Millennium Centre Cardiff

north wales

Caravan Adventures in Anglesey & Beyond

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Where: Moel-y-Don, Anglesey, Caernarfon, Beaumaris, Benllech, Holyhead, Bangor, Conwy. Wales, United Kingdom. Europe.
When: 2006 onwards.
How: Driving, Caravanning.
Highlights: Menai Bridge, Cardiff Bay, Holy Island, Millennium Centre at Cardiff, South Stack Lighthouse, Climbing Mount Snowdon, Puffins & Butterflies, Snowdon Mountain Railway, Conwy Castle, Benllech Beach Sunset, Longest Place name in Europe, Kite-flying, Welsh Folk Dance, Llyn Lladaw, Caravanning at Moel-y-Don, Cardiff Tower, The Pierhead Building.
Country counter: No.10

Frequently our base for exploring Wales was a little caravan in Moel-y-Don on the oft-windswept Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. There is something about caravanning which unlocks the childhood spirit of adventure in even the most unadventurous of people. The rudimentary nature of the facilities in our caravan unleashed a bit of the old boy Scout in me and, for some reason, a caravan - despite the cold - feels even cosier than your actual home with all its modern conveniences. Indeed, the cup of tea made with water boiled in the petite kettle tastes better; the beans on toast made in the miniature kitchen the best you've ever tasted and the jumpers you brought with you the most comfortable and warm they've ever felt. This is 'the caravan effect'. From our little caravan we'd head to the beach for a (bracing) swim, go kite flying, walk in the woods or drive to a nearby village for fish and chips. What more could one wish for on a weekend away?

 

south stack lighthouse anglesey

The wonderful South Stack lighthouse on the North west coast of Anglesey. North Wales.

 

barmouth wales

The dramatic soaring rock behind characterful housing in Barmouth. Mid Wales.

 

Stopping for a flask coffee in Newborough Forest, Anglesey. North Wales.

On the edge at South Stack, Anglesey. North Wales.

 

conwy castle wales

Conwy Castle basks in the sunshine foregrounded by a variety of rooftops and chimney stacks and encircled by a hilly green landscape. North Wales.

 

menai bridge

Anglesey's dramatic Menai Bridge crossing the Menai Straits. I love the turquoise waters in this photograph.North Wales.

 

Taking shelter at Benllech Beach. Anglesey, North Wales.

Let's go fly a kite. Newborough Beach. North Wales.

wales wildlife

A seagull relaxes on a hillside on Anglesey surrounded by flowering daisies. I love the way the daisies imitate the colours of the gull. North Wales.

 

 

mount snowdon

The dramatic peak of Lliwedd.

 

 

 

 

travel tips, links & resources

  • Outside of the main centres, Wales is almost exclusively rural and public transport limited in areas. If you want to explore the real Wales then hiring a car is the only way to go. This will also give you the opportunity of pulling over to see some of the sights which will inevitably appear by the roadside.
  • Wales is as interesting as it is varied. Seek out some its more unusual sights, including the bizarre but wonderful Portmeirion - the filming location for the iconic 1960s TV series The Prisoner.
  • Wales is renowned, even in summer, for its inclement weather. It likes to rain in Wales - a lot. Pack your weatherproof, wind proof and rainproof clothing. And don't forget the umbrella.
  • Mobile phone coverage is very patchy outside of the main centres - with data roaming even more unreliable. Plan accordingly.
  • Wales is an opportunity for adventure outdoors: climb mountain, explore the woods, walk along some of the best beaches in the Isles. Go to Cardiff - and miss the lot.
  • The Welsh heart can be found beating at its strongest in the villages and rural areas. Wales isn't the kind of place you'd visit for big city urban experiences. Keep it rural and you will leave with a more accurate sense of Wales and her people.

 

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