The North Wales coastline — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
A Different Kind of Seaside Town
Colwyn Bay lies eight miles east of Conwy along the A55, a traditional North Wales seaside town that sits between the resort grandeur of Llandudno to the west and the more commercial seaside character of Rhyl to the east. The town has a three-mile beach of sand and shingle backed by a promenade, a distinct town centre with independent shops and a growing food and drink scene, and the Welsh Mountain Zoo on the hillside above the town — one of the principal family attractions in the area. The town has a character that is resolutely un-touristy in the best sense: it is a real community that functions independently of the visitor economy, which gives it an authenticity that more heavily touristed places sometimes lack.
For a detailed guide to all that Colwyn Bay has to offer, visit colwyn.org.uk/guide, which covers the town's attractions, food and drink, accommodation and events in the same depth that this guide covers Conwy.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo
The Welsh Mountain Zoo, set on a wooded hillside above Colwyn Bay, is one of the principal family attractions in North Wales. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, with particular strengths in primates, big cats, reptiles and birds of prey. The setting on the hillside gives it a character quite different from flat-site zoos, and the views from the upper sections of the zoo across Colwyn Bay and the North Wales coast are outstanding. The zoo is actively involved in conservation programmes and runs various educational events and activities throughout the year.
The Beach and Promenade
Colwyn Bay's beach stretches for three miles and is backed by a promenade that connects the town with the neighbouring communities of Rhos-on-Sea to the north and Old Colwyn to the south. The beach is quieter than the major resort beaches at Llandudno and Rhyl, which makes it pleasant for those seeking a more relaxed seaside experience. Rhos-on-Sea, a quieter residential area at the northern end of the bay, has a small harbour and a pleasant promenade walk that is popular with local dog walkers.
The Victoria Pier, one of the historic features of Colwyn Bay's Victorian seafront, was partially demolished in recent decades but there are ongoing discussions about its restoration or replacement. The town has a generally improving physical character with investment in the town centre and seafront in recent years.
Getting There
Colwyn Bay is easily reached from Conwy by the A55, a journey of about fifteen minutes. The town has its own railway station on the main Chester to Holyhead line, making it accessible by train from Conwy via Llandudno Junction in a similar time. For a comprehensive guide to Colwyn Bay including its restaurants, events and attractions in detail, the dedicated guide at colwyn.org.uk/guide is the best source. See our day trips from Conwy guide for other excursion ideas.
Day trips