The UK's 'underrated' seaside town that sits on an island 300 miles from London

The UK is home to many gorgeous seaside towns. Counties such as Cornwall, Devon and Dorset attract millions of visitors every year with their stunning beaches. But there is one town on the opposite side of the country that many people call a hidden gem. Tucked away on its own little island, it rarely feels crowded, yet it is packed with history, coastal walks and sea views.

That town is Holyhead. It sits on Holy Island, just off the Isle of Anglesey in north-west Wales, about 300 miles from London. Drivers simply follow the A55 across the Britannia Bridge, while direct trains from London Euston reach Holyhead station in a little over four hours via the scenic North Wales coast. The harbour is also Britain's busiest Irish Sea ferry port, with regular sailings to Dublin, so you can pair a Welsh break with a hop to Ireland.

Visit Anglesey says Holyhead's history dates back to around 450AD, when Celtic king Caswallon defeated Irish raiders there.

St Cybi's Church, founded soon afterwards inside a Roman fort, still stands in the town centre and offers fine views over the docks and Skinners' Monument.

A short stroll away, the Holyhead Maritime Museum occupies Wales's oldest lifeboat station and tells tales of shipwrecks, smugglers and wartime rescues.

History is juxtaposed with nature. The coastal path leads to Breakwater Country Park and then to the RSPB reserve at South Stack, where nearly 10,000 seabirds nest on huge cliffs.

According to Transport for Wales, a steep flight of 365 steps drops to South Stack Lighthouse, while dolphins and porpoises often can be spotted in the clear water below.

Inland, the prehistoric hut circles of T Mawr and the Neolithic Trefignath Burial Chamber reveal thousands of years of human settlement.

Families also love Trearddur Bay, a massive sweep of sand lined with cafés, slipways and rock pools.

Parts of the beach welcome dogs all year, making it easy to bring the whole family.

Walkers, meanwhile, can tackle Holyhead Mountain for panoramic views across Anglesey and out to the Irish Sea.

Visitors frequently praise the town's laid-back charm.

One TripAdvisor review reads: "Holyhead feels like Britain's best-kept secret. We wandered Roman walls in the morning, saw puffins at South Stack after lunch and still found a quiet beach at sunset."

Another traveller wrote: "It's an underrated treasure. No crowds, no pressure, just lighthouse views, fresh air and the easiest ferry crossing to Dublin if you fancy a day trip."