Visit

Our exhibitions change regularly, so there’s always something fresh to see, and the best part? It’s completely free to visit.

We want to ensure your experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Below, you'll find key details to help you plan, including our opening hours, directions, public transport options, accessibility features, and contact information.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Getting Here

Our address is
Oriel Colwyn,
Upstairs at Theatr Colwyn,
Abergele Road,
Colwyn Bay,
LL29 7RU.

Opening Hours

Exhibitions are open Tuesday – Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM and during all theatre and cinema screenings or performances. On these days, opening hours generally extend until 9 PM. Please check the theatre and cinema schedule at www.theatrcolwyn.co.uk for exact evening opening times.

As the gallery is a multi-purpose exhibition space, it is occasionally unavailable – please check times in advance if traveling distance to visit. You can call us on (01492) 556677.

Expand to see travel options

Oriel Colwyn is accessible by car, bike, foot and public transport.

We are around a 10 minute walk from both Colwyn Bay train station (North Wales Coast Line) and Colwyn Bay Town Centre, and it’s easy to get here from overseas via one of the UK’s main transport hubs:

By Train

Direct train services run from most parts of Britain with London Euston to Colwyn Bay taking just THREE hours.
Useful websites include:

For overseas visitors, a BritRail Pass provides inexpensive travel throughout the UK (it must be purchased before leaving your home country).

By Bus

The main bus terminus at Colwyn Bay is a short walk form Oriel Colwyn.

By Car

To assist you in finding us, our full address is below. There is parking available nearby.

Address: Upstairs at Theatr Colwyn, Abergele Rd, Colwyn Bay LL29 7RU

Accessibility

Oriel Colwyn is committed to being an accessible and welcoming space for all visitors. The gallery is located on the upper level of Theatr Colwyn, with step-free access via a lift . If you have any specific access requirements, please contact us in advance on 01492 556677.

About Us

Since opening in 2012, Oriel Colwyn has been committed to showcasing outstanding photography, celebrating both emerging and established artists from Wales and beyond.

By working with local, national and international photographers as well as current and up and coming new talent we are North Wales’ hottest photography space.

We present an evolving program of exhibitions that explore a wide range of photographic styles, from documentary and portraiture to fine art and experimental work. Our carefully curated displays highlight powerful storytelling, technical excellence, and creative innovation.

Beyond exhibitions, we also offer

Photographer talks – Regular free talks featuring established and emerging photographers, sharing insights into their work and creative processes.
Workshops & masterclasses – Interactive sessions for photographers of all levels, covering everything from technical skills to artistic development.
Community engagement projects – Collaborative initiatives that use photography to document, celebrate, and preserve local stories.
Film screenings & discussions – Events that explore photography and visual culture through cinema and conversation.

We also present North Wales’ premier biennial photography festival, The Northern Eye, hosted throughout Colwyn Bay on the odd years. More information about the festival can be found at www.northerneyefestival.co.uk

Supporting Creativity & Learning

Oriel Colwyn is more than just a gallery—it is a hub for photographic arts, education, and creative exchange. We actively support photographers by providing a platform for showcasing work, fostering collaborations, and running programs that encourage learning and engagement.

We also work closely with schools, colleges, and community groups to promote photography as an accessible and meaningful art form. Whether through student exhibitions, mentorship programs, or participatory projects, we strive to make photography available to all.