St Cwyfan's Church: The Enchanting Church in the Sea on Anglesey
A serene 12th-century medieval church perched on a tidal island, blending history, sea, and Welsh heritage in a stunning coastal setting.
St Cwyfan's Church, known as the Church in the Sea, is a charming medieval chapel perched on the tiny tidal island of Cribinau off Anglesey’s coast. Dating back to the 12th century, this whitewashed church sits encircled by a protective seawall, accessible via a causeway at low tide. It tells a story of coastal erosion, historic Welsh-English tensions, and dedicated restoration efforts, making it a unique and evocative landmark steeped in history and natural beauty.
A brief summary to Eglwys Cwyfan
- Ty Croes, Ty Croes, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit at low tide to access the island via the causeway and fully experience the church up close.
- Bring sturdy footwear as the causeway can be slippery and uneven, especially near the water.
- Respect the church’s quiet atmosphere; it is a place of historic reverence and occasional worship.
- Explore the surrounding coastal views and nearby bays for excellent photo opportunities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Holyhead, allow 25 to 35 minutes to reach Ty Croes village near St Cwyfan’s Church. Parking is limited near the causeway; expect a short walk over uneven terrain to the church. No parking directly on the island.
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Public Bus
Take local bus services from Holyhead or Llangefni to Ty Croes, with a journey time of approximately 40 to 60 minutes depending on connections. From the village, it is a 10 to 15-minute walk to the causeway. Bus frequency may be limited on weekends.
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Walking
For active visitors, a scenic 2 to 3-hour walk along coastal paths from nearby villages offers a rewarding approach. Terrain includes uneven paths and some elevation changes; suitable for experienced walkers.
Eglwys Cwyfan location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Eglwys Cwyfan
Origins and Early History of St Cwyfan's Church
St Cwyfan's Church traces its origins to the 12th century, though there may have been a place of worship on the site since the 7th century. Dedicated to Saint Kevin (St Cwyfan), an Irish saint who founded a monastery at Glendalough, the church originally stood at the tip of a peninsula between two bays, Porth Cwyfan and Porth China. The earliest surviving fabric includes a portion of the south wall around the door from the 12th century, while much of the rest was rebuilt in the 14th century. The church was a simple rural building with a rectangular nave, later extended in length during medieval renovations.Transformation into a Tidal Island and Architectural Evolution
Over centuries, relentless coastal erosion severed the peninsula, turning the church’s site into the tiny tidal island of Cribinau. A causeway was constructed to maintain access for parishioners, though high tides sometimes cut off entry, necessitating occasional services held at a nearby house, Plas Llangwyfan. In the early 16th century, a northern aisle was added, accessed through an arcade of three semicircular arches. However, this aisle was demolished in the early 19th century due to advancing erosion. The infilled arches remain visible in the north wall, a testament to the church’s changing form. The church’s walls were limewashed white during a 2006 refurbishment, contrasting with the former grey appearance familiar to locals.Historic Controversy and Cultural Significance
St Cwyfan's Church was central to a notable 18th-century controversy reflecting linguistic and cultural tensions in Wales. In 1766, the Bishop of Bangor appointed Dr Thomas Bowles, an English-speaking priest who spoke no Welsh, to serve the predominantly Welsh-speaking parish of Trefdraeth, which included St Cwyfan’s. With only five of 500 parishioners understanding English, the congregation protested, leading to a 1773 ecclesiastical court ruling mandating Welsh-speaking priests for Welsh-speaking parishes. Despite this, Bowles retained his position until his death later that year due to ecclesiastical freehold protections. This case set an important precedent for clergy appointments in Wales.Decline, Restoration, and Preservation Efforts
By the 19th century, the church was abandoned after a new church was built further inland in 1872. Coastal erosion had caused graves around the churchyard to fall into the sea, and the building itself became roofless and dilapidated. Concerned for its fate, local architect Harold Hughes raised funds in 1893 to construct a seawall around Cribinau and restore the church, preserving it as a historic monument. The seawall remains a vital feature protecting the church from the sea’s encroachment.Present-Day Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Today, St Cwyfan's Church stands as a picturesque and evocative landmark, often called the most recognizable church on Anglesey. Its whitewashed walls gleam against the backdrop of sea and sky, encircled by the protective seawall on its tiny island. The church is usually locked, but visitors can appreciate its medieval windows, 15th-century doorway, and the visible remains of the northern aisle’s arches from outside. The site offers a tranquil and scenic experience, blending natural beauty with deep historical resonance, especially at low tide when the causeway allows access to this idyllic chapel in the sea.Legacy and Cultural Heritage
St Cwyfan's Church embodies the resilience of Welsh heritage amid natural challenges and cultural shifts. It stands as a symbol of the enduring connection between community, language, and landscape. The churchyard holds graves from the 18th and 19th centuries, including that of Frank Morley Gurney, a young man who drowned heroically nearby. The church’s story intertwines faith, language rights, and coastal preservation, making it a unique cultural treasure on Anglesey’s rugged coast.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Bryn Gwyn Standing Stones
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Caer Leb (Prehistoric Castle Enclosure)
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Pont Yr Aber
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Caernarfon Tower
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CARN / Oriel Pendeitsh
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Caernarfon War Memorial
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South African War Memorial
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Tafarn Snowdonia Parc
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Ynys yr Eglwys
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Gyrn Goch
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Tŷ-Gwyn Menhir
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Unmissable attractions to see
Twll Bwgan
2.4 km
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Barclodiad y Gawres
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Explore Anglesey’s ancient chambered tomb with rare Neolithic carvings and stunning coastal views at Barclodiad y Gawres.
Mynydd Mawr
2.6 km
Historic coastal lookout with panoramic sea views, ancient cairns, and WWII heritage on Anglesey’s scenic Llŷn Peninsula.
Maen Mawr
4.7 km
Discover Maen Mawr, a majestic prehistoric stone monument in Rhosneigr, where ancient heritage meets the wild coastal beauty of Anglesey.
Goleudy Tŵr Mawr
7.6 km
Explore the breathtaking Goleudy Tŵr Mawr, a historic lighthouse offering stunning views and rich maritime heritage in Caernarfon, Wales.
Maes Parcio Ynys Llanddwyn and Newborough Beach
8.5 km
Discover the tranquil blend of sandy beaches, forest trails, and rich wildlife at Maes Parcio Ynys Llanddwyn and Newborough Beach on Anglesey.
Llys Rhosyr
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Anglesey Transport Museum & Café - Tacla Taid
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Anglesey Model Village & Cafe
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Bodowyr Burial Chamber
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Castell Bryn Gwyn
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Airworld Aviation Museum
14.0 km
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Eglwys Sant Baglan
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Foel Farm Park
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Anglesey Sea Zoo
14.4 km
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Essential places to dine
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The White Eagle
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Y Marram
10.0 km
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Catch 22 Brasserie
12.0 km
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Molly's
14.9 km
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SeaView Indian Restaurant
15.1 km
Authentic Indian flavors by Caernarfon harbour, blending culinary excellence with a serene waterfront setting.
Fu's
15.1 km
Authentic Cantonese dining with family-friendly warmth in Caernarfon's scenic marina setting.
The Old Courthouse, Caernarfon
15.2 km
Historic neo-classical courthouse turned elegant bistro with stunning views of Caernarfon Castle and a modern British menu.
Harbour Table Table
15.2 km
Family-friendly British pub and restaurant overlooking Caernarfon’s Victoria Dock, offering hearty meals and scenic views of the Menai Strait.
Galeri Café Bar
15.2 km
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Black Boy Inn Four & Six Restaurant & Bar
15.2 km
Discover authentic Welsh cuisine at Black Boy Inn Four & Six Restaurant & Bar in Caernarfon, where tradition meets modern dining.
Wal Restaurant
15.2 km
Experience the warm hospitality and diverse flavors of Welsh, British, and Italian cuisine at Wal Restaurant in the heart of Caernarfon.
Tân Woodfired Pizza
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Four Alls
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Historic charm meets delicious fare at The Four Alls, Caernarfon’s beloved pub and restaurant for great food, drinks, and community spirit.
The Market Hall Brew Pub
15.3 km
Discover the essence of Welsh hospitality at The Market Hall Brew Pub in Caernarfon – where local brews meet delicious bites.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Quba & Co
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Hiraeth Vintage
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E&T Clothing and Gifts
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The Last Trading Post
14.2 km
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Gwynedd A Môn Age Cymru
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Mon Fashion
14.4 km
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Sew Picturesque/Oriel Cefni
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Siop Ellis - SPAR
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Craftcentre Cymru
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Mirsi
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Slate and Things
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Siop Y Ddraig
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Lotti & Wren
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YLP Fabric & Wool Shop
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Tin of Sea
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Y Morfa
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The White Lion
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Tafarn Yr Iorwerth
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Tafarn Y Railway
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The Foundry Vaults
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The Market Vaults
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Y Groeslon
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Anglesey Arms
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The Crown Y Goron
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Tŷ Glyndŵr Bunkhouse & Su's Cocktail Bar
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Market Hall
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Palace Vaults
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The hole in the wall
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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The Buffs
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Academi
24.4 km
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Trilogy Nightclub
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Vics Boogie-Nights
32.1 km
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The Cove
33.0 km
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Clwb Llyn Bach
37.6 km
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Black Rock Beach Club
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Bryn Arms
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Club 147
46.6 km
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Broadway Boulevard
47.4 km
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The Club Barmouth
59.2 km
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Bentley’s Sports Bar & NightClub
64.9 km
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Ellis's Bar
68.1 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
