Escape to the seaside in Conwy

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute weekend getaway or a week-long holiday, we’ve got just the place for you with lots of great value accommodation, activities and attractions to suit all pockets.

Stay near one of our beautiful beaches and wake up to salty air and sea views. Enjoy summertime adventures with family and friends. And when the sun goes down relax over a leisurely meal in one of our wonderful restaurants or pubs.

Here’s a quick guide to what you can find on our shoreline, from east to west.

Kinmel Bay and Towyn

What’s the story? Kinmel Bay’s wide sandy beach is popular for thrilling coastal activities like kitesurfing, kayaking and windsurfing, while neighbouring Towyn is the place to be for buzzing beachfront amusements, arcades and entertainment.

Don’t miss. Take a nature walk through the rolling landscape of Kinmel Dunes Nature Reserve, an unspoilt expanse where you can spot countless seabirds in the sky and grey seals swimming just off the coast. If you’re in the mood for action, head to Tir Prince Leisure Park where you’ll find American-style harness horse racing and high-speed rollercoasters or try the go-karts and fairground rides at Knightley’s Fun Park.

Abergele and Pensarn

What’s the story? It’s two for the price of one. Set slightly back from the coast and a great jumping-off point for country walks, the historic town of Abergele is full of tempting independent shops, while Pensarn’s big sandy beach serves up seaside fun in buckets and spades.

Don’t miss. Visit Gwrych Castle, a medieval-style mansion built in the early 19^th-century and currently being restored. You may recognise it as home to ITV’s I’m a Celebrity 2020 and 2021 TV series. Nearby Manorafon Farm Park provides a range of activities for an exciting day out for families. Alternatively, head for the beach. It’s often quieter than some of its better-known coastal neighbours, so you’ll have plenty of room to enjoy the sand and sea – and sun. If you’re a golfer, don’t forget your clubs. There’s also an excellent 18-hole golf course at Abergele.

Colwyn Bay

What’s the story? While Colwyn Bay has been attracting visitors since the Victorian era, it’s not afraid to move with the times. In recent years, the seafront has been transformed with the arrival of the Porth Eirias development (home to award-winning chef Bryn Williams’s bistro) and the construction of a whole new beach.

Don’t miss. Take a walk on the ‘new’ pier - A £1.5m project reinstated a smaller version of Colwyn Bay’s pier, initially opened in 1900. Away from the water, you’ll find animal magic at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, home to rare and endangered creatures like red pandas, snow leopards and Sumatran tigers.  Pwllycrochan Woods offers footpaths and waymarked nature trails

Rhos-on-Sea

What’s the story? This little harbour town packs a huge amount of personality into a compact package. There’s the traditional promenade (ideal for gentle seaside strolls), colourful boats bobbing in the harbour, children dipping for crabs at the water’s edge. It all adds up to a perfect, pocket-sized resort.

Don’t miss. The clear waters round here are alive with fish of all shapes and sizes. Go in search of the big one with a sea-angling trip from the harbour. Or stay on dry land and explore Rhos-on-Sea’s stellar shopping scene of independent shops selling antiques, vintage clothes, jewellery, quirky gifts and crafts.

Llandudno

What’s the story? Quite simply, Llandudno is a classic of its kind, cherished and pristine. But it’s not fuddy-duddy or old-fashioned. That’s the key to its character. From its Victorian roots it has grown into a uniquely contemporary resort, the kind of place where you can build a sandcastle or see modern art, admire period architecture or enjoy the latest entertainment, go shopping or wildlife-watching, ride a vintage tram or alpine cable car.

Don’t miss. On the North Shore, take a stroll in the summer breeze along Llandudno’s splendid pier, the longest in Wales.  Or jump on board the Llandudno Land Train to reach the quieter West Shore with its sandy beach and fabulous views.

Conwy and Deganwy

What’s the story? You’ve probably heard of Conwy’s historic quayside, an authentic old waterfront (complete with famous ‘Smallest House’, an impossibly tiny fisherman’s cottage) that huddles beneath the town’s medieval castle and walls. But it’s worth exploring the entire estuary, both sides of the shore. On Conwy’s side there’s Conwy Quay, a modern marina with splendid views across the water to another swish, stylish boat-filled marina on the opposite bank at Deganwy. They’re both a continuation of this area’s strong seafaring and maritime traditions.

Don’t miss. See it all on a boat trip from Conwy’s quayside.

Penmaenmawr

What’s the story? A family favourite. Penmaenmawr’s wide sandy beach and promenade boast a children’s play area and skate park, perfect for keeping younger visitors entertained. There’s also great walking, watersports and a busy sailing club.

Don’t miss. For that classic seaside experience, hire one of Penmaenmawr’s wooden beach huts. Conveniently located close to the café on the promenade, they’re the ideal base for a day of fun on the sand. Or visit Penmaenmawr Museum which takes you on a journey through the history of the landscape, the town and its people using stories and objects from the ancient past to the present.

Llanfairfechan

What’s the story? A pretty little village with a big sandy beach built for games, paddling and sandcastle building. It’s also a good starting point for walks in the surrounding hills. Head to higher ground and you’ll be rewarded by fantastic views over the Menai Strait towards Anglesey.

Don’t miss. Make sure you bring your binoculars. Llanfairfechan is close to Traeth Lafan Nature Reserve, a rich coastal habitat home to seabirds like oystercatchers, great crested grebes and red-breasted mergansers