Llandudno: Victorian seaside standards standing the test of time

In Brief.

Llandudno is the largest seaside resort in Wales, having been developed as a resort in Victorian times, to include a still grand promenade and a substantial pier. Thus wandering around taking in the sea air is likely to be part of a day trip, but there is also a tramway up the craggy Great Orme for some costal views, as well as museums, shops and eateries.

View across the pier to the promenade.

What's here?

Llandudno spans a peninsula that reaches into the Irish Sea, close to Conwy. I parked and started my visit on the West Shore, where there is a sandy beach and a few cafes / hotels, but the action is mostly based closer to the North Shore, which is a 20 minute walk across town. 

Between the town and the end of the peninsula is the Great Orme, a limestone hill and nature reserve that offers good views along the North Wales coast. The Greate Orme can be climbed by road, cable car or turn-of-the 20th century tramway, and a fair number of paths that traverse the hilltop. I took the slow, packed but engaging tramway. Now, at an elevation of 201m, the Great Orme is not very modestly named, and there isn't that much to do when you get to the top (though the visitor centre is interesting), but the general experience is not something you do every day.

A tram near the summit.

Back in town, on a sunny weekday in early October, there were lots of people exploring the pier.  The mini fairground rides were not active, but there were a variety of shops selling everything from garden furniture to cheese, perhaps with an emphasis on warm clothing for those who forgot their trip to the seaside was in the UK.  The promenade at the North Beach is long and passes hotels with grand names (Chatsworth House Hotel, Imperial Hotel, ...) that also look quite grand. There is always a concern that British seaside towns may have seen better days, but Llandudno feels like it is thriving, and the shops inland from the promenade are many and varied.

Note that some things here are seasonal, such as various things the pier and the tramway.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 84 miles

Drive Time: 1hour 40 minutes

Price: Tramway - $$

Parking: There is parking in various parts of town, including free roadside parking at the West Shore.

Food and Drink: There are many cafes in town. I had a pleasant tea and cake in The Oreo Lounge and a less satisfactory fish and chips up the Great Orme.

Retail therapy: There is a substantial shopping area just inland from the North Shore.

Child Friendly: The pier certainly hosts child-centred activities.

Toilets: Yes, but bring 50p coins.

Do it justice in: all day

Inside-Outside: 20:80

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