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There aren't many seaside resorts that can offer the chance of an up close encounter with a snow leopard in the morning and an exhilarating jet ski ride in the afternoon.
This is a resort which has sometimes suffered from being in the shadow of her more populist sisters, on either side - the funster Rhyl and society belle, Llandudno. But it would be a mistake to simply bypass Colwyn Bay in the rush to follow the trendy crowd.
Quieter and less brash than Rhyl, Colwyn Bay is nevertheless bright and cheerful. And while she might not have quite the same level of Victorian splendour as Llandudno, her wide streets, well maintained buildings and spacious parkways are pleasantly airy and attractive.
Colwyn Bay has a big plus point, too, in that this town is located midway along the road between her two biggest rivals. Ideal then as a base from which to explore, not just the attractions close at hand, but the wider family of towns further afield.
Things To See
From the exotic wildlife of the Welsh Mountain Zoo (tel: 01492 532938) to energetic athletics events at the town's Eirias sports stadium, paddling at the beach, sea-fishing in the bay or picnics in the park, there are plenty of opportunities here for families to happily while a few days away.The mountain zoo is of course a favourite with all ages, whether its children enjoying theTarzan Trail full of fun adventures and invaluable educational information, or adults simply marvelling at the diversity of animal species from all around the world. Here visitors will find everything from an African crested porcupine to a Californian sealion. There are penguins, reptiles, chimpanzees, exotic birds and big cats, along with delightful gardens and a shop. The zoo also boasts an award winning café with a balcony overlooking the tiger enclosure.
Perched on a mountainside above Colwyn Bay, the zoo is a must-see attraction, but back in town the first stop for many visitors is Eirias Park (tel: 01492 533223), home of numerous summer fairs and festivals, childrens activities, attic sales and sporting events. It has an athletics stadium, tennis courts, leisure centre and indoor swimming pool, along with plenty of space to enjoy a family picnic in the expansive 50 acres of parkland and gardens.
Another keystone in Colwyn Bay's history is Victoria Pier, which dates back to 1899 and was extended from its original 316 feet long to 750 feet in 1903. Since those heydays Victoria Pier has been at the centre of a gripping story of survival against all the odds, almost demolished on at least two occasions, having suffered devastating fire and weather damage at other times. It remains standing, though the fight to conserve it for future generations is ongoing.
Colwyn Bay's pedestrianised shopping area, complete with benches and floral hanging baskets, offers a hassle-free opportunity to browse a range of stores and gift shops and, for a mid afternoon treat, children will love the skillful puppet shows at the Harlequin Theatre .
At night there are bars and restaurants in Colwyn Bay for dining out, while entertainment at Theatr Colwyn (tel: 01492 532668) includes film shows and comedy nights, summer musicals and festive pantomimes. It's an increasingly popular programme which has been helping to bring Colwyn Bay out of the shadows and put her right back into the holiday spotlight.
How To Get There
Road
The A55 goes through Colwyn Bay, so you can come off anywhere between J20 - J23.
Abergele Road is the main road running through Colwyn Bay and is where most of the shops are.
J21 is the best place to come off the A55 if you want the Bay View shopping centre.
The promenade runs right along the coast of Colwyn Bay and there are usually plenty of parking spaces there, unlike in the town where parking is restricted.
Rail
Colwyn Bay is on the Holyhead mainline and the train station is right in the centre of town.
www.thetrainline.com provide train times and ticket information.
Bus
Travel Line provides bilingual information on local and national bus, coach and train timetables.
Call 0871 200 22 33.
Conwy County Borough Council can provide hard copies of timetables.
Tel 01492 575412 Email bwsconwy@conwy.gov.uk
Arriva's website provides train and bus information.
Taxi
Rhos Taxis
12, Penrhyn Avenue,
Rhos on Sea,
LL28 4RE
01492 545909
Direct Travel Services
Highlands 3, Llandudno Rd, Rhos-on-Sea, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL28 4TR
01492 544636
Delta Cars
26, Ffordd Cwstenin, Mochdre, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL28 5DW
Tel: 01492 541010
DM's Private Hire
37, York Rd, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL29 7EY
Tel: 01492 533633
Station Cabs
8, Cefn Rd, Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL29 9PN
Tel: 01492 516171
Central Taxis
Hadden Court,Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos On Sea, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL28 4NH
Tel: 01492 544222
Gwyns Taxis
Hadden Court, Penrhyn Avenue, Rhos On Sea, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL28 4NH
Tel: 01492 545311
Jan's Cabs
30, Marlborough Drive, Rhos On Sea, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL28 4RJ
Tel: 01492 545888
Dave's Taxis
Flat 4, 18, Queens Rd, Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL29 9DH
Tel: 07919 403585
Dales
The Cabin, Station Square, Colwyn Bay, Clwyd LL29 8DF
Tel 01492 533333
