Rhyl is a seaside resort town overlooking the Irish Sea, home to a rich Victorian-era history, numerous Grade II-listed buildings and a sprawling man-made reservoir. Rhyl’s biggest draw is its sandy beach, but it’s closely followed by a waterfront aquarium, surrounding centuries-old fortresses and a lively downtown dining and shopping hub.

Things to do

Visit the alluring Rhyl Beach to enjoy its family-friendly swimming environment and sandy shores for sunbathing. It’s backed by a range of cultural and entertaining attractions, including the Pavilion Theatre, which hosts touring West End shows and community-led theatre productions.

Are you visiting Rhyl with your family? Take the kids along to see the 30-plus marine exhibits at SeaQuarium Rhyl, including an outdoor seal cove, jellyfish aquarium and underwater viewings of sharks. Afterwards, head to the Drift Park Water Play Area to let the kids run wild around interactive fountains and a paddling pool. It’s across the road from Palace Fun Centre, which has a range of arcade games.

Visit Marine Lake, a man-made reservoir that’s home to the Rhyl Miniature Railway. This historic steam-engine miniature train conducts scenic rides around Marine Lake. Just across the River Clwyd is Horton's Nose Nature Reserve, where you can explore coastal wildlife habitats on foot.

If you want to soak up the town’s nightlife, check out the downtown bars and cocktail lounges, such as The Sussex, The George Hotel and The Lorne. There are also numerous international restaurants to be found, including Rossini's Italian Restaurant and the American-style Joe's Diner.

Getting around

Rhyl is just over one hours’ drive from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and is connected via trains that stop at the Rhyl station. You can easily walk around the centre of Rhyl, but hiring a car is best for exploring further afield.