Holyhead is the largest town on the Isle of Anglesey and the most westerly town in Wales — a busy port town on Holy Island, a smaller island joined to Anglesey by bridges, whose position at the end of the A55 expressway and the main railway line from London has made it one of the most important ferry ports in the British Isles. The port handles millions of passengers and a huge volume of freight each year on routes to Dublin and Dún Laoghaire in the Republic of Ireland.
Holyhead is a working town with genuine maritime character rather than a polished tourist destination, but it offers extraordinary access to some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Wales. South Stack — a lighthouse perched on a rocky island connected by a suspension bridge, 2 miles from the town centre — is one of the most spectacular coastal viewpoints in Wales and one of the finest seabird colonies in Britain, with puffins, razorbills, guillemots and choughs nesting on the cliffs. The Holyhead Mountain (220m), directly above the town, has an Iron Age hillfort at its summit and panoramic views extending to Ireland, Snowdonia and the Isle of Man.
The A55 expressway reaches the town's outskirts, giving fast access to Bangor (35 minutes) and Chester (1 hour 40 minutes). Direct trains reach London Euston in 3.5 hours. House prices average £165,000 — among the most affordable in Wales for a town with this level of connectivity.
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Who is Holyhead Good For?
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VisitBritain- Holyhead Ferry PortOne of the busiest ferry ports in Britain — Stena Line and Irish Ferries operate multiple daily sailings to Dublin and Dún Laoghaire. The port is the gateway between Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
- South Stack Lighthouse & CliffsA spectacular lighthouse on a rocky island 2 miles from the town — one of the finest seabird colonies in Britain with puffins, razorbills, guillemots and choughs. The clifftop RSPB reserve is outstanding.
- Holyhead Mountain & HillfortThe 220m summit above the town gives panoramic views to Ireland, Snowdonia and the Isle of Man. The Iron Age hillfort at the summit is one of the finest in Anglesey.
- Holyhead Breakwater Country ParkThe longest breakwater in Britain (2.4km, built 1845-73) protects the harbour and creates a remarkable walking route above the sea — the country park at its landward end has excellent coastal walking.
- Trearddur Bay2 miles south of Holyhead, Trearddur Bay is one of the finest beaches on Anglesey — a sheltered sandy bay with clear water, dunes and an excellent beach café. Popular with surfers and families.
- Holyhead Railway StationThe western terminus of the North Wales Coast line — direct services to Chester, Crewe and London Euston (3h 30m). One of the most dramatically situated mainline railway terminals in Britain.
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