Ty Cwyfan

On the beach opposite Eglwys Cwyfan (the church in the sea)

Wildly beautiful and hidden, right by the beach in the most magical spot.

Ty Cwyfan is easy place to quietly lose yourself. With waves on your doorstep and masses to explore: with winding coastal footpaths, ancient burial mounds, and caves to locate, this is a place for peace seekers. Just offshore situated on a tiny island called Cribinau, is the iconic and widely celebrated, St Cwyfan’s Church – a triumph over nature.

If you want a smooth road to the door and a manicured garden devoid of any wildlife, then this place isn’t for you. Adventurous souls will love the tangled drive along narrow roads to this secret space. Ty Cwyfan is located close to Trac Mon – Anglesey Circuit also a spectacular coastal place for adventure. The roar of the engines may drown out the noise of the waves on track days, but they are few and far between, and with that view - what can we say!

The little fisherman’s cottage is a snug nook for four. Bag the dining table and watch the sky shades alter over St Cwyfan’s, or sip coffee with a long view outside. The cute kitchen is simple but ample and you can pick up a haul of fresh fish from Menai Seafood at Port Penrhyn to rustle up snacks to taste in the salty air. Soak up the warmth on chilly evenings with a tray of tea by the wood-burner in the Inglenook. Or head to simple bedrooms – a four-poster king bed. Or bunk beds less glamorous but just as comfy. There’s no wardrobes but plenty of hangers and hooks for clothes. The walk-in shower (off the kitchen) should suit any beachcomber.

Blustery walks start on the coastal path to Aberffraw. As you climb the headland of Trwyn Du, you’ll pass the remains of an early Bronze Age burial mound dating back to 1500 BC. In the Middle Ages Aberffraw was the main court of the Kings and Princes of Gwynedd. Head to Llys Llewellyn Cegin Bar for a deli beer and meal or a breakfast worthy of a royal visit.

Follow the waves around the coast in the other direction for plenty of other places to eat out locally – for dining try The Sandy Mount House at Rhosneigr. Or try Welsh fish and chips at Scarletts. Mooch around the art gallery or Janet Bell homeware shop and sip a drink at the cosy pubs or have a breakfast pancake at Mojos. If surf is your thing, this is the Mecca.

A quick spin and the mountains are not far away- Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is 30 minutes by car. On a clear day you can the ridges and peaks across the sea.

Or stay at your smuggler’s den, dive into the sea, and soak up the sunsets.