The first town you reach when driving to Anglesey is a picturesque, waterfront community with museums, galleries and a historically significant bridge.
Menai Bridge sits at the narrowest point of water between Anglesey and mainland Wales, next to the structure that gives the town its name. Cross over to the island on the old iron suspension bridge and make the town your first stop on a journey around Anglesey. The pretty town offers a slower pace of life and expansive views of mainland Wales.
The town formed due to its proximity to the mainland. Artifacts from as early as the Roman period and the Bronze Age have been found nearby. The town as it is today emerged in the 16th century, with the increased need for ferrying across the water. Shipping continues to be important here. Explore the harbour to see if the Prince Madog, a science research vessel run by Bangor University’s School of Ocean Sciences, is moored there.
Walk across the most significant landmark in the area, the Menai Suspension Bridge. It was built by Thomas Telford in 1826, making it one of the first iron suspension bridges in the world. Stroll along the bridge at sunset for the best views of the Menai Strait.
Learn more about the structure, as well as the neighboring Britannia Bridge, in the Thomas Telford Centre. This museum hosts an exhibit dedicated to the bridges and runs guided walks around the town.
Wander beneath the bridge on the Belgian Promenade. This scenic walkway was built by Flemish refugees who fled to the town during World War I. Afterward, head out to Church Island, the location of the 15th-century Church of St. Tysilio, which sits on the site of a 7th-century building.
Take a trip to the outskirts of town to visit Pili Palas Nature World. This family-friendly attraction features a butterfly room, a reptile house and friendly animals such as meerkats and alpacas.
Drive to Menai Bridge from nearby towns in Wales. The university city of Bangor is a 10-minute drive away, while the castle at Caernarfon is 15 minutes southwest of the town. Menai Bridge welcomes pedestrians and the charmingly compact town is easy to explore on foot.
