In an area filled with popular holiday destinations, Colwyn Bay is starting to establish itself as one of the must visit towns in North Wales. A huge investment in the new seafront promenade and an ever expanding list of tourist attractions means that there are plenty of things to do in Colwyn Bay for all of the family.

Ahead of your next trip to the region, we thought we’d put together a list of what we consider to be the 5 best things to do in Colwyn Bay; saving you the effort of researching and making choices without prior experience.

Without further ado, here is our top 5…

1. Visit the Zoo
If you own a holiday home in Colwyn Bay at Bryn Defaid Holiday Park or opt to stay in our farmhouse accommodation, you will find that you are situated less than a 50 minute drive away from one of the most popular zoos in the country in the form of Chester Zoo. However, there is another animal attraction located even closer to our resort which is every bit as enchanting.

Located roughly 6 miles away from our resort is Welsh Mountain Zoo. Home to 80 different species of animal, Welsh Mountain Zoo is a must visit attraction for people of all ages. Irrespective of whether you are 4, 40 or 90, you’ll find it almost impossible to suppress a smile as you watch the wonderful Penguin parade or see the sea lions being fed one of their many daily meals.

Other species on show at the zoo include tigers, chimps, bears and alligators. There is even a children’s farm on-site where your little ones can interact with some of the cutest species in the animal kingdom. Here they can pet rabbits and guinea pigs or spend some time with the inquisitive ducks and chickens.

2. Marvel at the Gardens
Another world famous attraction in Colwyn Bay is the National Trust owned Bodnant Gardens. Spread over 80 acres, Bodnant Gardens is made up of formal gardens, Italianate terraces, woodland and shrub borders with plant life from across the globe.

While the plant life on show is beautiful, you’ll also be taken aback by the glorious panoramic views at an attraction which is entrenched in the glorious Conwy countryside. There are also a series of sculptures to look out for across the venue. This includes busts of some of the estates previous inhabitants, including various members of the Pochin and McLaren families who played a pivotal role in the formation of the gardens which celebrated their 150th anniversary in 2024.

All members of the family are welcome in the gardens, including those of the four legged variety who can join you on a walk of the gardens throughout the autumn and winter months as long as they are kept on a short lead.

3. Take to the Promenade
Conwy council have recently invested £18 million into the regeneration of Colwyn Bay promenade, turning it into one of the most modern in the North Wales region. Complete with family activities and attractions such as hopscotch courses, picnic tables and musical instruments, there are plenty of things to keep the kids entertained as you walk along the length of the promenade all the way into Rhos on Sea and beyond.

There are also plenty of facilities along the way including ice cream parlours and cafe’s. This includes Parisella’s which serves award winning ice creams and a selection of snacks, sandwiches and hot food items. You can treat yourself to a bacon butty or even buy a sausage for your pooch so that you can both recharge your batteries before completing your walk along this glorious promenade.

It isn’t just an ideal flat location for a scenic walk as there is also a bike path along the promenade which forms part of the famous North Wales coastal path.

4. Seaside Fun
While you are at the seafront, it would be remiss of you not to pay a visit to the stunning Colwyn Bay beach. These soft golden sands are ideal for a family day out at the seaside, with the ample array of facilities which are located along the promenade also meaning that you are never too far away from a refreshing beverage or snack.

Here you can build a sandcastle with the kids, relax with a spot of sunbathing or even take to the sea for a paddle or even a spot of wild swimming. Indeed, Colwyn Bay beach is a very popular watersports destination, with the Colwyn Jet Ski club HQ located at Porth Eirias.

Here you’ll also find Môr, an on-site watersports store which sells pretty much everything that you will need to get started. With everything from surf boards to dry robes, you’ll be able to stock up on the essentials or even organise a paddleboarding lesson so that you can take the seas safely.

5. Enjoy Award Winning Cuisine
Porth Eirias is also home to the Michelin award winning Bryn Williams Restaurant. The venue was recently given the Bib Gourmand award by Michelin which is handed out to all eateries which offer “exceptionally good food at moderate prices”.

There are separate breakfast, lunch and dinner menus available, all of which feature cuisine made using fresh local ingredients. This includes a number of local seafood options such as mussels and crab. While some of the food items on the menu are quite fancy, there are also a number of slightly more run of the mill home comfort options such as fish fingers and fish pies.

Even if you aren’t looking for food, the Bryn Williams Restaurant also provides a spacious and modern environment in which to enjoy a drink or two whilst admiring the gorgeous coastal views.