The island Prince William and Princess Kate once called home | UK | Travel
A sunny day at low tide on the beautiful beach at Traeth Lligwy (Image: Getty)
Prince William and Princess Kate once called the Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Mon in Welsh) their home from 2010 to 2013.
During this period, the Prince and Princess of Wales resided in a secluded farmhouse on the island, enjoying the privacy it offered while Prince William served as a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Royal Air Force (RAF) at RAF Valley. This tranquil rural setting allowed them to cherish the beginning of their married life away from the intense scrutiny usually associated with Royal living.
Their time on the Bodorgan Estate, in a quintessential white-stone farmhouse, extended until just after Prince George’s arrival, where they endeavoured to maintain as much normalcy as possible with their young son.
Although Prince William‘s commitment to the RAF was the initial reason for their move to this serene corner of North Wales, he has expressed his deep affection for the region, calling it an “immensely special place.”
The Princess became a familiar face in the locality, often seen doing her weekly shopping at the Waitrose in Menai Bridge, frequenting a local butcher for meats, and purchasing pet supplies from a nearby store, reports the Mirror.
The royal couple were captured enjoying the beach on a private estate in North Wales (Image: The Express)
While residing on the Bodorgan Estate, which boasts a private beach, had the couple wished to venture further, Anglesey’s extensive coastline, renowned for its breathtaking sandy stretches and rugged coves, was at their disposal.
Anglesey, a gem of natural beauty, is accessible via the Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge from the mainland, offering a serene escape that feels miles apart from the hustle and bustle of daily life, available for anyone to explore, not just those of Royal blood.
Five of the most popular beaches on the island include:
Llanddwyn Beach
The vast expanse of sand on Traeth Crigyll (Image: Anglesey Isle)
Regarded as one of Britain’s finest, Llanddwyn Beach offers breathtaking views of Eryri National Park, Caernarfon and the Llyn Peninsula.
Situated on the isle of Llanddwyn in Newborough (despite not technically being an island), this tranquil corner of Ynys Mon boasts miles of sandy expanses bordered by forest and one of the UK’s largest dune areas.
Brimming with birds and wildlife, the beach features a slender peninsula that extends into the Irish Sea.
From sunbathing and swimming to windsurfing, kitesurfing, fishing and more, Llanddwyn feels like the Mediterranean in summer, while still offering a wealth of natural beauty as the seasons shift.
Benllech Beach
Another stunning Blue Flag beach, Benllech is a hit with families due to its gently sloping, predominantly sandy beach and nearby shops, cafes and amenities.
There are ample spots for paddling and rock pools to discover, while water sports enthusiasts flock here to surf, sail and kayak along the coast.
The Anglesey Coast Path traces the coastline along the cliff top above the beach, providing panoramic views in every direction.
Porth Swtan is a delightful pebble beach on the northwest coast of Anglesey (Image: Getty)
Traeth Lligwy, Moelfre
Located near Moelfre, Traeth Lligwy is another treasure. With a wild, open feel, it’s a fantastic beach for water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for windsurfing, kitesurfing and even surfing.
When the tide recedes, a vast stretch of golden sand unveils itself, offering ample space for sunbathing, beach games and sandcastle building.
With amenities such as toilets and a nearby shop, this beach is a hit with families while still maintaining its untouched and natural charm.
The Blue Flag Beach at Llanddwyn backs onto the Newborough National Nature Reserve (Image: Visit Anglesey)
Traeth Crigyll, Rhosneigr
Further along the coastline towards Holyhead, Traeth Crigyll presents a delightful blend of golden sands and rocky areas which expose extensive rock pools at low tide.
As the primary beach in the town of Rhosneigr, it provides easy access from the village with several roads leading directly to the beach.
Ideal for families who enjoy exploring, there are some rocky areas near the town that reveal rockpools at low tide. A recipient of the Green Coast seaside award, Rhosneigr is situated on Anglesey’s Western shore.
Benllech Beach is popular with families (Image: Getty)
Porth Swtan
Also known as Church Bay, this Anglesey beach is predominantly sandy with rocks and rock pools on either side and backed by towering cliffs of pale yellow volcanic tuff.
Perfect for collecting pebbles, including purple and red sandstones, black siltstones, quartz and quartzite, this beach is popular with families as it’s an excellent spot for a paddle or a swim too.
There are good facilities here, including a car park and roadside parking, (seasonal) toilets, drinking water, cycle stands, a cafe and a seafood restaurant (The Lobster Pot).