Tai Cochion and Trefarthen Roman Settlement

Two Roman settlements sit quietly in the Anglesey countryside, largely forgotten by guidebooks but fascinating for anyone keen on ancient history. Tai Cochion and Trefarthen represent some of the most northwesterly Roman occupation in Britain - you're looking at the remains of military outposts that once guarded this strategic corner of the empire.

The sites themselves are pretty understated. Don't expect towering walls or reconstructed buildings. What you'll find are earthwork remains, foundation outlines, and grassy mounds that mark where Roman soldiers once lived and worked. It takes a bit of imagination to picture the settlements in their heyday, but that's half the appeal for history enthusiasts.

Walking between the two sites gives you a proper sense of how the Romans positioned themselves to monitor the Menai Strait. The views across to Snowdonia are cracking - though whether the legionaries appreciated the scenery while on watch duty is another matter entirely.

Families with younger children might find it all a bit abstract unless the kids are already fascinated by Roman Britain. But for anyone staying at nearby parks like Glan Gwna or Plas Coch, it's well worth the short detour from Llanfairpwllgwyngyll. Allow an hour or so for both sites, and bring decent walking shoes - the ground can be uneven and muddy after rain.