Colwyn Bay — a vibrant seaside town — has been popular with tourists and locals alike since Victorian times. On a clear day, a drive towards the resort provides a taste of the golden beaches and beautiful coastline that North Wales offers.
But, have you ever considered stopping at Colwyn Bay Beach (also known as Rhos-on-Sea beach) to see what’s on offer?
Spoiler alert: it’s the Welsh answer to the French Riviera.
Here’s why.
Overview of Colwyn Bay Beach
Once upon a time, Colwyn Bay was alive with beachfront hotels, a buzzing pier and the chatter of excited beach go-ers. Over time, it lost its charm and visitors dwindled, as the popular seaside resort of Llandudno (just a few miles along the coast) came into its own.
Luckily, over the last ten years, the sweep of the beachfront from Rhos-on-Sea to Colwyn Bay has benefited from major investment to bring back the magic.
A long promenade from Old Colwyn to Penrhyn Bay gives easy access to all of the town’s beaches, the pier and the harbour. A couple of miles west of Colwyn Bay, this promenade reaches Rhos-on-Sea. There, you’ll find an idyllic seaside setting with boats bobbing on the harbour at high tide, a sandy beach awash with families in the summer, and a jetty for crab fishing.
It’s a quiet, unassuming beach, but a great visit for the family.
What Can You Do At Colwyn Bay Beach?
Colwyn Bay Beach has all of the attractions of a seaside escape: a traditional promenade with kiosks, cafes and shops you won’t find elsewhere. Sailing, swimming and sea-fishing are popular ways to spend the afternoon, while many visit to just watch the world go by.
For family-friendly fun, there’s no better way to spend a summer afternoon than at Rhos-on-Sea Outdoor Swimming Pool. A park and paddling pool, it’s a great place for good old-fashioned fun, and completely free too! The park has everything including a zip line, slides, swings, zip wire and other play apparatus as well as a large grass area.
Can You Swim At Colwyn Bay Beach?
Short answer, yes, you can swim at Colwyn Bay Beach. But, and it’s worth noting, there are no lifeguards on duty.
Is Colwyn Bay A Sandy Beach?
Colwyn Bay beach is technically a sandy beach, but it is in the process of regeneration. At points, there are areas of silt and mud — darker in colour — especially near the breakwater, and the beach can be lost completely at high tide.
Walk 10 minutes or so towards Colwyn Bay and there is no silt or mud, and because the sand was imported, at high tide the area of sand remains fairly unchanged.
Is the Beach Dog Friendly?
Dogs are unfortunately not allowed on Rhos-On-Sea during the peak season. This means that from the 1st May through to the 30th September you can’t have your pup on the seashore, foreshore or any slope or staircase that leads to the beach.
It is an offence to allow your dog to enter a dog exclusion area, and failure to comply may just land you with a fixed penalty notice. That’s a £75 fine, and one expensive dog walk.
Restaurants and Cafes In The Area
Hungry? Not to worry. There’s a cafe of some description in every corner of Rhos-on-Sea.
If you’re looking for a great breakfast stop, head to Marmalade on Rhos Road, a family run cafe with a good atmosphere and even better hospitality. For lunch, try Vintage Kitchen on Penrhyn Avenue. They have a great selection of sandwiches and salads to take away and enjoy by the sea, but make sure you leave enough space for one of their desserts. The portion sizes are no joke, but aren’t to be missed.
For the wine lovers out there, you can’t miss The Grape To Glass, also on Penrhyn Avenue. Not really a cafe or a restaurant, but rather, a wine shop and tasting room. It’s the perfect setup to visit and learn more about wine, in a relaxed and informal environment. You can book a table to sample a selection of ‘wines by the glass’ —- a perfect, albeit unusual, way to end a day at the beach.
Are There Parking Facilities At the Beach?
Yes, there is free car parking along the promenade at Rhos-On-Sea Beach. Talk about a breath of fresh air.