The best running trails around Beaumaris

The unfinished castle at Beaumaris is such an interesting place to visit

Beautiful views with stones and sandy beaches. Well worth a stop to soak it all up.

This tranquil location on the eastern tip of Anglesey has remains spanning over 1,000 years. It was the site of a monastery dating back to the time of St. Seiriol, who is believed to have lived in about the 6th century. A holy well which survives may have its origins in this period. In the early 13th century the Celtic community was reorganized under the Augustinian Rule, and at this time the priory church was enlarged. This now serves as the parish church. The monastery at Penmon is reputed to have been founded by St Seiriol, a 6th-century holyman and friend of St Cybi. The monastery prospered and in the 10th century fine crosses were set up at its gates, but the Viking raids have destroyed all other evidence of this date. During the 12th century, revival under Gruffydd ap Cynan and Owain Gwynedd the abbey church was rebuilt, and it remains the finest and most complete example of a church of this period in Gwynedd. In the 13th century the Celtic monasteries were persuaded by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth to adopt a more regular rule, and Penmon eventually became an Augustinian priory with quite substantial conventual buildings. The priory survived the Edwardian conquest and expanded slightly, but was dissolved in 1538. The buildings passed into the hands of the Bulkeleys of Beaumaris, who enclosed much of the land as a deep park and built a fine dovecote. They also converted the prior's lodging into a rather attractive house. Throughout this time the priory church remained in use, as it does today

One of the most popular beaches in Anglesey – but perhaps not for the same reasons as the others. Penmon Point Beach is an incredible part of the Anglesey coast. From the beach, you have great views of the nearby Puffin Island and the Trwyn Du Lighthouse. Trwyn Du Lighthouse also known as Penmon Lighthouse, was built in 1838 to mark the north entrance to the Menai Strait. The water is choppy, so swimming isn’t recommended. However, the currents make it a great fishing area and wildlife lovers will appreciate the abundance of wildlife around the beach. There is a toll of about £2.50 if you drive on to the Point. Free for cyclists and facilities include a café & toilets. Dogs are allowed throughout the year and there is no lifeguard service available for this beach.

The eastern tip of Anglesey, looking across to Puffin Island. The car park surface is pretty rough.

The pier was designed by Frederick Foster and opened in 1846. It was originally constructed of timber piles and iron girders but was rebuilt in 1872 following storm damage. In 1895 further work extended the pier to 570 feet. A pavilion was erected in the late 19th century and the pier was used by steamships for many years. After World War II some structural damage occurred and with the decline of passenger services to Liverpool it was decided to demolish the unsafe T-head structure. Beaumaris Town Council restored the pier in the 1960s at a cost of £15,000 and in 1974 it became the property of the Isle of Anglesey Parish Council. The landward end is in stone and includes a gift kiosk. At the seaward end there is seating, a shelter and fishing facilities. Visitors can take a ferry to Puffin Island, cruise down the Menai Strait or try deep sea fishing from three multi-purpose fishing/pleasure cruise boats that operate from the pier. Over the past few decades, the pier has been renovated and maintained many times and is now in good condition.

The pier is a great place to linger and offers a great view of the bay. When we were there, many people successfully fished crabs out of the sea.

The Tudor Rose is the oldest townhouse in Beaumaris and one of the oldest houses in England. It was built in 1400. Unfortunately, it is currently not open to visitors.