The charming Victorian seaside resort of Rhos on Sea, as the name suggests, is located right on the coast of North West Wales. Rhos on Sea boasts a long history dating all the way back to the time of the Romans and has a fascinating rich cultural heritage.
Home to the smallest church in the British Isles, St Trillo’s Chapel which seats a congregation of just six people, the unique village of Rhos on Sea with its historic sites, old tales and compelling links with historical events will keep any visitor enthralled.
Overview of Rhos On Sea
This little village is known in Welsh as Llandrillo-Yn-Rhos, and named after the Welsh kingdom of Rhos founded here during Roman times, is located right on the seafront at the Western end of Colwyn Bay.
Is Rhos On Sea Nice?
A popular destination for holidaymakers, Rhos on Sea boasts a pretty little harbour and attractive beach, and is renowned for a number of reasons; including its friendliness and the warm welcome that awaits you and the Harlequin Puppet Theatre, but more on that later.
Is Rhos On Sea a Sandy Beach?
The beach at Rhos on Sea, variably known as Rhos On Sea beach or Colwyn Bay beach, is award-winning, holding the prestigious Blue Flag award for 2021. To qualify for the iconic blue flag beach title Rhos on Sea beach must meet and maintain strict criteria when it comes to the environment, safety and accessibility so you know you won’t go wrong taking a trip and a dip here. The strand is a crescent-shaped shingle and golden sand beach which is nicely sheltered by the seawall and promenade to its back.
What Things Can You Do Around Rhos On Sea?
Rhos on Sea makes for a fantastic base to explore North Wales. The coastline running from here all the way to Colwyn Bay has undergone significant investment in recent years and boasts a host of new attractions for visitors
Nearby Porth Eirias Beach, another Blue Flag winner, with its renewed promenade, has benefited from a recent refresh and facelift. The pristine beach has been plumped up and increased in size with the addition of tonnes of golden sand. Landscaping, additional seating and a great playground along with many services make Porth Eirias a very attractive venue for a day trip from Rhos on Sea.
If you’re feeling energetic you can walk, cycle or even run the short distance, a little under two miles along the beautiful sandy beach, from Rhos on Sea to Porth Eirias. Upon arrival, you can reward yourself for your exertions with a visit to the award-winning bistro of celebrity chef Bryn Williams and maybe take in a performance at Wales’s oldest working theatre, the Victorian Theatr Colwyn in Porth Eirias, which also holds claim to being the oldest working cinema in the United Kingdom.
Once known as ‘the park by the sea’, beautiful Eirias Park is an expansive fifty acres of parkland that was acquired by the local council in the 1920s and has become a popular and beloved park for locals and visitors alike. Eirias Park and Waterpark, has a great selection of outdoor sporting facilities and indoor facilities, a swimming pool and slides and loads of activities, making it a great option for a day out for the whole family.
Only a five-minute drive from Rhos on Sea will bring you to the fantastic and ever-popular Welsh Mountain Zoo. Also known as the National Zoo of Wales, it was founded in 1963 making it the oldest zoo in Wales and retains conservation at the heart of its ethos. You can discover nearly 100 different species here as you explore over 37 acres in one of the most picturesque locations you can imagine with stunning views over Colwyn Bay and the Carneddau Mountains.
For anyone with an interest in history, the Holy Well and tiny Chapel of St Trillo are well worth a visit. Adjacent to the North Wales Cycle Path, only a few hundred yards from the Rhos Point Complex of Rhos on Sea and a short stroll from the beach, tucked in beneath the promenade, you will find the tiny chapel.
Take a moment for quiet contemplation in the tranquil interior of this, Britain’s smallest church. You can feel the history here. It goes all the way back to a 6th-century saint, St Trillo, who founded his ‘Llan’ in Rhos on Sea. Christians have used the site as a place of worship for over 1500 years but as the chapel’s altar is built upon a pre-Christian well, it’s likely this has been a significant spiritual site for even longer.
For a good hike visit nearby Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve, the trail to the summit depending on your fitness level can take anything from 30 minutes to an hour but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Colwyn Bay, Great Orme, Llandudno and on a clear day all the way to Anglesey and the Isle of Man. There is a medieval fort to explore along this trail. If trekking to the summit is not for you there is a woodland trail that skirts the foothills.
Finally, a trip to Rhos on Sea is not complete without a visit to the Harlequin Puppet Theatre. Britain’s premier marionette theatre has been going strong since the 1950s It opens throughout school holidays with shows running daily at 3 pm that will appeal to the whole family.
Rhos on Sea Shops
If you’re mad about vintage and love all things antique it may prove impossible to pull yourself away from the many antique shops in Rhos on Sea. Selling everything from clothes to accessories and much more, the emporium style ‘Naturally Antiques’ is far too easy to get lost in for hours but you are bound to bag yourself some unique items. ’Bygone days’ is another little gem worth a visit.
If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts there is no shortage of options, the Little Gift Company, the family-run ‘Secret Delights’ on the promenade, The Welsh Presence or the quaint little ‘Dolly and Rufus’ will meet your needs.
Rhos On Sea Restaurants
For an American Barbeque-style restaurant serving up great burgers and pulled pork in a wonderful atmosphere check out Hickory’s at number 9 Llandudno Road. If Italian is more your thing, pop by La Dolce Vita on Penrhyn Avenue for tasty, reasonably priced and generously portioned Italian fare. For a more traditional meal, the Rhos Fynach Tavern on the promenade will not let you down.
Places to Stay in Rhos On Sea
For budget travellers, the Travelodge Colwyn Bay offers free parking, and a relaxed vibe and is just a short walk away from the beach. For a homely feel and a warm welcome, you need to go no further than Bryn Woodlands House, a charming B&B only a short walk from Colwyn Bay railway station.