2023 POSTCARD FROM ANGLESEY & NORTH WALES Monday 15 – Friday 19 May

I took an Avanti train from Euston to Holyhead at 9am on the morning of Monday, and was not impressed.  I had booked myself a first-class seat so that I was looked after. Necessary when I was travelling with a broken hand.  All I got in my almost four-hour journey was a cup of coffee and a glass of water. They did offer breakfast when I got on but as I had some before I left home I turned it down.  But some lunch and a glass of something would not have gone amiss.  A bad start on the journey to visit by birth country.

On arrival at Holyhead the taxi I had booked was nowhere to be seen.  On calling the taxi people they said he had left after five minutes.  The train was only about 8 minutes late – you would think he could have waited for the train to come in.  Not impressed.  He came back five minutes later.  Good job it was sunny and not pouring with rain.

 

The Trearddur Bay Hotel wasn’t much better.  I had told them I would arrive around 1.30pm but even so my room wasn’t ready.  After about 15 minutes I was told my room was ready – it was next to the one I had booked – even so not much of a “sea view”.  By this time I was getting fairly fed up!  I have the tiniest room you can imagine – beams to knock your head, steps into/out of the bathroom. One shelf for your clothes.  Two tiny drawers which will only take little bits and pieces.  Far from impressed with this place so far.

 

So at 3 o’clock took myself for an hour’s walk around Trearddur Bay on a beautiful if chilly afternoon and calmed myself down.  Once back there was a better team on duty in the hotel and everything went a bit smoother!  Had quite a good dinner in the hotel restaurant that evening.

On Tuesday morning I met my guide Lynne at 9am and we set off on a day tour of Anglesey.  She was very informative, a good driver, and very good company.  We had a great day in glorious, if chilly, weather circulating Anglesey.  It was all absolutely fascinating. We stopped at many interesting places, some beautiful churches, and of course LlanfairPG [with the very long name] which I can pronounce thanks to my Aunt teaching me many years ago! We were out and about from 9am to 5.30pm so accomplished a lot during the day.  In the evening I had dinner at the Inn on the Bay [next to the hotel] but was not impressed. Food was OK, service was not!

 

On Wednesday I took a local bus into Holyhead and spent 3 hours wondering around the town, seeing the port, a war memorial and some churches – one particularly lovely one called St Cybi’s.  

 

The RAF have been particularly busy up here with lots of flights every day, including the Lancaster which is honouring the 80^th anniversary of the Dambusters.  It flew right over my head, but I wasn’t quick enough with the camera!

 

On Thursday my wonderful guide, Lynne, picked me up at 9am and we set off on a tour of North Wales.  First stop was the beautiful Lake Padarn with Snowdonia in the background.  Stunning views around the Lake.  From there we visited various wonderful little towns, including Portmeirion, Beddgelert, Tremadog and Carnarvon as well as the fascinating National Slate Museum. 

 

My hotel continued its worst on Friday morning with an inedible omelette for breakfast.  Will be glad to get away at 2pm.  My return journey was only marginally better than the outward one.  No service from Holyhead to Crewe, although the guard kindly brought me a cup of coffee.  From Crew to Euston I had a small amount of service – at last!  I got some cheese/cold meats and biscuits and some wine – wonders never cease!  Arrived back on time and found my car who drove me home within half an hour.  

 

A good trip except for the hotel and the trains!  An excellent guide and two wonderful day-tours.