Llandudno’s top attractions
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.
Llandudno’s Great Orme is a beautiful backdrop to the town and home to some of its premier attractions. One of the best ways to reach the summit is on the Great Orme Tramway which journeys from the base station close to the town centre all the way the summit over 600 feet above. You change trams at the Half Way Station before passing the Great Orme Copper Mines which are over 4000 years old.
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.
At the summit you can enjoy the Great Orme summit complex. As well as a bar and restaurant the complex has an exhibition on the history of the Great Orme and its natural inhabitants. Take a walk around and enjoy the views, on a clear day you can clearly see the mountains of Snowdonia and the Isle of 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.
At 200 metres Ski Llandudno is the longest dry ski slope in north Wales and offers both a beginners slope and more advanced runs. As well as the dry ski slope the centre is also home to the Llandudno Toboggan which runs from the top of the complex and twists and turns for over 750 metres. The toboggan is suitable for most ages but younger children should be accompanied by an adult. After all the fun on the slopes the Ski Lodge offers a great place to relax and get some refreshments and offers drinks and food.
Overlooking Llandudno Pier is Happy Valley, a popular destination to relax and chill out for a while.The upper valley consists of an ornamental garden whilst the lower valley is a large field where the kids can burn off some energy. Some fantastic views of Llandudno Pier can be seen from Happy Valley. A cafe is located within the valley for drinks and refreshments.
Llandudno Pier is a Victorian Pier and allows visitors to walk along its entire length. At 2295ft the pier is the longest in Wales and fifth longest in the United Kingdom. On your walk you pass many boutique stalls, there are also rides for the children and fun slides. If you are able it is worth a walk to the end of the pier just to take in the views it affords of Llandudno Bay and the Great Orme.
The North Theatre is the largest theatre and conference centre in North Wales. The theatre was recently renamed Venue Cymru and was given a major extension adding a restaurant and meeting facilities at the time. The theatre is a regular stopping point for bands and the best shows.
A trip to Llandudno would not be complete without a walk along the beautiful Victorian promenade. The promenade is lined with top quality hotels from the northern pier end almost all the way to the Little Orme in the distance. The promenade is wide enough to walk along without fear of dodging the crowds and of course leads onto Llandudno’s north shore beach which is another great place for the family to relax.
Llandudno’s Bodafon Farm Park is home to a wide variety of animals as well as the North Wales Bird Trust. There is a wide variety of animals allowing you can get close to the farm. The North Wales Bird Trust has a variety of tropical birds and birds of prey.
Whether you’re looking for a top quality hotel or budget bed and breakfast Llandudno has it all. As North Wales largest tourist destination there is a wide selection of choice available. The best hotels tend to be on the promenade with the guest houses and bed and breakfasts further back. Sea views are especially sought after but don’t forget some of the best smaller establishments are a little further back.
