If you’re looking for something to do in North Wales then Llandudno is your perfect destination. This Victorian town is a jewel of the North Wales coast and is picture perfect with the Great Orme and beautiful bay. The town is home to some of the regions best attractions from the North Wales Theatre and Conference Centre to the Great Orme Tramway and Victorian Pier.
The Great Orme has a number of wonderful attractions whatever your age. Take a ride to the summit on the Great Orme Tramway, a truly relaxing journey as it climbs towards the summit. The Great Orme tramway is over 100 years old and rises steeply on the lower part of its journey before you change at the half way station. The upper part of the journey is more level and offers spectacular views across this wonderful mountain as well as passing the Great Orme Copper Mines.
Journey over 4000 years into Llandudno’s past with a trip to the Great Orme Copper Mines. The mines are a short walk from the tramways Half Way Station or for the less energetic car parking is available onsite. The Great Orme Copper Mine was discovered over 20 years ago and have since been opened up as a major attraction. Visitors can take the underground tour and learn how Llandudno’s first inhabitants mined copper from the rocks.
The Great Orme Summit Complex consists of a variety of attractions from a bar and restaurant to the Great Orme Visitor centre. The summit is the terminus for both the Great Orme Tramway and the Great Orme Cable Car and on a clear day you can see Snowdonia and Anglesey.
From the summit you can take the Great Orme cable car back down towards the town. The cable car is the longest cable car ride in Britain. As you ride back towards the town you get terrific views of the town so have your camera at the ready. As you start the lower descent you’ll get to see Ski Llandudno another of Llandudno’s great attractions as well as take in some great views of Happy Valley.
For the fit one of Llandudno’s best acitivities is its dry ski slope Ski Llandudno. At over 200 metres the slope is the longest in North Wales and is suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. Take a ride on the toboggan run as it races through the twists and turns towards the bottom. The toboggan is suitable for mot ages although young children should be accompanied by an adult. Afterwards enjoy a relaxing drink and meal in the Alpine Ski Lodge.
Happy Valley is close to the foot of the Great Orme and offers a large ornamental garden as well as a large play area where the children can burn off a bit of energy. Happy Valley is sheltered on two sides by the Great Orme and offers a peaceful retreat to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Happy Valley also offers some terrific views of Llandudno Pier which is the longest pier in Wales.
One of Llandudno’s most instantly recognisable features is its Victorian Pier. The pier was built over 100 years ago and is the longest in Wales and fifth longest in Britain at 2295ft. It’s almost worth a trip along the pier just for the views of Llanduno’s Great Orme and bay. The first part of the pier is packed with small shops and stalls as well as fun rides for the kids whilst the later part is a relaxing walk towards the end passing fishermen on the way.
Venue Cymru is one of Llandudno’s premier attractions and is a regular host to concerts and shows. The recently added restaurant overlooks the promenade and is a great place to eat before the show. The conference centre and theatre are the largest in North Wales and hold regular events and exhibitions.
Llandudno’s beautiful promenade curves from the Great Orme towards the Little Orme in a long crescent. The promenade is very wide and has been fiercely protected against over development which has helped to retain its Victorian character. Take a relaxing walk and enjoy the views of the beach the promenade is wide enough for everyone.
At the southern end of Llandudno’s promenade is Bodafon Farm Park and North Wales Bird Trust. The farm is open to the public allowing you to get up close and personal with the animals. It’s a great place for the kids and after the farm animals take a look around the recently opened North Wales Bird sanctuary with many different species including both birds of prey and more tropical varieties.
Llandudno is Wales largest tourist resort and has hundreds of hotels and guest houses to choose from whether you’re looking for high class luxury or something a little more simple. The most popular hotels are located on the Victorian promenade that curves gently along the bay looking out towards the Irish Sea. Further back from the promenade are hundreds of guest houses offering wonderful excellent rooms at very reasonable prices.