It’s a question we get asked a lot but we never have to stop and consider the answer. Yes, Llandudno is well worth visiting! Affectionately known as the ‘Queen of Welsh Resorts’, this elegant seaside town on the North Wales coast combines timeless Victorian charm and a bustling town centre with two beautiful beaches and dramatic natural scenery.
Visitors will be spoiled for choice with things to see and do; Llandudno is very much a resort that caters to all ages, tastes and budgets. Discover the town at your own pace with a stroll along the promenade or a tram ride to the summit of the Great Orme. The thrill seekers among you might prefer to ramp it up with a high-octane powerboat ride in Llandudno Bay. While history buffs will enjoy exploring the Orme’s prehistoric copper mines or pursuing the White Rabbit along the Alice Trail. Everyone will marvel at the sweeping coastal views and stunning scenery that reveal themselves at every turn, Llandudno is a truly unique destination that must be experienced to be appreciated!
What is Llandudno known for?
Llandudno is one of the UK’s best-loved seaside towns, famous for its grand Victorian promenade, colourful seafront hotels and traditional pier. The town sits between two limestone headlands – the Great Orme and Little Orme – giving it a distinctive setting and spectacular coastal views.
It is also known for:
- The Great Orme, an imposing limestone headland overlooking the town;
- Wales’s longest pier, stretching out into Llandudno Bay;
- Historic attractions including the Great Orme Tramway and Copper Mines;
- Two contrasting beaches: the lively North Shore and the quieter West Shore.
Top 5 things to do in Llandudno
1. Ride the tram to the summit of the Great Orme
There are lots of ways to reach the summit of the Great Orme, Llandudno’s most iconic natural landmark. You can drive, walk or cycle it but for a memorable ascent we suggest taking the tram. The Great Orme Tramway is the only cable-hauled public road tramway in the UK. It has been in service since 1902 and climbs over a mile from its base on Church Walks to the Great Orme summit!
2. Walk along Llandudno Pier
Pictured in thousands of postcards and Instagram posts, a stroll along Wales’s longest pier is a classic Llandudno experience. The pier offers sea views, traditional attractions, amusement arcades, several cafés and family-friendly entertainment. It is also home to the iconic Big Wheel which spends the summer season on the pier – take a ride for a unique birds-eye view of the town.
3. Explore the Great Orme Copper Mines
The Great Orme was mined for its rich seams of copper for more than 1,000 years in which time over 5 miles of tunnels were established. Mining ceased in the 1800s and the site was forgotten until the 1980s when archaeologists rediscovered the site. Since then more than 30,000 artefacts have been found at the Great Orme Copper Mines and work continues to unearth the story of this important historical site. Today, the mines are open to the public. You can find out about life in the Bronze Age and follow our ancestors underground – if you are brave enough!
4. Enjoy Llandudno’s beaches
Llandudno has two beaches and we encourage you to visit both. There is the bustling North Shore Beach with its promenade and Victorian Pier and the quieter West Shore Beach, with its expansive sandy shore and beautiful sunsets. Both offer very different seaside experiences depending on your personal preferences.
5. Follow the Alice Trail
Discover the sites which inspired Lewis Carroll’s beloved book, Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, by following the Alice Trail map. This interactive town trail invites adventurers, young and old, to follow in the footsteps of Carroll and discover all 12 of our magical Wonderland sculptures around Llandudno.
The Alice Trail Map can be purchased for £3.50 from the Tourist Information Service located at Venue Cymru.
When is the best time to visit?
The good news is, Llandudno is a year-round destination! Whichever season you choose to visit, wonderful and unique experiences await you here.
- Spring: ideal for bracing coastal walks, wildlife spotting and enjoying popular local attractions when they are a bit quieter.
- Summer: choose for sunny beach days, relaxed outdoor dining and memorable family holidays.
- Autumn: perfect for long walks in pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds and cosy evenings over dinner.
- Winter: a great opportunity to enjoy Llandudno’s winter activities and all the magic this sparkling time of year brings.
Nearby places to visit
One of Llandudno’s biggest advantages is its location within Conwy County. The resort is well-connected by public transport and the road network so visitors can use Llandudno as a convenient base to enjoy all the best Conwy County has to offer.
Llandudno is within easy reach of several other popular visitor destinations including:
Conwy
The medieval town of Conwy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a well-preserved castle and town walls, many independent shops and places to eat, and a picturesque working harbour.
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Llandudno is an excellent base for exploring Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, and its mountain walks, scenic drives, historic sites and outdoor adventures are all within easy reach.
Colwyn Bay and Rhos-On-Sea
Can’t get enough of Conwy County beach life? Visit Colwyn Bay and Rhos-On-Sea and experience another two coastal gems! This area has recently enjoyed a multi-million-pound redevelopment and the amenities here are second to none.
Little Orme
Llandudno sits between the Great and Little Orme; imposing limestone headlands forged in the Last Ice Age. While the attractions of the Great Orme are well known, the quieter Little Orme is worth a visit with a choice of coastal walks, wildlife watching and impressive sea views.
Start planning your visit to Llandudno
Llandudno is well worth visiting for anyone looking for a classic seaside break with plenty to see and do. Its mix of beaches, heritage attractions, coastal views and nearby places to explore makes it a strong choice for day trips, short breaks and longer stays. Whether you come for the Great Orme, the pier, the promenade or simply a change of scenery, Llandudno offers an easy and memorable introduction to the North Wales coast. Start planning your visit today!
