The village boasts harming harbour, stunning coastal walks and an ancient church dating back to 440 AD
It’s almost December and the weather is pretty chilly, but it doesn’t mean we have to hibernate. There are so many stunning places in the UK that are perfect for a wintery trip, even when it’s cold outside.
One of these places is Cemaes in Wales, which journalist Catrin Williams recently visited. It’s the most northerly village in the country, and Catrin described it as the ‘perfect day out’. With a dramatic coastal walk and plenty of great shops and eateries, it’s not hard to see why.
Cemaes, originally a humble fishing village, has evolved into a bustling port over the centuries. Ships were constructed in the safety of the harbour, and locally quarried limestone, marble, bricks, corn, and ochre were shipped far and wide, according to North Wales Live.
Catrin said: “Walking along the harbour, it’s easy to imagine the buzz of trade that must have once filled the air.
“The high street is full of charm, it is lined with pretty and colourful houses. Small shops sell everything from handcrafted decorations to local crafts, and the cafes are equally inviting.”
Catrin stopped by Caffi Bane and got to a hot chocolate, the perfect pick-me-up on a chilly winter morning.
On the same street, the Stag Pub is a true local gem, buzzing with a friendly atmosphere and contributing to the village’s sense of community. There’s also a fish and chip shop that seemed to be very popular.
Catrin continued: “The beach is another highlight. Here, I discovered St Patrick’s Bell, part of a series of Time and Tide bells scattered around the coast of Great Britain.
“These bells ring with the high tide and serve as a thoughtful reminder of rising sea levels. I watched as the tide rolled in over Traeth Mawr, the beach with its stunning harbour view, it is a place that somehow feels both peaceful and alive with history.”
From the shore, Catrin walked along a section of the Anglesey Coastal Path, which forms part of the larger Wales Coast Path. The route offers breathtaking views of the sea on one side and rugged cliffs on the other, creating a picturesque landscape.
According to Catrin, the highlight of her visit was at the end of the walk: Llanbadrig Church, also known as St. Patrick’s Church. This is considered one of the oldest churches in Wales, with its roots tracing back to 440 AD, while the current structure is believed to have been built in the 12th century.
Local folklore tells the tale of a young St. Patrick who was shipwrecked on Ynys Badrig in the 5th century. Miraculously surviving the ordeal, he founded the church as an act of gratitude to God.
Raving about the village, Catrin said: “All in all, my day in Cemaes Bay was a perfect blend of history and beautiful scenery. Even in the quieter months of winter, there’s a warmth to the village that makes it feel welcoming.
“From the colourful streets and cosy cafes to the dramatic coastline and centuries-old church, it’s a place that is definitely worth a visit.”
