Prestatyn: A great base for a holiday in North Wales – quick guide and key information

Wales has plenty to offer every visitor, with mountains, countryside, beaches, and cliffs among other things. For those who desire a seaside break, Prestatyn is one of the most appealing and versatile places to visit.

Where is Prestatyn?

You’ll find this charming town on the northern coastline of Wales. It is around four miles east of Rhyl, another good spot to visit, and around 30 minutes’ drive from Colwyn Bay, further out to the west.

The railway station is in the heart of the town, allowing easy access from the surrounding areas. The A55 North Wales Expressway passes some distance to the south of the town, and can be exited at many points towards Prestatyn, depending on where you are travelling from.

Discovering Offa’s Dyke Path

Prestatyn is famous for being the starting (or finishing) point for walking Offa’s Dyke Path. Not for the casual walker, the path covers 177 miles, although it can be walked in sections. If you tackled the whole path, starting at Chepstow to the south, you could complete it in 12 days… ideally followed by a week or two to recover in a holiday home in Prestatyn!

Five miles of sandy beaches to choose from

Regardless of where you stay in Prestatyn, you’ve got miles of sandy beaches to explore and relax on. This is divided into three beaches, separated by rocky sections. You can easily get from one to the next by using the promenade that runs the length of all three.

Perfect for water sports

Only one of those three beaches have water sports access – Barkby Beach. This is further along to the right of Prestatyn Beach, not far from The Beaches Hotel (just one of many places to stay in Prestatyn). Watch out for boats, surfers, and others enjoying the water if you prefer to relax on the beach.

Take a break in the Coronation Gardens

Not, as you might have thought, developed to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, but Queen Mary and George V instead, in 1911. They offer a lovely green space that is open and filled with plants and trees yet remain close to the town. Ideal for escaping to for a short while if you wish.

Spot the remains of Prestatyn Castle

There are some stunning castles throughout Wales, but sadly this exhibit is one that exists only in tiny portions today. You’ll find it off Prestatyn Road in the town, with on-road parking available. See if you can spot the scant remains, the only signs that are left after it was destroyed in 1167.