North Wales has long been a popular place for day-trippers and holiday-goers, partly due to its stunning coastline and incredible plethora of beautiful beaches. Often, when we think of these, we think of long promenades above rustic shingle beaches, dating back to centuries of past.
But not all Welsh beaches are like that.
Porth Eirias — directly translated as ‘park by the sea’ —- is a state-of-the-art man-made beach. It was a multi-million pound regeneration that brought new energy to an old town.
Keep reading to find out more.
Overview of Porth Eirias Beach
Porth Eirias sits at the heart of Colwyn Bay. But it wasn’t always the tourist attraction it is today. Back in 2013, as part of the Colwyn Bay Waterfront project, it was brought to life.
Saharan quantities of fresh, golden sand were imported to revitalise the beachfront. For two months, sand-laden seawater was driven towards the town’s sea wall, steadily building a beach over 15 ft higher than what was there originally (and that was always covered at high tide).
Linking up with the beach at Colwyn Bay, which itself was man-made almost a decade before, a glorious sweep of golden sands now tracks the bay.
What Can You Do At Porth Eirias Beach?
The real question is what can’t you do at Porth Eirias Beach?
Known for its wealth of activities, kids can surf, balance beam and basket swing in the playground on the front of Porth Eirias. Cycle, walk or jog to Rhos-on-Sea, or take a walk on the brand new Colwyn Bay pier.
You’ll also find a watersports centre and a seafront bistro run by local chef-turned-celebrity Bryn Williams.
Can You Swim At Porth Eirias Beach?
Yes, you can swim at Porth Eirias Beach. It’s relatively safe, with a fairly steady current. There is however no lifeguard, so that is worth bearing in mind.
Is Porth Eirias A Sandy Beach?
Yes, Porth Eirias is a sandy beach, and my goodness it’s a great one.
Back in 2013, Colwyn Bay started its famous ‘Waterfront Project’ —- a multi-million-pound initiative to breathe life back into the historic seaside town. Thanks to the state-of-the-art technology we mentioned earlier, tons of golden sand was pumped into the existing beach to widen and plump up the shore at Porth Eirias.
Is the Beach Dog Friendly?
Similar to most beaches in North Wales, dogs are not allowed during the peak season.
This means that from the 1st May through to the 30th September you can’t have your canine friend 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.
Are There Parking Facilities At the Beach?
Yes, there are parking facilities at Porth Eirias Beach. The council has recently introduced parking metres on the promenade, this will set you back £4 for the day.
However, park on the promenade on the other side of the old Colwyn Bay pier, and it is still free.
Restaurants and Cafes In The Area
I don’t think we can talk about restaurants in the area without mentioning Bryn Williams’ bistro. Just a stone’s throw away from the beach, it’s a Welsh gem. Informal but extraordinary, the open kitchen means you can see the chefs turn simple, local, seasonal ingredients into incredible meals. Dare I say it, it’s expensive — £15.00 for fish fingers and chips expensive — but it’s not every day you get to experience Michelin-approved cuisine. Book well in advance, but definitely don’t miss it.
For something less pricey and less in-demand, head back to Colwyn Bay, where there are plenty of local cafes. Our first choice will always be Caffi Colwyn on Abergele Road. The food is great, and the service even better.