Rhyl

In Victorian times it was known for its elegance and its popularity boomed after the Second World War. With improved road and rail links, Rhyl became a destination of choice for city-dwellers from nearby Liverpool and Manchester.

More recently, the area has benefited from multi-million pound regeneration projects, which blend its traditional charms with contemporary attractions in an exciting way. For a family seaside holiday, with miles of golden sands and safe sea bathing, Rhyl cannot be beaten.

Rhyl has many hotels to choose from, ranging from cheap and cheerful two star hotels to the more luxury end of the spectrum. Whatever your budget and requirements, you will find something to suit. There are also numerous guesthouses and B&Bs, as well as self-catering properties.

You can shop 'til you drop in Rhyl. The town centre is pedestrianised, with every big brand name store you could wish for as well as an outdoor market every Thursday and Saturday. If the weather lets you down, there is an indoor shopping centre too.

Rhyl caters for everyone's tastes, with small cafes, fine dining in hotel restaurants and pub grub galore. Home-grown Welsh produce features strongly, but there is also international cuisine, with a number of takeaway options if you are self-catering — fish and chips are a must for every seaside holiday.

For the less adventurous, all the usual fast food outlets can be found, but for something a little different, why not enjoy oysters on the seafront?

If you tire of building sandcastles or paddling, Rhyl has enough on offer to guarantee that you will never have a dull moment. You could start with a stroll along the prom, a ride on a beach donkey or simply gaze in awe at the bascule bridge across Rhyl Harbour.

Rhyl Marine Lake offers sailing, canoeing, waterskiing and wakeboarding. The lake itself is skirted by a miniature railway, which has delighted tourists since 1911.

The Drift Park has fun water features, mini golf, a casino and open-air theatre, or there is the SeaQuarium for a scuba experience without getting wet!

Enjoy a bike ride along National Cycle Route 5, or how about a spot of sea angling, horse-riding, or a round of golf at Rhyl Golf Course?

Venture inland and you can discover the tranquillity of green spaces like Brickfield Pond and Rhuddlan Nature Reserve, both homes to a variety of waterbirds. Glan Morfa is a trail loved by birdwatchers and walkers alike, following the estuary through woodland and alongside mudflats.