Beaumaris

Beaumaris is a medieval town at the eastern entrance of the Menai Strait on the Isle of Anglesey, combining architectural elements from the medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods. The buildings reflect how the town changed and grew over several centuries.

Edward I began building Beaumaris Castle in 1295 as the final fortress in his strategic network of Welsh fortifications. This castle was part of an ambitious plan to control Wales and resulted in an architecturally and militarily significant structure.

The town name comes from Norman-French words meaning 'fair marshes', reflecting how the early builders saw the wet landscape. Local residents and visitors today connect with this medieval identity through the streets and buildings that shape everyday life.

The castle is within easy walking distance of the town centre and sits right on the strait, making it straightforward to find. It is helpful to wear sturdy shoes since the historic streets are uneven and the shoreline can be slippery at times.

The castle features a tidal dock system that allowed supply ships to enter directly into the fortress, showing advanced medieval engineering knowledge. This system shows how water and planning worked together to keep a military stronghold supplied.