Holyhead: My Welsh Mountains
We took the first train to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch just to say we did – the station sign is longer than the platform. Then we took the coach to Snowdon – the mountain rose dramatically above lakes while Welsh red dragons flew on every flag. Caernarfon Castle is enormous – the Eagle Tower where the first Prince of Wales was presented in 1284 still stands proud.
We had lunch – cawl soup and Welsh rarebit at a tiny café in Betws-y-Coed, the village surrounded by fairy-tale forest and waterfalls. In the afternoon we went on Anglesey – South Stack lighthouse with thousands of guillemots nesting on cliffs. The pros: real Welsh culture without Cardiff crowds. The cons: long names and rain, but both are part of the charm.
Getting Around Holyhead
Ship excursions or train/coach – Holyhead town is small.
Positively Worded Word of Warning
Snowdonia weather is famously changeable – layers make the dramatic mountains even more beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Holyhead worth it?
A: Best access to North Wales from a cruise ship.
Q: Best thing?
A: Caernarfon Castle + Snowdon views.
Q: How long for castle?
A: 4–5 hours round-trip.
Q: Walk from port?
A: To town yes; Wales needs transport.