Due to the proximity of both sites, we are offering you two site reviews and a joint section of additional information to help you make the most of your visit to the island of Ynys Mon - or Anglesey if you prefer.
It is the early Bank Holiday, May 2019. The first part of the review is for Penrhos Caravan & Motorhome Club site on the island of Yns Mon, near to the seaside village of Benllech.
The site, sited off the B5110, is spread over three distinct areas and has 92 pitches, 75 of which are hardstanding and 8 are serviced pitches. Click HERE for site map. The site is open from March to early October each year.
The site has one centrally located toilet block servicing the whole site, which is key operated and includes the usual facilities including a fully accessible toilet and shower room, reached via the use of a Radar© Key. There is also a designated disabled pitch next to this facility. There are a number of waste, clean water and rubbish disposal points throughout the site. The Motorhome service point is behind Reception.
The Reception sells pre-ordered newspapers, essential food supplies and a good range of caravan supplies. There is an information room to one side.
Arrival time is strictly 1pm. This is due to the access lane being single width with no passing places.
The site is quiet, being set well back from the road and despite being pretty full, the site was always quiet during the weekend. There is a children’s play area at the top of the site and a secure large dog walk field by the entrance with a much-appreciated bench on which to sit.
This part of the review features the Cae Mawr Caravan & Motorhome Club site.
Although we did not stay at this site on this occasion, we have regularly stayed here over several years. This is a smaller site, about 1.5 miles from Penrhos on the same road. This site does not have a toilet block. Reception provides the usual facilities including the option to order a daily newspaper if required. The site is over two areas, the top half being mainly grass only pitches, the lower half is predominantly hard standing. Check out the site map HERE.
There are several water, waste and chemical disposal points throughout the site. The motorhome point is in the lower field.
The site is also situated off the B5110 and it should be noted that the access lane to this site is also quite narrow and care needs to be taken when nearing the site entrance. If in doubt about your van or motorhome, you are advised to ring the site directly to check. We have seen American style/size RV’s on site on several occasions.
The site is spread over three distinct areas and has 73 pitches, 41 of which are hardstanding and is open from March to early October each year.
The site is nearer the road, but traffic noise is minimal.
There is no designated children’s play area or dog walk on site, however, there is a pathway which runs adjacent to the top of the site, by the entrance which allows you to let your dogs have a little run.
Benllech village is the nearest place to both sites, about 3 miles away. There is a Tesco Express and Co-Op, cash tills and a very wide range of fast food takeaways. This is also the nearest beach. Car parking is very limited and there is a charge during main season. Dogs are not allowed on this beach during main season too but there is a list in the Information Rooms of up to date beaches which allow dogs.
A Site Arrival video for both sites can be found HERE
In terms of places to visit whilst on the island, the list is almost endless. The best starting point would be www.visitanglesey.co.uk
A couple of places which we visited on this trip were Rhosneigr, good surfing and kite surfing area with a small range of shops and restaurants. Dogs are allowed on this beach. https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/north-wales/anglesey/rhosneigr.htm
For a fabulous place for Sunday lunch or, for any day of the week for that matter, we would recommend Sea Shanty Café in Trearddur Bay.
It is totally dog friendly, both inside and out. There are usually a lot of dogs at the restaurant, but we have never seen any problems. A bit of a drive but worth it for the food. Just one piece of advice, book ahead in good time.
In addition to these places we visited on this occasion, here are some more venues we have seen over our visits.
For those of you who are cyclists, National Cycle Network Route 5 runs close to both sites.
The nearest swimming pool is in Llangefni which also holds a small open-air market on Thursdays and Saturdays.
History lovers will find many places of interest throughout the island, one of the nearest to the site is Beaumaris Castle, situated on the south east of the island. It is quoted as being, “the most technically perfect castle in Britain has few equals”. The castle is dog friendly, with the usual caveats.
www.cadw.gov.wales/daysout/beaumaris-castle
The adjacent village of Beaumaris is worth a visit too and there are a good number of fish and chip shop on the high street. In high season, boat trips are available to sail down the Menai Straits, dependent upon the weather and tides. Visits can also be made to the nearby Puffin Island which is a nature reserve. www.seacoastsafaris.co.uk
By complete contrast and one for all adrenaline fans is the Anglesey Circuit, can be added to a trip to Rhosneigr. There are a wide range of races and events throughout the year. Please note dogs are not allowed anywhere on the site and cannot be left in vehicles at all.
Both sites offer a very different caravanning experience, depending on your preferences. There is always something to do on the island, whether it is raining or not.