PICTURES: Readers on why ‘we love living in Rhyl’

In the last year, numerous brands have closed their stores on the town’s High Street, while on the promenade, the SeaQuarium has shut, kiosks have been removed, and the SC2 water park is closed for repairs.

Construction of the town’s £12.6million Queen’s Market has finished, but is yet to open while an operator is sought.

An overhead view of Rhyl (Image: Submitted)

But despite these difficulties, many residents feel the town still has plenty to offer.

A business owner in Rhyl, who asked to be anonymous, said: “As someone who was born and bred here, I feel very lucky to live here, and wouldn’t want to move anywhere else.

“Rhyl has so many friendly and hard-working people who love and care for the town.

“We have plenty to do here - a beautiful beach, walks, cycle routes, beach bars, water-sports, harbour, skate park, BMW track, Marine Lake, bingo hall, arcades, and more.

BMX riders at Marsh Tracks, Rhyl (Image: Eirian Parr)

Rhyl Harbour (Image: Submitted)

“We have the amazing Sidoli Italian café, which has been in the town for 114 years and is still serving their secret-recipe ice cream for £1.03 in a cone.

“We have the leisure centre, which has so many classes and Wales’ first immersive studio, as well as swimming pools, gym and studio cycle.

“We also have the water park and outdoor splash area which is unfortunately closed at the moment, but the giant ninja tag assault course is very impressive and good fun for all ages.

Kite Surf Cafe Bar, Rhyl (Image: Submitted)

“Rhyl is also a very musical town with lots of local talent. The Late Lounge has monthly rock nights and a late lounge band night, and you’ll often see a busker in the High Street.

“We love Rhyl, and all those that love it, too.”

Chris Rich was brought up in Prestatyn, but has lived in Rhyl for the last 15 years.

He said he believes Rhyl has garnered a “very unfair” reputation, and cited its beach as an “asset” to the town which is “always busy on sunny/warm days”.

Likewise, Emma Morris highlighted Rhyl’s “fabulous beach”, as well as praising its “great community football club, which caters for girls, boys, ladies and men”.

Emma Morris' son at Rhyl's fabulous beach (Image: Submitted)

Lisa Williams, meanwhile, said she and her family “love to spend time along the seafront, Marine Lake, Brickfield Pond, and Coronation Gardens.”

Lisa Williams' daughter at Rhyl Miniature Railway (Image: Submitted)

Rhyl Miniature Railway (Image: Submitted)

Nicola Lee added: “I have lived in Rhyl most of my life, and like everywhere, it has its ups and downs. 

“But if you look, you can find amazing places to go to, and things for children of all ages, from Beavers to Denbighshire Youth Services.

“We have amazing beaches, parks and walks, including The Cob and Gypsy Lane.”

Nicola Lee's son crabbing at Marine Lake (Image: Submitted)

Charlene Bean added: “My son is two years old, and loves feeding the ducks in Rhyl; we have been doing this since he was tiny.

“Botanical Gardens is another favourite place; a nice walk, and a café for ice cream after. We love living in Rhyl.”

Charlene Bean's son feeding ducks in Rhyl (Image: Submitted)