County council says warm welcome awaits summer visitors

Denbighshire County Council says it is looking forward to welcoming visitors during the summer holidays.

As the summer tourist season gets fully underway the council has made preparations to manage the increase of visitors into the county.

Extra countryside rangers are standing by at beauty spots, including Loggerheads and Moel Famau country parks and Horseshoe Falls, to provide information, support and help deal with any issues.

For heritage fans Corwen railway station is now open to provide a fitting extension to the Llangollen Railway. Work on the railway platform canopy at Corwen Station was completed as part  of the Clwyd South Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Corwen Connectivity - New and Improved Western Gateway to the Dee Valley and World Heritage Site.

Every Saturday the Dee Valley Picturesque Bus service is well worth a trip as it links Llangollen and the surrounding villages to popular local attractions including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wenffrwd Nature Reserve, Horseshoe Falls, Valle Crucis Abbey, Plas Newydd Historic House and the Horseshoe Pass.

More street cleaning provision is set in place during the holidays for busy areas in towns and parks, while increased bin emptying will be in operation at tourist hotspots.

Visitors touching down in Denbighshire this summer will be able to sample different attractions, including a popular stalwart that flies in thousands from across the UK.

The Denbigh and Flint Show will once again open the gates on August 17 and soon after the Rhyl Air Show will take flight over August 26 and 27, both are running alongside many local county events.

Coastal works to improve the visitor experience have also started in Rhyl; not only to protect the town from flooding but also to upgrade and expand the promenade for residents and visitors alike.

There will be closures to certain sections of the promenade over the coming months, however alternative access to the beach will be available and signposted. All businesses and visitor attractions will be open for business as usual.

Cyclists will also be able to follow a clearly signposted route. This latest works forms part of a £65 million investment in the town including a new harbour, the SC2 Waterpark, a newly renovated Pavilion Theatre and the 1891 Restaurant as well as national chains building new hotels.

Down the coast Prestatyn provides a warm welcome with its blue flag status beach overlooked by the Beach Hut Café and Bar which is becoming famous for its events including Ibiza Party.

And a taste of times gone by is once more available this year following the reopening of the Ruthin Gaol after a period of refurbishment.

History is also proudly on show across the Vale of Clwyd with Denbigh and Rhuddlan Castles providing a perfect experience for all the family along with the wealth of information a visit to St Asaph Cathedral has to offer.

New Denbighshire visitor maps have also been launched, focusing on different areas to include an overview map, places to visit, walking, cycling and a map highlighting Denbighshire in relation to the wider region and main transport hubs. They have been produced by illustrator, David Goodman.

Cllr Win-Mullen James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “The tourism sector contributes significantly to Denbighshire’s economy and we want to make sure that everyone has the chance to visit the fantastic places the county has to offer during the summer to support our local businesses.

“Denbighshire is full of gems of all sizes to visit, not just for visitors but for local residents as well who may discover many new attractions right from their own doorstep that will provide memories to cherish this summer.

“You have great opportunities to travel smart across the county through our transport network saving costs and supporting the local environment. Our electric vehicle (EV) charging network now covers Llangollen, Corwen, Ruthin, Denbigh, St Asaph, Rhyl and Prestatyn meaning it is now easier for EV drivers to plan travelling in Denbighshire.

"It is also important to always park responsibly in designated areas across the county and to respect the countryside, this includes keeping dogs on a lead and to bring picnics rather than disposable barbeques."

* If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration of where to visit this summer, take a look at the new Discover Denbighshire brochure, updated town trail leaflets or call into Rhyl or Llangollen Tourist Information Centres. Further information and the new visitor maps can all be found on the North East Wales website – www.northeastwales.wales