Things to Do in Colwyn Bay

Colwyn Bay offers a well-rounded range of activities for visitors — from one of the finest zoos in Wales to a beach with an Excellent bathing water rating, a Michelin-recognised restaurant, coastal walks, a Victorian pier and easy access to some of the great day-trip destinations of North Wales. The following covers the key options.

Top Attractions

Welsh Mountain Zoo — The headline attraction. Set in 37 acres of hillside gardens, it is home to snow leopards (including a recent cub), free-roaming chimpanzees, gorillas, a new Madagascar lemur zone, Margay twins and the Tropical Trail reptile house. Allow a full day; open from 09:30.

Beach & Promenade — A two-mile beach, rated “Excellent” for bathing water by Natural Resources Wales, backed by a regenerated Victorian promenade. One million tonnes of sand imported, segregated cycle and pedestrian paths, kiosks and public facilities throughout. Fully flat and accessible.

Porth Eirias — The £6.5m seafront complex at the western end of the promenade, home to Bryn Williams at Porth Eirias — featured in the Michelin Guide and a Bib Gourmand holder in recent years — plus watersports, a children’s playground and events space.

Pier Bae Colwyn — The rebuilt Victoria Pier, reopened July 2021. The original 1900 pier was demolished after 2017 storm damage; the new 45m structure reuses 74 salvaged ironwork panels. Grade II listed and freely accessible from the promenade.

Eirias Park & Stadiwm Eirias — The main town park, with boating lake, gardens and Stadiwm Eirias (6,080-capacity, up to 15,000 for concerts) — home to RGC 1404 (Super Rygbi Cymru) and North Wales Crusaders (RFL Championship).

Walking & Nature

Bryn Euryn — 60-hectare Local Nature Reserve and SSSI above Rhos-on-Sea. Limestone grassland, ancient woodland, Iron Age hillfort, 15th-century Llys Euryn ruins and panoramic coastal views. Free, open year-round.

Little Orme & Angel Bay — The headland between Colwyn Bay and Llandudno, managed by the North Wales Wildlife Trust. Angel Bay is one of the most reliable Atlantic grey seal watching spots in North Wales (best September to April). A 4.3-mile circular walk, rated moderate.

Pwllycrochan Woods — Ancient deciduous woodland in the heart of town, with waymarked circular walks from ¾ to 1¼ miles. Good birdwatching (Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Tawny Owl). Free, open year-round.

Colwyn Bay to Llandudno Coastal Route — 6 miles (9km) along the Wales Coast Path / National Cycle Route 5 through Rhos-on-Sea, Penrhyn Bay and over the Little Orme to Llandudno. One of the finest coastal routes in North Wales.

Nearby

Rhos-on-Sea — St Trillo’s Chapel (the smallest church in Britain, seating 6, with a 1,500-year-old holy well), a quiet harbour, village cafes, and the start of the walk to the Little Orme. 25 min on foot along the promenade.

Old Colwyn and Llysfaen — the quieter original village at the eastern end of the bay, and the hilltop village above it with a medieval church and wide coastal views. Mochdre to the west has a curious pig-town name and a place in early railway history.

Day Trips — Conwy Castle (5 miles, 14 min by train — UNESCO World Heritage Site), Llandudno (7 miles), Snowdonia (30 miles, 38 min drive), Anglesey (45 min drive).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top attractions in Colwyn Bay?

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is the headline attraction — 37 acres, snow leopards, chimpanzees and gorillas. Beyond the zoo: Pier Bae Colwyn on the promenade, the beach (Excellent-rated bathing water), Porth Eirias with Michelin Guide dining, and coastal walks to Rhos-on-Sea and Little Orme.

What can you do for free in Colwyn Bay?

The promenade, beach and coastal walks to Rhos-on-Sea and Little Orme are all free. Eirias Park and Pwllycrochan Woods are free to enter. Bryn Euryn nature reserve above Rhos-on-Sea is free and one of the best viewpoints on the North Wales coast.

Is Colwyn Bay good for families?

Yes. The Welsh Mountain Zoo is excellent for families with young children. The beach carries an Excellent bathing water rating and is family-friendly. Eirias Park has play areas. Pier Bae Colwyn is a short, manageable walk. Day trips to Conwy castle and Llandudno add variety.

Things to Do in Colwyn Bay