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Fun is the word in Rhyl. This is one of the original picture postcard seaside towns. The place to enjoy everything from donkey rides to carousels, ballroom dancing, bingo, fish and chips, ice-cream and candyfloss.
Rhyl makes no pretence about its heritage as a traditional budget holiday resort. It's been a family favourite with people from all over north Wales and north west England for generations.
Even today when jet-setters flock to balmy tropical isles, there are still those who have fond memories of childhood summers spent at Rhyl and they faithfully return each year.
It might not be one of the world's most exotic hotspots but for good old fashioned seaside fun Rhyl can still come up with the goods. Six miles of Blue Flag beaches stretch between Rhyl and neighbouring Prestayn.
Things To See
With a colourful tourist train running the length of a frequently sunny promenade, there's no disguising childrens' smiles as families stop off at various points along the way to enjoy a crazy whirl of miniature golf, fairground rides, amusement arcades, penny slot machines, botanical gardens, sandcastle building, paddling and boating.
It's a picture true to numerous seaside resorts, but in lots of ways Rhyl is far from typical.
To many eyes some of the town's amenities might be a little past their sell by date, but don't be misled into thinking Rhyl has fallen irretrievably behind the times. Having struggled to compete in the ever changing world of tourism in recent years, the town is undergoing a major regeneration.
Gone is the Ocean Beach Funfair, to be replaced by ultra modern new business, shopping and leisure complexes. But it is not the first time Rhyl has upped its game in this way. Rhyl Sun Centre (tel: 01745 344433) on the coast road near Splash Point was state of the art when built more than 20 years ago.
Even today it remains one of the top ten tourist attractions in Wales, with its rooftop monorail, 91 metres rapid chute and Black Hole drop slide. It is home to Europe's first indoor surfing pool.
Rhyl Skytower was another visionary construction in 1989 - among the first of its kind in Britain. The observatory tower rotates around a central column reaching a height of 80 metres and offering a panoramic view of the spectacular north Wales coast.
Today those views include a landmark offshore wind farm producing vital renewable energy supplies for Britain's national power grid.
Another pioneering move is the Sustrans cycle route from Rhyl to Prestatyn, making the town an attractive proposition for cyclists and keep-fitters of all ages.
Also on a transport theme, Rhyl's miniature railway dates back to the beginning of the last century, while Rhyl Lifeboat station is open regularly for tourists to gain an insight into the rescue work of the RNLI.
At other points along the harbour sailing enthusiasts can book sea-fishing tours round the coast. Those who prefer to see fish 'on dry land' can visit the SeaQuarium (01745 5344660) and catch a glimpse of everything from sharks and sturgeon to some of the oldest species on the planet: axolotls and conger eels.
Yes, the word is you can have lots of fun in Rhyl. And you can also discover lots to surprise you!
How To Get There
Road
The A525 is the most direct route into Rhyl off the A55. This turn off is also signposted to St Asaph (in the opposite direction) and will take you past Rhuddlan.
If you're coming from the Bangor / Colwyn Bay direction then it is possible to come off at J23, the Abergele turning.
The A548 will then take you along the coast and directly to the Rhyl Sun Centre and Rhyl Skytower, as well as other seaside attractions.
There is often parking along the promenade at off-peak times.
Rail
Rhyl is on the mainline Holyhead route. The train station is at the end of the high street, where there are a number of shops and bars.
www.thetrainline.com provides information on tickets and train times.
Bus
Arriva run most of the local bus services in and around Rhyl.
Taxi
Ace Taxis
Merllyn Yard, Dyserth Rd, Rhyl, Clwyd LL18 4DR
Tel: 01745 334160
Carroll's Taxis
Gwindy St, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, Clwyd LL18 2US
Tel: 01745 591666
Carrolls Taxis
Victoria Works, Abergele Rd, Bodelwyddan, Rhyl, Clwyd LL18 5SS
Tel: 01745 583555
Courtesy Cars
Cwybr Fawr, Cwybr, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, Clwyd LL18 2YD
Tel: 01745 334000
Maxwells Taxis
11, Rhodfa Conwy, Dyserth, Rhyl, Clwyd LL18 6LS
Tel: 01745 570317
Yellowline Cab Co
Unit 42, Plot 1, Marsh Rd, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, Clwyd LL18 5UB
Tel: 01745 814356
5 Star Taxis
26, John St, Rhyl, Clwyd LL18 1PW
Tel: 01745 332200
A1 Taxis
32, Lynton Walk, Rhyl, Clwyd LL18 3RN
Tel: 01745 355553
