PLEASURE ISLAND

DISCOVER THE BEAUTIES OF WALES ON A FABULOUS BREAK TO THE ROYAL RETREAT OF ANGLESEY

- LALALALETMEEXPLAIN F

WHY GO?

Cross one of the two historic bridges over the Menai Strait to Anglesey - the Menai Bridge, opened in 1826, and the Britannia Bridge, opened in 1850- and you'll see why much of this coastline is designated an Area of Outstanding National Beauty.

Its sweeping, sandy beaches, colourful cottages and picturesque villages provide the perfect getaway. The royal family has loved Wales for decades, but the Prince and Princess of Wales really helped put Anglesey on the map in 2011 when William, then Duke of Cambridge, was based there as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot at RAF Valley.

As newlyweds, the couple rented a four-bedroom farmhouse near Bodorgan, which had access to a private beach and stunning views of Newborough National Nature Reserve and Forest.

WHERE TO STAY...

Ben and Holly's Hideaways is the passion project of an antique dealer and interior designer. Four exquisitely-restored self-catering apartments are set within a fairy-tale 16th century, grade II-listed pink Georgian mansion behind Gothic gates. The property, on the shores of the Menai Strait, boasts panoramic vistas of Snowdonia, but is also close to local amenities and visitor attractions.

With such jaw-dropping views of the sea and mountains, we did something unheard of with children in tow - we didn't turn on the TV. Most evenings we spent watching boats on the Strait and the dramatic clouds rolling over the mountains. Seeing the full moon rising over the water was a true holiday highlight.