This is the holiday coast of North Wales. In the east, you’ll find the resort towns of Rhyl and Prestatyn and further to the west, the Victorian elegance of the promenade of Llandudno. But if you look further, there’s much to discover. The area’s rugged coastal beauty for starters. As well as the golden expanses of safe sand at the resorts, ranges of mountains and hills tower in the distance. If the outdoor life is your thing, then these are the places to head to. Many, like the Clwydian Range, are designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Explore them on foot, by bike or even on the back of a horse.
Bodnant Garden
Found in a valley above the River Conwy and with gorgeous views of Snowdonia, this 80 acre garden is one of the National Trust’s most beautiful properties. Split between an upper terrace garden and a lower Pinetum and Wild Garden, Bodnant has a fantastically varied selection of blooms from around the world.
Colwyn Bay
Nestling between the hills is the resort of Colwyn Bay. Part of the Victorian tourism boom, it has, as you’d expect a promenade, pier and old fashioned traditional beach sea front. More unexpectedly, it is the home town of Monty Python, Terry Jones and former James Bond, Timothy Dalton.
Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle has been described as ‘one of the great castles of medieval Europe’. Something acknowledged by the UN who have granted it World Heritage Site status. Built over 5 years in the 13th century by master castle builder, James of St George, it dominates the town and local area.
Find out more about Conwy Castle
Rhos-on-sea
Sitting at the western end of Colwyn Bay is the picturesque town of Rhos-on-Sea. Very much a Victorian seaside experience, it boasts one of the few remaining traditional marionette acts at the Harlequin Puppet Theatre and also the tiny St Trillo’s chapel that has seating room for just six people.
North Wales Theatre
Located in Llanddudno, this is a new modern 1,500 seater theatre which attracts big name music stars, touring theatre companies and children’s productions. During July, the Llandudno Festival takes place with a diverse selection of music and theatre events happening right the way through the town.
Llandudno
Lying between the limestone heights of Great Orme and Little Orme is North Wales biggest resort. Founded in the 1850s, its curving bay and beach were soon hugely popular with rich Victorian promenaders and sea bathers. Enjoy a genteel stroll along the pier or take Britain’s longest cable car ride to the top of Great Orme.
Great Orme Copper Mines
Great Orme mountain isn’t just to be visited for its stunning views, which many consider to the equal of Snowdon. There are also a variety of rare and endangered species on its slopes which will appeal to nature lovers. Those with an eye for history may want to pay an underground visit to the centuries old copper mines which have been worked since the Bronze Age 4,000 years ago.