The Archaeology of Anglesey

Departing: May 2027 - May 2027

Anglesey, or Ynys Môn, occupies a fascinating place in the archaeological story of Britain. Separated from mainland Wales by the narrow Menai Strait, this compact island contains an extraordinary concentration of Neolithic burial chambers, Bronze Age standing stones and Iron Age hillforts. It was also the setting for a dramatic encounter between the Roman army and the Celtic druids, vividly recorded by the Roman historian Tacitus. Around the island, ancient monuments sit alongside medieval churches and later landscapes, revealing how places were reused and reshaped over centuries. From the mysterious chambered tombs of Bryn Celli Ddu and Barclodiad y Gawres to formidable castles on the mainland, the archaeology of Anglesey offers an unusually rich opportunity to see thousands of years of history within a remarkably small area.

Included

Explore Bryn Celli Ddu & Caernarfon Castle, with entrance fees included
All other visits as outlined in the itinerary
Expert Guide Lecturer & professional Tour Manager
4 nights at the Management Centre Hotel, Bangor
4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 4 dinners
Wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Private air-conditioned coach travel
Field notes, taxes & gratuities for local staff

Highlights

Discover Bryn Celli Ddu, an impressive Neolithic chamber tomb aligned with the sun on the longest day of the year
Visit Caernarfon Castle, one of Europe’s great medieval fortresses on the banks of the River Seiont
Explore Segontium, the Roman fort founded by Agricola, which controlled access to Anglesey

Ken Murphy

Ken is a field archaeologist with over 45 years’ experience and Chief Executive Officer of the Trust for Welsh Archaeology. He holds a degree in Archaeology and Geography from Southampton University and has extensive expertise in excavations, site surveys and landscape archaeology across Wales.

Tour Itinerary

Arrive into Bangor and meet your expert Guide Lecturer and fellow travellers at your hotel.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: The Management Centre Hotel, Bangor

This morning, we drive across the Menai Bridge onto Anglesey and visit Bryn Celli Ddu. This impressive Neolithic passage grave continues to fascinate archaeologists because it is actually two monuments, one built on top of an earlier henge. Next, we have arranged access to Barclodiad y Gawres, a decorated chambered tomb. Its location in Anglesey makes it very unusual – tombs of this type are usually only found in Ireland. We continue to Ty Mawr, stopping en route to view Llyn Cerrig Bach, an area of marshland (once a natural lake) and the location of the largest Iron Age hoard discovered to date in Wales. At Ty Mawr, we see the remains of about 20 or so round stone houses, stores and workshops. This site is remarkably well preserved, given that parts of it are 4,000 years old. After lunch, we drive to Caer Gybi and view the remains of a small Roman fort. It is one of Europe’s only three-walled Roman forts, the fourth side protected by the sea.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Management Centre Hotel, Bangor

We visit some interesting fortifications today, starting with Dinas Dnille Hillfort, an Iron Age prehistoric coastal fort. The constantly eroding soft cliffs have long made it a challenging site to excavate but a monumental stone-built roundhouse was discovered here a few metres from the cliff edge. Next, we visit Segontium Roman Fort, which once formed a critical part of Roman control over the newly conquered Welsh tribes. Coins recovered from excavations show its remarkable longevity – it was garrisoned until around AD 394 and continued to play a part in the defence of the Welsh coast against Irish raiders and pirates. In the afternoon, we explore magnificent Caernarfon Castle, one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Management Centre Hotel, Bangor

We return to Anglesey this morning to visit Beaumaris Castle, the last of the royal strongholds created by Edward I. Designed to be even greater than Caernarfon with concentric rings of formidable defences, six great towers and hundreds of arrow loops, it was never completed. We continue to Penmon Priory, established in the 6th century with the founding of a monastery by St Seiriol, a prominent figure in Welsh history. There are well-preserved monastic remains, including a church that still serves as the parish, and a 10th-century cross with intricate carvings. Our last site visit of the day is to Din Lligwy, an excellent example of a fortified hut group, dating from the latter days of the Roman occupation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: The Management Centre Hotel, Bangor

Our tour comes to an end and we make our journey home.

Meals: Breakfast

Please note: the order of site visits may change due to prevailing weather conditions.

Accommodation

Set in an Edwardian building and boasting lovely views across to the Isle of Anglesey, the Management Centre Hotel in the historic city of Bangor offers a restaurant, coffee shop, free Wi-Fi and spacious bedrooms with tea and coffee-making facilities and flat-screen TV.

Availability & Booking

2027

24th May from $2,910

Call to Book

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