The approach to the bridge
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Menai Suspension Bridge

4.8
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

Walk across the world's first major iron suspension bridge, a 1826 marvel by Thomas Telford, offering stunning Menai Strait views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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The approach to the bridge

Menai Suspension Bridge

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walk across the world's first major iron suspension bridge, a 1826 marvel by Thomas Telford, offering stunning Menai Strait views.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"A beautiful bridge connecting Anglesey with the Wales mainland, lots of walks around its base."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 Walk the Pedestrian Path

Don't just drive over! The free walkway offers stunning views and a true appreciation of the bridge's scale .

📸 Capture Iconic Angles

Explore viewpoints from the Belgian Promenade for unique shots of the bridge's engineering .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Suspension Bridge

The Historic Suspension Bridge

Spanning the Menai Strait

Walk across the world's first major iron suspension bridge, a marvel of 1826 engineering.

Menai Strait Views

Menai Strait Views

Pedestrian walkway

Enjoy panoramic vistas of the strait, Church Island, and potential wildlife sightings.

Belgian Promenade

Belgian Promenade

Base of the bridge

A scenic walk offering unique perspectives and photo opportunities of the bridge's structure.

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Planning Your Visit

Check for Closures & Traffic

The Menai Suspension Bridge has undergone significant maintenance. Always check for current closure status and potential traffic delays before your visit, especially if planning to drive across. Recent closures have impacted local commutes.TikTokInstagram

Embrace the Walkway

While driving across offers a quick transit, walking the pedestrian path provides the best views of the Menai Strait and the bridge's impressive engineering. It's a free and rewarding experience.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The first suspension bridge in the world, and it’s in North Wales! 😍 #anglesey #menaibridge #visitwales #northwales #ukhiddengems #cymruambyth
@adell.explores
14.1K likes • 310.6K views

🚶 Walk the Pedestrian Path

Don't just drive over! The free walkway offers stunning views and a true appreciation of the bridge's scale.Reddit

📸 Capture Iconic Angles

Explore viewpoints from the Belgian Promenade for unique shots of the bridge's engineering.Instagram

When is the Menai Bridge back open guys 🥲🥲🥲🥲 being an Angelsey resident at this moment in time is painful!!!!! #welsh #anglesey #welshgirl #welshtiktok #fyp
@emma_pritch
1K likes • 23.9K views
The world’s first Iron Suspension Bridge! The Menai Bridge was built in 1826 by Thomas Telford and connects Anglesey to the mainland of Wales. #menai #menaibridge #thomastelford #menaistraits #visitanglesey #anglesey #ynysmon #bridgesoftheworld #visitwales #walesadventure #suspensionbridge #bridgesofinstagram #menaisuspensionbridge #angleseycoastalpath #angleseylife
adell.explores
1.4K likes • 23.7K views

🦢 Spot Local Wildlife

Keep an eye out for herons, swans, and seals in the Menai Strait below.Reddit

🚗 Check Traffic Updates

Recent closures for maintenance can cause significant delays; check before you travel.TikTokInstagram

📍Menai Suspension Bridge The Menai suspension bridge was the worlds first major iron suspension bridge. Completed in 1826 which was designed by Thomas Telford, it spans the width of the Menai Strait connecting Anglesey to mainland Wales. . . . . . #menai #menaibridge #anglesey #angleseycoastalpath #visitwales #yourwales #discoverwales
elizabeth_northwales
408 likes • 4.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Walk the Pedestrian Path

Don't just drive over! The free walkway offers stunning views and a true appreciation of the bridge's scale.Reddit

📸 Capture Iconic Angles

Explore viewpoints from the Belgian Promenade for unique shots of the bridge's engineering.Instagram

🦢 Spot Local Wildlife

Keep an eye out for herons, swans, and seals in the Menai Strait below.Reddit

🚗 Check Traffic Updates

Recent closures for maintenance can cause significant delays; check before you travel.TikTokInstagram

💡 Appreciate the History

Learn about Thomas Telford's groundbreaking design, the first of its kind globally.Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Menai Suspension Bridge for its historical significance and stunning views. Many recommend walking across the pedestrian path to fully appreciate the engineering and the scenic Menai Strait. While occasional traffic delays due to maintenance are noted, the overall experience is considered a worthwhile detour for its beauty and historical importance.

"Beautiful views. Make sure you walk over the pedestrian path to see up the Menai Straits towards Beaumaris and down towards Plas Newydd. Look out for Church Island and the Druid stones. You can spot Heron, Swans and Seals if you're lucky."

Bronwen Banner

"The views from this bridge are gorgeous and it's a brilliant bridge all on its own. Pity about the roadworks (July 2025) as we queued for around 20 minutes. The walk across would be even better. Worth a detour if you are in the area."

Elaine Woodhall-Windle

"A beautiful bridge connecting Anglesey with the Wales mainland. Lots of walks around it base alongside the Menai Straits on both sides. Treat yourself to a rib ride under it!"

Lois : No Cruise Control

What People Like

Impressive historical engineering
Beautiful strait views
Free pedestrian access

What People Dislike

Occasional traffic delays
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Menai Suspension Bridge is easily accessible by car, connecting Anglesey to mainland Wales. It's a key part of the A5 road. For those using public transport, local bus services operate in the area, though checking schedules in advance is recommended. Parking is available nearby, but can be limited during peak times.TikTok

Yes, there are parking facilities available near the bridge, particularly on the Anglesey side. However, these can fill up quickly, especially during busy periods. Consider arriving early or exploring nearby parking options if the main lots are full.

Absolutely! The bridge features a pedestrian walkway, which is highly recommended for the best experience. It's a free activity and offers fantastic views of the Menai Strait and the surrounding landscape.Reddit

Many visitors recommend walking across the pedestrian path to fully appreciate the bridge's scale and the stunning views of the Menai Strait. Exploring the Belgian Promenade at the base also offers unique perspectives.Instagram

The pedestrian walkway on the Menai Suspension Bridge is generally accessible. However, due to its historic nature, some areas might present challenges. It's advisable to check with local authorities for the most up-to-date accessibility information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to walk across the Menai Suspension Bridge or to view it from the surrounding areas. It's a free attraction for all visitors.Reddit

The Menai Suspension Bridge is a public thoroughfare and is generally open 24/7 for vehicular traffic and pedestrian access. However, it's crucial to check for any temporary closures due to maintenance or weather conditions, as these can occur.TikTokInstagram

While typically open, the bridge has experienced temporary closures for essential maintenance and safety reasons. It's always best to check local traffic updates or official sources before your visit to confirm its operational status.TikTokInstagram

The primary restriction is related to vehicle access, which can be subject to traffic management and closures. Pedestrian access is generally permitted, but visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and any posted signage.

The Menai Suspension Bridge was completed in 1826, designed by the renowned civil engineer Thomas Telford.Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Excellent photo opportunities exist from the pedestrian walkway, offering views up and down the Menai Strait. The Belgian Promenade provides unique angles of the bridge's structure.Instagram Drone photography can capture stunning aerial views, but always check local regulations.Instagram

Yes, you can take photos from the pedestrian walkway. Be mindful of other pedestrians and traffic when capturing your shots. The views of the strait and surrounding landscape are particularly photogenic.

General photography is permitted. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits or adherence to specific guidelines. Always be aware of your surroundings and respect any posted restrictions.

Late afternoons during the 'golden hour' offer beautiful lighting for capturing the bridge and the strait. Early mornings can also provide serene views with fewer crowds.TikTok

Its status as the world's first major iron suspension bridge, its elegant design by Thomas Telford, and its dramatic setting over the Menai Strait make it incredibly photogenic.Instagram+1

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can walk across the historic bridge, enjoy panoramic views of the Menai Strait, explore the Belgian Promenade, and look out for local wildlife like herons and seals.Reddit It's a great spot for appreciating engineering history.Instagram

Yes, there are lovely walks along the Menai Strait on both sides of the bridge. The Belgian Promenade offers a particularly scenic route with great views of the bridge.Instagram

It holds immense historical importance as the world's first major suspension bridge built with wrought iron chains, designed by Thomas Telford. It revolutionized bridge construction and transportation.Instagram+1

Yes, from the Menai Suspension Bridge, you can often see the Britannia Bridge, a rail and road bridge that runs parallel above it, showcasing different eras of engineering.TikTok

Nearby attractions include the town of Menai Bridge with its amenities, Church Island, and the beautiful coastal paths of Anglesey. Plas Newydd House and Gardens is also a short drive away.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Walking across the Menai Suspension Bridge is an engaging activity for families. The pedestrian walkway provides a safe space for children to explore and marvel at the impressive structure.Reddit Pointing out the iron chains and the stone towers can spark curiosity about engineering and history. The chance to spot wildlife like swans and herons in the Menai Strait adds an element of excitement. Consider a picnic lunch nearby to make a day of it. Remember to check for any temporary closures that might affect your plans.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

The Menai Suspension Bridge is a fantastic point along the Anglesey Coastal Path. Walking across the bridge itself offers stunning views and a unique perspective. For a more immersive experience, explore the Belgian Promenade at the base of the bridge, which provides excellent vantage points and photo opportunities.Instagram The surrounding areas offer further walking trails, allowing you to combine a visit to the bridge with a scenic hike along the Menai Strait.

📸 Photographers and History Buffs

This bridge is a dream for photographers and history enthusiasts. As the world's first major suspension bridge, its historical significance is immense.Instagram+1 Capture iconic shots from the pedestrian walkway or the Belgian Promenade.Instagram The late afternoon 'golden hour' offers particularly beautiful light. For those interested in engineering, take time to appreciate Thomas Telford's innovative design and the sheer scale of the structure.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Pioneer of Engineering: Thomas Telford's Masterpiece

The Menai Suspension Bridge is not just a crossing; it's a landmark in civil engineering history. Designed by Thomas Telford, it was completed in 1826 and was the world's first major suspension bridge to utilize wrought iron chains.Instagram+1 This groundbreaking design significantly improved travel between London and Holyhead, making the journey to Ireland much faster and more reliable.Instagram The bridge's construction involved innovative techniques for its time, overcoming the challenges of spanning the turbulent Menai Strait.

Before its construction, crossing the strait was a time-consuming ferry journey. Telford's design, with its elegant stone towers and robust iron chains, was a testament to the era's burgeoning industrial capabilities. The bridge's success paved the way for future suspension bridge designs worldwide, solidifying its place as a pivotal structure in architectural and engineering heritage.Instagram+1 Visitors can still walk across this historic structure today, experiencing a piece of living history.Reddit

Experiencing the Menai Suspension Bridge: Views and Walks

The most rewarding way to experience the Menai Suspension Bridge is by walking its pedestrian walkway.Reddit This offers unparalleled views of the Menai Strait, a dynamic waterway separating Anglesey from mainland Wales. From the walkway, you can gaze up the strait towards Beaumaris or down towards Plas Newydd, enjoying the natural beauty of the North Wales coastline.TikTokReddit Keep an eye out for local wildlife; herons, swans, and even seals are often spotted in the waters below.Reddit

For a different perspective, explore the Belgian Promenade at the base of the bridge.Instagram This scenic path allows you to appreciate the sheer scale and intricate engineering of the bridge from below. It's a fantastic spot for photography, offering unique angles that capture the bridge's grandeur against the backdrop of the strait.Instagram Some visitors even opt for a rib ride under the bridge for an exhilarating experience.Reddit

Navigating Closures and Community Impact

The Menai Suspension Bridge, while a historic marvel, has recently been subject to temporary closures for essential maintenance and safety upgrades.TikTokInstagram These closures, though necessary, have had a significant impact on the local community, particularly for residents of Anglesey who rely on the bridge for daily commutes and access to the mainland.TikTokInstagram The disruption highlights the bridge's ongoing importance as a vital transport link.

Travelers planning a visit should always check for current closure information before setting out. Social media and local news outlets often provide real-time updates on the bridge's operational status.TikTokInstagram While driving across might be temporarily restricted, the pedestrian walkway often remains accessible, allowing visitors to still experience the bridge and its views, albeit with potential adjustments to their travel plans.

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