RELAXATION, plenty of fresh air and getting away from the rat race are what family holidays are all about writes Yasmin Hampson

Away from glitzy shopping malls and night clubs that rock all night, the Isle of Anglesey has tempted visitors over the years with a rich mixture of outdoor activities, historic attractions and 125 miles of coastline.

Covering 290 square miles, Anglesey is the largest island off the Welsh coast, separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait.

During our two night stay, courtesy of the North Wales Tourist Board, we stayed at Beaumaris an historic town which nestles by the Menai Strait on the South-east corner of the island.

Base for the weekend was the Old Bulls Head Inn, just on the main street and a building of historic interest, having in its time played host to famous guests including the diarist Dr Samuel Johnson and novelist Charles Dickens.

We found that there was a lot to do in Beaumaris. As well as a 13th century castle, built by Edward I to stamp his authority on the Welsh, attractions include the old gaol and courthouse along with the Museum of Childhood, housing a collection of memorabilia on show in nine themed rooms, taking visitors on a nostalgic journey back to their childhood days.

From Beaumaris visitors can also enjoy a boat trip around Puffin Island, a seabird sanctuary.

A short drive away near Llanfairpwll is the 18th century home of the Marquess of Anglesey, Plas Newydd.

The National Trust property houses a military exhibition containing relics of the first Marquess who commanded the cavalry at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.

There is also an exhibition devoted to the work of artist Rex Whistler whose career was cut short when he was killed by enemy mortar in Normandy in July 1944. In the dining room you'll find his largest mural, commissioned by the 6th Marquess of Anglesey. Because of its size, it was sketched on the bare plaster of the long wall before the artist began work on the canvas, woven in France in one 58ft long piece. The masterpiece, was Whistler's last mural.

Meanwhile for fresh air addicts Anglesey offers lots of outdoor activities with horse riding fans well catered for. We visited the Tal-y-Foel Riding Centre at Dwyran which has grown into a thriving business now offering bed and breakfast accommodation as well as riding programmes for all abilities, miles of grass tracks, a cross country training course and indoor arena. Walkers have stunning countryside to explore including Llyn Alaw, which at 777 acres is the largest lake on the island, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It is also a popular haunt for anglers.

Footpaths start at the visitor centre, winding their way along the north and south shores with a chance to see many different species of birds, as well as watching flocks of geese, ducks and wild swans from the bird hides.

There is a lot of history to discover on Anglesey. Once known as the granary of Wales because of the quality of barley and oats that were grown on the island, around 100 watermills and windmills were built to grind the grain into flour.

Today the Llynnon windmill, built for £550 in 1775 at Llanddeusant is one of only two surviving working mills. After being bought by Anglesey Borough Council, it was restored and reopened in 1986 and now produces stoneground flour for sale. Visitors are given a fascinating insight into the workings of the mill - and there is even a chance to sample famous Welshcakes at the tearoom next door.

Younger visitors will also find lots to do on Anglesey. One favourite is Pili Palas at Porthaethwy, a butterfly, bird and mini beast centre where we saw a variety of creatures and insects. Many different species of colourful butterflies from all over the world can be seen flying free in the tropical hothouse.

Another sure winner is Foel Farm Park near Bynsiencyn where youngsters can see, pet and feed a variety of animals. The addition of a successful chocolate farm specialising in a range of handmade chocolates and novelties on the site has proved to be a successful business venture and now also has a thriving mail order service.

Next door neighbour is the Anglesey Sea Zoo, opened in 1983 giving an educational insight to what lies under the sea and on the beach around the island. There is even a reconstructed shipwreck display to explore and I was amazed to learn that more than 400 wrecks are under the waters surrounding Anglesey, the most famous being the Royal Charter, wrecked in 1859 which sunk with a large shipment of Australian gold.

The sea zoo is also the home of the famous Anglesey sea salt "Halen Mon" and visitors can watch the heating, harvesting and packaging processes. As well as being sold in prestigious department stores around the UK, the salt is exported around the world and used by a number of celebrity chefs.

So whether you are looking for an active holiday, relaxation or interesting places to visit, Anglesey has lots to offer the tourist and being only around a two hour drive from the Manchester area it is ideal for short breaks, as well as for holidays.

WEB LINKS:

General information on Anglesey HERE

Specific information about Beaumaris HERE

Around and about in North Wales HERE

General information on the beautiful country of Wales HERE

Menai Strait - in pictures HERE

The 18th century home of the Marquess of Anglesey, Plas Newydd HERE

Ye Old Bulls Head Inn, Beaumaris HERE

E-MAIL and CONTACT NUMBERS:

FOR details of things to do, accommodation and places to visit on Anglesey contact the tourist information centres at Holyhead: Tel 01407 762622, e-mail (holyhead.tic@virgin.net) or Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll: Tel 01248 713177 or e-mail (llanfairpwll.tic@virgin.net)