Things to do in Rhosneigr
A watersports mecca with a thriving village centre
A once sleepy seaside village, Rhosneigr has been a popular holiday resort since the turn of the 20th century. Situated on the south-west coast of Anglesey, it is known throughout North Wales and beyond for its watersports scene, which is powered by its exposed position facing the Irish Sea. On any given day, you’re likely to see kitesurfers and windsurfers in the waters off Traeth Crigyll.
This area of Anglesey is also home to a wealth of local legends, mostly due to its position on the approach to Holyhead making it a busy maritime route. Historically, looters would use the rocky shoreline of Rhosneigr to their advantage, waiting until after dark and waving lanterns from the rocks to simulate the ships in Holyhead harbour. This would lure cargo vessels in, causing them to be wrecked on the rocks. With an intimate knowledge of the lay of the land up their sleeves, the wreckers would escape with their stolen goods into the night. Another maritime legend from the area is that of Welsh highwaywoman, smuggler and pirate Madame Wen, who is said to have anchored her ship nearby to smuggle goods onto the island, intending to use funds from the sales as a means to buy back land stolen from her family during the English Civil War.
17th-century pirates aside, the village is a beloved holiday hotspot flanked by the two beaches of Traeth Crigyll and Traeth Llydan. In the centre of the village, the High Street, Beach Road and Station Road are teeming with independent shops and cafes, along with a choice of surf shops and watersports equipment hire. Slightly inland from the village, Maelog Lake is a haven for flora and fauna. Some 36 hectares in size, the lake is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to many species of birds.
A hub of watersports, independent shopping and great food, Rhosneigr should be included on any Anglesey itinerary. Below, we reveal how to spend the perfect day in and around the village.
Where is Rhosneigr?
Rhosneigr is located on the southwestern coast of the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales.
It is situated on the west side of the island, overlooking the Irish Sea, and is around 13 miles from Holyhead.
Parking in Rhosneigr
There is only a limited amount of parking in Rhosneigr itself, as the on-street parking is mostly used by the properties throughout the village. However, there is a public pay and display car park at the library (LL64 5UJ) which has a toilet block but is quite small in size – get here early if you want a spot!
Yes – there is plenty of time-limited on-street parking throughout the village, but you should be aware that the streets are narrow with some one-way systems in place. If you don’t mind a short walk into the village, there are some free roadside parking spots along the A4080, opposite the Oyster Catcher Restaurant, but please remember to park considerately of others.
What does the name Rhosneigr mean?
Similar to many other places throughout Wales, the name Rhosneigr has Roman origins. Rhos means moor or heath, while Neigr is thought to refer to Yneigr, the grandson of Cunedda Wledig, an early Welsh leader and progenitor of the royal dynasty of Gwynedd, who ruled from around 450 to 460.
Morning: Surf & Sauna
Any ideal day in Rhosneigr would begin with breakfast at one of the village-centre cafes. We’re huge fans of Cafe Notos, which you can find on the high street, directly opposite Gecko Surf Shop and Janet Bell Homestore. With a lovely outdoor terrace and welcoming interior, Notos is a popular spot with beachy interiors and mouth-watering dishes. The breakfast menu ranges from healthy light bites to classic cooked breakfasts and delicious sweet treats such as Nutella French toast – it’s the perfect place to start the day!
After fuelling up with a great breakfast, the water is calling. There is a choice of beaches in and around Rhosneigr, so you can spend a couple of hours being as high-cotane or as laidback as you like. There is a choice of surf shops, being Gecko or Funsport, located respectively on the high street and at the end of Beach Road, where the village meets the shoreline. For a chance to both relax and reenergise, I’d book a morning slot at Sawna Bach at the nearby Porth Tyn Tywyn (1.7 miles, or a 4-minute drive from the centre of Rhosneigr). Sawna Bach is a wood-fired sauna nestled in the dunes of the beach, where you can soak up serene seaside views while enjoying the benefits of 60-100℃ heat – maybe you’ll even accompany your sauna session with a sea swim to tap into that hot and cold therapy.
No doubt feeling invigorated by a sauna session, I’d finish off an ideal morning with some watersports such as surfing, windsurfing or foiling, all of which you can enjoy at Rhosneigr. It will also work-up an appetite for lunch!
Afternoon: Browsing the shops
Speaking of lunch, that’s what I’d begin any afternoon with. There are several places to choose from in the village, including Mojos, which is known for its delicious crepes, galettes and sandwiches, making it the perfect lunch spot. From here, you’re ideally placed at the centre of the village to discover the different shops – make sure to spend some time browsing the beautiful homewares, gifts and artworks on offer at Janet Bell, which is just across the street from Mojo’s.
If you fancy more of a walk after your lunch, follow the A4080 (Fford Maelog) out of the village to the car park at Pont Tywyn-y-llyn Bridge. From here, you can take a scenic 3.6km flat, circular walk around Llyn Maelog and along the shore of Traeth Llydan beach.
Early evening: Dinner at The Oyster Catcher
A highlight of any Rhosneigr holiday is dining at The Oyster Catcher. Rising from the dunes that roll onto Traeth Llydan, the restaurant is an Anglesey icon with a sprawling sun terrace, outdoor bar and an additional takeaway food service for those sweltering summer days. Fair warning – the stunning setting and exceptional service here make it a popular spot throughout the summer months and so you should book ahead to avoid missing out.
Famed for its fish and chips with feather-light batter, sensational seafood, and a sticky toffee pudding that has any dessert devotee returning regularly, the menu here is varied, considerate, and proudly celebrates Welsh produce. There’s even a menu for dogs which says all options are ‘served in a doggy bowl with fresh water and a pet if required…’ – a pure delight for those on a dog-friendly holiday to Anglesey.
Book your Rhosneigr holiday cottage
Oyster Holiday Cottages is proud to offer a range of holiday cottages in Rhosneigr, Anglesey. From beachfront bungalows at the heart of the action to sprawling, contemporary spaces with large outdoor areas, we’ve got the perfect accommodation for you.
