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Wales Online
03-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
The colourful Welsh seaside town with a perfect castle that was never finished
The colourful Welsh seaside town with a perfect castle that was never finished This captivating seaside town has a blend of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture alongside the 'greatest castle never built.' Beautiful Beaumaris was an ancient borough, awarded its first charter in 1296. (Image: Portia Jones ) Perched along the treacherous Menai Strait, colourful Beaumaris is the historic hub of Anglesey. This captivating seaside town has a blend of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture alongside the 'greatest castle never built.' Beautiful Beaumaris was an ancient borough, awarded its first charter in 1296. Wander around, and you'll spot plenty of reminders of its past, from the impressive 13th-century castle to a courthouse that's been standing since 1614. Don't miss the Beaumaris Gaol or the Tudor Rose, a 14th-century timber-framed beauty and one of the oldest of its kind in Britain. And if you fancy a pint with a side of history, the Bulls Head Inn, built in 1472, is where General Thomas Mytton set up camp during the 1648 Siege of Beaumaris in the second English Civil War. While the town is packed with stories, there's still plenty to do here on an Anglesey holiday. Go crab fishing off the pier, take a wildlife-watching boat trip or hike along the blustery shoreline. Here's how to make the most of a trip to Beaumaris Explore the castle An aerial shot of the ancient Beaumaris castle (Image: iStock / Getty Images Plus ) Beaumaris Castle is a reminder of the ambition of English royalty seeking to subdue Wales. This commanding fortress, famous as "the greatest castle never built," was to be the crowning glory of King Edward's "Iron Ring" of mighty fortresses at Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris, and Harlech. Article continues below Ruthless Edward I launched two military campaigns in Wales, in 1277 and 1282-83, aimed at defeating the Welsh princes and establishing English authority, and massive castles were a key part of the military plan. 'Beau Mareys,' meaning 'beautiful marsh,' located beside the Menai Strait, proved to be the perfect setting for a grand-scale fortress with near-perfect symmetry. Its defences were nothing short of formidable; four concentric rings encircled the stronghold, including a water-filled moat complete with its own dock, blending strength and strategic elegance. According to Cadw, a lack of money (show-off castles are quite pricey) and brewing trouble in Scotland meant that building work on the grand castle had petered out by the 1320s. The south gatehouse and the six great towers in the inner ward never reached their intended height. The Llanfaes gate was barely started before being abandoned. Today, this incomplete castle serves as a poignant reminder of Wales' tumultuous past, marked by bloody battles and Celtic defiance, all encapsulated within its imposing stone walls. Cadw now manages the site, and you can visit for just £33.60 for a family ticket. Perched along the treacherous Menai Strait, colourful Beaumaris is the historic hub of Anglesey. (Image: Portia Jones ) Go crabbing on Beaumaris Pier Nothing says 'family holiday in Wales' like crabbing off a historic pier while the wind whips around you. Beaumaris Pier was originally opened in 1846 and rebuilt in 1872, and is a favourite spot for crabbing with the kids. You can buy all your gear from the small pier Kiosk or the RNLI Lifeboat Station shop. Both locations offer crabbing nets, bait, and buckets to get you going. After crabbing, settle in on the green with fish and chips and watch out for greedy seagulls. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Go on a wildlife-watching boat trip You can spot seals along the rocky shoreline (Image: Portia Jones ) Seacoast Safaris depart from Beaumaris Pier and offer nature and sightseeing cruises to Puffin Island (or Ynys Seiriol in Welsh). This protected island is a bird sanctuary and a nesting site for many species of breeding seabirds, as well as home to a resident colony of Atlantic grey seals. Want a longer trip? Book an all-day Rib Ride boat trip and explore the entire coastline of Anglesey. With its spectacular 100-mile coastline, there's no better way to uncover its dramatic beauty than on a high-speed RIB ride, skimming past rugged headlands, remote beaches, and eerie sea caves. One of the most exhilarating parts of the trip is bouncing over the Menai Strait's most notorious stretch of water—the Swellies. As you pass Telford's magnificent Menai suspension bridge, you'll be entering a treacherous body of water with rapid tidal flows and a history of shipwrecks. You'll spot plenty of wildlife on a boat trip (Image: Portia Jones ) The tide here is wild, rushing in from both ends and colliding with full force over a seabed dotted with hidden rocks. The remains of shipwrecks are a stark reminder that not everyone has made it through unscathed. As you thread your way between whirlpools and racing currents, your trusty skipper will explain how, centuries ago, tall ships had to navigate this treacherous channel with nothing but sails and oars, hoping the tide wouldn't drag them onto the rocks. You'll also explore the wizz past other coastal landmarks like South Stack Lighthouse and Ynys Llanddwyn while spotting resident seals, dolphins, and seabirds. Hike to Penmon Point Beach One of the most popular beaches in Anglesey, Penmon Point Beach, is a craggy and historic part of the Anglesey coast. (Image: Portia Jones ) One of the most popular beaches in Anglesey, Penmon Point Beach, is a craggy and historic part of the Anglesey coast. From the beach, you have epic views of the nearby Puffin Island and the Trwyn Du Lighthouse, also known as Penmon Lighthouse, which was built in 1838 to mark the north entrance to the Menai Strait. One of the best ways to explore this area is to hike to Penmon on a circular trail. The All Trails app has a 7-mile loop trail near Beaumaris that you can follow. This is a beautiful and varied trail that takes in sweeping coastal views and historic sites as you make your way past the Church of St Cawrdaf, on the road to Trwyn Dy Lighthouse, along the coast to Castell Aberlleiniog, and back to the start past Llangoed. Eat at Bull's Head Inn The Grade II-listed Bull's Head Inn was named the best pub in Wales in 2024 (Image: David Powell ) The Grade II-listed Bull's Head Inn was named the best pub in Wales in 2024 and is renowned for its real ales and live music. Located at the heart of town on Castle Street, it dates back to the 15th century and retains all the character and charm it has acquired over the last 550 years. Its listed bar is decorated with an array of memorabilia, including antique weaponry and, reputedly, the town's original ducking stool. You can stop by for food – including breakfast, light bites, and dinner- or spend the night in its array of rooms. Their delicious, homemade food is freshly cooked to order, and the seasonal menu features pub classics. Typical dishes include a lamb burger, traditional fish and chips, and pan-fried chicken supreme. Stay at Castle Court Hotel This Free house pub with rooms is located in the centre of historic Beaumaris with commanding views of the Menai Straits and Beaumaris Castle. Article continues below Each room features a TV with satellite channels, a view, and tea and coffee-making facilities. They also have an en-suite bathroom with free toiletries and a shower. Book here
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Hidden gem' Coulsdon pub welcomes guests with new food and cocktails
A Coulsdon pub has unveiled a new menu to help locals celebrate spring in style. The Tudor Rose, on Coulsdon Road, is offering an inviting space for every occasion, from leisurely lunches with friends to lavish dinners marking special milestones. The pub is nestled between Coulsdon Manor Golf Club and Surrey National Golf Club, making it the perfect location for a pre-game coffee, a lunch break, or a celebratory dinner and drinks after a win. Signature Sunday Sharing Roast headlines revamped Tudor Rose menu (Image: The Tudor Rose) Farthing Downs is also nearby, allowing guests to end a beautiful walk around the nature reserve with a refreshing beverage or bite to eat. The Tudor Rose welcomes dogs in both its beer garden and bar area, meaning furry friends can join the fun too. The pub provides plenty of social activities, hosting a quiz every fortnight on a Tuesday and regularly welcoming local artists for live music. The pub's well-loved Ibiza Classics music night is also coming up in summer. Dogs welcome as Tudor Rose blends fresh food with relaxed atmosphere (Image: The Tudor Rose) The new menu offers a range of crisp, nourishing salads, tantalising vegan delights, and sumptuous sharing boards, alongside elevated pub classics such as freshly battered line-caught cod and chips and a tender 30-day-aged 10oz rib-eye steak. The new Signature Sunday Sharing Roast is a decadent sharing experience for two, showcasing the finest cuts of meat and all the traditional, delicious trimmings for an indulgent Sunday treat. From vegan dishes to rib-eye steak, Tudor Rose's new menu has it all (Image: The Tudor Rose) A revamped drinks menu also features new additions to the pub's already extensive champagne and wine list, as well as sweet and zesty cocktails perfect for summer evenings and a whole range of 'mocktails'. Jamie Finn, general manager at The Tudor Rose, said: "The Tudor Rose is a true hidden gem here in Coulsdon – and it's easy to see why. "With some beautiful local walking trails, golf clubs on our doorstep and a stunning outdoor seating area, we're the ideal spot to soak up the sun this summer. "On behalf of the whole team here at The Tudor Rose, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to both familiar faces and new guests and we look forward to making your next occasion, no matter how big or small, a truly premium experience."
