Llanddwyn Island — a tidal island off the southwest corner of Anglesey, whose Welsh name means "Island of St Dwynwen." It was the retreat and final resting place of St Dwynwen, the 5th-century Welsh patron saint of lovers. The island is crowned by the 1845 Twr Mawr Lighthouse, shaped like a fairy-tale windmill, overlooking the dramatic meeting of the Menai Strait and the Snowdonia mountain range. Here you will find 16th-century church ruins, 500-million-year-old pillow lava formations, Newborough National Nature Reserve (Wales' first coastal national nature reserve) with three miles of Blue Flag golden sand, and a precious reintroduced red squirrel population. Follow the Saint, Sand and Sea Trail through Corsican pine forest, climb to the lighthouse for a sunset view over Cardigan Bay, and feel the romance and mystery of the edge of the world as the tides rise and fall — in a single day, experience the most poetic and mysterious natural wonders and legends of the Welsh coast.
From the fairy-tale silhouette of Twr Mawr Lighthouse to the thousand-year-old legend of St Dwynwen's Church, from the nimble leaps of red squirrels in Newborough Forest to the majestic sunset over three miles of golden sand — experience the romance and wildness of southwest Anglesey in a single day.
Start your morning driving from Menai Bridge along the A4080 for about 30 minutes to the Newborough Forest car park (LL61 6SG). First, check the tide times at the visitor centre — this is essential for safely reaching Llanddwyn Island. Follow the Saint, Sand and Sea Trail through Corsican pine forest, stopping at the feeding station by Llyn Parc Mawr lake to quietly wait for a glimpse of rare red squirrels. Cross the boardwalk onto Newborough Beach, where three miles of golden sand stretch out before you and the snow-capped peaks of Snowdonia shimmer on the horizon. At low tide, walk about 1.5 miles southwest along the intertidal zone to reach Llanddwyn Island. First, pay your respects at the 16th-century St Dwynwen's Church ruins and the Celtic cross, then climb to the western tip of the island to Twr Mawr Lighthouse — this 10-metre white tower, built in 1845 and shaped like a windmill, is one of Wales' most photographed landmarks, offering commanding views over the entrance to the Menai Strait and the Llŷn Peninsula beyond. Explore the old pilot's cottages, the smaller Twr Bach lighthouse and the remains of St Dwynwen's Well (said to predict true love), then enjoy a picnic in one of the island's sheltered coves. In the afternoon, walk north along the beach towards Malltraeth Bay, watching oystercatchers, ringed plovers and various sandpipers feeding in the intertidal zone, and searching for the wreck of the Athena, a sailing ship that ran aground in 1852. As evening falls, return through the pine forest with the sunset silhouetting Snowdon behind you — a perfect end to the day.
Run by brothers Liam and Ellis, The Marram Grass at White Lodge in Newborough is one of Anglesey's most acclaimed restaurants. The menu is built entirely around Welsh seasonal ingredients — vegetables grown in their own garden, locally reared lamb, Menai Strait mussels and Snowdonia beef come together on the plate. Signature dishes include slow-cooked Welsh shoulder of lamb with fennel pollen and charcoal-grilled local sea bass with lemon cream. The warm, rustic interior with brick walls and wooden tables opens onto a garden terrace — the perfect reward after a day exploring Llanddwyn Island. Open Friday to Sunday; advance booking recommended. Average spend: £18-30.
A classic fish and chip shop in the centre of Newborough village, just a few minutes' walk from Newborough Beach. Fresh fish delivered daily — cod, haddock, sea trout — coated in a house batter and fried to golden crispiness, with thick-cut chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce. Enjoying a steaming portion of fish and chips on the beachside picnic tables in summer, with the sea breeze and dune views, captures the essence of the British seaside experience. Takeaway available for eating on the beach. Average spend: £8-15.
A cosy café named after the star resident of Newborough Forest, located at Madryn House in Newborough village. Hand-ground artisan coffee, homemade scones with clotted cream, Welsh cakes and Bara Brith fruit loaf provide the perfect pre- or post-walk refuel. The café is decorated with paintings and crafts by local artists depicting red squirrels, giving it a strong community feel. The friendly owners are a great source of local walking advice. Conveniently located on the way back from Llanddwyn Island, it's a firm favourite with families. Average spend: £5-12.
A glass-walled eco-restaurant set among the dunes on the shores of Rhosneigr's lake, about a 20-minute drive from Llanddwyn Island. Centred around the daily catch of Menai Strait oysters and mussels, signature dishes include the Menai oyster platter, local steaks, handmade pizzas and fish and chips. The Pat's Shack outdoor kiosk and Dune Bar offer more relaxed options, with the terrace overlooking Maelog Lake and the distant dunes. Named one of Anglesey's best restaurants by Ideal Magazine, the sunset casts golden light across the lake — a romantic finale to a day on the coast. Advance booking recommended for restaurant seating. Average spend: £15-28.