Come and catch crabs at Beaumaris! (Beaumaris)

Member Name: markos9

Product:	Beaumaris
Date:	08/04/09 (126 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gorgeous setting, plenty to see and do.

Disadvantages: None.

Beaumaris is an historic seaside town on the island of Anglesey. The town is compact, pretty, and has a lot to see and do for a family day out.

Despite being a seaside town, it's not a tacky resort. There's no arcades or stalls selling tat. Instead, there's a small beach, a lovely Victorian pier, a castle, some nice pubs shops and restaurants, and a gaol to put the kids in if they're naughty (that's not true actually, the gaol won't take kids in; I asked).

Beaumaris is a lovely little town. The streets are small and narrow, and the architecture is a dazzling mix of Medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian. This may sound messy, but it isn't, it works. It gives the place a calm, friendly, peaceful air. Even on a busy summer's day, Beaumaris always appears relaxing; it's my kind of place.

As well as the town to look at, there are, of course, stunning views across the Menai Straits, with the high peaks of Snowdonia dominating the skyline. To the North, there's the small humped shape of Puffin Island. If you pick a nice day, you'll be in for a lovely time.

Beaumaris is justifiably famous for its castle. Built by Edward I as part of his 'iron ring' to keep the Welsh in line, it has an ingenious, symmetrical, 'walls within walls' design. The castle also has a link to the sea, the idea being that the defenders could be resupplied by ship if needed.

If you like castles, this is well worth visiting. There's a small charge for entry, of course (a family ticket costs just £10.70). Inside the castle, there's lots for the kids to explore, whilst the adults reflect on the deadly nature of the castle defences with its arrow slits and 'murder holes' arranged to pour death down on any attackers.

The walls of the castle have passage ways running through them. These are narrow and dark (and can be slippery), and the stairs to the tower tops need care to negotiate. Once you're at the top, however, you'll feel 'king of the castle'. The views from the top across the town and beyond are stunning.

Back at ground level, there's a large grassy area in the centre of the castle, ideal for picnics or just a rest (if you've travelled the entire route through the castle walls, you WILL be tired!).

The pier at Beaumaris is worth a look. It's not massive, but the clever Victorian ironwork is impressive nonetheless (why is it that the Victorians could make anything they built look attractive? We seem to have lost that skill now). It stretches out towards the mainland and at the end has sheltered benches to sit on and enjoy the view.

The best bit about the pier is crab fishing! You can buy a simple crab fishing rig from the little shop at the end of the pier; this consists of a line, weight, and smelly bait. The idea is to lower the bait to the bottom and wait until a crab attaches itself to the bait. The trick is to raise the crab quickly but smoothly so that it does not let go until you've got it onto the pier. Hours of fun for the kids with the adults 'supervising'!

The best part of my family's visits to Beaumaris are, however, the boat trips around Puffin Island. There are two boat companies; they offer sea fishing trips, and a trip up the Menai Straits, but my family and I always take the 1 hour tour around Puffin Island (cost £5.00).

This guided tour takes you around the island, with the guide giving a talk about the history of the island as well as pointing out the wildlife that's all around. There's a grey seal colony on the island and you'll get the chance to get close to some of these impressive creatures. A big bull can be over six foot long and weigh over 600lb (it is in fact, Britain's largest mammal).

If you visit in early summer, you'll see that Puffin Island is alive with breeding sea birds. Kittiwakes, razorbills, guillemots, shags (the bird!), and, of course, puffins all breed here. The boat gets close to their cliff colonies and the birds should be fishing in the sea in front of you. The noise and activity is impressive and well worth visiting Beaumaris for this alone.

I've had quite a few happy days at Beaumaris over the years. On a nice sunny summer's day, there's few better places in the area to take the family. We always return home tired but happy with some lovely memories.

If you prefer the quieter sort of seaside town, I can highly recommend a trip to Beaumaris.

Summary: A lovely way to spend a summer's day.