Sunny Prestatyn is thearchetypal NorthWales seaside resort. It sprang into national consciousness in the 19thcentury when the railways brought its fresh, sea air and restorative sea watersinto the reach of holidaymakers from the north of England. Today the resortcontinues to offer amusements, beaches, ice cream and family fun but it is alsoworking hard to reinvent itself as a stopping off point for walkers exploringthe region.
It’s fair to say that Prestatynis more than just Pontins and caravan parks: anyone taking their eyes away fromthe promenade and glancing over the resort at the spectacular backdrop of the ClwydianRange will see just how close beautiful, natural attractionslie. There is so much to do in the surrounding area beyond slot machines,fairground tides and the bucket and spade to interest both families, naturelovers, golfers and walkers.
Family Fun
Prestatyn’sozone-filled seaside air has long attracted tourists. Long before the Costas inSpain had left their calling card, North Wales wasthe place for sun, sand and sea. In the 1920s the Public Health Committee gotall poetic over the resort’s charms:
“If you are ill, don’t take a pill I’ll tell yousomething better still. For sunshine and air, weather that’s fair and health givingrest – Prestatyn is best.”There are still good reasons to visit Prestatynfor families: there are holiday parks, amusements, sandy beaches, waterparks,paddling pools, miniature golf courses, fountains and plenty places to eat andfamily-friendly places to stay – ranging from static caravans and campsites tohotels and guesthouses. It’s accessible by direct train from London, easy toreach from the North of England and close to airports at Liverpool andManchester. Nearby there is the delightful LlanberisLake Railway and the exciting Welsh Mountain Zoowhere panoramic views provide the backdrop for snow leopards, chimpanzees, redpandas and Sumatran tigers.
Prestatyn Pastimes
For the grown-ups nearby Chester Races has been thesite for horse racing since the 16th century, and you can time yourvisit for a quick flutter, or you could pack your golf clubs and take advantageof the championship links course at Prestatyn whichis set in 150 acres of superb unspoilt land.
History lovers can take in the medieval fortress ofConwy Castle that is easy to get to if all thoseseaside shenanigans become too much and the Neolithic mound at Gop and thebreathtaking views of the ancient site of the Great Orme take you back to wellbefore the invention of slot machines.
Walkers are Welcome
Prestatyn was thefirst Welsh town to be designated a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town and it certainlysits at the start (or end) point of some very fine Welsh walks indeed.
The All Wales Coast Pathhas been named by the Lonely Planet guide as one of the world’s best: it runseast to west along the shoreline.
Prestatyn is also partof the 176 mile Offa’s Dyke Path, which is one of Britain’s premier NationalTrails.
Prestatyn Promises
Prestatynpromises more than you might imagine. It’s a great family holiday but there’s alot more to explore for those prepared to tear themselves away from the beach,pleasure boats and buckets.
