Sunset at Tŵr Mawr

Tŵr Mawr Lighthouse can be found on Ynys Llanddwyn in Anglesey. If you haven’t been here yet- you must visit! It is one of the most beautiful places in Anglesey, and I fall in love with it a little bit more each time I visit. Ynys Llanddwyn is a spectacular tidal island in Newborough forest, with some stunning rock formations and of course the iconic lighthouse Tŵr Mawr but also Tŵr Bach. Tŵr Mawr was built in around 1845, and the tidal island hosts many beautiful sights to explore, from a ruined ancient church (Eglwys Santes Dwynwen), a number of crosses and some beautiful cottages.

The cottages were built near the lighthouses to house pilots who guided ships into the straight and these have now been restored. From 1840 a lifeboat was stationed here, manned by the pilots and volunteers from Newborough. You can still see the cannon by the cottages that summoned the lifeboat crew.

St Dwynwen is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, and was said to live in the 5th century AD. There are various tales of Dwynwen, but is said she was to have retreated to Llanddwyn. People would leave offerings at her shrine, and a substantial chapel was built in the 16th century on the site of the original chapel- these ruins are still visible today.

When visiting Tŵr Mawr it is important to check the tide times, as the island becomes cut off during high tide. A friend and I visited for sunset, and it was a truly magical experience. Not only is the place steeped in beautiful history, the wildlife is incredible. We were very lucky to see the wild ponies that inhabit the island, and a little chestnut one came straight over to me, nuzzled my hand was very content to receive a fuss. This place is just magical, and in any weather its beauty is breath taking. We slightly judged the timing wrong coming back and had to wade through thigh high water to get back- which was pleasant on a warm summers evening. Had we been any later we might of inadvertently been staying!