Welcome to Menai Bridge

Menai Bridge (Porthaethwy) is located on the east coast of the island of Anglesey, North Wales, approximately 247 miles north-west of London and 20 miles east-south-east of Holyhead.

The town has a population of around 3,200. Administratively it is within the district of Isle of Anglesey which covers an area of approximately 714 sq kms. 

Connected to mainland Wales across the Menai Straits by the road bridge from which it takes its name, it is a peaceful town of predominantly Victorian architecture which has grown up around the suspension bridge which was built by Thomas Telford and opened in 1826. It is a good base from which to explore the island.

It is thought that there has been a settlement here since Roman times because of the town's position at the shortest crossing of the Menai Strait. For many years the town was known as Porthaethwy and, amongst the many old buildings, the oldest house still in use dates from the 17th century. The Menai Suspension Bridge was built in 1826 by famous civil engineer Thomas Telford. The town has, by ancient tradition, a common piece of land which is set aside for the annual October fair.  

Economically, tourism is one of the most important industries on the Island. The Anglesey Tourism Survey of 1997/98 confirmed that the industry generates some 1.8 million visits every year to the Island with a visitor spend of around £180 million pounds per annum. The tourism sector is to remain a focus of investment activity.

The town simply takes its name from the bridge across the Menai Straits which links Anglesey to mainland Wales.