sail Loft Cafe overlooks the harbour, where you can sit with a cup of coffee and a cake watching the world go by.
The cottage is ideally positioned for walkers as it’s just a stone’s throw from the renowned Anglesey Coastal Path. Turn right out of the cottage and then first left and you will find yourself on a path leading to a gate that opens on to the headland and the Coastal Path.
A popular walk is from Amlwch Port to Laneilian, about two to three miles along the headland, with spectacular views out to sea. For the more energetic, pass through the tiny shingle beach of Porth Eilian and walk on to the Point Lynas lighthouse on the headland the very best place for porpoise and dolphin watching. Alternatively, it’s a 5 minute drive to the beach where you can park up.
Anglesey is blessed with so many lovely beaches, Lligwy Beach, a little further along the coast is a favourite place to visit with the Lligwy Beach Café run by Cheryl providing wonderful homemade food, cakes and a wood fired pizza hut. In summer the tipi goes up and the bands start playing.
Moelfre has a lovely little shingle beach just across the road from the Kinmel Arms pub. There is a lifeboat station here and a visitors’ centre well worth a visit. Anne’s Pantry is quaint with lots of tables and chairs in the front garden. Red Wharf Bay has one of our favourite restaurants, The Boathouse and the Ship Inn, both well worth a visit.
In the other direction, after the picturesque Bull Bay, there is Cemaes Bay, with a sandy beach and a little harbour and Church Bay, wild and rugged with lots of rock pool, Wavecrest, a wonderful café serving the biggest scones in the world (probably) and this is also where you will find the renown Lobster Pot Restaurant.
Rhosneigr on the west coast is the place for the surfing enthusiasts and no trip to Anglesey is complete without a visit to the forest paths, and long golden beaches of Newborough, a must for nature lovers. Watch kite surfers do their thing as you walk along the beach to Llanddwyn Island where you will find one of the most famous views on Anglesey.
Take a drive to South Stack Lighthouse which sits high on the cliffs with spectacular coastal views to Bardsey island and the Isle of Man. Wonderful for bird watchers, bring your binoculars and search for puffins nesting in the rock crevices.
The historic town of Beaumaris has much to offer with the famous castle built by King Edward I and now a World Heritage Site. There is also the old Courthouse and Gaol. Lots of interesting shops, cafes and a bracing sea front with a pier make this an interesting day out.
Holyhead is about a 30 minute drive away from the cottage, where you can catch a ferry to Dublin.
More places
Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens Beautiful gardens and tea rooms.
Plas Newydd The ancestral home of the Marquess of Anglesey. Enchanting house and gardens with spectacular views over the Menai Straits to Snowdonia.
Anglesey Sea Zoo Full of fascinating sea creatures. Also an adventure playground.
Seacoast Safaris Coastal cruises, trips to Puffin Island, ribride safaris
RibRide UK’s No.1 boat tour company for those who like their boat trips of the white knuckle variety.
More Restaurants
Sosban & The Old Butchers Restaurant Michelin star restaurant in Menai Bridge.
Château Rhianfa Fairytale castle hotel in the banks of the Menai Straits.
Bishopsgate House Hotel In the centre of historic Beaumaris
The Bull’s Head Inn One of the oldest buildings in Beaumaris. Casual dining in the brasserie or fine dining in the Loft restaurant
The Midland Tapas and wine bar with accents of seafood and locally sourced produce.
Catch 22 Brasserie At Valley. Modern, cosy relaxed.
Wavecrest Cafe Fabulous café in Church Bay.
The Lobster Pot Restaurant and bar in Church Bay.
The White Eagle On the road to the lovely beach at Roscolyn. Booking essential. Large terrace for delightfully relaxed dining on a summer evening.
Sullivan’s Café, bar and restaurant in Rhosneigr.