If there’s one thing I absolutely love on a quiet afternoon, it’s grabbing a flask and holding my kids’ hands, wandering gently around a good nature reserve. It’s not fancy or stressful. It’s just fresh air, a few giggles, and the kind of simple pleasures I know I’ll miss when they’re older.
Anglesey is spoilt when it comes to nature reserves. The island is home to 18 official spots, bursting with wildlife. From grey seals bobbing in the water, and dolphins dancing elusively in the waves, to puffins peek-a-booing around on the cliffs, and red squirrels scampering through the trees. Anglesey nature reserves just relieve you of the day-to-day stresses and help you to switch off and tune into you.
If, like me, you love a good nature reserve, then pack a snack, buckle up, and let’s take a wander through some of my favourite nature reserves on Anglesey.
South Stack RSPB Nature Reserve
If you’ve seen a photo of Anglesey and thought wow, that looks dramatic, chances are it was South Stack. Rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and more seabirds than you can shake a pair of binoculars at. South Stack really is a showstopper.
What Wildlife Might You Spot?
This is the place to channel your inner David Attenborough. The cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds like puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, peregrines, and more. If you’ve got patient kids, bring snacks and let them sit quietly with binoculars (or the big telescopes at Elin’s Tower) and watch the magic unfold.
And it’s not just about the birds. Porpoises and dolphins are known visitors here, along with grey seals, just living life below the cliffs. It’s one of those places where you could honestly spend hours without getting bored.
Parent tip: The cliffs are high, the drops are steep, and toddlers who love running in zig-zags will give you a mild heart attack here. For that reason, I’d say this one’s best for slightly older kids who can follow paths safely.
Cors Ddyga RSPB Nature Reserve
If you fancy something calmer and flatter, Cors Ddyga is lovely. It’s one of those places where you can just stroll, breathe, and maybe spot some wildlife without needing to bribe the kids with ice cream every 10 minutes.
What’s It Like?
It’s flat, it’s peaceful, and it’s popular with dog walkers. To be totally honest, though, the last time I went there was a fair bit of dog mess along the paths, so definitely don’t wear your best trainers. Wellies or sturdy shoes are a must.
Wildlife at Cors Ddyga
This reserve is a bird-watcher’s dream. You’ll see lapwings and curlews doing their thing on the wetlands, marsh harriers overhead, and reed buntings singing away. And yes, there are otters and water voles here too, although I’m still waiting for my big otter-spotting moment.
Parent tip: Pack the scooters, or bikes if you’re going with slightly bigger kids, the paths are flat enough, and it breaks up those “are we nearly done yet” moments.
Llyn Cefni Reservoir
This one is my go-to on a nothingy day. You know those afternoons where you don’t really have a plan, but the kids need some fresh air, and you need coffee in a flask? That’s when I head for Llyn Cefni.
What’s It Like?
It’s a big reservoir framed by trees and shrubs, with a circular walk that’s perfect for stretching your legs. I often chuck the scooters in the boot and let the girls whizz ahead while I trundle behind, pretending I can keep up.
The main “sight” here is the dam. It’s not pretty in the Instagram sense, but it’s dramatic, loud, and strangely satisfying to stand and watch.
Wildlife at Llyn Cefni
Expect to see plenty of water birds like grebes, coots, swans, teals, plus the odd bird of prey. I’ve had red kites circling overhead before, and it never gets old.
Nant-Y-Pandy (The Dingle)
Ah, the Dingle. Or if you’re being fancy, Nant-Y-Pandy. This one’s tucked away in Llangefni and feels like stepping into a proper storybook woodland.
What’s It Like?
Boardwalks, tree-lined trails, stone paths, and even a little lake (Llyn Pwmp). It’s shaded and peaceful, making it perfect for a hot day when you want to keep the kids out of the sun. Years ago, this was a bit of a hidden gem. Now it’s better known, but still just as magical.
If you’re feeling extra energetic, you can actually walk all the way from the Dingle to Llyn Cefni Reservoir.
Wildlife at The Dingle
This is squirrel heaven. Red squirrels dart across the paths, leap through the trees, and pop up at the feeding stations. The girls love playing “spot the squirrel” here. You’ll also find woodpeckers, kingfishers, and plenty of ducks and moorhens splashing about near the water.
Parent tip: This one is buggy-friendly on the boardwalks, so it’s great if you’ve got toddlers in tow.
Newborough National Nature Reserve
I can’t write about nature reserves without giving Newborough a mention. With its mix of forest, dunes, and one of the best beaches on the island, it’s the kind of place you can spend all day and still feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface.
Red squirrels thrive in the forest, butterflies flit through the dunes, and the birdlife is just as exciting. Plus, let’s be honest, the kids are probably more interested in the beach than the birds, and Newborough’s beach is one of the best for a sandy picnic or a paddle.
Parent tip: Parking here isn’t the cheapest, so if you’re going, make a proper day of it. Bring a picnic, the buckets and spades, and maybe even the bikes if you fancy the forest trails.
Malltraeth Estuary
If you want somewhere that feels a bit wilder and less “polished”, Malltraeth Estuary is a solid choice. It’s one of those places where the landscape completely changes with the tide. Like, one minute it’s vast mudflats with hundreds of birds feeding, the next it’s glistening water stretching out towards the sea.
I’d advise avoiding it on a windy day. I went slap bang in the middle of winter, and the wind literally almost sliced my ears off.
What’s It Like?
There’s a lovely coastal path here that runs along the estuary, making it great for a steady family walk or a scoot if the kids are in that phase where they can’t possibly walk more than five minutes without wheels. It’s quieter than Newborough, but just as stunning in its own way, especially if you time it around sunrise or sunset.
Wildlife at Malltraeth Estuary
This is a birdwatcher’s dream. Expect to see waders like curlews, redshank, and oystercatchers, plus wildfowl such as shelduck and teal. The mudflats are basically a buffet for migrating birds, so it’s one of those places where binoculars are a must.
And if you’re really lucky? You might spot an otter along the estuary, too. Locals say they’re there, though, like Cors Ddyga, I’ve never managed to catch one myself.
Parent tip: Take snacks and drinks, because once you’re out on the estuary path, there aren’t any facilities nearby. It’s also pretty exposed, so bring layers if it’s breezy. After all, nothing kills the mood faster than a cold, grumpy child!
Anglesey Nature Reserves for Families
The thing I love most about Anglesey’s nature reserves is that they all feel so different. South Stack brings the drama with its cliffs and seabirds, Cors Ddyga is peaceful and marshy, Llyn Cefni is the one I go to when the kids need to let off steam, Nant-y-Pandy has that magical woodland feel, Newborough is all about big adventures in the forest and dunes, and Malltraeth Estuary gives you that quieter, wilder vibe where you feel like you’ve got front-row seats to a nature documentary.
Whether you’re a family that loves birdwatching, splashing in puddles, or just enjoying a slow wander with a flask of coffee, there’s a reserve here that will fit the mood. Honestly? You could spend weeks exploring them all and still have more to see.
