Visit Prestatyn

Prestatyn 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, a magnificent promenade with three separate beaches and four miles of golden sand never goes out of fashion. But there’s a lot more to Prestatyn than seagulls and sandcastles. The town is tucked between the sea and the wild flowers and ancient woodland of Prestatyn Hillside. And it ends with a view that’s breathtaking in more ways than one.

Offa’s Dyke

Prestatyn was originally a Roman settlement and is the gateway to the North Wales coastal area, and the most easterly of the North Wales coastal resorts and was the first town in Wales to be awarded ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status, it’s no surprise that walking is serious business in Prestatyn. Whether you’re arriving on foot or just starting your journey, the walking here is seriously good whichever way you approach it. The North Wales Path begins its 60 mile journey west to Bangor here, and Offa’s Dyke Path begins its 177 mile journey to Chepstow here too. Take the easy Coastal Path, or slightly more tricky Offa’s Dyke Path, the start (or end) of which is marked with exceptional views across the coast and Irish Sea and towards Snowdonia at Gwaenysgor viewpoint. Each route can be divided into smaller sections to be tackled in just a few hours, or you can keep walking if the mood takes you.

Alternatively for a quick walking fix, try one of the many shorter circular and linear routes around the town. Gronant Dunes lies between Prestatyn and Talacre beaches and is the largest area of unspoiled sand dunes on the North Wales coast. A Local Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation all in one, this protected coastal habitat is home to rare plant and animal species including sea holly, brown hares, skylarks and the elusive sand lizzard. Gronant is probably best known as the home of Britain’s largest – and Wales’ only – colony of little tern, which can be seen from a viewing platform just off the Wales Coast Path.

Barkby Beach

Barkby Beach is a hive of activity for boats and craft, where you’ll find Prestatyn Sailing Club and boat launching slipway. If you interested in using slipways and launching please contact our Harbour Department on 01824 708400.

There is no swimming in this area because of the vessels using the slipway, but the beach is ideal for enjoying yourself for building a sand castle or just enjoying the weather. East of the slipway and sailing club is where the dog friendly area starts again.

Central Beach

Central beach is the main beach in Prestatyn and is very popular with visitors. You can access the beach from the car parks at Nova East and Nova West. It’s also an area where our lifeguards are stationed during the season. It’s the only North Wales beach to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award.

If your planning on going for a swim remember to check the lifeguards flags to see if it’s safe, and find where is best to swim. If you’re not sure, you can speak to a lifeguard and they’ll be happy to help.

Other facilities at Central Beach include an outdoor shower, cafés and a play area.

Ffrith Beach

At the western end of Prestatyn, Ffrith Beach has two zones. The first, Ffrith Beach West, stretches from the Golf Course to the entrance to Ffrith Beach Fun Parc. This area is marked by the sloping access from the promenade which makes it much easier for people to access the beach. This beach forms part of our dog friendly area and you are welcome to exercise your dog here at any time.

The area to the east of Ffrith slipway which starts from the Ffrith Beach Fun Parc East goes past Tower Gardens and up to the Nova West Car Park is a more popular area that leads you towards the main resort beach at Prestatyn Central. Dogs are restricted at Ffrith East from May – September.

If the weather isn’t on your side for the beach you will find indoor play area and pool as well as restaurant at the Nova Centre or catch a film at the Scala Cinema.

You can download our Prestatyn Town Trail for a guided walk around the town.