🌊 Old Colwyn Beach – A Hidden Coastal Retreat

Tucked just east of Colwyn Bay’s main beachfront, Old Colwyn Beach is a quieter, lesser-known stretch of the North Wales coastline that has been quietly charming locals and returning visitors for decades. Often overlooked by tourists heading to the larger beaches of Llandudno or Rhyl, Old Colwyn offers a more authentic, peaceful, and rugged seaside experience—perfect for walkers, wildlife watchers, and those seeking serenity by the sea.

🏖️ A Traditional, Undisturbed Beach

Old Colwyn Beach is a mix of shingle and sand, with the sandy areas more exposed at low tide. It runs alongside a wide, gently curving promenade and is bordered by low cliffs and grassy banks. The beach stretches eastward toward the cliffs of Penmaenhead, and on clear days you can see as far as the Great Orme and even across to the Wirral.

The beach is less commercialised than Colwyn Bay or Rhos-on-Sea, making it a popular spot for local dog walkers, joggers, and cyclists. It has remained largely untouched by modern development, which gives it a nostalgic, almost old-fashioned feel—like stepping back into a more relaxed time.

🚶‍♂️ Promenade & Cycling

A major feature of Old Colwyn Beach is its quiet seafront promenade, which forms part of the National Cycle Route 5 (NCN5). The route runs all the way from Chester to Holyhead and is especially scenic between Colwyn Bay and Penmaenmawr. The Old Colwyn stretch is wide and flat, making it ideal for cycling, skateboarding, or long, undisturbed coastal walks.

The promenade is also a prime location for watching seabirds, and you’ll often spot cormorants drying their wings on rocks or the occasional dolphin further out to sea.

🐾 Dog-Friendly & Family Use

Old Colwyn Beach is dog-friendly year-round, unlike some of the more regulated beaches nearby. Families also enjoy the open space, especially for beachcombing, flying kites, and rockpooling at low tide. Because of its quietness, it’s a good spot for introverted beachgoers or those with small children who prefer fewer crowds.

There are no arcades or attractions, but that’s part of the charm. You can pack a picnic or grab something from one of the local cafes in Old Colwyn village and enjoy a tranquil day at the water’s edge.

🌊 Sea Defences & Marine Views

Like many parts of the North Wales coast, Old Colwyn has had to confront coastal erosion. A major sea defence schemewas completed in recent years, reinforcing the sea wall and promenade while maintaining public access. The works have successfully protected the area from storms while preserving the natural feel of the beach.

From the promenade, the views across the Irish Sea are stunning, especially at sunrise. In the evenings, you can catch the sun setting behind the headland to the west, casting a golden glow across the pebbles and sea.

🅿️ Facilities

• Parking: Available along the promenade or in nearby residential streets

• Toilets: Public toilets available seasonally near the beach access points

• Access: Sloped paths and level access from the road make it accessible for wheelchairs and prams

• Shops & Cafes: The village of Old Colwyn has several independent shops, bakeries, takeaways, and pubs just a short walk inland

📝 Final Thoughts

Old Colwyn Beach might not have the flashy attractions of bigger resorts, but what it offers is something arguably more valuable: peace, space, and authenticity. It’s the kind of place where you can hear the sea, watch the tide without interruption, and reconnect with the natural rhythm of the coast. If you’re looking for a simple seaside experience, away from the noise and bustle, Old Colwyn Beach is a true North Wales treasure.