Colwyn Bay
Welsh Mountain Zoo • Pier Bae Colwyn • Conwy Coast
Explore Colwyn Bay
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Welcome to Colwyn Bay
Colwyn Bay sits at the heart of the North Wales coast, cradled between the Great Orme and Rhyl along the shores of Conwy Bay. A Victorian seaside resort that grew up around the railway, it retains its broad promenade, rebuilt pier and a relaxed, open character – while offering some of the best family attractions in North Wales, including the celebrated Welsh Mountain Zoo.
The town is part of Conwy County Borough and sits just minutes from Conwy with its medieval castle and walls, and a short drive from Llandudno, the grand resort on the Orme. Inland, the hills above Colwyn Bay offer excellent walking – most notably Bryn Euryn nature reserve and the ridge up to the Little Orme.
Whether you are here for the beach, the zoo, a weekend on the coast, or exploring North Wales more widely, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit.
The Town & Its Setting
From the hills above the town, the full sweep of Colwyn Bay’s coastline becomes clear: a wide arc of sand backed by the promenade, the Porth Eirias complex at the western end – home to a Michelin-recognised restaurant and watersports centre, and the hills of the Conwy Valley rising beyond. The seafront has been substantially regenerated in recent years, with the Porth Eirias development bringing Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias – a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant – alongside a watersports centre, playground and events space.
Colwyn Bay town centre sits a short walk from the seafront, centred on Abergele Road and Station Road – home to the distinctive clock tower and Theatre Colwyn. The older settlement of Old Colwyn to the east is a quieter, more residential neighbourhood with a village-like feel, and Rhos-on-Sea to the west has its own charm with the small harbour chapel of St Trillo.
Highlights
Welsh Mountain Zoo
Set in 37 acres of hillside gardens above the town, this outstanding zoo is home to snow leopards, gorillas, free-roaming chimpanzees and much more.
Victoria Pier
The original Victorian pier (1900) was demolished following storm damage in 2018. A rebuilt 45-metre pier – Pier Bae Colwyn – reopened in July 2021, incorporating 74 original decorative ironwork panels. It is freely accessible from the promenade and remains Grade II listed.
Eirias Park
The town’s main public park combines sports facilities, gardens, a boating lake and open green space. Eirias Stadium – home to Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) – is located here, and the park regularly hosts festivals and outdoor events.
What’s On in Colwyn Bay
The next events in and around town, from the North Wales Events listings.
Beach, Promenade & Walks
The beach at Colwyn Bay is a wide, gently shelving sandy strand backed by the Victorian promenade. Natural Resources Wales rates its bathing water “Excellent” – clean and family-friendly, with the western end of the promenade giving way to the Porth Eirias complex. The promenade itself is a pleasant flat walk of about two miles, perfect for an easy stroll with sea views across to the Great Orme.
For something more adventurous, the hill above town is criss-crossed with footpaths. Bryn Euryn is a Local Nature Reserve with limestone grassland and the remains of an Iron Age hillfort, while the ridge walk to the Little Orme gives sweeping views back across Colwyn Bay and out to sea. The coastal path west to Rhos-on-Sea is an easy and scenic half-hour walk along the seafront.
Getting to Colwyn Bay
Colwyn Bay is well served by rail on the North Wales Main Line, with direct services from Chester, Manchester Piccadilly and Holyhead stopping at Colwyn Bay station – right in the town centre. It is a straightforward journey from Manchester (around 1 hour 45 minutes) or Chester (around 46 minutes). Full details are on our getting here by train page.
By road, the A55 North Wales Expressway runs directly along the coast and provides fast access from Chester and the English motorway network. Parking is available in the town centre and on the seafront. If you are visiting without a car, our car-free guide covers local buses, taxis and cycling options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colwyn Bay famous for?
Colwyn Bay is known for the Welsh Mountain Zoo (the only national zoo of Wales), the restored Victoria Pier (Pier Bae Colwyn), Eirias Park and Porth Eirias watersports centre. It sits on the North Wales coast between Llandudno and Conwy with a long promenade and a beach rated “Excellent” for bathing water.
Is Colwyn Bay worth visiting?
Yes. The Welsh Mountain Zoo alone is a half-day attraction. Combined with the Victoria Pier, Eirias Park, Little Orme headland, Rhos-on-Sea, and excellent train connections along the North Wales coast, Colwyn Bay makes a good base for a few days.
How do I get to Colwyn Bay by train?
Colwyn Bay is on the North Wales Coast Line with direct services from Chester (around 46 minutes), Llandudno Junction (5 minutes) and Holyhead. From Manchester it is around 1 hour 45 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
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