North Wales is of course famous for its many miles of stunning coastline which is interspersed with traditional seaside towns and vibrant marinas which are about far more than simply being a handy place to park a boat. 

With fantastic facilities and beautiful vistas, many of these North Wales marinas are great destinations to head to if you are looking for something a little different to fill a day out in this wonderful region of the UK. 

With Gimblet Rock Holiday Park being located just a 2 mile walk away from one of the most spectacular marinas in North Wales, we thought we’d put together a list of what we consider to be the best North Wales marinas that you should consider visiting the next time you are staying with us. 

1. Hafan Pwllheli Marina

Naturally, we had to put Pwllheli Marina at the very top of the list. With over 400 fully serviced pontoon berths and a plethora of nearby facilities, Pwllheli Marina has plenty to offer ship captains and day visitors who enjoy seeing how the other half live. 

In fact, it has every reason to term itself the premier North Wales marina as it is home to the new National Sailing Academy and Pwllheli Events Centre. Here you will be able to learn everything you need to know about sailing and other water based activities just in case you have interest in taking to the seas yourself. 

However, if you are just looking for a little sightseeing then Pwllheli Marina is great for this too. It is also conveniently located close to Pwllheli town centre where you can take advantage of a number of excellent restaurants, cafes or pubs and make a proper day of it.

2. Conwy Marina

If you happen to be staying at our sister park Tan Rallt, then you will be located just a short drive away from an equally as grand North Wales marina in Conwy. 

Conwy Marina is even larger in scale than Pwllheli as it has roughly 500 fully serviced Motor Boat and Sailboat pontoon berths available. You also don’t need to walk too far to find some exceptional facilities with the on-site Mulberry bar & restaurant being famous for the quality of its offering. This beautifully designed modern pub offers guests a wide range of real ales and fabulous meals which are freshly prepared on-site. The Mulberry at Conwy Marina even has its own outdoor beer garden which is perfectly located to provide you with exceptional views overlooking the harbour and the many boats that are harboured within it. 

If you are a golfing fan then you will also be delighted to hear one of the finest golf clubs in the region is located just a short walk up the road from the marina. Conwy Golf Club is open and available to visitors, but do be prepared for some rather high green fees. 

3. Holyhead Marina

Holyhead on Anglesey is of course famous for being a ferry town, with regular voyages to Dublin setting sail from the port of Holyhead every day. In fact, it is estimated that over 2 million passengers take advantage of this service each year.

Located just over half a mile up the road from the port is Holyhead Marina. While this isn’t nearly as large in scale nor as visually impressive as either Conwy or Pwllheli marina, it is still a haven for those with an interest in maritime activities. This is due to Holyhead Marina being located close to the Holyhead Maritime Museum which is situated in the oldest lifeboat station in Wales. Here you can learn all about the role that Holyhead has played in the industry over the years through fascinating exhibits and models. It’s also completely free to enter for all children under the age of 16 making it a cheap day out in North Wales for families who are operating on a budget. 

After visiting the museum, you can then pay a visit to the harbourfront bistro in Holyhead. Here you can enjoy a range of freshly prepared meals with the option to dine on the outdoor decking area. During a high tide, the sea can sometimes reach the underneath of this decking space, providing a scenic and relaxing place in which to spend a few hours of your day.

4. Deganwy Quay Marina

Another aesthetically blessed destination in which to spend a couple of hours is Deganwy Quay Marina. With room for up to 165 ships and jet skis, space is at a premium and it proudly calls itself the best small marina in North Wales. 

The harbourside holiday homes and with stunning views of Conwy Castle from across the waters, it is a beautiful place to spend a few hours. These views are perhaps best enjoyed from the outdoor decking space of the Deganwy Quay restaurant which is located in a hotel but open to the general public. Dining here certainly isn’t the cheapest of options, but you are naturally paying a premium for the exquisite position.

5. Rhyl Marina

With space for just 150 boats, Rhyl Marina is another of the smaller North Wales Marinas, but it still has a charm to it nonetheless being located right next to the world famous Rhyl beach and just a few miles away from our sister resort, Marine Holiday Park. 

When it is not elevated for passing ships, you can cross the pedestrian bridge to the Harbour Hub Café which is an excellent vantage point from which to enjoy the spectacle. This café is part of the Cooptions Social Enterprise who provide job opportunities for those with learning difficulties. You can therefore enjoy the range of sensational breakfasts, light bites and sweet treats in the knowledge that your money is going towards a good cause.

There are plenty of options available to keep you entertained in the surrounding area for the rest of the day too with Rhyl beach, the fantastic miniature railway at Marine Lake and nearby SC2 facility all worth a visit for those who are looking to entertain children.