Walks, rides, arts and beaches - things to do in Prestatyn and Rhyl

Tread in the footsteps of ancient royalty by following part of the Offa's Dyke Path. This national 177-mile walking trail was named after King Offa, the Mercian King responsible for a dyke built between England and Wales in the 8th century. Follow the route across the Prestatyn Hillside before dropping down into the town itself.

If you are looking to spend some quality family time making sandcastles, or just want a walk to take in the sea air, you will find plenty of wide open spaces here. The beaches of both Rhyl and Prestatyn boast miles of beautiful sand and are ideal for all the family. You can take a dip in the zoned bathing areas where lifeguards are present from mid-May to early September. 

Whether you prefer Madam Butterfly or Strictly Come Dancing, a risqué comedy or some contemporary theatre, this is the place to see a performance. The current Pavilion Theatre – the third to have been built in Rhyl – opened in 1991, 90 years after the first one burnt down.

Billy, Clara, and the Railway Queen are among the beautiful old engines at the Rhyl Miniature Railway, where regular steam train departures snake past the tranquil Marine Lake. More than a century after the station opened, you can still enjoy a ride before relaxing and perusing the museum. 

Originally opened by a local cinema lover in 1913, the Scala Cinema and Arts Centre reopened in 1999 and is now a fantastic place to relax and take in a film. Designed as a swish modern cultural centre, it hosts everything from the latest blockbusters and opera screenings to much-loved classic movies and pantomime.

You can try sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and a variety of other sports at the salt water Marine Lake next to the mouth of the River Clwyd. If you prefer to stay on dry land, the kids can burn off some energy in Marine Lake Play Area, or opt for a more relaxing walk around the lake while looking out for the local wildlife.  Alternatively, there's plenty of seating, so you could simply grab an ice cream and enjoy the view! 

About three miles to the east of the town, Gronant Dunes provide a quieter area for nature lovers to explore. This Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is home to rare species such as the sand lizard and the natterjack toad and is the last major (surviving) example of the former large dune system that covered the coast of North East Wales.

Rhyl’s amazing Marsh Tracks cycling centre has a road cycling track stretching more than a kilometre in length and a BMX race track replicating the London 2012 BMX course. The Olympic team have already given it a go, and the modest hire prices for visitors means you can follow their lead.

For more information about Rhyl and Prestatyn see the Visitor’s Guide to Rhyl.