The name Beaumaris comes from the French phrase for ‘beautiful marshes’ and stems from thenickname given to the area by the French builders who constructed BeaumarisCastle in 1295 on what was then a marsh. Anyone visiting todaywill be bound to agree that it’s a description which aptly fits, as the townsits adjacent to the Anglesey coast and the waters of the MenaiStrait.
BeaumarisCastle
The castle was intended to be part of a chain ofdefences along the north coast of Wales,including Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech, but money and supplies ran out beforeit could be completed. The remaining edifice is still hugely impressive,however, and has been listed as a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. In architectural terms alone, the castle isone of the finest surviving examples in the UK, being constructed alongcompletely symmetrical lines with an imposing four layers of defensivefortifications. The setting, at the end of Castle Street, is no less impressivethan the building, offering wonderful views back over the rolling Welsh hillsor directly out to the sea.
Architectureof Beaumaris
The castle isn’t the only fascinating building in Beaumaris, a place whichboasts more than its fair share of architectural treats, alongside a compactvillage type layout which makes it the perfect place to explore on foot. Othernotable buildings include a courthouse which was built in 1614, St Mary’sParish Church, which dates from the 14th century and the Tudor Rose,one of the oldest surviving timber framed structures in the UK. Another glimpseinto the sometimes turbulent history of the area is provided by the fact thatthe hill leading out of town is called Red Hill, a macabre reference to theblood that was spilled there during the English Civil War.
Shopping inBeaumaris
The shops on offer in Beaumaris include an unusually high number of arts andantiques dealers, with as many as 10 shops and galleries within the centreitself offering a range of prints, glassware, contemporary art and the chanceto engage in hands on craft workshops. Other outlets run the gamut from tradersoffering locally produced food and drink to designer boutiques and shabby chicfurniture retailers.
Places toExplore
Besides the beauty and historical fascination of Beaumaris itself, it offersthe perfect base from which to explore the surrounding countryside and some ofthe other attractions of Anglesey. These include the Baron Hill Golf Club, anine hole moorland course lying just south of Beaumaris itself, Anglesey Sea Zoo, the largest marineaquarium in Wales and, right on the doorstep, the chance to enjoy fishing tripsand leisure cruises departing from the 570 ft long Beaumaris Pier, which leadsstraight out of the town itself and into the sea.
Accommodationin Beaumaris
Places to stay in Beaumaris come in all shapes and sizes, and can meetevery budget and requirement, from a caravan and camping park to cosy citycentre bed and breakfasts and delightful self-catering countrycottages.
Beaumarisoffers tranquil relaxation to those seeking it, but provides excitement andactivity right on the doorstep. From rolling hills and ancient buildings toglittering seas, it lays out the very best of Wales and tempts visitors to take their pick.
