Spotlight On: Menai Bridge

Art, architecture and inspiring landscapes in North Wales 

Menai Bridge marks the spot where the Isle of Anglesey meets the North Wales mainland. The clue is very much in the name, and it’s no secret that this quaint community takes its name from the iconic Thomas Telford Menai Suspension Bridge, which first opened in January 1826. It spans across the Menai Strait in an attractive array of limestone arches and sky-blue steelwork.  A true pioneer of engineering, Telford’s design in this small corner of North Wales went on to inform other projects around the world, including the Brooklyn Bridge. 

Structural icons aside, the community was also home to Belgian refugees during the First World War, who were so enamoured by the hospitality of the locals and the beauty of the surroundings that they constructed what is known as the Belgian Promenade, a scenic stone walkway along the Menai Strait from Ynys Tysilio to Carreg Yr Halen. Defined by the waters that separate the island from the mainland, Menai Bridge has a rich maritime history. The strait is a treacherous swathe of water, once frequented by fully-rigged sailing ships and home to ancient fishing weirs, some of which are still in use today. With a unique tidal system, the waters are home to a broad scope of flora and fauna. Both mussels and oysters are cultivated here, and the local bird life includes puffins, razorbills and guillemots, to name a few. 

Home to an annual food festival and a wealth of shops, pubs and restaurants, the community strikes a great balance between bustling and peaceful. Must-visit shops include & Caws, a cheesemonger and deli on every local’s most-loved list and Hawthorn Yard – a treasure trove of antiques, collectables and flowers. You’re also conveniently positioned for visiting various hotspots across the island, including Newborough Beach, South Stack Lighthouse, Penmon Point and even mainland attractions such as Snowdonia National Park. Below, we’re taking a look at how to spend a dream day in the area, with local tips and insights.    

The Isle of Anglesey’s Menai Bridge is worthy of a weekend or short break thanks to being within easy proximity of shops, bars, restaurants and other things to do, including boat tours and beautiful beaches. Book your stay at one of our Menai Bridge cottages. 

Important info: Where to park for visiting Menai Bridge 

Menai Bridge is well-equipped with several pay and display car parks, making it easy to visit the town centre and shop, drink and dine to your heart’s content. Head for one of the below: 

• Maes Parcio Llys Menai (LL59 5QW) – A convenient short-stay carpark (up to 2 hours) with 19 bays and 1 disabled bay. Perfect if you just want to nip into the town for shopping or a quick walk along the strait. £1.50 for up to 2 hours. 
• Maes Parcio Waun (LL59 5EF) – The largest car park in the town, with 88 spaces and 5 disabled bays. Great for long stays, with up to 12 hours costing £4. 
• Bulkeley Car Park (LL59 5DF) –  Another long-stay car park, located slightly closer to the centre of town. 55 spaces and 3 disabled bays, based between the Bangor University School of Ocean Sciences and the High Street. 
• Wood Street (LL59 5AS) – Long stay car park with convenient access to everything in the town. 18 bays and 1 disabled bay. 

Is there any free parking in Menai Bridge? 

Only Blue Badge holders are entitled to free parking in Menai Bridge, with free street parking available on Water Street and Mona Road for those displaying a UK Blue Badge. You can park for 60 minutes slightly outside of the town centre on Fford Cynan and some areas of St George’s Road, but these spots are quickly snapped up and in residential areas.  

What does the name Menai Bridge mean? 

The town gets its name from the stunning Thomas Telford structure, which spans the width of the Menai Strait, the Menai Suspension Bridge. The original name for the town was Porthaethwy, and this is still the name by which the town is known in Welsh. The name Porthaethwy derives from the Welsh ‘porth’ meaning ‘port’ and ‘dindaethwy,’ which was the name of a local tribe. Ultimately translating to ‘the port of the tribe of Dindaethwy’. 

You might also have heard of ‘Operation Menai Bridge,’ as the codename for plans following the death of King Charles III. While these plans are now reportedly named ‘Operation London Bridge’ to mirror those of his mother, the codename is perhaps a nod to the King’s longstanding service – 64 years and 44 days – as the Prince of Wales. 

Morning: Breakfast followed by a boat tour   

Any great day starts with a good breakfast. In Menai Bridge, you can either shop for delicious local produce to cook back at your holiday property or grab something made fresh at one of the cafes. Pop in at Dylan’s General Store for fresh bakes to take away, get your full English fix at Cegin Bach Ni or follow the scent of strong coffee into Plus39 – an inviting Italian cafe with a gelateria nearby too. 

Then, it’s time to experience the island from the water. Specialising in adventure boat tours, Rib Ride offer a range of different boating experiences to suit your preferences. With durations from 40 minutes to 3 hours, the RIB rides each offer a different theme – you can opt for high-octane thrills in the ‘Swellies’ or take a trip around puffin island in the hopes of spotting the rare bird life. Each led by an experienced professional, the tours are a fantastic way to discover more about the island’s history, architecture and wildlife   

Afternoon: A late lunch at Dylans & a waterside walk     

When you return to the Rib Ride HQ, you’ll be conveniently located (quite literally next door) to one of Anglesey’s most popular restaurants, Dylan’s. A fantastic spot for lunch or dinner, this nautical-themed restaurant boasts glorious views over the water and a menu to match. As well as local seafood dishes, there are also burgers made using home-grown beef, wood-fired pizzas with bubbled black crusts and much more. You have to experience at least one meal at Dylan’s during your trip, so it might as well be post-boat adventure.  

If you’re celebrating something extra special or want to elevate your afternoon, venture to the nearby Chateau Rhianfa hotel for a range of dining options in seriously stately surroundings – I can personally recommend the afternoon tea! 

After lunch, this 3.5km walking route is the perfect way to experience the area and discover the Belgian Promenade mentioned above. It will give you glorious views of the mainland, Anglesey and the famous Menai Suspension Bridge, as it takes you onto the tiny and very charming Church Island in the strait. If you’re a keen walker, you could extend the route along the Anglesey Coastal Path, making it your mission to reach the newer Britannia Bridge and spot one of the stone lions which once greeted rail passengers travelling to and from the island. 

Alternatively, take a walk around Anglesey’s very own secret gardens at Plas Cadnant, just a 5-minute drive from Menai Bridge centre, or a 29-minute walk if you’re feeling particularly active. Since being acquired by new owners in 1996, three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with curving walls and pool, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and river, and an upper woodland garden with stone outcrops and the remains of a 19c. Folly. A true local gem, the historic gardens are now an award-winning attraction, with a devoted ongoing restoration taking place across all 200 acres. While only assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens, dogs can enjoy on-leash walks in the parkland.  

Early evening: Foodie delights followed by a cosy pub crawl   

All that’s left to do in the evening is experience some of the island’s finest food. You can find Michelin dining by chef Stephen Steven at Sosban and the Old Butchers, but be warned that you’ll need to book well in advance thanks to the intimate dinner sittings and far-reaching renown. Dylan’s is also a great spot for dinner, as is Sage Kitchen and Freckled Angel – we mean it when we say you’re spoilt for choice. 

After a delectable dinner, you could complete a laidback, unofficial pub crawl along Bridge Street, calling in at The Victoria (known locally as The Vic), The Bridge Inn and culminating at The Anglesey Arms – just be sure to admire the Menai Suspension Bridge in all its illuminated evening glory before you call it a night. 

Book your Menai Bridge holiday cottage 

Essentially the gateway to the entire Isle of Anglesey, Menai Bridge is a great destination for a North Wales holiday. We have a range of charming cottages in the town itself and the wider area, from the showstopping Hiraethog on the banks of the strait to the more rural Murmur y Coed. The beauty of booking with Oyster is that you’ll enjoy a carefully curated menu of concierge services, including fridge-filling, childcare and lots more.