Isle of Anglesey National Landscape has one of the most distinctive, attractive and varied landscapes in the British Isles.
Some of the main features of Isle of Anglesey National Landscape are:
- low cliffs alternating with coves and pebble beaches
- sheer limestone cliffs interspersed with fine sandy beaches
- stretches of sand dunes with beaches
Around 7,000 people live within the National Landscape, forming creative and vibrant communities. These areas are also popular holiday destinations for visitors seeking relaxation or outdoor activities such as walking the island’s 201 km (125‑mile) coastal path.
Anglesey’s coastal zone was designated a National Landscape (formerly AONB) in 1966 and confirmed in 1967. The purpose of the designation was to safeguard the island’s scenic coastal character and diverse habitats from unsuitable development.
Although primarily a coastal designation, the National Landscape covers most of Anglesey’s 201‑kilometre (125‑mile) coastline and also includes Holyhead Mountain and Mynydd Bodafon. Large areas of protected inland landscape form an important backdrop to the coast.
The National Landscape covers approximately 221 sq km (21,500 hectares)—around one third of the island.
Many habitats within Anglesey receive even higher levels of protection through UK and European conservation designations, reflecting their ecological importance. These include:
- 5 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)
- 3 Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
- 1 National Nature Reserve
- 31 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
- 75 Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs)
These protected areas support a rich variety of wildlife, including Harbour Porpoises and Marsh Fritillaries.
The National Landscape also incorporates three stretches of undeveloped coastline designated as Heritage Coast, which complement the wider protection and cover roughly 50 km (31 miles) of shoreline:
- North Anglesey – 28.6 km (17 miles)
- Holyhead Mountain – 12.9 km (8 miles)
- Aberffraw Bay – 7.7 km (4.5 miles)
A living and working landscape
Employment within the National Landscape is largely centred on agriculture and tourism, often combining both. The island produces a wide range of local goods—from cheese and chocolate to wine - with many producers operating organically.
Anglesey attracts around 2 million visitors each year, drawing people from North Wales, the Northwest of England, and overseas. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the island’s sandy beaches and dramatic coastal scenery.
Popular recreational activities include sailing, angling, cycling, walking and windsurfing. While these activities place pressures on the National Landscape, they also make a significant contribution to the local economy.