Prestatyn Leisure

The seafront at Prestatyn pulls in families by the coachload, and once you understand what's actually on offer, you see why. This isn't a single attraction so much as a stretch of North Wales coast that's been properly developed for leisure - beach, promenade, amusement arcades, funfair rides, and the sort of seaside infrastructure that makes grey British weather almost forgivable.

What you'll find is a working seaside town with genuine appeal. The sandy beach is decent enough, backed by a proper prom with fish and chips stands, fairground action, and enough going on to keep restless kids occupied for a solid afternoon. There's a boating lake, putting greens, and various rides that range from gentle roundabouts to the sort of thing that makes your stomach drop. Not fancy, but honest.

Families with young children will get the most mileage here - teenagers might need more convincing. Allow three to four hours minimum if you're doing it properly, longer if the kids want repeated goes on the rides. Summer weekends are rammed. Try a weekday in shoulder season if you can.

It's just five miles from Rhyl and works as a decent half-day stop if you're staying at Golden Sands Holiday Park or doing a broader North Wales coastal sweep. The leisure side is free to wander, though rides and attractions cost extra. Honest seaside fun without pretension - exactly what it says on the tin.