Prestatyn which is situated on the North East Wales coast in the county of Denbighshire close to Rhyl has been one of the most famous seaside resorts in North Wales since the trains first arrived in 1848. Holiday-makers poured in from the smoke-filled cities of Victorian Britain to take the fresh Welsh air and follow the craze for sea bathing. They’re still doing much the same today. After all, if you decide to visit Prestatyn this summer you will be rewarded with a choice of three beautiful beaches that form a five mile stretch of sand. The magnificent promenade links the beaches providing a link for walkers and cyclists.
Central Beach which has a seaside cleanliness award, is wide and north-facing, popular as there are many facilities including cafes, pubs, amusement arcades and crazy golf to keep you entertained for the day. The North Wales Cycle Trail, North Wales Coastal Path and the Offa’s Dyke Path which is celebrating it 50th year this year, all meet on the seafront. To the west is Ffrith Beach which sits side by side with the Ffrith Festival Gardens and borders with Rhyl. To the east Barkby Beach is the starting point for the Gronant Dunes and is also home to the Sailing Club. This section of beach is the only part along Rhyl and Prestatyn’s seven miles of golden sand that a you can participate in water sports with a buoyed channel that takes the jet bikes and speed boats safely out to one hundred metres from the waterline and is popular because of the excellent facilities. From here there is an area of extensive sand dune system known as Gronant Dunes that stretches eastwards to the Point of Ayr, Talacre.
The Nova centre which is situated o the seafront in Prestatyn is one of North East Wales’ biggest indoor visitor attractions. Including a 3 storey beach themed indoor adventure soft play, an outdoor beach themed café, a sea view restaurant, pool and state of the art fitness suite. Well worth a visit whether you want to work out or just relax and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline.
In contrast to the other beaches and due to its outstanding wildlife value, the entire dune system and foreshore has been notified by the Countryside Council for Wales as a Site of Special Scientific Interest . It is the only surviving largely unmodified remnant along the North Wales coastline and it still serves as a natural sea defence. Gronant also provides a special home to Wales’ only remaining colony of breeding little terns. Of international importance as it contributes to over 10% of the entire UK breeding population. The little tern migrates from West Africa in May and staying until August. They are the smallest of the species and can be recognised by their short tail and white forehead and a yellow black tipped beak. These shy sea birds are very sensitive to any kind of disturbance. All tern species are quick to leave the nest when disturbed, in what is known as a dread. The smallest disturbance could mean a devastating decline in this vital colony. If you do go to visit the colony, please use the viewing platform that has been provided for you.
But there’s a lot more to Prestatyn than sea, sand and wildlife. The town is tucked between the sea and the wild flowers and ancient woodland of Prestatyn Hillside where mountain air meets salty sea breezes. If you take a trip up Gwaenysgor hillside you can stop at ‘viewpoint’ and enjoy the breath-taking views over coastline.
Prestatyn has many layers. It’s not just a coastal resort – it’s also a busy shopping centre with a brand-new retail park and a quirky independent High Street. It’s a gateway to the great outdoors, lying at the northern tip of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a heritage town with the remains of a Roman bath house that’s nearly 2,000 years old. And more than ever it’s a destination for walkers. Prestatyn is at the start of Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail, which traces the eighth-century handiwork of King Offa of Mercia for the entire length of Wales. This town trail follows it right up the High Street. Stop at the Hillside Shelter or carry on all the way to Chepstow, it’s up to you.
The video shows you a bit about the town and gives you taste of what to expect from the beautiful town.
Blog written by Denbighshire County Council Tourism Department as part of the Destination Management Plan 2021.