A DAY BY THE SEASIDE

Where mountain air meets the salty sea breeze, Prestatyn boasts a unique favourable climate. Although when I visited recently, the salty sea breeze was more of a blustery, brisk wind, but it swept all the cobwebs away.

Prestatyn is the most easterly town on the beautiful North Wales coast, nestled between magnificent sandy beaches with a spectacular backdrop of hills. It has three north-facing sandy beaches, Frith, Central and Barkby, interspersed with rocky groynes. It's the perfect place to build sandcastles with the kiddies, watch them frolic in the sea in the warmer months, and just be beside the seaside. The promenade spans four miles and forms part of the North Wales Coastal path and the official start and end of the Offa's Dyke Path, a 180-mile (19.47km) walk from North to South.

I parked at Central beach, and the first thing that struck me was the titanic turbine towers standing 67m tall in Liverpool Bay, 5 miles (8km) off the coast of Prestatyn. North Hoyle is the UK's first major offshore wind farm, comprising 30 turbine generators making electricity for some 40,000 homes. The second thing that struck me was the seven women dressed for a dip in March! They call themselves the bluetits; they meet every morning throughout the year unless there's a storm, and brave the Irish Sea. They asked me to join them but, fortunately for me, I had forgotten to pack my swimsuit, so I politely declined, pulled my hat down past my ears and set off on my walk, donning my backpack with my flask full of coffee, a homemade sandwich and a bag of crisps for later. Taking your own not only saves money, but it saves another plastic cup from being accidently discarded, making its way into the ecosystem. However, beach cafés rely on our custom, but hey, they're usually happy to fill up your flask, and there's a swanky-looking café right on the central beach you can pop into.

I headed towards Rhyl on my walk along the prom, taking in the breath-taking views of the stunning North Wales coast. It's approximately five miles to Rhyl. The tide was on its way out with a calm rhythm, the seagulls screeched above, and driftwood and other exciting sea objects washed ashore. I love the beach in winter; it’s a magical place full of discovery. It’s quiet, too, just the odd dog walker.

PRESTATYN IS THE MOST EASTERLY TOWN ON THE BEAUTIFUL NORTH WALES COAST, NESTLED BETWEEN MAGNIFICENT SANDY BEACHES WITH A SPECTACULAR BACKDROP OF HILLS

Did you know?

J Prestatyn was home to the first UK Kwik Save supermarket in 1965

J Pontins Holiday centre was the location for a 1973 film of the famous British TV series, On the Buses

J Harold Wilson, John Prescott, and Carol Vorderman were all born in Prestatyn!

J During the Second World War, the holiday camps in Prestatyn were used as billets for British soldiers

Prestatyn’s population remained at less than 1,000 until the arrival of railways and holidaymakers in the 19th and 20th Centuries. "Sunny Prestatyn" became famous for its beach, clean seas and promenade entertainers.

After my beach walk, I headed to find another free attraction. A well-preserved ruin of a Roman bath house! The Victorians were not the first people to find this place. It's tucked away between 42 and 42a Melyd Ave. I arrived in my car but walking from the town centre is possible. It's not signed posted, so best to consult Google Maps. There is very little known about the archaeological excavation. Was it a military base? How extensive was it? Was it associated with the lost Roman town near St Asaph and what's under all the other houses surrounding it?

Talking of the Romans, there's a giant sculpture of a Roman helmet which celebrates the heritage situated on Prestatyn Hillside. It's a stunning artwork embossed with pictures of Sessile Oak leaves made by the students of Prestatyn High School. The Sessile Oak tree is common to the area and symbolises strength and resilience. From Prestatyn, walk to the top of the High Street and continue straight up Fforddlas and then straight to the Helmet. Once you've taken it in and caught your breath again, continue past the Helmet and take in the view from the Prestatyn Hillside.

Prestatyn town itself has a beautiful Victorian High Street. The sea at one end and the Clwydian range at the other. It's charming and has a great selection of shops and places to eat – from snacks and fish and chips to fine dining.

I ended my day back at the central beach, watching the sun go down beyond the wind turbines twinkling in the distance and, of course, I treated myself to fish and chips… n

Fancy living in Prestatyn?

If you are considering a move to the seaside town of Prestatyn, make sure you check out this fabulous fourbedroom home on Gronant Road. This detached house has been extended by the current owners and offers five reception rooms, kitchen, utility room and an amazing games room which can accommodate a full-size snooker table. The impressive property is approached over an extensive driveway providing ample off road parking which leads to a garage, while out the back you will find a manicured enclosed rear garden with a variety of trees, shrubs and plants. It is currently on the market for £700,000 with Peter Large Estate Agents.

17-18th June 2023