Holyhead is a bustling ferry port in the Isle of Anglesey, a picturesque slice of Wales known for its rugged seascapes, soaring sea cliffs and sandy beaches. There's a fantastic maritime museum to explore, as well as a windswept lighthouse and an adorable population of puffins.

Things to do

Home to thousands of seabirds, the South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve is Holyhead's signature attraction. Every summer you can spot guillemots, razorbills and puffins nesting on the cliffsides. The trail to the 200-metre-high summit of Holyhead Mountain rewards hikers with sweeping views over the rocky coastline, where you can walk past ancient Neolithic stone circles and Iron Age ruins.

The South Stack Lighthouse has been guarding the coastline since 1809. It's perched on a rocky islet and is continuously pounded by wind, waves and salt spray. A steep trail leads down to a rickety bridge that spans across to Holy Island. Tours offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the lighthouse, including spooky ghost stories.

The Holyhead Maritime Museum offers a fantastic overview of the town's seafaring heritage. It's housed in an old lifeboat station and is filled with model ships, historic photographs and World War II memorabilia.

Moonlighting as a theatre and an art gallery, the Ucheldre Centre is the heart and soul of Holyhead's cultural scene. It's located in a converted convent chapel and hosts a colourful line-up of events, including film screenings, live music performances, dance recitals and dramatic plays.

Getting around

Holyhead is best explored on foot, especially if you stick to the Old Harbour district, while rental cars let you explore Anglesey at your own pace. The island is serviced by local buses, while trains run to London in around four hours.