Llandudno Bay — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Why Llandudno is Worth a Day
Llandudno is one of the finest Victorian seaside resorts in Britain, and the fact that it lies just four miles from Conwy makes it an almost obligatory excursion for visitors staying in the walled town. Where Conwy is compact, medieval and heavily focused on its heritage, Llandudno is grand, open and oriented towards the sea and the open air: a crescent of Victorian hotels facing the North Shore beach, a pier stretching into the bay, a cable car and tramway climbing the Great Orme headland, and a town centre full of independent shops and cafes that retains much of its original Victorian character. The contrast between the two places could hardly be greater, and spending a day in each gives a vivid picture of the different layers of North Wales's appeal.
Llandudno is accessible from Conwy by road in about fifteen minutes, or by bus which runs frequently along the coastal road. The bus journey is an attraction in itself, following the coast road with sea views for much of the route. Those staying in Llandudno and visiting Conwy as a day trip will find the reverse journey equally straightforward.
The Great Orme
The Great Orme headland is Llandudno's defining geographical feature, a massive limestone promontory that juts out into the Irish Sea north of the town and can be reached by cable car, tram or on foot. The summit is 207 metres above sea level and the views from the top extend across the bay, along the North Wales coast and on very clear days as far as the Isle of Man and the Lakeland fells. The Great Orme Country Park on the headland has a resident herd of Kashmir goats, ancient copper mines that date back 4,000 years, a ski slope and a visitor centre explaining the natural and cultural history of the headland.
The Great Orme Tramway, which dates from 1902, is one of the cable-hauled street tramways in the world still operating on the original infrastructure. The ride from the Victorian pier to the summit is slow and spectacular, with views improving at every stage. The cable car provides a faster alternative across a different section of the headland. Both are popular and queues form in good summer weather, so arriving earlier in the day is advisable.
The Beaches and Town
Llandudno has two beaches: the North Shore, facing the bay and backed by the Victorian promenade and hotels, and the West Shore, a quieter and more sheltered beach facing the Conwy estuary and the mountains beyond. The North Shore is the main resort beach, with the traditional amenities of a Victorian seaside resort: donkeys, ice cream, deck chairs, a promenade and the pier. The West Shore is more suited to those seeking peace and the slightly wilder coastal atmosphere of the estuary side of the headland, with views across to Conwy Castle and the town walls that are among the finest in the area.
The town centre, grouped around Mostyn Street and its side streets, has an unusual concentration of independent shops for a resort town of this size. The Oriel Mostyn gallery, Wales's premier contemporary art gallery, is located here and invariably has exhibitions worth seeing. The town's Victorian architectural character is well-preserved relative to many comparable seaside resorts, making it a pleasure to walk through even if shopping is not a priority.
Getting There
From Conwy, the most convenient way to reach Llandudno is by car along the A546 coast road, which takes about fifteen minutes in normal traffic. The bus service along this route is regular and runs throughout the day, making a car-free visit straightforward. The train connection requires a change at Llandudno Junction, which adds time but is entirely manageable for those not bringing a car. See our day trips from Conwy guide for more ideas on what to see and do in the area around Conwy.
Day trips