North East Wales beaches and coastal resorts

Whether you're in the mood for a nostalgic family getaway complete with sandcastles, candy floss and Punch and Judy or an active break sailing, windsurfing or hiking, there are plenty of beaches and resorts in North East Wales to suit. Here are some of the best seaside spots and coastal areas in the region so that you can start planning your holiday around the waves.

Talacre Beach is vast, backed by dunes which are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). There's plenty of fauna and flora in the dunes all year round, including rare orchids, lizards, migrating birds and natterjack toads. Check out the 3mile/5km Wales Coast Path circular walk to explore the beach and Talacre Warren.

The beach's main feature is the decommissioned Point of Ayr Lighthouse. It's the perfect location for moody photo ops, painting, or imaginative adventures. 

Talacre has several holiday parks nearby. If you don't like busy beaches, it's probably quieter outside of school holidays.

Facilities: Toilets, parking and cafes nearby.

Is it dog-friendly? There are no restrictions. Please keep dogs on leads round nesting birds and wildlife.

If you're after the thrill of a ride on a jet bike or in a speed boat, Barkby Beach is the place to go. It has a buoyed channel that makes it possible to get 100m away from the shoreline without interrupting swimmers and little ones playing in the waves. The sand there is golden, but if you're after sand in epic proportions you should continue along the coast to Gronant Dunes (you can carry on to Talacre along the Wales Coast Path), an extensive dune system recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). You might be lucky enough to see Wales’ only colony of breeding little terns there.

Facilities: Pay and display parking, toilets.

Dog-friendly: Dog restrictions apply from 01 May to 30 September.

One of three joined-up beaches in Prestatyn, Central Beach is an award-winning wide beach that is popular with sailors and families spending the day splashing around, walking and cycling the promenade. Seaside cafes and pubs are on hand to fuel you up before a stint at the amusement arcades or crazy golf. Central Beach is a handy point to access walking and cycling routes from as the North Wales Cycle Trail, Wales Coast Path and the Offa’s Dyke Path converge there.

Search for places to stay in Prestatyn or explore more things to do in Prestatyn.

Facilities: Pay and display parking, ramped access from the car parks, toilets (including accessible with RADAR key), seasonal lifeguards.

Dog-friendly: Restrictions apply 01 May to 30 September in certain areas of the beach.

Y Rhyl is best known for its seaside charm, which is no surprise given that its beach and neighbouring promenade stretch the length of the town – roughly two miles from Clwyd Estuary to Splash Point. The beach itself is sandy with little rocks. When the tide is out the beach lengthens, so much so that you have a half-mile walk from the sea wall to the waves! A trip to this beach is incomplete without a ride on the Rhyl Miniature Railway.

Search for accommodation and attractions in Y Rhyl.

Facilities: Pay and display parking, toilets (including accessible with RADAR key), numerous cafes and amusements along the prom.

Dog-friendly: Restrictions apply 01 May to 30 September in certain areas of the beach.

Stroll to the western end of the shingle beach that runs parallel to Bae Colwyn's (Colwyn Bay) Victorian town centre and you'll find West Promenade and the Marine Road Beach. The waters are flat and wide most of the time, which is good for sailing and watersports. It's not uncommon to see a seal or dolphin when the waves do come up, while wading birds are regulars. For family fun after the beach, visit the Welsh Mountain Zoo.

Facilites: Parking on the prom, toilets (including accessible) along the prom (some charge for use).

Dog-friendly: Year round restrictions on some areas of the beach.

A beach that's perfect for swimming in the sea, adventurous watersports or fishing, Bae Colwyn Beach is a three-mile bay with the harbour wall of Rhos at one end and Bae Colwyn's promenade at the other. Loved by boat-owners and families alike, the stretch has sand and shale beach areas, traditional puppet shows at the Harlequin Puppet Theatre, nautical themed crazy golf at Rhos Fynach Mini Golf, a Victorian pier, and the greenery of Eirias Park.

Find somewhere to stay and more attractions in Colwyn Bay.

Facilites: Pay-and-display parking available, toilets (including accessible) along the prom.

Dog-friendly: Year round restrictions on areas of the beach.

Bill Bryson, arguably the world’s most well-known travel writer, took delight in describing Llandudno as 'my favourite of all seaside resorts'. The popular coastal town is famous for its long, curving promenade and iconic pier, and an abundance of arty shops and dizzying amusements line its celebrated seafront, making it perfect for families. The resort is gracefully framed by two headlands and the twentieth century Great Orme Tramway travels to the headland’s summit.

Could you get any more 'British seaside' than a lazy afternoon on a traditional pier? We doubt it. Llandudno has the longest pier in Wales, stretching 700m into the sea. It was built in the late 1800s out of iron, and now has Grade II listed status thanks to its striking appearance and charm. Along the pier, there are two amusement arcades (bring your coppers!), snack bars, stalls selling vital seaside paraphernalia (buckets, crab-catching lines, sticks of rock), funfair rides and specialist fishing zones. The beach is is more pebbles than sand, especially when the tide is in. 

Facilities: There are toilets (Including accessible and baby changing facilities) along the promenade. Pay and display parking is available along The Parade and at Happy Valley, however it gets full quickly at busy times.

Is it dog-friendly? The western end of the beach doesn’t allow dogs between 01 May – 30 September.

It's normally quieter on Llandudno's wide, sandy West Shore Beach. With beautiful views towards Conwy, it's ideal for a long walk past the dunes on the Wales Coast Path. The beach is a popular kitesurfing and kitebuggying spot, and the shallow waters are perfect for paddling in. Nearby, there's a play park, a seasonal miniature railway track, various cafes and fish and chips shops.

Search for your perfect place to stay and more things to do in Llandudno.

Facilities: Toilets (pay per use), including accessible and baby changing facilities. Pay and display parking is available at Dale Road.

Is it dog-friendly? Dog restrictions between 01 May – 30 September.

Our top tips for staying safe when sea swimming:

• If possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags, but lifeguard patrols can’t be on every beach this summer so be adventure smart to keep you and your family safe.
• Always swim with other people – the 'buddy system' is best.
• Wear a bright hat (green or orange work well) and use a tow float so that you can be seen by other water users.
• Enter the water slowly and allow time for your body to get used to the cold.
• Check the tide times before swimming in the sea or in estuaries.
• If you are in difficulty in the water don’t panic, stay calm; attract attention by raising your hand and shouting for help.

Visit the AdventureSmart.uk website for more information on how to stay safe while enjoying your Welsh beach adventure.

Work your way around the coast or discover a beautiful beach near you; read our guide to North West Wales beaches,  West Wales beaches and South Wales beaches. With the brood? Discover these family-friendly shores.