It’s often overlooked by tourists, but it’s a stunning place to visitSydney Evans Audience Writer and Emilia Bona Content Editor
09:45, 30 Jul 2025
Traditional colourful houses the shoreline of Beaumaris(Image: SBWorldphotography via Getty Images)
The Welsh coast is celebrated for its stunning combination of rugged cliffs and golden sands, attracting globetrotters far and wide. Yet, amid the well-trodden paths to popular spots, there’s a seaside gem that may have slipped under your travel radar.
For those plotting a Welsh getaway or a day out during the summer break, opting for a less frequented spot can offer a peaceful alternative to the bustling tourist hotspots like Tenby or Barry.
HomeToGo has unveiled a list spotlighting Europe’s overlooked gems – quaint towns and villages often missed by holidaymakers but worthy of discovery, with Beaumaris in Wales clinching a spot in the top 10.
The European Hidden Gem Index assessed 50 locales dubbed “Europe’s best-kept secrets”, scoring them on factors such as weather, cost of stay, culinary scene, and scenic beauty.
With an eclectic mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture, HomeToGo hailed Beaumaris as an idyllic retreat “for the explorer who’s enchanted by rugged shorelines, medieval castles and boat trips to wild islands”, reports Wales Online.
Beaumaris Castle(Image: GordonBellPhotography via Getty Images)
Nestled on Anglesey, which The Telegraph recently named Britain’s most splendid island, Beaumaris also earned a remarkable 9.48 out of 10 for its picturesque landscape. The destination is less than a two hour drive from Liverpool city centre, making it perfect for a weekend getaway.
Beaumaris Castle, a World Heritage Site constructed between 1295 and 1330, is often lauded as a masterpiece despite its unfinished state, ranking among the finest Edwardian castles in Wales.
Frequently dubbed the greatest castle never finished, it was the last and most impressive of the fortresses built by King Edward I in Wales, and is regularly praised for its near-perfect symmetry.
A peaceful evening between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris on the coast of North Wales(Image: Photos by R A Kearton via Getty Images)
But Beaumaris isn’t just about castles. This delightful coastal town nestles on the banks of the Menai Strait.
Sea Coast Safaris offer maritime adventures that allow visitors to appreciate Beaumaris from a different perspective, sailing past Victorian jetties, the town’s own Millionaires Row and The Swellies, known as the most treacherous part of the Menai Strait.
Puffin Island, or Ynys Seiriol in Welsh, is also reachable from Beaumaris. This island serves as a protected haven and breeding site for various seabirds, and is home to Atlantic grey seals.
If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, Beaumaris Beach, with its sandy and pebbly shoreline, offers views across the Menai Strait and Eryri. The closest train station to the town is Bangor, where visitors can catch a direct bus service to Menai Bridge.
Schools are out for summer across Merseyside which means parents throughout our region will be searching for fun ways to fill the days – without breaking the bank.
Luckily there are plenty of activities taking place in Liverpool and beyond, from museum fun days to open air cinema screenings, late night zoo events and much more.
Lots of families know how quickly the cost of summer holiday activities can add up – but thankfully there are lots of free family fun days around Liverpool to get involved in. Others are charged on a ‘pay what you can’ basis, while other activities have special ticket prices for families.
We’ve rounded up some of the best events and activities taking place during the school holidays across Merseyside and within driving distance of our region in a handy guide, which you can read here.