Carreg Wen Shepherd Hut

One of the oldest copper mines in the world is found near Amlwch – learn more about the industry at the Copper Kingdom Centre (five minutes’ drive) before heading to Mynydd Parys (10 minutes) to see remains of a 17th-century smelting tower and an open-cast mine, thought to date back to the Bronze Age. Wanting more history? Anglesey is full of it, from the medieval castle at seaside Beaumaris to the elegant 15th-century mansion at Plas Newydd House and Garden (both half an hour), which has spectacular views across the Menai Straits to Snowdonia peaks from its waterside walks. And of course, you can also pop the Menai Bridge to the mainland and tour the imposing waterside fortresses at Caernarfon (40 minutes) and Conwy (50 minutes). You might prefer to stay firmly put on Anglesey to explore on foot; the island is circumnavigated by the 130-mile Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path, taking in extensive sandy beaches, soaring cliffs and water-blown sea arches along the way. If cycling is your favoured MO, try following the gentle Lon Las Cefni (20 minutes) route past marshes and through nature reserves.