26 Best Things to Do in Anglesey with Kids, Dogs, and Rainy Days

• Location: Menai Bridge town
• Parking: Pay-and-display carparks in town
• Family Friendly: Good for a walk or quick stop with a view
• Top Tip: You can walk across on both sides if you also fancy seeing it from close up (and not in your car after a long journey!)
  

You’ll drive across this nearly 200 year old bridge coming onto the island, but Anglesey’s answer to the Golden Gate Bridge is worth seeing from a different vantage point. 

The views across the Menai Strait are very impressive, especially on a clear day. You’ve got a few different options around the area, including some pubs and cafes to head to afterwards, so we’d suggest finding somewhere to park in town and then exploring as much as you’d like.

3. Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path

Some stretches are a bit more rugged and so definitely need a decent pair of walking boots, but there are plenty of easy-going bits too, especially around places like Newborough, Benllech, and Moelfre. The beauty of it is that you can go as far as you’d like really, and keep it on your list for multiple trips to Anglesey.

 

4. Beaumaris Castle

• Location: Castle St, Beaumaris LL58 8AP
• Parking: Pay and display in town centre or next to the castle
• Family Friendly: Easy to explore with kids, and dogs on short leads are welcome on the ground floor
• Top Tip: Check the Beaumaris Castle website for events. The Medieval Festival is always a good one if it’s on while you’re there

Beaumaris Castle is a popular one to tick off if you’re exploring Anglesey with the family.

It’s known as the "greatest castle never built" — designed to be perfectly symmetrical, but it was never quite finished. You can wander the walls, climb the towers, and take in some brilliant views across the Menai Strait.

If you want to add a bit of extra fun, the Beaumaris Treasure Trail starts nearby. It’s a 1.2-mile self-guided route that gets you solving clues around the town — a nice way to stretch a castle visit into a full morning or afternoon. And if you finish it, you can enter the monthly £100 prize draw too.

 

5. Plas Newydd House and Gardens

• Location: Llanfairpwllgwyngyll LL61 6DQ
• Parking: Free for all visitors
• Family Friendly: Good paths for buggies, family tickets available, and under 5s go free
• Top Tip: The woodland play area is worth making a beeline for it first if you’ve got younger kids.

This National Trust property is an easy win if you’ve got different generations in tow. There’s a Grade 1 listed house if it rains, gardens to run through, and a long flat path by the water that’s good for a stroll. 

The on-site café’s a handy stop, but if you find yourself heading there on a sunny afternoon, the picnic area is a great opportunity to settle down for a couple of hours. 

 

6. Trearddur Bay

• Location: Holyhead LL65 2UL
• Parking: Free and paid spots close to the beach — fills up fast in the summer
• Family Friendly: Dogs are welcome on parts of the beach year-round, though there are restrictions in place during the summer months
• Top Tip: We usually bring a couple of changing robes if the kids are planning to swim, as it saves the mad scramble for towels in the Welsh wind!

The ever-popular Trearddur Bay has that lively, old-school seaside feel: sandy toes, brisk swims, and kids dragging buckets back and forth.

It’s a perfect spot for beach games, paddling, and rock pooling when the tide’s right, and there’s a good handful of cafés and shops just a short stroll away when you need some lunch or ice-cream.

 

7. Boat Trip to Puffin Island

• Location: Pier House, Beaumaris LL58 8BS
• Parking: Seafront pay-and-display car parks nearby
• Family Friendly: No strict age limit, but probably best for children who can sit still and enjoy the boat ride (around 4+ is ideal)
• Top Tip: It can get breezy on deck, even in summer, so pack a fleece or windbreaker to keep warm

A boat trip to Puffin Island always feels like a bit of an adventure, especially for younger kids spotting seals, seabirds, and (if you’re lucky) a few puffins bobbing about.

The trips usually last around an hour to an hour and a half, making it just the right length before anyone starts getting restless. You’ll get views of the lighthouse, the cliffs, and the open water, and if the sun’s out, it’s probably one of the most memorable things you’ll do in Anglesey.

 

8. Parys Mountain

• Location: Amlwch LL68 9RE
• Parking: Free carpark 
• Family Friendly: Best for school-age kids and up — lots of walking and open spaces
• Top Tip: The Parys Mountain walk is exposed and rocky, so decent walking shoes make a big difference

Parys Mountain is an almost surreal Welsh landscape of rust-red hills, purple rocks, and  historic copper-mining site. It feels completely different to anywhere else on the island, so it’s definitely worth putting on your to-do list.

There are marked trails, so you can easily find your way around. You’ll usually spend a couple of hours here, and the walk is doable with younger children.

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• Location: Holyhead Rd, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll LL61 5UJ
• Parking: Free parking near the train station and visitor centre
• Family Friendly: A quick, fun stop for kids (and adults!) who’ll love the name challenge
• Top Tip: The famous station sign is right by the car park, so you don’t need long to tick it off

This is one of those classic stops you just have to do while you’re in Anglesey.

Snap a photo by the longest place name in Europe, challenge the kids to pronounce it (or at least give it a go), and pop into the visitor centre if you fancy a quick browse. It serves as a great little break if you’ve got a bit of time up your sleeve.

 

10. Lôn Las Copr - National Cycle Route

• Location: 36-mile loop, accessible from Newborough, Llangefni, and Menai Bridge
• Parking: Depends on your start point so check around
• Family Friendly: Older kids who are confident on bikes will love it; younger riders can tackle flatter sections
• Top Tip: Pack layers, snacks, and plenty of water, especially if you’re tackling a longer stretch
  

If the family has brought their bikes on holiday, this is a good one to dip into. 

The full route loops around farmland, forests, and coastline, but you don’t have to do it all — lots of people just pick a quieter stretch and make a morning or afternoon of it. The section near Newborough is one of the flatter, easier-going parts if you don’t fancy tackling anything too strenuous. 

Riding a longer stretch of Lôn Las Copr? Trespass Unisex Adults Ultra 22L Cycling Hydration Backpack fits the essentials and sits comfortably on your back as you cycle.

 

Things to Do in Anglesey When It’s Raining

You might hear the phrase “mae'n bwrw glaw” more than once during your trip! If you’re wondering what to do in Anglesey when it rains, it’s worth having a few indoor activities ready to go.

11. Beaumaris Gaol & Courthouse

• Location: Steeple Ln, Beaumaris LL58 8EP
• Parking: Pay and display in the town centre
• Family Friendly: Best for older primary school kids and up — lots of reading and a few slightly spooky bits!
• Top Tip: It’s self-guided, so take it at your own pace
  
  

If you’re looking for a rainy-day activity with a bit of atmosphere, Beaumaris Gaol is one of our favourites.

You’ll get a glimpse into Victorian prison life, including the punishment cells, the condemned cell, and the giant treadwheel prisoners used for hard labour. It’s incredibly interesting, and the old Courthouse is just a short walk away too if you want to make a full morning of it.

12. Anglesey Transport Museum

• Location: Niwbwrch, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll LL61 6TN
• Parking: Free parking on-site
• Family Friendly: Good for all ages — younger kids love the vehicles, and there’s a small play area too
• Top Tip: Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside, so bring the pup!

See over 100 vintage vehicles dating from the 1920s onwards at this museum, with everything from old motorbikes to classic British cars. There’s plenty that’s hands-on enough to keep younger kids entertained while older ones (and grown-ups) get stuck into the stories behind the vehicles.

If the rain eases off you can stretch things out with a run-around in the small outdoor play area too.

 

13. Holyhead Maritime Museum

• Location: Old Lifeboat House, Newry Beach, Holyhead LL65 1YD
• Parking: Public parking nearby
• Family Friendly: Facilities are suitable for all kids, but it’ll be the primary aged kids and above that will get the most out of it
• Top Tip: It’s right on the seafront, so if the weather clears, you can head to Newry Beach after

Set inside an old lifeboat house, this great little museum is packed with stories from Anglesey’s maritime past, such as wartime tales, shipwrecks, and local heroes.

It’s compact but fascinating, and the volunteers here are brilliant at bringing the exhibits to life too, which helps keep the kids interested.

 

14. Anglesey Sea Zoo

• Location: Brynsiencyn, South West Anglesey (LL61 6TQ)
• Parking: Free on-site parking
• Family Friendly: Great for rainy days with kids of all ages; indoor exhibits and outdoor play areas
• Top Tip: Check their website for daily feeding times and talks, as they’re a hit with little ones!

If the rain’s properly set in, Anglesey Sea Zoo is one of the easiest places to spend a few hours without anyone getting cabin fever.

It’s fully indoors and packed with tanks full of British sea life — from jellyfish and seahorses to small sharks and crabs you can see up close. You’ll find loads of interactive displays too, so kids can get hands-on and enjoy themselves.

Things to Do in Anglesey with Dogs

Some of the places we’ve mentioned already are great to take dogs to, but we’ve also put together some more below. Here are a few of the best dog-friendly places to visit in Anglesey, including beaches, forest walks, and open spaces your pup will love.

 

15. Newborough Forest

• Location: Llanfairpwllgwyngyll
• Parking: Large pay and display forestry car park (same entrance as Llanddwyn Beach)
• Family Friendly: Great for families with kids and dogs — easy trails, soft ground, and space to roam
• Top Tip: If it’s a warm day, we love taking our walking sandals on this type of activity, as they keep you steady underfoot in the forest but then easy enough to slip out of when you get to the beach

This is definitely one of the best places to go in Anglesey if you’ve got your dog with you. 

There are wide trails for walking, biking, and scootering through the forests, so both kids and dogs are kept occupied. You can then head down towards the beach afterwards for a paddle.

However, please note that there are a few dog restrictions on certain parts of the beach over the summer, so it’s worth double-checking the signs before you let them off the lead.

16. Breakwater Country Park

• Location: Holyhead LL65 1YG
• Parking: Pay and display car park on-site
• Family Friendly: Good mix of flat and hillier walks for all ages, plus a small play area for kids
• Top Tip: Bring your walking shoes — some of the paths need sturdy footwear, and a few trails run close to the cliff edge

Breakwater Country Park is a really easy dog-friendly activity if you’re in the Holyhead area.

You can stick to the flat paths near the ponds and play area if you’re just after a quick stroll, or head up the hill for amazing views out towards South Stack. 

There’s a children's play area, and loads of grassy spots if you want to bring a picnic. Or, if you’re ready for a brew, the café’s also dog-friendly and gets plenty of good reviews.

Treat your pup to a dryrobe Dog Robe Coat to keep them warm and dry on your Anglesey trip!

 

17. Red Wharf Bay 

• Location: Pentraeth LL75 8RJ
• Parking: Two carparks (one at a pub and one council-run). The access road is quite narrow though, so larger vehicles might find it a bit tight
• Family Friendly: Wide open beach with plenty of space for kids and dogs to roam
• Top Tip: Low tide is best if you want plenty of beach to play on — and it's worth bringing a towel or drying robe if your dog loves a splash
  

We rate this as one of the best places on the island if you’re after a big open space to let the dogs run (and run and run).

At low tide, the beach stretches out for miles, with shallow pools left behind for kids who want to paddle. And a bit of local trivia while you're there: Red Wharf Bay is where the original idea for the Land Rover was first sketched into the sand!

 

For Toddlers & Under 5s 

Anglesey is packed with toddler-friendly activities, whether you’re after a peaceful walk, a day at the beach, or somewhere to spot some animals. Here are a few choices that work brilliantly with younger kids.

18. Benllech Bay 

• Location: Benllech, Tyn-y-Gongl LL74 8TT
• Parking: Parking on the main road by the beach
• Family Friendly: Shallow water, soft sand, cafés and toilets close by, dogs are welcome on some part of the beach and at certain times of year so just double check signs
• Top Tip: Kit out the kids in decent rash vests if you’re setting up on the beach for the day as you’ll have peace of mind they’re protected and comfortable
  

When you’ve got toddlers to entertain, Benllech Bay is up there with one of the best places to go in Anglesey.

Build sandcastles, let them splash around in the sea, explore the rockpools, and there’s popular ice-cream shops and cafes nearby for refuelling. 

And if you fancy stretching your legs, you can walk over to Red Wharf Bay too — just check the tide times, as the route cuts off once the sea comes back in.

 

19. Dingle (Nant Y Pandy) Nature Reserve

• Location: Llangefni LL77 7ED
• Parking: Easy inexpensive parking nearby, with a play area not too far
• Family Friendly: Buggy-friendly paths, flat walking, good for younger kids and dogs
• Top Tip: Keep an eye out for red squirrels as it’s one of the best places to spot them

Dingle Nature Reserve is an easy walk that's ideal for toddlers and little ones.

There’s a good flat boardwalk most of the way round, so you can manage it with a buggy if you need to, and plenty of bridges, ducks, and trees to keep younger kids happy. Then the town centre is nearby, so you head there for some lunch afterwards.

 

20. Foel Farm Park

• Location: Brynsiencyn, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll LL61 6TQ
• Parking: Free on-site parking
• Family Friendly: Small, easy to manage with toddlers and young kids. Dogs are allowed but must stay on a lead
• Top Tip: Don’t miss the chocolate shop while you are there

If your kids love animals as much as ours do, then this is a fantastic trip out. You can meet and feed the animals, take a tractor ride, and there’s a big sandpit and jumping pillow. 

Everywhere is easy to walk around, but as you are around animals and potentially muddy fields, you’ll want to either have your wellies or proper boots on. You might also want to bring a spare fleece or hoodie, in case everyone ends up with animal fur all over them! 

For Primary Age Kids

Primary-aged kids are at the perfect age to explore all the best bits of the island. If you’re wondering what to see in Anglesey that’ll keep them happy and active, these ideas are a great place to start.

 

21. Pili Palas Nature World

 

• Location: Ffordd Penmynydd, Menai Bridge LL59 5RP
• Parking: Free on-site
• Family Friendly: Good mix of animals, play areas, and indoor space
• Top Tip: Start with the reptiles and meerkats — they’re usually the biggest hit!

Pili Palas has plenty to keep primary-aged kids busy.

From butterflies and birds to meerkats, reptiles, and farm animals, it feels like there’s something to spot around every corner. There's also a big indoor soft play area for burning off any extra energy if the weather turns.

 

22. Anglesey Riding Centre

• Location: Tal-y-foel, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll LL61 6LQ
• Parking: Free on-site
• Family Friendly: Rides and lessons available from age 4+
• Top Tip: Bring gloves or warm layers, as the wind coming off the water can catch you out
  

Set right by the Menai Strait, this is a great one for kids who want to try horse riding in a proper setup. It’s well organised, welcoming to beginners, and the views on the longer rides are genuinely stunning.

There’s a mix of short treks, lead rein rides, and full lessons, plus indoor and outdoor arenas depending on the weather. We’d recommend getting in touch with them first to see their availability and what will work best for you and your family.

23. Melin Llynon & Mônuts

• Location: Llynon Mill, Llanddeusant, Holyhead LL65 4AB
• Parking: Free on-site
• Family Friendly: Small, relaxed, and easy to walk around
• Top Tip: The mill tours are short and sweet, so you won’t need more than an hour unless you stop for food
  

Melin Llynon is the last working windmill in Wales and makes a good low-key stop if you're in the area. You can walk around the mill, see how it works, and then head over to the on-site café for handmade Mônuts.

We usually time it for a post-lunch visit, as it’s quiet, easy to manage with younger kids, and those doughnuts are definitely worth the detour!

The dryrobe Kids Advance Long Sleeve Changing Robe keeps kids warm and dry during their favourite outdoor activities in Anglesey.

 

For Teens & Older Kids 

Older kids and teens will find loads to love about Anglesey, whether they’re up for climbing, kayaking, coasteering, or just chasing the best views. Here are some ideas to keep them busy.

24. Anglesey Adventures 

• Location: Porthdafarch Road, Holyhead LL65 2LP
• Parking: On-site parking at the activity centre
• Family Friendly: Activities from age 8+ (6+ for tandem kayaking with an adult)
• Top Tip: Wetsuits are provided, but bring your own board shorts, rash vest, and trainers for coasteering. We’ve got a kids swimwear and beachwear collection with plenty of options for this kind of thing
  

If you’ve got older children or teens who are up for a challenge, Anglesey Adventures is one to check out.

From coasteering and climbing to kayaking along the rugged coastline, the team here run expert sessions that are equal parts adrenaline and good laughs. It’s a fantastic way for kids (and parents!) to try something a bit different on holiday.

25. South Stack Lighthouse 

• Location: South Stack, Holyhead LL65 1YH
• Parking: Pay and display car park near the top, with a short walk to the visitor centre
• Family Friendly: Best for older kids — there are 400+ steps and exposed paths
• Top Tip: It’s windy up there, so a fleece or light waterproof is a good call even on sunny days
  

This one’s a bit of a climb, but the views are worth it. You descend the cliffside on a long stone staircase, cross a bridge high above the sea, and reach the lighthouse perched right on the rocks.

Probably not ideal for toddlers (unless you’re comfortable carrying them), but teens will love the drama of it, especially if the waves are crashing below.

 

26. RibRides Boat Tours

• Location: Menai Bridge, LL59 5DE
• Parking: Public parking nearby, short walk to the departure point
• Family Friendly: Minimum age is 4, but the speed and spray are best suited to older kids
• Top Tip: They’ll provide lifejackets so just bring warm layers and something windproof
  

RibRides take you on a high-speed boat around the Menai Strait, skimming past castles, bridges, and wildlife at full tilt.

Teens tend to love the speed and scenery. You will get splashed (although they try not to get you too wet), so dress for the water and hold on tight!

 

Ready for Your Next Anglesey Adventure?

We hope this guide has given you a few new ideas to add to your list. And if you have a favourite spot we should add next time, we’d love to hear about it!

If you need to kit yourself out with beach clothing, hiking layers, or even a few extras for the campsite, we’ve got plenty of fantastic options from brands like Regatta and Craghoppers to help you get sorted. Check out our full collections or drop us a message below if you’d like some recommendations. 

 

About the Author

Tom, proud resident of Chapel-en-le-Frith (aka the ‘Capital of the High Peak,’ as he loves to remind everyone), is a dad of two who spends his weekends ferrying the kids between football and dance class, occasionally sneaking in a peaceful walk around Fernilee Reservoir. When the family escapes to their coastal hideaway in Anglesey, he trades in the football boots for paddleboards and fishing rods, though his true passion lies in building the ultimate sandcastle. On the Avenue 85 blog, Tom shares his outdoor tips (and the occasional dad joke) with a down-to-earth approach that’ll make you feel like part of the family.