Penrhyn Bay is a quaint, traditional village in Conwy County, North Wales.
While it was once considered a sleepy retirement village, it’s not one to be slept on when planning your trip to Llandudno and the surrounding areas.
Adjoining the resort of Rhos-on-Sea, Penrhyn Bay offers a beautiful sand and shingle beach, with rock pools brimming with shrimp, coastal walks and quiet shores galore. Strike it gold, and you’ll find seals frolicking in their natural habitat. What’s not to love?
History of Penrhyn Bay
Penrhyn Bay is a historic village, but one that we don’t have all of the answers for.
We do know that the oldest building in Penrhyn Bay is Penrhyn Old Hall dating way back to the early 15th century. It was said to be home to the Pugh family; a family whose wealth faded through their devotion to Catholicism, while their neighbours chose Protestantism. The village was a small farming community, like many in North Wales. It then came to rely heavily on the limestone quarry in the 1930’s.
Throughout the 20th century, Penrhyn Bay has expanded rapidly to become a desirable suburb of Llandudno, with families flocking from far and wide to stay in the coastal village.
Things To Do In Penrhyn Bay
Penrhyn Bay is small, but well worth the visit. You’ll find St David’s church — a relatively new church, built in 1963 in Glan-y-Mor Road to replace an earlier church — at the base of the Great Orme. If seeing the old church doesn’t appeal, consider Angel Bay. A fantastic place to go and enjoy the beautiful views of the coastline. It’s an easy climb to the viewing points, but can be fairly steep at the start, so take your time when making your way up. Once you get to the top, worst case scenario, you’ll have beautiful and unspoilt views; best case, you’ll see about 20 seals either on the beach or swimming in the sea in their natural habitat.
Penrhyn Bay Beach
Penrhyn Bay beach is a sand and shingle beach, with a large sandy beach to the left and to the right an explorer’s paradise: a whole host of rock pools, which contain an abundance of wildlife, including shrimp. There is plenty for the walking enthusiast too, with coastal walks to nearby Colwyn Bay.
Are Dogs Allowed On the beach?
Dogs are allowed on the beach at Penrhyn Bay, however, between September and January the beach is sometimes used as a breeding ground for seals. If seals are on the beach, it is important to respect them and leave the dogs at home. Otherwise, your canine friend has free reign on the sand.
Penrhyn Bay Restaurants
It wouldn’t be a trip to Penrhyn Bay without a stop in at Home From Home on Broadway. Great food — the best fish and chips in the county — with generous portions cooked to perfection. Top tip: sure to leave space for the cheesecake.
The Beach Cafe Bar on Glan y Mor Road is perfect on a nice day; sit in the cafe gardens looking out to sea, and don’t miss a second of the calm sea air. The service is great, food ticks a box and it’s good value for money. Try the full shazam scones, and you won’t be disappointed.