A former Victorian fishing village, Colwyn Bay is a lively seaside resort where you can sunbathe on Colwyn Bay Beach, explore ancient castles and admire rugged seascapes. Colwyn Bay is also a great base for touring the scenic North Wales coast.
Things to do in Colwyn Bay
Fringed by soft sand and glassy water, Colwyn Bay Beach is a great place to swim, sunbathe and build sandcastles. The beach is fringed by Porth Eirias, an oceanfront park brimming with water sports stands, fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours.
Built in the 1200s, Caernarfon Castle is one of Britain's most impressive strongholds. You can wander around the grounds, explore the keep and climb up the towers for sweeping views over the coast. Just across the peninsula is Conwy Castle, a picturesque seaside fort with panoramic views from its battlements.
Rising more than 200 metres high, Great Orme is a rugged headland laced with scenic walking trails where you can admire wildflowers, butterflies, seabirds and grazing Kashmir mountain goats. You can also descend into the tunnels of Great Orme Mines, a prehistoric site once used to excavate copper.
Birders will be in their element at Conwy Nature Reserve. The wildlife sanctuary is home to sedge warblers, lapwings, shelducks and black-tailed godwits. There are also plenty of walking trails, family-friendly activities and an on-site cafe.
Getting around Colwyn Bay
Colwyn Bay is easy to get around on foot, with most attractions within easy walking distance of each other. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is one hour away by car. You can also take advantage of PLUSBUS, an all-inclusive ticket with unlimited access to local buses in and around Colwyn Bay. Trains arrive at Colwyn Bay Railway Station, located near the town centre.