I’ll never forget the drive over to Anglesey that crisp autumn morning – the leaves turning all those gorgeous shades of amber and gold along the A55, but then disaster struck when I took a wrong turn near Bangor and ended up in a queue of caravans crawling at snail’s pace. Typical me, relying on a dodgy sat-nav that decided to have a mid-journey identity crisis. Still, by the time we rolled into Trearddur Bay, the anticipation was bubbling up like a kettle on the boil. The sea air hit us first, that bracing tang of salt mixed with the earthy scent of damp seaweed, and I could already picture cosy evenings ahead as the days grew shorter.

Pulling up to our first-floor apartment, we were bowled over by the first impressions – it’s this bright, airy spot nestled right in the heart of the bustling seaside resort, with an open-plan layout that just screams space and welcome. Modern furnishings everywhere, a lounge perfect for flopping down with a cuppa, and a kitchen kitted out to whip up whatever warming stew takes your fancy. That first glimpse through the windows, with the bay twinkling under a weak October sun, had us grinning like kids at Christmas.

Autumn in Trearddur Bay is pure magic, isn’t it? No summer crowds jostling for chips on the beach, just us and a handful of dog-walkers braving the wind-swept sands at Newlands Beach, a stone’s throw away. We’d wrap up in thermals and wellies for those early low-tide rambles, poking about in rock pools where the crabs scuttled like they owned the place. The seasonal shift made everything feel more intimate – sunsets that lingered in fiery hues over the Ireland-facing horizon, turning the waves into molten copper. One evening, we timed it just right from the Porth Dafarch headland, barely a mile off, sipping hot chocolate from a flask as the light faded. Hilarious moment: I nearly toppled into a gorse bush trying to snap the perfect photo, emerging looking like a hedge with legs. We laughed till our sides hurt.

Back at the flat, the shorter days were a blessing. We’d gather in the lounge, feet up, toasting marshmallows over a cheeky indoor fondue (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it with local cheddar), while the telly flickered with some rubbish quiz show. The dining area was spot on for proper family feasts – think slow-cooked Welsh lamb from the nearby butcher in Bodedern, just a quick drive away. No faffing about in the dark; those big windows caught the last rays, and come nightfall, the cosiness ramped up with the patter of rain on the glass. It’s the time of year when Anglesey shows its gentler side, all rugged coasts softened by mist, seals barking from the coves without a soul to disturb them.

Reflecting on it now, sat back home with the radiators humming, I realise how that autumn hush forced us to slow down. No manic itineraries, just simple joys shaped by the season – bracing walks to blow away cobwebs, hearty meals that stuck to your ribs, and evenings that stretched into proper chats. Trearddur Bay in October? It’s not just a holiday; it’s a reset button. We’re already plotting a return next year, woolly hats at the ready.