Most of the hotels in Colwyn Bay are three star so you’re spoilt for choice for town centre accommodation and hotels dotted along the beach towards Rhos-on-Sea, so whether it’s a beach hotel or upmarket townhouse near to bars and restaurants you won’t be disappointed. There’s also some unusual accommodation in an old farmhouse which focuses on educating visitors around local foods, so an educational stay with something for the palette is also an option. Egyptian cotton sheets and fine food in a beautiful stone farmhouse; what more could you ask for?
A Historic and Elegant Seaside Resort
Colwyn Bay has been through a big period of redevelopment to restore it to its former Victorian glory, when coastal resorts in the UK and Wales were the key attraction for locals. It is now the second largest community and a business hub for North Wales with excellent transport links via the North Wales Expressway. It has a stunning coastline, big skies and views for miles, and if you love fishing and watersports there’s enough to entertain you whatever the time of year. It’s no surprise that it’s won Gold in Wales in Bloom eight times over the past few years.
Once you arrive head down to the beach and promenade for a sense of perspective and inspiration. There’s plenty to see and do with independent boutiques and trendy cafes serving Welsh and European food.
Family Days Out
There’s enough to do in Colwyn for a few days’ break with the family - a shopping centre, leisure centre and town park, kids’ playgrounds and, of course, the glorious beach and promenade. Nearby you have the Welsh Mountain Zoo, a key attraction above Colwyn Bay which has stunning views and beautiful gardens. A key focus for this year has been chimps so you can meet a few and learn more about how they live - you can even be a zookeeper for the day!
A visit to Colwyn Bay isn’t complete without a trip to the Llandudno Cable Car just three miles away in Llandudno where you can see the stunning scenery from up high and get a real perspective of how beautiful Wales is. The Great Orme Tramway in Conwy is another attraction for the family to enjoy - a funicular tramway that has stunning views over the county.
Arts and Culture
Puppetry is a beautiful art form that works on many levels - entertaining the kids and from a political sense, the adults too. Puppets can say things that adults wouldn’t get away with! You’ll find a Punch and Judy show on the promenade that has been run by a local family for generations, plus there’s the Harlequin Puppet Theatre in nearby Rhos-on-Sea. It’s the only puppet theatre in Britain and has performances most days. The kids (and you) can enjoy a backstage tour to find out how the puppets work and learn more about the fascinating tradition and history of marionette making.
Theatr Colwyn is the oldest working picturehouse in the UK, which was built in 1885. Set in a stunning art deco building with live music and events there’s something for all the family to enjoy.
Colwyn Bay has an excellent choice of three star hotels to suit all types of stay, be it a business trip, family holiday or walking break. Choose from family-friendly guesthouses, beach spa hotels or elegant Victorian townhouses close to the main shops, station and entertainment.
