Menai Bridge Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Menai Bridge Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Menai Bridge punches well above its weight for sightseeing opportunities. The town's namesake suspension bridge is worth exploring up close - walk across for fantastic views of the strait and get some great photos of this engineering marvel.

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens (LL59 5NH, open 12-5pm Wed-Sun, April-October) scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. I love wandering through the restored walled garden, woodland walks and valley garden. The tearoom serves excellent homemade cakes too.

Just 3 miles away, Beaumaris Castle (LL58 8AP) is one of Wales' most impressive castles despite never being completed. It gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The symmetrical design with concentric walls makes it a photographer's dream.

For something different, Anglesey Sea Zoo (LL61 6TQ) showcases marine life found around the Welsh coast. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor and the conservation work they do is brilliant. Kids love the interactive rockpool experiences.

Pet Friendly

Many Menai Bridge cottages welcome dogs and the area is perfect for four-legged visitors. The Anglesey Coastal Path offers miles of walking routes where dogs can run free on sections of the path and many beaches.

The Liverpool Arms pub (LL59 5DN) welcomes dogs in their bar area and even offers water bowls and treats. We've found their Sunday roasts are excellent after a long morning walk.

Beaumaris Castle allows dogs on leads throughout the grounds and castle, making it a great rainy day option. The town's promenade is also ideal for a gentle stroll with your dog.

If you're bringing a dog to Menai Bridge, pack a towel specifically for drying them after walks - the Welsh weather can be unpredictable! The hot tub at your cottage will feel even better after a day exploring with your dog.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Menai Bridge

1. Church Island and St Tysilio's Church - This tiny tidal island connected by a causeway houses a 15th-century church and ancient yew trees. It's incredibly peaceful and offers stunning views of both bridges spanning the strait. The churchyard contains fascinating headstones including that of a sailor from Nelson's fleet.

2. Menai Bridge Heritage Museum (LL59 5DE) - This small but information-packed museum tells the story of the town and bridges. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable volunteers. "I learned more about bridge engineering in 30 minutes than I had in my lifetime," wrote one TripAdvisor reviewer. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays 11am-3pm.

3. Belgian Promenade - Built by Belgian refugees during WWI, this shoreline walk offers spectacular views of the strait. It's particularly good at sunset when the light hits Snowdonia across the water. There's a plaque explaining its history and it's a perfect spot for watching boats navigate the tricky currents.

Is Menai Bridge suitable for a winter break?

Absolutely! Winter is when a hot tub cottage really comes into its own. The town is quieter but most attractions remain open (check seasonal hours). The dramatic winter skies over the strait are spectacular and there's nothing better than warming up in your hot tub after a brisk coastal walk.

How do I get to Snowdonia from Menai Bridge?

Snowdonia National Park is just across the strait. By car, it's about 15-20 minutes to Bangor, then follow signs to Bethesda and Capel Curig. For public transport, catch the 5/5C bus to Bangor, then connect to Snowdonia services. The views as you cross the bridge are worth the journey alone.

Are there good restaurants in Menai Bridge?

Yes! For a small town, Menai Bridge has excellent dining options. Dylan's (LL59 5EY) serves fantastic seafood with strait views. The Freckled Angel offers great small plates and Sosban & The Old Butchers held a Michelin star until its closure (reopening under new management soon). Book ahead, especially in summer.

Which beaches are closest to Menai Bridge?

Red Wharf Bay is about 15 minutes' drive and offers a huge sandy beach at low tide. Benllech (20 minutes) has Blue Flag status with facilities and golden sand. For something quieter, try Church Bay on Anglesey's west coast (30 minutes) which has a lovely seafood café above the beach.

Can I see puffins near Menai Bridge?

Yes! Take a boat trip to Puffin Island from nearby Beaumaris (April-July is best). Seacoast Safaris (LL58 8BS) run excellent trips where you'll also spot seals and sometimes dolphins. Visitors report seeing hundreds of puffins during breeding season.

Is there anywhere to buy local produce?

Menai Bridge Farmers' Market happens on the third Saturday monthly (9:30am-1:30pm). The Menai Seafood Company sells fresh catches daily. For a wider selection, Hooton's Homegrown (LL61 6HQ) farm shop is 15 minutes away with excellent local meat, veg and their famous strawberries in summer.

1. Visit Anglesey Official Tourism Site
2. Snowdonia National Park Information
3. Halen Môn Anglesey Sea Salt Tours
4. RSPB South Stack Nature Reserve