30/10/22
Llandudno is a seaside resort town in Conwy County Borough, Wales. It's known for its Victorian architecture and natural beauty, with breathtaking views of the Great Orme Headland and the nearby Snowdonia Mountain range.
The town itself is about two miles long and a mile wide, with most of the main attractions located along the shoreline or on the promenade that runs along it. Its beaches are some of the most beautiful in Wales, and there are numerous hiking trails through the surrounding mountains.
Whether you’ve already planned a trip to Wales, or are looking for a stunning location to provide the setting for your next trip, then you should certainly consider paying a visit to Llandudno. From revelling in the beauty of its landscapes to exploring the fascinating architecture of Llandudno’s promenade and pier, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do during your visit. Here’s our list of the top five things to do in Llandudno.
Explore Llandudno North Shore Beach
Llandudno North Shore Beach is a popular spot for holidaymakers, who come to enjoy the long stretch of sand and the beautiful views. The beach is surrounded by tall cliffs and is sheltered by the headlands of great and little Orme; giving it an almost fairytale-like feel.
The beach itself is made up of a mixture of fine golden sand and smaller pebbles, that stretch out for miles, meaning there's plenty of room for everyone. The beach is popular amongst windsurfers and those who enjoy sailing.
The proximity of Llandudno’s north shore beach to the town centre and the Victorian promenade is incredibly convenient; providing easy access to toilets, restaurants, cafes, and various fun activities such as donkey rides.
Ride the Great Orme cable car
If you've ever been to Llandudno, you've probably seen the Great Orme headland jutting out into the sea. It's an iconic landmark that has graced postcards and posters for decades, and fortunately, there’s a super easy way to access all of its beauty - without having you wear yourself out with a massive hike.
The Great Orme cable car is the longest aerial cabin in the UK and runs from the happy valley (a short walk from Llandudno town centre) up to the summit of the Great Orme headland. It offers riders a chance to see this beautiful landmark from above and explore its history as they go along. It's easy to get to and fun for all ages!
The Great Orme cable is the perfect way to get a bird's-eye view of the Llandudno and its surrounding areas such as Anglesey, Puffin Island, and the awe-inspiring snow-capped mountains of Snowdonia National Park.
Take a stroll across Llandudno Pier and Promenade
Llandudno’s promenade stretches along the northern shore of Llandudno. The promenade itself runs parallel to Llandudno North Shore Beach and is dotted with Victorian architecture and boasts some of the best views of Llandudno Bay. It's also home to several restaurants, shops, and hotels.
Attached to the promenade, and feeding out into Llandudno Bay, the Llandudno pier offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Its Indian Gothic design is incredibly unique; you’re unlikely to see or experience architecture like this on a seaside pier anywhere else in the UK. The pier has a number of small, independent stalls, and several rides that are suitable for children.
Ride the Great Orme Tramway
The Great Orme Tramway is another fun and easy way to get from the heart of Llandudno to the top of the Great Orme Headland. It's also a great way to get an aerial view of the beautiful Welsh coastline and enjoy some spectacular views over Llandudno Bay.
The tramway was built in 1902 and has been carrying people up and down the mountain ever since. It’s open from late march to late October – so you can enjoy it during the holiday season.
Visit the Great Orme Copper Mines
The Great Orme Copper Mines are one of the most important sites in Wales. They were first developed in the Bronze Age, with evidence of mining dating back to 3,000 BC. The Great Orme copper mine is considered to be the world’s largest prehistoric copper mine.
The mines were only discovered as recently as 1987 and are located right at the top of the Great Orme. It is believed that copper was first mined there because it was so easily accessible: it could be found just below the surface and didn't require much digging or equipment to reveal it.
The mines are open for visitors today, who can walk through them and learn about their history and how they were once used by people thousands of years ago. Visitors can also see how these ancient techniques were applied to modern mining practices—with tours typically lasting around 60 mins.