Express & Star

Living like royalty on Anglesey

Beaumaris is just a stone's throw from the home of William and Kate – aka the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, writes Paul Naylor.

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And it is easy to see why the grandson of our Queen has chosen this area to settle.

Situated on the Anglesey coast, you can unwind like royalty in the fabulous atmosphere of one of Wales' most superb and historic inns.

Accommodation at The Townhouse is luxurious and makes any visit special

The multi-award winning Ye Olde Bull's Head has blended the ancient and modern masterfully, with the more recent addition of The Townhouse adjacent adding to its charm.

Ye Olde Bull's Head has been welcoming guests through its doors since the 15th century. For a sense of its origins, the public bar is the perfect place to start. Here you will be transported back in time with swords and muskets lining the walls as a cosy fire crackles by the bar.

The privately owned Grade II listed building was commandeered by Cromwell's General Mytton during the English Civil War, later becoming a Quaker meeting house during the 18th century. Novelist Charles Dickens and diarist Dr Samuel Johnson are two of its past guests.

Such historic connections are celebrated, with a recent visit by Dickens' great great grandson Gerald Charles Dickens from Oxford.

Gerald, who has toured the world with his one man show, including America, Canada, Japan and Australasia and now Anglesey, was thrilled to visit the hotel where Dickens himself stayed all those years ago in the shadow of historic Beaumaris Castle.

At the inn, contemporary decor merges with ancient timbers, antique furniture and artefacts retaining the character of The Bull. Bedrooms each come with a special unique character and ambience.

For those seeking a more modern take for their stay, The Townhouse, which opened in 2009, offers luxury on a par with that you may expect on a city break to the capital.

Each of the boutique rooms has its own identity, using the Pantone colour palette as a theme. My suite, referred to simply as Pearl, was reminiscent of a stay 12 months previously at the Athanaeum on London's Mayfair. Yes, it really is that good.

The Loft Restaurant – bold decor and original features, ideal for formal dining

And then there is the dining. Choose from The Loft Restaurant, with bold decor and original features creating a stylish environment for formal dining or the more informal Brasserie. Either way you cannot go wrong. It is no wonder they have both won a clutch of awards.

Tearing myself away from such great accommodation was difficult, but with historic Beaumaris Castle just a few hundred yards up the road, it would have been stupid not to visit.

The famous castle is best known for two reasons – for being an unfinished masterpiece and the most technically perfect castle in Britain. Its ingenious and near perfectly symmetrical concentric 'walls within walls' design, were state-of-the-art for the late 13th century, overseen by castle fanatic, and English monarch, Edward I. A must for history buffs.

Also worth a look is Beaumaris Gaol and Courtroom.

This attraction gives a fascinating insight into the world of Victorian prisoners, with live performances based on the history of the gaol, held from July to September.

A recent 'addition' is the refurbished pier, reopened last summer. Upgraded as part of a £5.6m Anglesey Coastal Environment Project to improve facilities along the island's coastline, a stroll to its end gazing back towards the castle, matches the historic and contemporary blend of the inn and townhouse.

The town itself is packed with art galleries, boutique shops, cafes and smart inns. Its lack of commerciality is refreshing in a Welsh coastal destination.

And talking of unique places to eat, lovers of ice-cream will enjoy the tempting treats at Red Boat. Homemade concoctions at the unassuming little cafe, including one based on a popular honeycomb treat from Cadbury (ok, the Crunchie) are simply divine. I can't recommend the bakewell tart or apple crumble flavours enough.

The area is fantastic for walkers too. Head for Moelfre and do the Shipwreck Walk which follows the coast from the cove. You'll need boots as some sections will be muddy. And make sure you detour to find the Din Lligwy ancient village.

I will definitely return to Beaumaris. More specifically, Ye Olde Bull's Head and The Townhouse. It is a superb find, ideal for a short break and in the summertime, even longer.

Fact file:

  • Paul Naylor stayed two nights at The Townhouse, adjacent to Ye Olde Bull’s Head, Beaumaris. Prices per room are from £100 with one night dinner, bed and breakfast for two people

  • The price includes accommodation in a standard double/twin room, an allowance of £25 per person for dinner and full Welsh breakfast.

  • See www.bullsheadinn.co.uk for more details on offers and availability.

  • A three-course meal in the The Loft Restaurant is priced around £40 per head with wine around £20 a bottle plus.

  • A three course meal in The Brasserie costs approximately £30 per head with wine averaging £15 a bottle.

  • For information on more attractions in Beaumaris, including its castle, see www.beaumaris.org.uk

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