Penmaenmawr

In a nutshell. Seaside, walks and spectacular sunsets.

The north coast settlement of Penmaenmawr shares many characteristics with neighbouring Llanfairfechan. It’s like the seaside used to be, genteel and low key, with a long promenade, paddling pool and children’s playground, rounded off by a row of traditional beach huts (with a nod to the 21st-century there’s also a skate park). The big, sandy beach is well suited to sandcastle-making and watersports (there’s a thriving local sailing club), with the bonus of splendid views across Conwy Bay to Anglesey and Puffin Island.

Also in common with Llanfairechan, Penmaenmawr doubles up as a well-located walking and touring centre. Trails lead upwards into hills crossed by Roman roads and dotted with historic sites that include an Iron Age fort, Meini Hirion (dating from about 1500 BC) and fascinating Stone Age axe quarry, implements from which have been found all over Britain. If you’re driving, don’t miss the thrilling trip up and over the narrow Sychnant Pass, the historic route to Conwy.

There’s more history back in town at Penmaenmawr Museum. The Museum’s exhibition will take you on a journey through Penmaenmawr’s story from prehistoric times to modern day. There is an amazing collection of Neolithic artefacts and Bronze Age finds from nearby Meini Hirion, and you can discover how Penmaenmawr sprang into life in the 19th century with the development of the quarry.

On the outskirts of the village you’ll find Parc Plas Mawr - a beautiful park and the perfect place to get away from it all and take a book to read by the lake. The foundations, in what is now the public park, are the remains of the residence of the Darbishire family that owned Penmaenmawr Quarry.

Other local amenities and attractions include a golf course, challenging enough in its own right without the added handicap/distraction of superb sea views.

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