North Wales Coast and Borderlands

This is a wonderfully diverse area – with the mountains and valleys around Llangollen, the rolling countryside of Wrexham, the wildlife haven of the Dee Estuary, the Vale of Clwyd and the Denbigh Moors beyond.

Here you’ll discover a wealth of history and a wide choice of activities. St. Asaph, at the head of the Vale, appears to be a village but is in fact a ‘city’ with one of the oldest cathedrals in Wales.

Visit Ruthin Castle and see the ‘Maen Huail’ stone, where King Arthur is said to have beheaded his rival in love.

At Llangollen, the home of the International Eisteddfod, watch the horsedrawn barges gliding along the Shropshire Union Canal.

Four great coastal resorts with award-winning beaches, first-class entertainment and top indoor and outdoor attractions, are all within easy reach. Enjoy relaxing Llandudno or Colwyn Bay, or fun-filled Rhyl or Prestatyn.

Take a closer look at the North Wales Borderlands - you might be surprised at what you find.

This beautiful region, situated between Chester to the east and Snowdonia to the west, is incredibly diverse and quintessentially Welsh. It has a flavour all of its own.

For those who simply want to slow down and unwind, there are fine pubs and restaurants, pretty country villages and an impressive array of castles and historic houses to explore.

The more energetic know the Borderlands as unsurpassed walking country, together with its fair share of rivers to fish, golf courses and whitewater activities.

At every turn in the Borderlands, you will find a bustling market town, an award-winning tourist attraction or a vista to stop you in your tracks.

Explore more deeply and surprising discoveries begin to emerge - a 17th century jewel of a chapel painted in elaborate style, ironworks where cannon for the American War of Independence were made, the medieval castle where Richard II finally surrendered his crown.

In the North Wales Borderlands, these details matter. Together they make the big picture - a complete experience that stays with you forever.

Rhyl and Prestatyn cater for all ages, tastes and moods. Rhyl is everything that's lively and exciting about the seaside, whereas Prestatyn, also a great seaside destination, is shielded by mountains and surrounded by great walking country, so has a more leisurely feel.

Between them the towns have four beaches covering seven miles of golden safe clean sand. Rhyl offers traditional seaside rides and amusements, including a lakeside miniature railway. Prestatyn's beaches are the perfect place for jet-skiers with a backdrop of the Clwydian Range, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, for wonderful walks and scenery.