Penmon Priory and Trwyn Du Lighthouse
Explore historic Penmon Priory and the iconic Trwyn Du Lighthouse on Anglesey's rugged coast. Discover rock pools and enjoy stunning sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore rock pools and formations
Penmon Priory and Trwyn Du Lighthouse
Best Time
Explore rock pools and formations
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore historic Penmon Priory and the iconic Trwyn Du Lighthouse on Anglesey's rugged coast. Discover rock pools and enjoy stunning sea views.
"Absolutely love this rocky little beach. Great views and super relaxed."
🛞 Pay the Toll First
Remember to pay the £3.50 toll before driving onto the road to access the priory and lighthouse.
🥿 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is rocky, so flip-flops or sturdy shoes are essential for comfortable exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trwyn Du Lighthouse
Offshore
Iconic lighthouse offering dramatic coastal views, especially at sunset.
Penmon Priory Ruins
Coastal grounds
Explore the atmospheric remnants of this historic priory, steeped in local lore.
Rocky Shoreline & Rock Pools
Beach
Discover fascinating rock formations and vibrant rock pools when the tide recedes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Toll Road & Parking Fees
Rocky Terrain & Tide Awareness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛞 Pay the Toll First
Remember to pay the £3.50 toll before driving onto the road to access the priory and lighthouse.
🥿 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is rocky, so flip-flops or sturdy shoes are essential for comfortable exploration.
☕ Enjoy the Pilot House Cafe
A welcoming cafe with great ice cream, pizzas, and snacks. Friendly staff!
🌊 Check Tide Times
Tides change quickly; low tide reveals rock pools, while high tide deepens the water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛞 Pay the Toll First
Remember to pay the £3.50 toll before driving onto the road to access the priory and lighthouse.
🥿 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is rocky, so flip-flops or sturdy shoes are essential for comfortable exploration.
☕ Enjoy the Pilot House Cafe
A welcoming cafe with great ice cream, pizzas, and snacks. Friendly staff!
🌊 Check Tide Times
Tides change quickly; low tide reveals rock pools, while high tide deepens the water.
💡 Look for Puffins
Puffin Island is nearby, offering a chance to spot these charming birds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning coastal scenery, the iconic Trwyn Du Lighthouse, and the historical Penmon Priory. The nearby Pilot House Cafe is a hit for its ice cream and friendly service. However, some find the toll road and potential overnight parking charges a bit steep.
"Absolutely love this rocky little beach. There's a toll to access that is basically your parking. The beach is rocky, so best take flip flops to walk around in. When the tide is out there's loads of rock pools, and when it's in then you can swim as the water gets deep quite quickly. There's a lovely little cafe there too that dies great ice cream and has a nice little seating area. We went on bank holiday and it wasn't packed at all. Great views and super relaxed"
Richard Black
"A beautiful spot, and the cafe is fantastic. Delicious food and drinks, and friendly staff. The only minor drawback is the toll, which is charged no matter how long you stay. And the next morning, around 10 a.m., the man who collected the toll when we drove in knocks on the motorhome and collects another £12.50 for the toll and parking. That's a bit cheeky, considering we haven't even driven on the road yet. That was a rather expensive experience."
Siouxsie Sioux
"Acts as a toll road so is £3.50 to use it per day, payable before you go onto the road.
Plenty of spots to park your van or car overnight.
No rubbish left which was great to see."
Gugul Krom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is via a toll road. You'll need to pay a £3.50 toll before entering the road that leads to the priory and lighthouse.
Yes, parking is available. Some visitors have reported overnight parking options, but be aware of potential additional charges.
You can drive to the general area of Trwyn Du Lighthouse via the toll road. The lighthouse itself is offshore and best viewed from the coast.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Penmon, allowing you to pay the toll and access parking easily.
Public transport options are limited. It's best to check local bus routes, but driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a £3.50 toll to use the road leading to Penmon Priory and Trwyn Du Lighthouse. This covers access for the day.
No advance booking is typically required. You pay the toll upon arrival.
The grounds of Penmon Priory are generally accessible during daylight hours. The lighthouse is always visible from the shore.
The main fee is the £3.50 toll. One visitor reported an additional charge the next morning for overnight parking, so clarify fees if staying overnight.
Trwyn Du Lighthouse is offshore and not accessible for close-up visits. It's best admired from the coastline.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the priory ruins, walk along the rocky shoreline, discover rock pools at low tide, and enjoy views of Trwyn Du Lighthouse.
When the tide is in, the water gets deep quickly, making it suitable for swimming. However, the beach itself is rocky.
Absolutely! The lighthouse, priory ruins, and dramatic coastline offer stunning photographic subjects, especially at sunset.
Puffin Island is nearby, offering a chance to see puffins. The rock pools may also reveal various marine life.
Yes, Penmon Priory and Trwyn Du Lighthouse make for a wonderful day trip, offering history, natural beauty, and coastal walks.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Pilot House Cafe is located nearby and is highly recommended for its delicious ice cream, pizzas, and snacks.
The cafe offers a good variety of ice cream, pizzas, and other snacky foods.
While not explicitly mentioned, the scenic coastal location is ideal for a picnic. Bring your own supplies if the cafe doesn't suit your needs.
Yes, the Pilot House Cafe serves a nice selection of drinks.
Information on dog-friendliness isn't readily available, but it's always worth checking with the cafe directly.
📸 📸 Photography
The Trwyn Du Lighthouse against the sea, the atmospheric Penmon Priory ruins, and the interesting rock formations on the beach are prime photography locations.
Sunset offers dramatic lighting for the lighthouse and coastline. Midday can be harsh, but low tide reveals detailed rock pools.
Puffins can be seen on nearby Puffin Island. Bring a telephoto lens if you hope to capture them clearly.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and the lighthouse. A macro lens can be useful for rock pool details.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and any signage at the site before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Pilot House Cafe is a great spot for a treat, with ice cream being a particular hit. The open spaces around the priory are good for letting kids run around, and the dramatic views of the lighthouse can spark their imagination. While the priory ruins are fascinating, supervise younger children closely due to uneven surfaces.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the diverse marine life in the rock pools and the proximity to Puffin Island. The area is known for its natural beauty and the feeling of being away from it all. Pack layers, as the weather can change quickly on the coast.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coastal Beauty
Visitors often praise the wild, windy, and blustery atmosphere, which adds to the rugged charm of the location. The nearby Puffin Island is a significant draw for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a chance to spot these iconic birds in their natural habitat. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain is predominantly rocky, and check tide times to maximize your exploration of the rock pools.
The Pilot House Cafe is a popular amenity, offering a welcome respite with delicious ice cream, pizzas, and drinks. Its friendly staff and pleasant seating area enhance the overall visitor experience, making it a perfect spot to refuel after exploring the coastline.
Historical Significance of Penmon Priory
Exploring the atmospheric remnants of the priory allows visitors to step back in time and imagine the lives of the monks who once resided there. The priory church, with its distinctive round-headed arches, is particularly noteworthy. The site's historical depth adds another layer of interest to the stunning coastal scenery, making it more than just a picturesque spot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit