Why hidden Welsh seaside hamlet is a perfect autumn retreat

It's coming up to that time of year: the first few leaves are falling, and the rain has well and truly returned.

One of my favourite times of the year, I really do think autumn is underrated when it comes to taking a relaxing break, and this seaside hamlet is my recommendation for just that for Lancashire families looking for something a little off the beaten path.

The bay out to sea (Image: NQ)

It holds fond memories for me as a child, when almost every weekend, we got in the car and drove for just over two hours from our home in Greater Manchester to enjoy the sandy beach of Red Wharf Bay on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales.

Found at the end of a winding country lane, Red Wharf Bay is a humble but peaceful destination, with a huge beach that stretches for miles.

The beach is truly the biggest I've ever been on (Image: NQ)

There's not that much to do in terms of hosted or exciting activities there, but I think it is a perfect base to be able to explore the rest of Anglesey or even some busier areas of the Welsh mainland.

The bay is on the edge of both Benllech and Pentraeth, with plenty of accommodation options nearby.

Me playing on the beach as a teenager (Image: NQ)

When we visited, we stayed with family or on a sailing boat we used to own and keep moored in the bay, but we would always walk around St Davids Holiday Park, which overlooks the bay and is made up of luxury lodges.

The park only has two lodges to hire, both self-catering and sleeping up to six adults and offering access to the on-site facilities, which include a restaurant and bar.

There are also plenty of Airbnb options in Benllech, which means the best of both worlds with the various shops, pubs and restaurants available in the busier area just a few minutes up the road, while also being able to spend time in the tranquil bay.

Now, getting on to what you can do while staying there, these recommendations span different age ranges and hobbies.

Anglesey is home to my absolute favourite place on earth, Penmon Priory, which leads down Penmon Point, home to Trwyn Du Lighthouse.

Penmon Priory (Image: Google)

The priory dates back to the 6th century and has a holy well with reputed healing properties as well as the ruins of the monastery built there by St Seiriol and the associated dovehouse.

It's like something out of a fantasy book, with tree-covered walkways which wind up the hillside toward the well.

An old family picture of St Seiriol's Well (Image: NQ)

In fact, my sister and I used to run around here as if we were lost princesses defeating an imaginary enemy.

Penmon Point is a quiet beach with a working lighthouse and small cafe.

Near the Menai Bridge, which takes you onto Anglesey from the mainland, is Plas Newydd House and Gardens, a National Trust Grade I listed house and garden situated on the banks of the Menai Strait.

Newydd House (Image: Google)

Visitors can access the house, gardens, cafe, second-hand bookshop and gift shop.

For those with children, I'd highly recommend the 35-minute drive back onto the mainland for Greenwood Park; a family theme park that boasts all sorts of activities, from a rollercoaster, barefoot trail and go-karts to a solar-powered water slide and soft play area.

Slightly further away, about a 40-minute drive, is Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, where you can bounce on giant trampolines in underground cave systems, climb up the cave walls and fly underground, or zoom down the side of a mountain.

For some exploration of the mainland, Caernarfon is under 40-minutes away, and offers winding medieval streets, independent shops, cafes and restaurants and some world-class chippies.

An aerial view of Caernarfon, including Caernarfon Castle. (Image: Getty Images)

A particular favourite of mine in the town is The Anglesey Arms, a historic waterfront pub tucked at the side of Caernarfon Castle.

As children, we'd enjoy some of the pub's stunning food and then try our hand at crabbing off the harbour walls while our parents watched from the pub.

The Ship Inn (Image: Google)

For the evenings back at Red Wharf Bay, The Ship Inn is a traditional beachfront pub serving up gorgeous food sourced from local suppliers.

The Boathouse is just down the beach, and has been in the same family for around four generations, and was always home to my favourite chocolate brownie.

The Boathouse (Image: Google)

In Benllech, the Breeze Hill is an award-winning restaurant serving pub classics and real ale.

We also used to love a chippy tea from Ocean Fish & Chips, in the centre of Benllech and a real old-time chippery.

While I admit my childhood fondness for this place might make me a bit biased, I truly think it's a real hidden gem for a short break, and I think that while it's beautiful in summer, a moody autumn stroll across the beach here is unmatched.