Major city · United Kingdom
Church Bay, AngleseyPorth Swtan
Base here 2 nights with a car: the beach, the coastal path and a 17th-century cottage take half a day, not a holiday.
Church Bay (Porth Swtan) is a hamlet on the west coast of Anglesey, near Rhyd-wyn: a sandy beach behind a pebble ridge, low cliffs, the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path running past the door and a restored 17th-century Welsh cottage. There are no shops, no station and almost no buses, so it works as a quiet two-night base for a car, not as a day out from elsewhere.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wind, rain, most places shut)
- Airports
- HHD · LPL
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Church Bay, Anglesey999 ▾
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance, coastguard)999
- Emergency (EU-wide)112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Church Bay, Anglesey, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the risks are the sea, the cliffs and the lanes.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 emergency (police, fire, ambulance, coastguard) · 112 emergency (eu-wide) · 111 NHS non-urgent
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckHHD Holyhead (ferry port, not an airport) (check: ferries from Dublin; the nearest airport is Liverpool (LPL), about 2 h by car).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical answer: the coast road links Church Bay to Holyhead (about 20 min) and the rest of Anglesey.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course£14–22 (≈ US$19–30)
- BeerPint of beer£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Museum or sight ticketSwtan heritage museum entrySmall volunteer-run cottage museum; opening is seasonal and limited.check
- Budget bedSelf-catering cottage (sleeps 4–6), a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
- Mid-range bedB&B or inn double room, a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedB&B or inn double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £85 (≈ US$120) · High £150 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HHD Holyhead (ferry port, not an airport) (check: ferries from Dublin; the nearest airport is Liverpool (LPL), about 2 h by car) · LPL Liverpool John Lennon (check: about 2 h by car to Church Bay)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (16 rain days), driest May (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Church Bay, Anglesey: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
16 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
15 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
16 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical answer: the coast road links Church Bay to Holyhead (about 20 min) and the rest of Anglesey. Buses along this stretch are few and thin on Sundays — check times before relying on them. The coastal path is the other way to move: on foot, one direction at a time.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Holyhead and South Stack
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
A5/A55 by car, then the lanes to RSPB South Stack
Cliffs, lighthouse and seabird colonies; the ferry port is on the way.
Door to door: About 45 min
Car via the A5 and A545
Castle, pier and a proper town for a wet afternoon.
Rhosneigr
goDoor to door: About 35 min
Car via the A55 and A4080
Bigger beach and cafés; good when the wind is wrong at Church Bay.
Menai Bridge and Llanfairpwllgwyngyll
cautionDoor to door: About 45–50 min
Car via the A55
Do both in one run; on its own it is a long way for a sign.
Benllech
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Car via the A5025
Sand and a small high street; easier parking than Church Bay in August.
Llangefni
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Car via the A5114
Market town for supplies and a supermarket, not a sight.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Church Bay hamlet
Walk to the beach and The Lobster Pot; a handful of cottages and B&Bs, so book weeks ahead in summer.
Rhyd-wyn and Llanfaethlu
Inland villages 1–2 miles away; more self-catering stock, still a short drive to the sand.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–120 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- £120 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or inn double room1 × 2 nights × £120 | £240 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × £85 | £340 |
| Car hire, one day1 × £45 · check | £45 |
| Fuel, about 100 miles of island driving1 × £15 | £15 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £8 | £16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £66 |
| Trip total≈ £181 per person per day, bed included | £722≈ US$1,000 |
2026 estimate in pounds; ferry and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | £14–22 (≈ US$19–30) |
| Seafood main at The Lobster Potcheck | £18–30 (≈ US$25–40) |
| Pint of beer | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Car park, half daycheck | £2–5 (≈ US$3–7) |
| Swtan heritage museum entrySmall volunteer-run cottage museum; opening is seasonal and limited. | check |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No shop in the hamlet: buy food in Holyhead or Llangefni before you arrive.
- The beach has no lifeguard; the tide and swell on this exposed west coast are the real risk.
- Mobile signal is patchy in the lanes behind the bay.
- Dogs are allowed on the beach, but keep them off the pebble ridge nesting areas in spring.
Emergency numbers
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance, coastguard)
- 999
- Emergency (EU-wide)
- 112
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
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Church Bay, AngleseyPorth Swtan
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
I'r cyfeiriad hwn, os gwelwch yn ddaTo this address, please
Emergency
- Emergency (police, fire, ambulance, coastguard)999
- Emergency (EU-wide)112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies on Anglesey; the nearest consulates and embassies are in Cardiff and London. US and most EU nationals: consular help via London.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi Holyhead → Church Bay: about £20–30 (≈ US$30–40), 20 min (check)
- Bus along the west coast: check times; a few services a day, thinner on Sundays
- Car park at the beach: £2–5 (≈ US$3–7) for a half day (check)
Say or show
- Bore da — Good morning (BOR-eh dah)
- Diolch — Thank you (DEE-olch)
- Os gwelwch yn dda — Please (os GWEL-ookh un thah)
- Traeth — Beach (trathe)
- Ble mae'r toiled? — Where is the toilet? (bleh myre TOY-led)
Welsh is spoken widely on Anglesey; English is universal.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Church Bay, Anglesey. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wind, rain, most places shut) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport and ferry arrival contracts for HHD and LPL: last bus, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters: the beach and Swtan, the coastal path north to the cliffs, the lanes to Rhyd-wyn.
- Place pages with verified opening for Swtan and The Lobster Pot, plus tide and parking notes.
- Storm and closed-kitchen fixtures so gates A–D can go green.