A Weekend in Colwyn Bay
Two days in Colwyn Bay is enough to see the town’s best, take a proper walk, have an excellent meal and make a day trip to one of the major destinations nearby. The itinerary below works well arriving Friday evening and leaving Sunday afternoon – or as a Saturday–Sunday break.
Day One: Arrive & Settle
Morning: Arrive by train at Colwyn Bay station (direct from Chester ~46 min; from Manchester ~1h 40min). Check in and walk down to the seafront – the promenade runs the full width of the bay. Head west to Porth Eirias for a first look at Bryn Williams’ Michelin Guide brasserie (a Bib Gourmand holder in recent years); if timing works, have lunch here.
Afternoon: Walk the full promenade east to Pier Bae Colwyn at the other end – built in 2021 using salvaged 1900 ironwork, Grade II listed. From the pier, head back into town and explore the clock tower area of Station Road. If you have energy, the 15-minute walk up to Pwllycrochan Woods gives a taste of the hillside above the town.
Evening: Dinner at Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias (book in advance) or one of the town-centre restaurants. If a show is on at Theatr Colwyn, this is the evening for it – check theatrcolwyn.co.uk when planning.
Day Two: The Zoo & Coast
Morning: The Welsh Mountain Zoo deserves a full morning – allow 3 hours minimum. Get there early (it opens at 09:30) for the best chance of active animals: snow leopards, free-roaming chimpanzees, gorillas, the new lemur zone and the Tropical Trail reptile house. Take the uphill walk from town (20 min) or a taxi.
Afternoon: Descend back to the seafront. Walk west to Rhos-on-Sea along the coast path (25 min) and visit St Trillo’s Chapel – the smallest church in Britain, with its 1,500-year-old holy well. Coffee in Rhos-on-Sea village, then walk back along the coast.
Or instead: Take the train one stop to Llandudno Junction (5 min) and spend the afternoon at Conwy Castle – 14 minutes from Colwyn Bay, one of the finest medieval castles in Europe, and easily the best half-day trip from the town.
Extending Your Stay
A third day opens up Snowdonia (30 miles, 38 min drive – Llanberis and Snowdon mountain railway) or the 6-mile coastal walk to Llandudno via the Little Orme and Angel Bay (grey seals visible September to April). The Little Orme walk is the finest within easy reach of Colwyn Bay and rewards a proper half-day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a weekend enough for Colwyn Bay?
Yes. Two days covers the seafront, pier and Porth Eirias, a full morning at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, a coastal walk, and a half-day trip to Conwy Castle or Rhos-on-Sea, with time for a proper meal each evening.
What is the best order to see Colwyn Bay?
Settle in and walk the promenade and pier on day one, then dedicate day two morning to the Welsh Mountain Zoo (it deserves a full three hours) before an afternoon coastal walk or a short train trip to Conwy.
Can you do a Colwyn Bay weekend without a car?
Yes. Colwyn Bay station is central and the seafront is within reach for many visitors. A car helps with hillside attractions and wider trips, but it is not essential for a simple beach and promenade visit.
Find Accommodation in Colwyn Bay
Search hotels, B&Bs and guest houses across Colwyn Bay and the North Wales coast.
Powered by Booking.com
Recent Comments