Colwyn Bay Tourist Information

Colwyn Bay is a popular coastal resort town in Conwy, North Wales. Set on a sweeping bay in a bowl-shaped depression it is surrounded by some of the most attractive scenery in Wales.

The original settlement is now known as Old Colwyn. It was a small fishing and farming village on the banks of the River Colwyn and is still surrounded by ancient woodland.

Most of Colwyn Bay was built in Victorian times, from 1860. The boom interest in healthy sea air and the arrival of the railway allowed Victorians to escape the cities and head to the purpose-built resort of Colwyn Bay.

One of the earliest buildings was the Colwyn Bay Hotel which has since been demolished. Wealthy families and industrialists built some of the large Edwardian and Victorian houses which are part of Colwyn Bay's legacy.

The Wireless College was established in 1925 and trained many of the Marconi radio operators in the Merchant Navy. It closed in 1970 and a plaque now marks the building.

Present Day Colwyn Bay

The town has just under 10,000 residents with a further 7,600 residents in Old Colwyn. 20% of the residents speak fluent Welsh.

Victoria Pier is a major landmark. It stretches for 750 feet and in its heyday had a fine theatre pavilion and amusements. It has had a number of owners who have invested in it, without success. Currently access is closed as Conwy Borough Council attempt to buy the pier from the receivers.

The promenade follows the sweep of the bay around from Old Colwyn to Penrhyn Bay. It is a pleasant place to stroll with access to a number of beaches and the harbour at Rhos-on-Sea. The wide paved area is lined with kiosks for refreshments, drinks and ice creams.

Colwyn Bay has many parks and gardens and has won the Wales in Bloom award many times.

With the decline of tourism in the area, the town has been subject to a regeneration program particularly along the waterfront.

The mainline railway station is in the town centre and is on the North Wales Coast Line which runs from Crewe to Holyhead.

Notable people from Colwyn Bay include James Bond actor Timothy Dalton, soap star William Roache and footballer Mickey Thomas.

Things to Do Around Colwyn Bay

Eiras Park is a local attraction with 40 acres of rolling parkland, a leisure centre, formal gardens and many other recreational amenities.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a splendid family day out from Colwyn Bay.

There is a cycle track between Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea which follows the sweeping bay and the promenade.

Fishing, sailing and jet skiing can all be enjoyed from the three miles of sandy beach. There are slipways for launching small boats and kayaks. The town also has public tennis courts and a bowling green.

The area has a number of golf courses including Rhos-on-Sea Golf Club, Llandudno Golf Club, North Wales Golf Club and Conwy Golf Club, all within five miles of Colwyn Bay.

The Isle of Anglesey is a 23 mile drive away, accessed over the Menai Bridge.

Nearby the old walled town of Conwy and the magnificent Conwy Castle are well worth visiting.