Church Island

Church Island (Welsh: Ynys Tysilio) is a tiny island in the Menai Strait, just off the shore of Menai Bridge on Anglesey, Wales. It is one of the most atmospheric short walks in the town: a small causeway, a medieval church, a quiet graveyard and views of two famous bridges.

What is Church Island?

The island sits in the stretch of the strait known as the Swellies, between Thomas Telford's suspension bridge and Robert Stephenson's Britannia Bridge. It is only a few minutes' walk from the town centre, yet it feels remote. Its centrepiece is St Tysilio's Church, still used for services and especially popular for weddings.

Who was Tysilio?

The island is named after Saint Tysilio, a son of a king of Powys. Tradition says he withdrew here as a hermit, with dates given somewhere between about 590 and 630 AD, and that he later became abbot at Meifod. Some believe he is the same person as St Suliac of Brittany. None of this is documented, and no evidence has been found that he founded a church on the island itself.

What is the church like?

A chapel or branch church probably stood here as early as the 13th century, but the present stone building dates mainly from the early 15th century. Nobody knows who built it or why. Inside you can still see a 14th-century octagonal font and a 15th-century collar-beam roof truss. The church was restored in the Victorian period, and it has been a Grade II* listed building since 14 February 1967. It is small and has no electricity, which adds to its character.

Who is buried in the churchyard?

The churchyard holds the grave of Sir Albert Evans-Jones, the Welsh war poet and dramatist better known by his bardic name Cynan. Near the highest point of the island stands a war memorial designed by Harold Hughes.

How do I get to Church Island?

The island is reached on foot by a short causeway from Belgian Promenade. The causeway stays passable on almost all tides, except the highest spring tides. One convenient option is to park at Coed Cyrnol car park in Menai Bridge and follow the footpath west along the shore.

Is it safe to explore?

The island itself is an easy, gentle visit. The water around it is another matter: the Swellies are known for dangerous tidal currents, so keep to the paths and shoreline and never try to swim here.

Frequently asked questions

Is Church Island really an island? Yes, though a causeway links it to the mainland shore of Anglesey, so you can walk there.

Can I go inside the church? Services are held there and weddings are common. Opening times for visitors vary, so check locally before you plan a visit around the interior.

How long does a visit take? Most people need 30 to 60 minutes, including the walk from the town and time among the graves and viewpoints.

What can I see from the island? Both the Menai Suspension Bridge and the Britannia Bridge are visible, along with the busy waters of the Swellies between them.