Colwyn Bay Guide, North Wales
Colwyn Bay (Bae Colwyn)
Colwyn Bay on the north coast of Wales is an amalgamation of communities centred on Old Colwyn and is primarily a seaside resort.
To the west is Llandudno, the biggest seaside resort in Wales with its Victorian pier, old tramway on the Great Orme, and seafront lined with large hotels.
To the east is Rhyl, another largish seaside resort known for its expansive beaches, and in the postwar period home to many holiday camps and caravan parks.
Colwyn Bay is comparatively quieter, less-crowded, and more laid back than these larger resorts, and with a wealth of smaller independent hotels and guesthouses as well as many good eateries, bakeries and pubs.
History
Rhos-on-Sea on Colwyn Bay has a history associated with St Trillo and Ednyfed Fychan, a 13th century warrior and advisor to Llywelyn the Great.
Like nearby Llandudno the opening of the railway in the 19th century led to a surge of holidaymakers from the nearby industrial cities of Liverpool and Manchester.
Attractions
Colwyn is the main railway station roughly in the middle of the bay's seafront and is the main commercial centre.
There used to be a fairly short Victorian pier here, but it closed down in 2008, partially collapsed some years later and was dismantled in 2018.
Reconstruction has begun, but in the meantime Port Eirias is a new development offering a variety of places to eat and play as well as sailing, windsurfing, paddle-boarding, and powerboats.
The Promenade extends along the full sweep of the bay and is also a cycle route.
Up in the woods above the town is the Welsh Mountain Zoo, with its origins in conservation and rare and endangered species. There are many fascinating creatures like Snow Leopards, Sumatran Tigers, Red Pandas, Meerkats, and many others.
Eight miles inland, though still part of Colwyn Bay, is Bodnant Garden, 80 acres of woodland and gardens with plants and trees from around the world.
Rhos-on-Sea
Rhos-on-Sea, to the west of Old Colwyn, has a bit more history. Bryn Euryn is a hill overlooking the town that is a popular walking area and viewpoint.
In the Iron Age a hill-fort stood here. In the 13th century a small castle was built here by Ednyfed Fychan, and later still a manor house was constructed on the site.
Down below is the Church of Llandrillo yn Rhos, built on the site of Edynfed Fychan's private chapel. The church has been rebuilt and altered over the centuries but is still worth a visit. Connected to Saint Trillo, on the seafront is St. Trillo's Chapel, claimed to be the smallest chapel in the UK.
Rhos-on-Sea has a small beach, and a small harbour. According to legend, in the 12th century Prince Madog set sail from here and discovered America.
Little Orme
To the west of Rhos-on-Sea stands Little Orme, a 463 foot high headland that according to myth is the tail of a great sea serpent with Great Orme being its head.
Unlike Great Orme there have been no tourist developments on Little Orme and it remains an unspoiled area of walking paths and trails much enjoyed by visitors and locals alike, especially as a sunset viewing spot.
Angel Bay, a small beach and cove on the headland is a great spot for seeing seals.
Accommodation
Some recommended places to stay in Colwyn Bay include the three-star Lyndale Hotel, the four-star Bryn Woodlands House, and The Coachhouse, a self-catering cottage set in its own grounds.
See a listing on hotels in and near Colwyn Bay
Access
Colwyn Bay is on the A547 and the North Wales Expressway (A55). It is a short drive from Llandudno. From Chester follow the A55 to reach the town.
There are trains to Manchester Piccadilly in Manchester via Rhyl, Prestatyn, Flint, Chester Station and Warrington.
From Liverpool Lime Street Station in Liverpool to Colwyn Bay by train change in Chester. Journey time is usually under 3 hours.
For trains to London Euston change in Crewe.
Colwyn Bay Station has connections to Birmingham International and Cardiff Central via Wrexham General.
By car the same journey is about 90 minutes depending on traffic which can be heavy in summer and Bank Holiday weekends especially.
The two nearest airports are Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
Nearby
Colwyn Bay is ideally situated to explore nearby sights. Llandudno and the Great Orme are both just 5 miles away.
Conwy, with its World Heritage Conwy Castle is a mere 6 miles away. The other World Heritage castles such as Caernarfon Castle are also within easy reach. Snowdonia is also not far away.
Heading towards the mouth of the River Dee across from West Kirby and Hoylake are the other North Wales resorts of Rhyl and Prestatyn.
Eat & Drink
For cakes, coffee and sandwiches try Caffi Colwyn on Abergele Road. Virgilio's Pizzeria & Portuguese Grill comes recommended for Mediterranean-style cuisine. The Toad pub offers good, hearty British fare and good views over the bay.
Map
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