Pier Bae Colwyn

The pier at Colwyn Bay juts out into the Irish Sea like a proper Victorian statement of intent. Built in 1883, it's one of those seaside landmarks that feels simultaneously grand and slightly faded - which is precisely what makes it worth the visit. You get the full pier experience here: vintage amusements, a theatre, and that specific smell of salt air mixed with fish and chips that you can't manufacture anywhere else.

The walk out to the end rewards you with sweeping views across the bay towards Llandudno. On a clear day, you can see right along the North Wales coast. It's the sort of place where you can spend twenty minutes or three hours, depending on whether you're the type to linger over a coffee at one of the cafes or just want to snap a few photos and move on. Kids usually enjoy the amusements and the novelty of being suspended over water, though it's not the most action-packed attraction going.

Colwyn Bay itself is a working seaside town rather than a tourist trap, which keeps things refreshingly genuine. If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Bron-y-Wendon, The Beach, or Plas Farm are all within easy reach - the pier makes for a solid afternoon outing. Combine it with a wander around the town or a walk along the promenade. It's proper seaside stuff, unpretentious and honest.