A Peaceful Ancient Woodland
Tucked away on the hillside above Colwyn Bay, Pwllycrochan Woods is a beautiful ancient woodland filled with towering trees, winding paths and plenty of wildlife. Sunlight filters through the canopy to create a peaceful woodland setting, while fallen logs and deadwood provide important habitats for insects and other invertebrates. The woodland has covered this hillside for centuries and is now a Local Nature Reserve.
Why parents love it
Free to visit
Lots of trails and natural features for curious children to explore
Plenty of opportunities for nature-loving children to spot insects and minibeasts amongst the leaf litter and deadwood
A peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Colwyn Bay
It’s a beautiful place to visit throughout the seasons, with particularly lovely autumn colour
A note for families with young children
We visited with our 5 year old and 2 year old during summer and enjoyed exploring part of the woodland, but this isn't one of the easier woodland walks for little legs. Many of the paths are narrow and some sections are steep, with drops alongside the trail in places. We found ourselves keeping a very close eye on our adventurous children, and our toddler needed carrying on some of the uphill sections on the way back.
Older children who enjoy walking and exploring woodland trails would get more out of a visit here.
Good to know before you visit
Woodland paths can be uneven, steep and muddy after wet weather
Fallen leaves can make paths slippery during autumn and winter
Sensible footwear is recommended year-round
The site is popular with dog walkers
Roadside parking is available on Pwllycrochan Avenue, Coed Pella Road and Woodland Park.
FAQs
How long do families normally stay?
Anywhere from half an hour to a couple of hours depending on how many trails you choose to explore.
Is Pwllychrochan Woods free to visit?
Yes, it’s free to visit.
Is there parking available?
There’s roadside parking at several access points, including Pwllycrochan Avenue, Coed Pella Road and Woodland Park.
Is Pwllychrochan Woods pushchair friendly?
No, the woodland paths are generally narrow, uneven and steep in places, making them unsuitable for pushchairs. A carrier is recommended for babies.
Are there toilets nearby?
The nearest toilets can be found in Colwyn Bay town centre either at Coed Pella or the library.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome.
Is it suitable for toddlers?
It depends on your child's confidence and experience outdoors. While toddlers can enjoy parts of the woodland, parents should be aware of steep sections, uneven ground and drops beside some paths.
Please note: Information correct as of last update (September 2026). We do our best to keep our listing information up to date - but details such as parking, access routes, facilities, local conditions, opening times, prices and activities may change without notice. We recommend checking before you travel, especially if accessibility or specific facilities are important for your visit.
