Porth Eirias
© Geograph contributors / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Porth Eirias is the centrepiece of Colwyn Bay’s seafront regeneration — a £6.5 million development at the western end of the promenade that has transformed what was a neglected stretch of coast into one of North Wales’s most attractive waterfront destinations.
Built under the Bay Life regeneration programme funded by Welsh Government and Conwy County Borough Council, Porth Eirias brings together a nationally recognised restaurant, watersports facilities, an outdoor children’s playground, modern changing rooms and flexible event space — all on the beach, with uninterrupted views across Conwy Bay.
Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias
The restaurant at the heart of Porth Eirias is Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias — a striking beachside brasserie from Welsh celebrity chef Bryn Williams. It is featured in the Michelin Guide and has held a Bib Gourmand distinction in recent years, recognising good quality, good value cooking; Michelin distinctions are reassessed annually, so check the current Michelin Guide listing for this year’s status. It also won the AA Restaurant of the Year for Wales 2019/20.
The menu focuses on Welsh produce and local seafood, prepared in an unfussy, confident style. The room has faux-industrial styling, blue leather banquettes and floor-to-ceiling windows looking directly out to sea. It is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, and can be booked via portheirias.com.
This is the best restaurant in the wider Colwyn Bay area and arguably one of the best-value dining experiences on the North Wales coast. Booking is strongly recommended, particularly for weekends and holidays.
Activities & Facilities
Water Sports
Porth Eirias is a centre for sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and other watersports on Conwy Bay. Taster sessions and courses are available for all abilities through the on-site watersports centre.
Children’s Play
A well-equipped outdoor children’s playground sits within the Porth Eirias complex, directly on the beach. It is free to use and designed for younger children.
Events Space
The Porth Eirias building includes a flexible events and meeting space that hosts a range of community, cultural and commercial events throughout the year. Check Conwy Council’s events listings for what’s on.
Porth Eirias is at the western end of the Colwyn Bay promenade, a straightforward flat walk from both the main beach and the pier to the east. It is also accessible directly from the A55.
The Wider Seafront
Porth Eirias sits within a much improved seafront environment. The Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project has brought significant investment to the promenade, including one million tonnes of sand imported to recharge the beach, a restored Victorian-style promenade with kiosks, segregated cycle and pedestrian paths, accessible parking and EV charging points. The project achieved a BREEAM Infrastructure Outstanding rating — one of the highest sustainability ratings for infrastructure in the UK.
The result is a promenade that genuinely works: wide, clean, well-maintained and pleasant to walk in any weather. Combined with the Blue Flag beach, it makes Colwyn Bay’s seafront one of the strongest on the North Wales coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking at Porth Eirias?
Yes. Porth Eirias has its own pay-and-display car park with ANPR (number plate) enforcement, open 6am–11pm with no overnight parking permitted. There’s a 20-minute grace period for quick visits — picking up watersports kit, dropping off a bike, grabbing a coffee — before charges apply on a tiered scale. Full current rates are on our parking in Colwyn Bay page.
What’s on at Porth Eirias?
The on-site watersports centre runs regular sailing, windsurfing, paddleboard and powerboat sessions, plus community events such as paddleboard races, open-water swim socials and the traditional Boxing Day dip. The building’s events space also hosts council and community bookings through the year. For current dates, check with Colwyn Bay Watersports directly or Conwy County Borough Council’s events listings, as the seasonal programme changes.
Is Porth Eirias free to visit?
Yes — there’s no admission charge to walk around the site, use the playground or watch the water. You only pay for parking (if driving), watersports tuition/hire, or food and drink at the restaurant and kiosks.
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