Royal Oak Cottage, Anglesey

Anglesey, known locally as Ynys M´n, Mother of Wales, remains a true island with a unique identity. It is set apart from Mainland Wales and the Snowdonia Range by the Menai Straits. The 60,000 people resident on the island, many of whom feel it time wasted if they have to cross to the Mainland, keep a warm welcome for all visitors; Emmets and Grockles do not exist in either of our languages, Welsh or English. Two wonderful bridges connect the mainland to the Island, the Menai, built by Thomas Telford and the Britannia built by Robert Stephenson; both are of World Heritage status.

The coast of Anglesey is rich in beauty and heritage. The many small harbours and coves with sandy beaches and rock pools are perfect for families with children to spend long summer days where dolphin and porpoise play. To walk the complete Coastal Path that rings the Island provides a challenge to the serious walker, but the less energetic can join it and leave it wherever and whenever their fancy takes them. The many reserves and bird sanctuaries on the Island, including the forest at Newborough, given by nature and protected by the Forestry Commission and the RSPB are perfect for peaceful rambles. However, the 200 foot high South Stack Cliffs with the 19th Century lighthouse and suspension bridge are actually breathtaking, with over 400 winding steps to negotiate. For those who do not think that golf spoils a good walk, The Islands four eighteen-hole and five challenging nine-hole courses, offer opportunity for golfers at every level of handicap.

Man made attractions add to the choice of things to do during the day. Many early Christian Churches, and standing stones relict of the Druid culture, remind visitors that, Wales was before England ever was. Two of the greatest of all medieval castles lie just across the Straits at Conway and Caernarfon and Anglesey has its own spectacular moated castle at Beaumaris. Pili Palace butterfly farm and the Sea Zoo are attractions ideal for parents and children.

Several small companies operating from the Island harbours offer boat trips for such diverse activities as whale watching, bird watching, wreck dives and sea fishing. Irish and Stena Line Ferries, sailing from Holyhead cater for day trips to Dublin.

An easy forty-minute car journey, from either bridge, takes you to Llanberis in the heart of Snowdonia where the funicular mountain railway can take you to the 3,560 feet summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales.

When the days adventure is run, the Island has many fine pubs and restaurants many of which specialise in cooking Welsh produce from land and sea.