Beaumaris

Medieval walls still ring this seaside town, where Edward I's last great castle sits like a stone sentinel watching over the Menai Strait. Beaumaris feels properly Welsh - a place where castle tourism mingles with local life, and the Victorian pier stretches into waters that separate Anglesey from the mainland.

The castle itself dominates everything. Built in the 1290s but never quite finished, it's arguably the most technically perfect example of medieval military architecture in Britain. Walk the walls for cracking views across to Snowdonia's peaks. Just down from the fortress, the National School 1816 offers a glimpse into Victorian education - all wooden desks and stern discipline.

Beyond the medieval attractions, Anglesey's countryside opens up beautifully. Penrhyn Castle and its railway museum make for a proper day out, while Llyn Celanedd nature reserve provides peaceful walking through wetlands and woodland. The Dell and Pheasant's Chase offer more forest trails if you fancy a ramble.

Getting here means crossing the Menai bridges - dramatic enough approaches in themselves. The A55 brings you straight onto the island, with Beaumaris well signposted from the main route. Bangor, just across the strait, has the nearest major rail connections.

Staying at one of the local holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring both Beaumaris and wider Anglesey. You're well placed for the island's beaches, coastal walks, and that slower pace of life that makes Welsh holidays so restorative. Plus, having your own base means you can return to the castle at different times of day, when the crowds thin out and the light changes.