The coastal resort has welcomed families from across Merseyside for generations
Panoramic views of the stunning north Wales coast and Liverpool’s iconic skyline(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
A seaside town in North Wales is set to see a major transformation. Rhyl, which has been a popular destination for Merseyside families for decades, is currently ungergoing a £20m regeneration project to enhance the coastal resort.
Many people will have happy memories of spending their school days visiting the seaside town, with some travelling to Rhyl Sun Centre back in the eighties and nineties. Others may have spent family holidays in the town, with attractions like Ocean Beach funfair and its holiday camps being big draws.
Despite some popular attractions being long gone, Rhyl is undergoing a £20m regeneration project to enhance the popular seaside resort, driven by Rhyl Neighbourhood Board and the Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl campaign. The project is intended to create jobs, improve infrastructure and remove barriers to opportunity, driving UK Government missions including economic growth and sustainability over the next decade.
One of the town’s most recent additons is the Queen’s Market which opened on July 10, North Wales Live reports. The food hall and market cost over £12m and features 16 individual food and retail units, a bar and large event space.
The venue houses a mix of street food, sweet treats and fresh coffee trades including Go Greek, Little Italy Pizza and Pudz Desserts, giving visitors a taste of a variety of cuisines.
Queen’s Market in Rhyl
As well as the usual tipples, the bar has a selection of specialist gins and craft beers including small‑batch or seasonal kegs from across Wales and the UK.
The market is located a six minute walk from Rhyl train station which has routes connecting it with Chester – making it accessible from Liverpool. The route takes approximately an hour and a half by train. However, the drive from Liverpool city centre to Rhyl is around an hour and ten minutes.
SC2 water park- dubbed the ‘new Sun Centre’ after the famous former attraction – was opened in 2019 after a £15m investment on Rhyl seafront, reports North Wales Live. But it was damaged by storms at the end of 2023 and closed.
Now, the waterpark has reopened with thrilling slides and attractions for all ages. The site also has an outdoor splash pad where parents can watch from the comfort of a lounger as their children play in the water.
Once children are bored of water play, the attraction offers an indoor multi-level assault course described as a “mix of Total Wipeout and Ninja Warrior”.
Rhyl still has its traditional offerings such as arcades, fish and chip shops and its promenade. Rhyl’s central beach is around two miles long from the Clwyd Estuary to Splash Point, offering a leisurely walk or cycle.
Rhyl promenade
The seaside town continues to be home to Britain’s oldest miniature railway, with its first ride around Marine Lake taking place in 1911. The site offers a trip down memory lane for its older visitors.
Marine Lake has water-skiing, wailing and other water sports and a play area.
Sandra Sharp, programme manager for Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl, said: “This is just the beginning. We’re seeing real energy and momentum building in Rhyl, and we’re working to ensure local people are central to the journey.
“The vibrant new murals that will span the coastal defences are an example of this local collaboration and showcases the strength of local creativity and contribution.
“From new spaces and businesses to better amenities and a more welcoming environment, Rhyl’s transformation is something we can all be proud of and will be a firm foundation for the £20m 10-year regeneration strategy the Board is leading on.”