Gors Eilian Cottage

Gors Eilian is set in open countryside, just a short walk from the beach. It has recently undergone a complete renovation, maintaining the character of the cottage whilst providing more luxurious accommodation. It has fabulous views across the large gardens, extending as far as the famous Parys Mountain copper mine. It has a big patio area suitable for outside dining and barbeques and has a private car park. Close to the cottage is the local Llaneilian beach, lighthouse and Amlwch Port. These are all places that you can walk to. The beach is a walk or drive down the lane to the sea and Amlwch Port is a drive or headland walk up the coast. We often walk to Amlwch Port along the headland from the public footpath by Llaneilian church (going through the farmyard), but it may be a little far with young children. There is a little cafe in the middle of Amlwch Port with an outside seating area - basic but in a sunny position for breakfast after a walk. The Adelphi is a little pub there too with outside benches. There is also the Sail Loft and local museum in the port, both with cafes. Llaneilian has a promontory with a working lighthouse. The area is popular with those keen on fishing and lots of people walk up and around the lighthouse. You can see roads leading up the hill above the cottage - the views are spectacular and the roads lead further round the coast towards Dulas Bay/Pilot Boat Inn/Lligwy Beach direction. You will eventually come back out onto the main road. Lligwy beach is your closest sandy beach. You will need a picnic etc. but it is a beautiful place - especially if you settle in one of the sandy coves. Buckets and spades, swimsuits! Between Lligwy and home is the Pilot Boat Inn - absolutely child friendly but gets busy at tea-time. It is popular with holiday makers and locals alike with its casual outdoor garden and is worth checking out, even straight from the beach. Moelfre. This is a little stony cove about 10 minutes drive from the cottage - a little further along from Lligwy. There is the Kinmel Arms pub over looking the sea front and a fish and chip shop non the way into the village. It’s a favourite place for the fish and chip supper to be eaten over looking the rocky beach at the end of the day. Moelfre has a lifeboat station and a museum which is open. There are two main cafes and gift shops at the top of the hill; Ann’s Pantry and Twm Pen Stryd. This community often has live music, street fairs etc, especially in aid of the lifeboats. Banners are put out on the main A5025 as reminders. Between Lligwy and Moelfre is Din Lligwy an ancient village site and Capel Lligwy, a 12th century chapel. Taking the little coastal road between the two beaches, the ancient village is sign posted. Even out of season we visit Beaumaris. It has the castle, boat trips to Puffin Island etc. and there is a small pier where lots of children use crab lines and buckets - they have great fun. Overlooking the pier is a large, old hotel called The Bulkeley Hotel. (It has maybe seen better days but has a real charm). There is a terrace over looking the pier and inside they serve cream teas, cakes, hot chocolate etc in the old lounge - which has views through the large windows - good if colder or wetter days. There is the Bull Inn on the High Street which has a trendy gastro-pub downstairs which doesn’t need to be booked and an expensive but lovely restaurant upstairs. The downstairs restaurant can be busy but welcomes children and the food is very good. The Liverpool Arms Hotel at the opposite end of Castle Street to the castle, is a historic inn with a cosy atmosphere. It is recommended by the locals as it is good value, serves home cooked food and has a carvery. Dylans in Menai is a gastro restaurant which is in a lovely situation overlooking the straits - it is situated off the main High Street along the coastal lane. It has a vibrant young atmosphere. If you are looking for fine dining you might want to try Sosban & The Old Butchers and Chateau Rhianfa. The Gazelle between Menai and Beaumaris is a hotel and has a bar and restaurant, with a wonderful aspect, where you can eat in the bar area, or sit outside overlooking the Straits. Plas Newydd is the National Trust property which you will be able to see on your left from the bridge when coming over - close to the statue of the Marquess of Anglesey - looks like Nelson’s Column! In this area is the Pili Palas Nature World, Menai Bridge, which is really popular and also the James Pringle Weavers, a large gift shop situated at Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, at the old famous railway station. This is where the Anglesey Tourist Information Centre is situated. Along from here is the Anglesey Sea Zoo which is great for children - especially shark feeding time! And being an ongoing conservation project is always being updated. Newborough beach is further on along on this coastline and has to be one of my favourite beaches. It is accessed by driving through forests, so take a picnic and maybe take a walk to the next beach called Maltraeth - which is sparsely populated and where you can see the most beautiful sunsets. This area may be approached from the cottage by crossing the centre of the island. Drive over the copper mine and go through a town in the centre of the island called Llangefni. It is a market town and does have markets on Thursdays and Saturdays. Check an island map to get your bearings. Crossing the island towards Holyhead are Rhosneigr, Treaddur Bay and Aberffraw which is a popular area with nice beaches. Holyhead has recently had some investment to regenerate it. The one little gem we found there recently was a bistro-restaurant situated behind the Holyhead Maritime Museum on the seafront. Fresh fish and a blanket offered for your knees if you wanted to sit out over looking the sea - it was such a friendly atmosphere. The White Eagle at Rhoscolyn is in a beautiful location and a lovely place to have lunch and then walk from the bar/restaurant down to the beach. The crossing to Dublin,Ireland is 99 minutes if you fancy travelling further afield. Bangor - Penryn Castle is a National Trust property in Bangor. It’s described as a massive 19th century fantasy castle. Caemarfon Castle is also in Bangor. Snowdonia - The cottage is a perfect base from which to climb Snowdon. It takes about 35 minutes by car to Llanberis from which to follow the other walkers up the trail. The Snowden Mountain Railway must be booked if you aren’t walking. Anglesey and Holyhead Mail comes out every Wednesday, you can pick one up on your way, once on the island. It’s always full of ‘What’s On’ etc. Being in Wales, they are always keen on fairs, shows, especially those including children. There are large car boot sales at Benllech on Saturdays and at Mona on Sundays, also a large indoor market on Saturdays and Sundays at Llandegai.