On the North East coast of Wales, you’ll find Colwyn Bay, a place where you can enjoy a calming stroll on a golden sand beach, and visit some endangered animals such as red pandas and snow leopards!
Yes, you heard that correctly. Aside from boasting some phenomenal beaches, Colwyn Bay is home to the National Zoo of Wales. While this combination of activities may seem unusual, it is what has made this location such a valuable asset to the North of Wales.
This coastal gem is full of history, but this hasn’t kept it behind the times. Recent developments have introduced vibrant bars, restaurants and pubs, as well as a sporting venue and leisure centre.
On your visit, you can enjoy historical architecture throughout the old town, and a walk along the buzzing promenade.
Keep reading to learn more about Colwyn Bay!
Is Colwyn Bay Worth Visiting?
Colwyn Bay is definitely a place worth visiting. It is mainly known for its Welsh Mountain Zoo – National Zoo of Wales, which is a conservation zoo that cares for many of the world’s rarest creatures, such as Sumatran tigers, snow leopards, and Californian sea lions.
Aside from this attraction, you can enjoy the newly developed beachfront, Porth Eirias (Park by the sea) which has provided visitors and locals with a variety of shops, restaurants, and a watersport centre.
You can also enjoy the privilege of strolling along an award-winning Blue Flag Beach! The beach on Colwyn Bay consists of a gorgeous and generous golden sand beach, right by the promenade.
The Blue Flag is the most recognised award for beaches and marinas, and certain safety, environmental, educational, and accessibility criteria need to be met in order to achieve this award. Therefore, you can be assured that Colwyn Bay beach is one of the best you will step foot on in North Wales.
For those days when you just fancy a stroll breathing in the crisp fresh air, you can wander over to Parc Eirias, a fifty-acre parkland area. Here you can enjoy a picnic with your family, and dogs are allowed!
Where is Colwyn Bay?
Colwyn Bay is located in Conwy County Borough, on the North coast of Wales, and overlooks the Irish sea!
Why is Colwyn Bay Famous?
Colwyn Bay has really become an asset to North Wales and is known for being one of the most visited coastal towns in the North of Wales.
Recent developments have introduced bars and restaurants, but what really sets it aside is the Welsh Mountain Zoo! This is a conservation zoo that cares for endangered animals from all over the globe. You’ll encounter Snow Leopards, Sumatran Tigers, Brown Bears, Lemurs, and many more.
You can get to the zoo from Colwyn Bay in just 6 minutes!
Does Colwyn Bay Have a Promenade?
Colwyn Bay has a very impressive promenade. It is 2.3 miles long and extends from Rhos Jetty in Rhos on Sea towards Old Colwyn. The promenade has undergone quite some development in recent years, and is now a lot more accessible, with a variety of facilities available.
You’ll also see some distance markers along the promenade. This was introduced to encourage the use of the pier for fitness and health. There are also postcards located along the promenade, with QR codes providing information on Colwyn Bay.
Therefore, the promenade has been transformed from barren land to an area that is much more accessible and enjoyable for locals and visitors.
Is Colwyn Bay beach sandy?
You’ll be happy to know that Colwyn Bay Beach is indeed a sandy and shingle beach. Also known as ‘Rhos-on-Sea beach’ this three-mile-long beach runs along the vibrant promenade, where you can enjoy the relaxing views of the sea.
The main beach is popular for water sports activities, such as windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, and swimming, and as mentioned earlier, is a Blue Flag beach, so you can be assured that this is a beach of tremendous quality.
You can even take your dog there, but there are some restrictions on part of the beach that come into force from May to September.
Colwyn Bay Hotels
Castle Hotel
Located in the centre of Conwy, is the historic Castle Hotel. Here you will be mesmerised by the hotel’s architecture that has been a staple in Conwy for many years.
This hotel has a cosy ‘boutique’ feel and has been praised for its welcoming staff and delicious fresh food, all sourced locally.
The Colbourn Hotel
This quaint little bed and breakfast is a stone’s throw away from the beach! Hosting guests since the early 90s, this hotel is situated perfectly, with a fine dining restaurant around the corner, and several pubs and restaurants a 10 minute walk away.
Here you can enjoy waking up to sea views, and traditional cooked breakfasts each and every morning!
The Quay Hotel And Spa
If you fancy treating yourself to a relaxing holiday, why not try The Quay Hotel And Spa. This hotel offers sea-facing rooms of luxurious quality, all boasting a coastal theme. Their Spa offers a variety of treatments that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
This wonderful hotel is located on Deganwy Marina and is only a short drive away from the Conwy centre.
Colwyn Bay Restaurants
The Toad
The Toad is known as one of the best dining establishments in Colwyn Bay. Here you’ll find a variety of meals to suit all your needs, all sourced locally.
Their beer garden has some breathtaking views of the coast, and the atmosphere is just as wonderful.
Bryn Williams Porth Eirias
Another restaurant with tremendous sea views is the Bryn Williams Bistro Bar. Their food is all locally sourced with mouthwatering seafood dishes taking centre stage, such as their crab claw linguine, and daily catch fish fingers!
Virgilio’s Pizzeria & Portuguese Grill
Enjoy a unique experience of delicious Portuguese and Italian food at this family-run restaurant. Every single item here is made fresh to order, so you can experience home-cooking at its finest.
The interior is just as inviting as the food, so you really won’t be disappointed making a stop here during your visit at Colwyn Bay.
The Takeaway
In summary, Colwyn Bay is a beautiful coastal town that is considered to be a gem belonging to the North of Wales. From the glorious beach and famous zoo to the wonderful restaurants at every corner, your time in Colwyn Bay will be one to remember.