Bridge over troubled water
The Menai Straits is a narrow strip of water, no more than 1,100m in width, which separates Anglesey from the Welsh mainland. Animals intended for market used to be persuaded to swim across to Wales but the waters were dangerous due to fast currents. Nowadays you can travel with ease along the elegant Menai Suspension Bridge designed by Thomas Telford, and completed in 1826. At just over 400m, the bridge runs across the shortest distance between the mainland and Anglesey and was the first fixed point between the two.
Fresh sea and country air
Follow the course of the straits, just under four miles along the Anglesey coast, and you'll arrive at Plas Coch, an excellent place from which to explore the area on water, whether taking a serene trip to Puffin Island or a day-long excursion all round the island, there are plenty of opportunities to see Anglesey and Wales by boat and hear great stories of the history of the region.
Plas Cadnant, less than a mile north along the straits, is where you'll find the Hidden Gardens, a 200-acre location with three gardens in one. The upper woodland garden has a 19th-century folly and stone outcrops, the walled garden has curving walls and a pool, and the valley garden is the most concealed of the gardens, here you'll discover a river and three waterfalls.
Anglesey is a walker's paradise with 12 miles of incredible coastal paths where you'll reach heights of over 4,000m. Discover sandy beaches, a secluded cove, sheer cliffs and seals cavorting among the waves. Within the island itself, you can explore mountains and marshes, glorious grassland and wonderful woodland. The island is teeming with wildlife and geological treasures.
Restaurants and cafés
The Straits Restaurant has an a la carte and fixed menu that offers a range of British and International cuisine that is popular with its patrons. Sosband & The Old Butcher's is located within an historical butcher's shop and the owners pride themselves on using fresh, locally sourced produce to create its menus. The restaurant has found favour with locals and travellers. A good place to grab a coffee, some breakfast or sandwiches, is Café Aethwy. Right next to the suspension bridge is The Bridge Inn Restaurant and Bar which has a fine selection of real ales and guest beers.
Shopping in and around Menai Bridge
In close proximity to most Menai Bridge hotels, the High Street is populated with antique shops, a butcher's, a hardware store, cafés, banks and a supermarket; sure to satisfy all of your hunger (and shopping) needs!
