Prestatyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prestatyn |
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 Overview of Prestatyn, 2020 |
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 Prestatyn
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| Population | 19,085 (2021) |
| OS grid reference | SJ065825 |
| • Cardiff | 171.9m |
| • London | 233.9m |
| Community |
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| Principal area | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | PRESTATYN |
| Postcode district | LL19 |
| Dialling code | 01745 |
| Police | North Wales |
| Fire | North Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament |
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| Welsh Assembly |
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Prestatyn is a lively seaside town in Denbighshire, Wales. It is located right on the coast of the Irish Sea. This town is part of the community of Prestatyn and has a population of about 19,085 people. It's a great place to visit or live!
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Prestatyn comes from old English words. "Prēosta" means "of the priests" and "tūn" means "homestead." So, Prestatyn means "the homestead of the priests." This name was first written down in the Domesday Book as "Prestetone."
Prestatyn Through Time
Early History
People have lived in the Prestatyn area for a very long time. Tools from prehistoric times have been found in the caves of Graig Fawr. These tools show that early humans were here many years ago.
Roman Times
In the north of Prestatyn, you can find the remains of a Roman bathhouse. This bathhouse might have been part of a fort built around 120 AD. It was likely used by Roman soldiers.
The bathhouse was discovered in 1934. When houses were built in 1984, the bathhouse was carefully dug up and saved. It is now the only visible part of Roman Prestatyn.
Medieval Period
Prestatyn was mentioned in the Domesday Book because it was under English control back then. You can still see an earth mound east of the railway station. This mound is where an early wooden castle once stood.
The castle was probably built by a Norman knight named Robert de Banastre around 1157. However, it was destroyed by the Welsh leader Owain Gwynedd in 1167. For many centuries, Prestatyn was mainly a fishing village.
Modern Prestatyn
Prestatyn was a small village until the 1800s. Then, the railways arrived, bringing many holidaymakers. "Sunny Prestatyn" became famous for its beach and clean seas. People from cities loved to visit for healthy sea baths.
During the Second World War, holiday camps in Prestatyn were used to house British soldiers. Many soldiers also stayed with local families.
Prestatyn was home to the first Kwik Save supermarket in the UK, opened in 1965. The company's main office was also in Prestatyn.
In 2003, the North Hoyle Offshore Wind Farm opened near Prestatyn. It was the UK's first big offshore wind farm. It has 30 wind turbines that can power 40,000 homes.
Things to Do and See
Prestatyn is still a popular place for tourists. It also has many other attractions.
The town is at the northern end of the Offa's Dyke Path. This is a famous long-distance walking trail. Prestatyn is also the start of the North Wales Path, which follows the coast to Bangor. You can also explore the remains of the Roman baths and the ancient Neolithic mound called the Gop.
Nova Centre
The Nova is a fun leisure and entertainment complex. It started in 1923 with an outdoor swimming pool and a ballroom. In 2015, it got a big upgrade. Now, it has a new look, a bar/restaurant, a fitness centre, and a children's soft play area.
How Prestatyn is Governed
Prestatyn has two levels of local government. There is the Prestatyn Town Council and the Denbighshire County Council. The town council works from 7 Nant Hall Road.
For elections, Prestatyn is divided into five areas called electoral wards. These are Prestatyn Central, Prestatyn East, Prestatyn Meliden, Prestatyn North and Prestatyn South West.
Getting Around
Prestatyn railway station is on the North Wales Coast Line. You can take a train from Prestatyn to Holyhead in the west or Chester in the east. Bus services are also available from Arriva Buses Wales.
Famous People from Prestatyn
Many notable people have connections to Prestatyn:
- John Prescott (1938-2024), a politician who was the UK Deputy Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007.
- Carol Vorderman (born 1960), a famous TV personality. She grew up in Prestatyn and co-hosted the game show Countdown for 26 years.
- Mike Peters (born 1959), the lead singer of the band The Alarm.
- Danny Coyne (born 1973), a former professional football goalkeeper.
Annual Events
Prestatyn Flower Show
The Prestatyn Flower Show is held every year in the town centre. It takes place on the last Friday and Saturday of July. You can see beautiful flower displays and even a small show of classic cars and vintage motorcycles.
Prestatyn Carnival
The Prestatyn Carnival is a fun summer event. It includes field events, competitions, and a colourful procession. Thousands of people join in the festivities each year. The carnival celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2011.
Classic Car Show
Prestatyn hosts the largest free classic car show in North Wales. In 2019, over 400 vehicles took part! This annual event happens on the last Bank Holiday Monday in May. It started in 2000 and now takes over much of the High Street.
Sports in Prestatyn
Prestatyn has two main football teams: Prestatyn Town and Prestatyn Sports.
Prestatyn Town was promoted to the Welsh Premier League in 2008. They are now in the Cymru North, which is the second level of Welsh football.
Snooker qualification rounds used to be held at the Pontin's Holiday Camp in Prestatyn. This included rounds for major tournaments like the World Championship.
Prestatyn Cricket Club was founded in 1895. They recently celebrated their 125th anniversary. They play in the Liverpool and District Comp (LDDC) 1st XI division.
Images for kids
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Plaque on the former Urban District Council Offices on Nant Hall Road, built 1903.
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John Prescott, 2009
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See also
In Spanish: Prestatyn para niños
