Anglesey
The Gingerbread House is situated in a quiet country lane signposted 'Rhoscefnhir' overlooking fields. It takes about 10 minutes to get there once you cross either of the bridges
The village of Pentraeth, just a couple of miles away is where you can buy virtually anything you will need for your stay.
There are pubs and shops in the village.
We very much welcome your pets (2 are included in the cost). They are reasonably safe as the garden can be secured, but of course we can never guarantee this (Benson our Basset likes to climb over the fence)! but the lane is quiet and we can soon get him back. However you must be responsible for your pet.
There are often sheep in the field over the road but it does have high hedges so I think its safe from would be 'sheep dogs'
Not far from the cottage, little further along the main road is the sign for Red Wharf Bay - our favourite pub 'The Ship'. is here, with lots of outdoor tables - take your dogs, and sit in the sun. Food is great, enormous fresh fish and chips!
There is also a lovely restaurant 'The Old Boathouse' in the bay. But like most places on the Island, you will need to book early to eat there.
Down the same country lane on your left, is the 'St David's Bay' Holiday Park with the highly acclaimed restaurant 'The Tavern' with spectacular views and really good food. A must to visit, but BOOK early if you want to eat there.
There's also a children play area on this site which you can enjoy, and the beautiful Red Wharf Bay sandy beach.
We are not far from the main town of Beaumaris with its many chic shops and restaurants. and there is the Castle to explore. or 'crabbing' from the pier with the children, my grandchildren love to catch the crabs.
If you enjoy a long country walk then the cottage is the perfect base for this.
I personally prefer to just sit in the sunshine with a coffee, or in one of the many little tea shops on the island. Then in the evenings find a spot with a lovely view of the sea and just chill out with a Chardonnay!
A BIT OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE LOVELY ISLAND OF ANGLESEY
As we all know, Anglesey is a hugely popular tourist destination. Whilst most people who visit an area research the best pubs or attractions, I personally love knowing all sorts of titbits that give me a better grasp on the locals and the history of the place I’m about to spend time in. One day I will definitely research The history of THE GINGERBREAD COTTAGE (formerly Pen Lon)which supplied bread to 'The Big House' and incidentally the house next door which used to be a pub! The village I believe was first established for the people who worked at 'The Big House' Anyone who enjoys this please do let me know if you can find any information of its history.
It might be the historian in me that seeks this out, but we all love to while away a lunch break reading ‘top 10’ lists and the like don’t we? You’ve come to the right place if you do!
1. Anglesey is the largest Welsh island coming in at 276 square miles. It’s the fifth largest island in Britain, in fact. You’ll find Ynys Mon - as it’s known in Welsh - located off the north-west coast of the Welsh mainland, separated by the beautiful body of water known as the Menai Strait.
2. We have two rather spectacular bridges to boast about; firstly there’s the Menai Suspension Bridge which was built in 1826 and pioneered by Thomas Telford. Secondly, the Britannia Bridge of 1850 which came about due to the rising popularity of rail travel and the need for rail links between the island and the mainland and which was rebuilt following a fire in 1970. This bridge originally had four imposing stone lions at both points of entry, but they can now only be seen from trains on the tracks below the road level, or by walking along the Treborth Coastal/Forest Path (why not try to ‘Bridge to Bridge’ walking route?)
3. The Easy Care breed of sheep was first bred on Anglesey in the 1960’s by farmer Iolo Owen. The breed was relatively revolutionary - hardy, easily herded and their wool is shed naturally in the warmer summer months. A farmer's dream!
4. Anglesey has it’s very own ‘Marble Arch’! Admiralty Arch, located in the docks of Holyhead, marks the end of the A5 road that runs right through to this point from the Marble Arch in London. The road was built in the early 1800’s by Thomas Telford and was originally designed to carry mail by stagecoach between the capitals of England (London) and Ireland (Dublin).
5. The Land Rover Defender was born on Anglesey, nearly 70 years ago, on the sands of Red Wharf Bay. The story goes that Maurice Wilks, who farmed on Anglesey, was walking along the beach and drew a shape into the sand with a stick, that would go on to become the famous vehicle.
6. History buffs rejoice! There are approximately 120 ancient monuments that range from Neolithic or Bronze Age burial chambers to magnificent standing stones. There’s also the medieval fortress of Beaumaris Castle built by Edward I, or later again is the stunning Plas Newydd stately home.
White Eagle This one we have been to, owned by the same people as the Oyster Catcher – lovely pub (William and Catherine regularly called in here)
The White Eagle’s reputation for fantastic food and drink stretched far and wide, it even appears in the 2014 Michelin Guide. This fantastic pub, a mere walk away from Silver Bay, was refurbished and extended in 2007. The surroundings are idyllic, it’s dog friendly and the beer is refreshing. Owner Alex Timpson has succeeded in creating the perfect pub for the family or just for you.
Marram Grass. Newborough forest cafe definitely the best lamb roast dinner I have ever had ...not for children really though as its a foodie heaven.
A delightfully quirky restaurant, a renovated potting shed, where all the food is homemade (even the mayo) and the staff are incredibly welcoming, attentive and friendly. The entrance is somewhat hidden to the side of the driveway to a caravan park, but this place is absolutely worth seeking out. The menu is varied and bursting with local produce at brilliant prices. The food is marvellous here, in fact the whole place really is an unexpected joy and we can’t recommend it enough!
Dylan's Restaurant in Menia, great pizza and seafood, but always very busy so you need to book week or so before you go!
This absolute gem sits on waterfront beside the Thomas Telford bridge in Menai Bridge. A beautiful, modern two story building with breathtaking views from every table across the Strait. The food is locally sources and the speciality is pizza (made on the premises using traditional techniques) and seafood that comes directly from the Strait, including the world famous Menai mussels. It is a warm, friendly place to enjoy the finest food with all the family.
Tavern on The Bay. panoramic views over the bay, with a childrens play area . We have ate here and the food was excellent - dinner and afternoon tea and a glass of wine on the terrace
Originally built as a marine cottage in 1924, the tavern has become, over the years, one of the premier dining locations in Anglesey. Its recently had a £700,000 refurbishment and is now an absolute joy to visit. The coastal views over Red Wharf and Benllech Beach are spectacular, the menu is creative and varied and this is a place where you can sit back, truly relax and take in the scenery. Fabulous on every level. The bonus is its just down the lane to Red Wharf Bay, so close to the Gingerbread Cottage
Seacroft
A 5 star pub and restaurant . The Seacroft can be found in Treaddur Bay where you can soak up the spring sunshine on the tiered decking after a walk n the coastal path or simply because you fancy a pint and something splendid to eat. The food is wonderful, fresh and local. The prime steaks are sourced from local butchers and aged for 21 days, there’s a pizza oven and the pizzas