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An Anglesey Adventure: A Secret Hideaway for the Whole Family

Anglesey is one of the UK’s best staycation spots, perfect for families, couples or anyone looking for a coastal escape. With miles of golden beaches and plenty of charming towns and villages to explore, it’s easy to see why we keep coming back. For those travelling from the North West of England, it is roughly a couple of hours drive making it a convenient getaway. 
 
We’ve discovered what feels like a true secret hideaway on the island, a spot so idyllic we actually visited twice about a year apart. It’s family friendly, dog friendly and offers a variety of accommodation types so there’s something for everyone. With plenty of local attractions, it is also a perfect destination for a Plan B on rainy days; it really is a place that can cater to every mood and season.

Where We Stayed: Cosy Lodges in the Heart of Newborough

The lodges here are tucked away on the edge of Newborough Forest, just a stone’s throw from the breathtaking Llanddwyn Beach. You can wander through the forest and reach the sand in around a mile or hop in the car and be parked up within minutes – it couldn’t be easier for families with kids, dogs, beach bags, or picnic gear in tow.

The setting really is something special. Each morning you wake up to sweeping views of Snowdonia and depending on which lodge you’re staying in, you might even catch the soft roll of sea mist drifting across the landscape as you sit out on the deck with a coffee or a glass of wine by the fire. My boys were completely captivated by the wild rabbits that hop right across the grass outside; a bit of morning entertainment while breakfast was prepared…

Secluded, scenic and wonderfully peaceful, this spot feels like Anglesey’s best kept secret. It’s the perfect mix of forest, coastline and cosy comfort!

Lodge 1 - Murmur y Coed

First Impressions

Walking into Murmur y Coed feels like stepping into a coastal home dream. The open plan living and dining area is flooded with natural light thanks to the huge windows that frame the surroundings. The bright interior is beautifully contrasted by a sleek dark anthracite kitchen, giving the whole space a cosy, stylish feel.

The views are incredible – you instantly feel like you’ve escaped to a peaceful retreat tucked away from the world. Outside, there’s so much space for little ones (or dogs!) to run around plus outdoor seating that makes morning coffees and sunset drinks feel special.

The Space

Sleeping up to six guests across three bedrooms and two bathrooms, Murmur y Coed is a brilliant choice for bigger families or groups. There’s one king size bedroom and four additional single beds so everyone gets plenty of space.

The decor has a “modern beach house” feel; it’s breezy, bright and relaxed making it the perfect base for a coastal break. You also have all the essential amenities, including a dishwasher, smart TV, Wi-Fi and even an EV charger if you need it!

What We Loved

  • Spacious and bright: Perfect for little ones to play or wind down after the beach.

  • Ideal for families or friends: Lots of communal space but also privacy from the other lodges on site.

  • The deck area: A dreamy spot for sunsets, stargazing or a quiet nightcap once the children are in bed!

  • The beach access: Honestly one of the biggest highlights for us – Newborough and Llanddwyn are right on your doorstep!

Ideal For

Families, couples travelling with friends, beach lovers and anyone wanting a stylish and relaxing coastal escape.

Find out more about Murmur y Coed here.

Lodge 2 – Tyddyn Plwm Isa

First Impressions

If Murmur y Coed is modern coastal chic, Tyddyn Plwm Isa is the embodiment of cosy Welsh countryside charm. With wooden floors, exposed beams (what is about these that make a place feel so cosy?!) and a wonderfully homely wood burning stove (safely covered for peace of mind with little ones), it is the ideal cosy retreat. The open plan layout flows beautifully thanks to bifold doors that open out to those gorgeous outdoor views. Also great when your little ones want to play outside while you’re cooking!

The enclosed garden is perfect for dogs or toddlers, offering a quiet peaceful pocket of nature to relax in – don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the rabbits!

The Space

With space for up to four across two bedrooms and two bathrooms (one king and two singles), this cottage is ideal for smaller families or couples. The views of Eryri (Snowdonia) from the garden are stunning!

We especially loved the outdoor firepit – we toasted marshmallows before bedtime and it became one of our favourite memories. This cottage also includes a smart TV, Wi-Fi, eco-friendly features and an EV charger as well.

What We Loved

  • Authentic, cosy feel: A proper home from home.

  • Peaceful enclosed garden: Safe, private and perfect for unwinding (and our 18 month old – at the time!).

  • Ideal for a slower pace: Great for switching off and living in the moment.

Ideal For

Couples, smaller families, dog owners and anyone craving a tranquil, cosy countryside stay.

Find out more about Tyddyn Plwm Isa here.

Exploring Anglesey: Beaches, Attractions and Adventures

Beaches We Loved:

Newborough Beach and Llanddwyn Island

My absolute favourite beach in the UK – it stretches for miles, has dog friendly zones and on a sunny day it looks like you could be abroad. You get golden sands, turquoise water and the dramatic Snowdonia mountain range framing the entire view. The walk through Newborough Forest to the beach is magical too. Try and pop down for sunset if you can – bedtime routines with little ones can definitely be adapted when staying at places like this!

Porth Tyn Tywyn

Great for wild swimming and home to a dreamy wood fired beach sauna. The perfect adults only treat if you get the chance.

Church Bay Beach

A bit rockier and more rugged but my eldest loved it – ideal for exploring or enjoying the stunning coastal path above the cliffs!

Rhosneigr Beach

A fantastic family beach and a must visit for dinner at The Oyster Catcher.

South Stack / Penmon Point

Views towards Puffin Island. South Stack is another iconic lighthouse spot with incredible coastal views.

Bonus Tip: Break Up the Journey

We stopped in Llandudno on the way back home after our first visit – a great option with little ones for a leg stretch, beach wander or an ice cream and fish and chip stop.

Family Attractions:

Pili Palas Nature World

The butterfly house is incredible! There are animals, indoor and outdoor play areas and a great little café. Perfect for half a day with children. We went when it was raining!

Welsh Mountain Zoo

A brilliant stop on the way home; the boys loved the sea lion show.

Foel Farm Park

Feed friendly animals, ride on the tractor and enjoy a cosy café. 

Anglesey Sea Zoo

Small, friendly and ideal for rainy days or a slower paced outing.

Tacla Taid – Anglesey Transport Museum

Quirky, charming and fun!

Walk to Llanddwyn Island

See if you can catch a glimpse of wild ponies, expansive sands and the most iconic lighthouse views. Remember to check tide times!

Adventure and Watersports (for when the boys are a bit older!)

Book a speedboat trip around the Menai Strait with the chance to spot seals and porpoises. E-foiling looks incredible for older teens and adults too!

Watersports Around Newborough

A hotspot for:

  • Windsurfing

  • Kitesurfing

  • Wing foiling

  • Stand up paddleboarding

  • Surfing

Final Thoughts

The fact we’ve stayed here twice really does say it all. Yes, we tried a different lodge each time (because I like to mix things up!), but both stays were just as magical in their own way.

The beaches in Anglesey are nothing short of breathtaking – on a sunny day you truly feel like you could be anywhere in the world. The easy, stress free access from the lodges to the beach is a huge win for families with little ones. The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful – this place is honestly a hidden slice of heaven. 

I would love to keep this place all to myself, but there’s no gatekeeping here. If you’re craving an intimate, cosy, nature filled break full of beach days and adventure, you don’t need to fly abroad. Head to Anglesey and stay in this stunning secret hideaway – you won’t regret it… If you’d like to find out more or book your stay, follow the link to their homepage here.

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