APPRECIATING THE UK: A PHOTO DIARY OF ANGLESEY | QUEENBEADY

I’ve come to love the UK. After years of travelling abroad with my husband and through my job in the travel industry, it seems that the UK has ignited a passion in my soul that I didn’t think possible. With various trips through this blog on home turf it’s given me a new love for our beautiful country. Luckily, over the course of the last few years we have travelled up and down the country with my husband’s racing, with one of our stops being in Anglesey for the last couple of years. A small island of 276 square meters, it is joined with Wales from two suspension bridges, the Menai and the Britannia. It’s a place I hadn’t even thought of travelling to Anglesey, but from watching Sophie bob across with her husband to see their family from time to time, I was glad it had become a firm fixture in the race calendar.

From looking at the photos you’d be mistaken if you thought it was a recent trip. It was in fact mid August that we travelled to Anglesey. And yet, this weather was ten times better than the previous year, so we were actually quite lucky! The Lighthouse Clothing jacket did come in useful though!

It is such a picturesque place to drive to, especially with the sweeping beaches of Colwyn Bay, to the Menai Strait that you cross to get on to the island. And when you arrive it’s even more beautiful. rolling hills with views out to sea, it really does give a whole new meaning to “views for days” – don’t expect a Topshop or a John Lewis and don’t be expecting a McDonald’s unless you want to drive all the way across the island to the port town of Holyhead, instead you’ll be greeted with quaint, little independent shops and eateries on the island. All with that Welsh charm!

We stayed not too far from the seaside town of Beaumaris so we spent a long afternoon after the 3 and a half hour drive from Yorkshire. We had a wander along the seafront and ended up taking a seat on a bench to take in the fresh air, and eat our little packed lunch we had made (I know what you’re thinking, we were the definition of quintessentially, twee brits!)

I loved the homeliness that Beaumaris provided, with it’s pastel coloured buildings, each with it’s own unique charm. From arts and crafts shops, to a chilli shop that had every chilli you could imagine, the cute fruit and veg shops and the ethical clothing stores. There was so much on offer that even though you wouldn’t find any big brand names on the island, there was plenty others to be going at.

We sought solace in a quaint and cosy pub called the George and Dragon, we both had a pint of staropramen whilst we read about the buildings rich history! There’s something so nice about taking the weekend nice and slow. I think it brings the best out in people.

Desperate to take in the seaside charm, we ended up grabbing a mint choc chip ice cream each and taking a walk up the pier to watch all the families go crab fishing. It was so cute watching everyone enjoying themselves, especially because Beaumaris is a really traditional, little seaside town that doesn’t need the fan fare of arcades and rides! It reminded me a lot of Robin Hoods Bay.

We stayed at the Gwesty Carreg Bran Hotel not too far away, granted it wasn’t the most palatial hotel we’ve ever stayed in (it most certainly requires a revamp!) and the fake, purple velveteen throws left a lot to be desired but the newly refurbished restaurant sure did an amazing steak pie and mash for our well needed evening meal.

A late night was not on the cards and we sloped off up to bed ready for our early start at the track the next day. As much as I complain about James’ racing, it does take us to some beautiful locations around the UK which keeps me falling in love with Britain, over and over again!

Have you ever been to Anglesey? Where’s your favourite place in the UK?