Once bustling with holidaymakers, the popularity of Welsh seaside resort Rhyl has faded in recent decades as cheap foreign holidays have lured visitors away, compounded by the cost of living crisis.

However, the North Wales town is now experiencing a resurgence following a recent makeover and was featured last week in a new ranking of the UK’s best seaside towns.

Three key improvements have made a huge difference, North Wales Live reporter David Powell found when he paid a visit on a sunny afternoon to see what visitors thought.

Many praised the upgrades to the promenade, which has been elevated and expanded as part of a £69m programme to enhance the seafront and strengthen sea defences.

And a number of new attractions are also aiming to entice visitors back. Those already open include the Queen’s Market street food hall, which launched last month, and the town’s SC2 waterpark, which has reopened after an 18-month closure owing to storm damage.

Those yet to come include a revival of the former Vue cinema complex, which is soon to be reopened under new ownership by Merlin Cinemas.

The site of the SeaQuarium aquarium, which shut down in 2023, has been cleared too, removing a derelict eyesore from the seafront.

Kenneth and Janet Hensall, from Denton, Manchester, who were enjoying the promenade, spoke positively about the improvements.

Kenneth praised the efforts, stating: “Whoever’s bright idea it was to do this work deserves a pat on the back. I’ve been coming here for 70 years. The front has improved 100 per cent.”

Janet chimed in with: “It’s just a pity about the back.”

Further along, towards the lifeboat station, a family from Stoke-on-Trent also commended the improvements.

Andy Walsh, who was visiting with his wife Kathy and their children Charlie, nine, and Hattie, six, commented on the promenade: “It looks a lot better. It’s just a shame there’s not many people here and there’s so much litter.”

Litter was an issue also observed by 68 year old Kevin, from Wrexham.

“It’s a shame it’s not as busy as it once was many years ago,” he added.

“The only thing that bothers me is having to pay to park down a side street.”

On the beach, Steve, in his 40s and from Stockport, was enjoying a family holiday. He said his children were too young to enjoy the new facilities just yet and the beach remained the main attraction for them.

“I have always thought Rhyl was a quite a nice place,” he said. “We come here quite often.

“We’ve only really come for the sand. I like this beach because even at high tide there’s still some sand. It’s not a five-mile walk to have a paddle!”.

Denbighshire County Council described the work to Rhyl’s seafront as a “dynamic revival” that will deliver “a major impact for residents, businesses, and visitors”.

Craig Sparrow, Chair of Rhyl Neighbourhood Board, expressed his delight: “It’s fantastic to see so much positive change happening across the promenade.

“This progress is about more than buildings and infrastructure – it’s about pride, aspiration and unlocking Rhyl’s potential as a great place to live, work and visit. These projects are a direct result of community input and collaborative leadership.”

The transformation isn’t over yet. At the cleared SeaQuarium site, a new public area has been opened up and plans are being developed for future use of the space.

Work is also progressing on a brand-new Drift Park on West Parade, which will replace the former children’s play area with more modern and inclusive facilities.

Sandra Sharp, newly appointed Programme Manager for Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl, added: “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.”