
Rhyl is a lively, exciting seaside town with visitor attractions such as the SeaQuarium, where you can experience British sharks, rays and conger eels in the underwater tunnel through the Deep Ocean Zone, meet Spike the lionfish who at 18 inches long is probably the biggest lionfish in the world and not only watch the shows at Sea Lion Cove but also experience feeding the seals!
There is a great ‘Buzz’ at the Suncentre, an indoor tropical water park where the chief thrill is ‘The Buzz’, a heart-pounding 300ft descent atop a rubber ring. Experience too the Lagoon Pool, where thunder and lightening are regular visitors. If you prefer a more relaxed ride try the rooftop monorail before a meal or drink on the sun terrace.
Nearby you can visit Rhyl’s Drift Park where your biggest dilemma is where to start. Will you choose the water park with paddling pool and fountains, or wear out the kids on the mini golf and the children’s playground, or maybe have a nice sit down at the open air theatre. Take in the stunning landscaping that includes sculptures, art and structures made from purpleheart timber, copper and slate wining the park a Civic Trust Award. And best of all, it’s all FREE!
Rhyl Harbour offers charter trips for sea fishing, but if you don’t have sea legs the crafty Carp at Brickfields Pond will give you good sport while the rest of the family can spot birds, otters and pond-dwelling mini beasts. At Marine Lake you can ride the Rhyl Miniature Railway – celebrating its 100 year birthday on 28th to 30th May this year.
For yet more attractions the Rhyl Golf Club, the Botanical Gardens and Rhyl Museum all offer sporting opportunities, cafes and an interesting historical aspect to the area. Consider booking a seat at the Pavilion Theatre or the Apollo Cinema (due to re-open summer 2011 after a major refurbishment) or simply visit the Events Arena, which hosts a vast array of shows, exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Prestatyn is your reward at the northern end of over 170 miles of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail and what better sight than the sea stretching across miles and miles of golden sand. Prestatyn itself is one of only twelve UK towns given the official ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status, due to a large number of locals signing a petition to gain the privilege, so even walking the Wales Coast Path or exploring the Gronant Dunes to see rare wildlife you can guarantee a warm welcome after your exersions.
Attractions in Prestatyn include entertainment at The Scala Cinema and the Nova Centre, offering indoor pools, water slides and fitness studio, along with bars and restaurant. Discover the giant Roman Helmet which marks the ruins of a Roman bathhouse or explore the fairytale Rhuddlan Castle and cycle or walk in the stunning scenery of the Clwydian Range. Prestatyn also offers great opportunities for golf, ten pin bowling, tennis, cycling and indoor bowls at the Astrobowl, North Wales Bowls Centre, Prestatyn Golf Club and the Ffrith Beach Fun Parc, making it the ideal destination for the sporty family.
The surrounding area offers attractions such as the impressive castles along the north Wales coast, at Rhuddlan and Denbigh. One of the smallest ancient cathedrals can be seen at St Asaph and at Bodelwyddan you can visit the amazing marble church. Stately Homes such as Bodrhyddan Hall also offer an interesting family day out.