Shipwreck - "City of Ottawa"

The wreck of the City of Ottawa lies in the waters off Conwy, and if you're staying at one of the holiday parks near Rhyl, it's worth knowing about - even if you can't actually dive down to see it yourself. This Victorian-era ship went down in 1891, and the remains sit on the seabed as a genuine piece of maritime archaeology.

You won't be wandering around a visitor centre or paying admission here. This is the real thing for diving enthusiasts or serious maritime history types. The wreck itself is accessible only to qualified divers, which immediately narrows the audience. If you're not certified, your best bet is contacting local diving operators in the area who occasionally run guided dives to the site, weather permitting.

For landlubbers staying at Golden Sands or Parkdean Resorts Ty Mawr just down the coast, the appeal is more conceptual - knowing there's genuine maritime history beneath those waves adds something to a seaside walk. Conwy itself is only a short drive away and offers proper medieval charm with its castle and walled town, which makes for a better day out if you've got kids in tow.

Best visited during summer months when sea conditions are calmer and diving operators are more active. Allow a full day if you're arranging a guided dive. For anyone with even a passing interest in shipwrecks and industrial heritage, it's a fascinating footnote to a North Wales beach holiday - just don't expect to see much from the shore.