Abergele is located in a valley by the River Gele in North Wales, in the county of Denbighshire. Surrounded by beautiful countryside it is a quiet market town, the town’s history dates from Roman times when it was a trading centre. There are many buildings constructed of local stone, and within just half a mile of the beach at Pensarn. There are some notable historic buildings in the area including the stunning Gwrych Castle, built in 1800s, which was recently used to film ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’, and is set in around 230 acres of woodland. Abergele has experienced much growth with many residential estate developments since the 1980s. The town has great transport links, is adjacent to the beach and coastal path, and also has some great green spaces.

EDUCATION

There are a few choices when it comes to schooling in Abergele. With 3 primary schools and a high school both catering to the town, all well respected and attended by the locals. However, the neighbouring towns of Colwyn Bay and Rhyl may also fall within reach for pupils wanting something different.

Ysgol Glan Gele – Ysgol Glan Gele is a Nursery and infant school which provides Foundation Phase Education for children from the ages of 3 to 7 years. Opened in 1956, this relatively small school boasts 10 classrooms, a library, ICT suite, a sensory room and an outdoor classroom.

St. Elfod Junior School – Ysgol Sant Elfod is a community junior school for children aged between 7 and 11. Initially built in 1972, this 300 pupil school promotes a happy and healthy environment, promoting academics and learning with personal and physical development.

Ysgol Glan Morfa – This designated Welsh language primary school, opened in 1957, promotes the benefits and advantages of bilingual education. The school’s main aim is a complete development of its pupils, both educationally, socially, physically and culturally.

Ysgol Emrys ap iwan – Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan is a co-educational foundation comprehensive Secondary school. Its origins go right back to 1897, and part of the school is still housed in the now renovated original, red-bricked building. The Ethos of Emrys Ap Iwan is always community and they strive to engage achieve and inspire through and innovative and challenging curriculum.

SHOPPING

As well as a post office, a pharmacy, and a few convenience stores, Abergele high street offers some lovely independent shops and boutiques, for gifts, antiques and clothing, and also has some larger named stores. We have named a few below that are worth a visit…

Pet Place – This large pet superstore is the perfect place to drop in and stock up on everything you could possibly need for your pets, catering for most animals from dogs and cats to fish and horses! There is an onsite café and also a dog park and dog wash, so you are always welcome to bring pets with you when you shop.

Indigo – This lovely independent boutique, situated on the main high street, offers a wide range of gifts and accessories, including handbags, scarves, jewellery, bath bombs and greeting cards. Great personal and friendly service.

Tesco – The main supermarket serving the town, this large Tesco store is well stocked, easily accessible and has plenty of parking available. There is an onsite bakery, home accessories and a small clothing section. The supermarket is also well placed for those who don’t drive and is within walking distance of most of the nearby housing estates but also on the main bus route.

EATING AND DRINKING

Abergele Town boasts some great cafes, pubs and takeaways. Dotted along the high street, you can find a vast choice to suit all diets and budgets. Below are just a few of many worth visiting.

The Hoptimist – This Small but perfectly formed Taproom/ Micropub is a huge hit on the Abergele high street, offering a large selection of local ales and spirits, which constantly changes and evolves. Theres no pool table or TV so conversation is top priority here. As well as offering a relaxed, informal atmosphere, The Hoptimist is also dog and child friendly.

The Harp Inn – A lovely, historic pub, offering homemade food, a good selection of drinks, a great heated beer garden and is dog friendly. The pub also has theme nights, live music and karaoke.

The George and Dragon – A great British pub at the heart of Abergele community. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome at this family friendly pub, where the menu is stocked with pub classics, specials and delicious desserts. There is a fantastic, covered beer garden to the rear, offering a place to retreat with the dog come rain or shine.

Roots Café – This family run café is ideally located on the high street, offering high quality, home cooked food, from breakfasts, lunches and snacks to excellent coffee and cakes. They pride themselves on using the best locally sourced, ethical ingredients.

ENTERTAINMENT

Gwrych Castle – This imposing gothic Castle dates back to 1819, built as the residence for Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh, unfortunately almost left to ruin for years. The castle is slowly being bought back to its former glory by the Castles Preservation Trust and now has some rebuilt rooms and areas open for the public to view and enjoy. Set in a stunning 236 acre estate, you can wander the grounds and enjoy the varies twists and turns of the castle walls, including seeing the sets built specially for ‘I’m a Celebrity…’, filmed at Gwrych Castle in both 2020 and 2021, following the Covid pandemic, which made their usual Australian home was unfeasible.

Manorafon Farm – This charming farm park is situated just outside the main town centre and beside Gwrych Castle. Opened in 2014, the park has gradually expanded and now has many different animals, from pigs and goats to Llamas and lizards. There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained, including a petting zoo and a soft play area. The farm park also runs multiple events throughout the year from easter hunts to Christmas experiences.

Locked In – Escape room experience located on the Abergele high street, suitable for adults and older children. With a choice of room and difficulty level, you have 60 minutes to solve the clues and escape the locked room so you best have your wits about you.

Pensarn Beach – Situated on the Irish Sea coast just by Abergele, lying between Rhyl to the east and Colwyn Bay to the west, Pensarn is renowned for its beach, and the resort’s 500m long promenade has an excellent beach access point incorporated into the recent sea defence system. There are also cafes, shops and ample car parking available right next to the beach.

TRAVEL

The local train station, Abergele and Pensarn, is within a few minutes’ walk of the town centre, and offers easy travel links to all neighbouring town and the further cities. As with all the local towns, Abergele has an excellent bus service with most routes covered. There is also a well maintained cycle path that runs all along the coast, through Abergele, towards Rhyl to the East and Colwyn Bay to the West, a great alternative for the bike users and safe for children, with spectacular views to enjoy along the way.