Beaumaris

Beaumaris (Biwmares) is the kind of town that earns every superlative thrown at it, yet somehow stays unpretentious. Its castle — the last and most technically refined of Edward I's Welsh fortresses — sits at the water's edge like a textbook illustration of concentric design, surrounded by a still moat that mirrors the sky. Walk the walls at dusk and the towers of Snowdonia float above the mainland shore in the fading light.

Beyond the castle, Beaumaris is a genuinely liveable Georgian town built for prosperity and leisure. The seafront promenade is lined with painted terraces; the high street holds independent shops, a couple of excellent delis, and the Olde Bull's Head, one of the most characterful coaching inns in North Wales. The Menai Strait runs close here, and in summer the waterfront fills with sailing boats and pleasure craft.

The town is a natural base for exploring eastern Anglesey. Penmon Priory is a 20-minute drive; the Coastal Path passes through and offers spectacular walking north and south. The small pier is still used by boat operators running wildlife trips around Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol) — grey seals guaranteed, guillemots and razorbills likely, dolphins possible.

Beaumaris repays a slow visit. The streets are compact enough to walk in an hour but interesting enough to fill a day. Come for the castle, stay for the architecture, linger for the food and the light on the Strait.