 Menai Bridge, Anglesey
Walk from the shopping centre along narrow side-streets, following the shoreline under the world’s first large iron suspension bridge towards Church Island for views – over the whirlpools of the Menai Strait – to Robert Stephenson’s rail bridge.
Return along a woodland path that leads to a former schoolroom, where a heritage display (open seasonally) tells the story of the two bridges.
Menai Bridge’s two impressive bridges provide Anglesey’s physical links with the mainland. Telford’s Menai Suspension Bridge opened in 1826. The Suspension Bridge is an International Civil Engineering Landmark, designed by the Scottish engineer Thomas Telford (1757-1834).
The world’s first iron suspension bridge, it is 1,265ft/305m long with a central span of 579ft/177m with its roadway set 98ft/30m above the water to allow tall ships to sail beneath. The Britannia Bridge (Port Brittania) opened in 1850 and is a magnificent prototype of box-girder design by William Fairbairn and Robert Stephenson. The link between London and Holyhead, the port for Dublin, was thus completed: the first vehicle to go across – 100ft above the waterline – was the London to Holyhead mail coach, whilst tall ships made their passage beneath.
Originally built to carry rail traffic, this bridge was converted to a double-decked structure following a catastrophic fire in 1970. It now carries both rail and road traffic.
 A short walk from Menai Bridge town centre brings the visitor to the base of the Menai Suspension Bridge from where the true scale of this remarkable structure is best appreciated.
The Belgian Promenade (built by Flemish refugees from the Great War between 1914-1916) leads south west reaching a causeway that links Church Island and the ancient Church of St Tysilio to the shore.
A short walk around the church cemetery affords wonderful views of the Menai Strait, both bridges and Ynys Gorad Goch Island - whose residents once made a living from the fish caught at the traps built there.
Close up views of the Britannia Bridge can be had from the car park of the picturesque St Mary’s Church. There is also a monument to Nelson on the shore of the Strait, a short stroll away.
Menai Bridge has a selection of interesting shops including antiques, books and ironmongers as well as the Tegfryn Art Gallery and hosts two races in the annual Menai Strait Joint Regatta.
The town’s male voice choir, Cenorion Menai, welcomes visitors to rehearsals (Tuesdays 7.30-9.30pm at Capel Mawr Schoolhouse) and early March sees the Menai Bridge Urdd Children’s Eisteddford celebrating traditional Welsh culture.
For more information the Menai Bridge Town Website
Pili Palas Nature World
Pili Palas Nature World is a great day out whatever the weather – but pay us a visit, or browse this site, and you’ll soon see that it really is a jungle in here!
 Log Cabin, Sleeps 6 (3 bedrooms) Grading: 3*
A delightful log cabin situated within a small development on the outskirts of Menai Bridge. This property is nestled within the Anglesey countryside and is in an ideal location for touring the island. The comfortable accommodation has a spacious sitting room which has a log burning stove- ideal for winter breaks. Perfect for young families and plenty of space for them to play safely.
 House on an Island, Sleeps 12 (7 bedrooms) Grading: 3* in 5* location
If you are looking for “the most amazing location”, this is the place to stay- your very own island set in the Menai Strait. Ynys Castell offers spacious accommodation for larger groups. Set in landscaped gardens, it is a very private location with its own causeway access. This older style property has the most fantastic views out over the Strait and to Snowdonia, at any time of the year, it is the perfect place to stay and unwind. Think Enid Blyton, think Swallows and Amazons and this will give you an idea of this unique location.
 Viewpoint (sleeps 5), A charming cottage style residence with outstanding views out to Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. The well appointed accommodation together with it's location makes it ideal for touring this part of North Wales.
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