With distinctive history and traditions, Wales is a country full of surprises. North Wales towns such as Llandudno offer quieter wide open spaces and are rife for exploring. Famous for its Victorian roots, here are the best things to do in Llandudno, a pretty seaside coastal town.
With a famous pier, and sandwiched between two limestone headlands, Llandudno’s attractions appeal to all age groups.
Whether you are looking for free things to do in Llandudno, things to do in the rain or something a tad unusual, this town offers these and more!
A FEW LLANDUDNO FACTS
- There are over 30 historical shipwrecks in Llandudno Bay
- One of the country’s oldest Punch & Judy Shows has been running near the pier entrance since Victorian times
- The Kashmir goats found grazing on the Great Orme were introduced by Lord Mostyn in the 19th Century.
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TOP THINGS TO DO IN LLANDUDNO
1. LLANDUDNO PROMENADE
The 2-mile sweeping Llandudno promenade backed with Victorian architectural buildings, is the embodiment of Llandudno.
Stretching from the Little Orme up to the Great Orme’s base, the wide-curving Promenade was built in the 1800’s. Today the bustling wide flat path is a free accessible space for all, transporting you past a public paddling pool, sandy Llandudno Bay Beach, grandiose Victorian buildings, to the stonier North Shore Beach.
When visiting Llandudno, taking in the free views along the promenade is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Llandudno.
Perfect for a gentle seaside stroll with sweeping views of the Irish Sea. In the Summer you can take a boat trip from North Shore Jetty. Keep an eye out for the Floral Clock, War Memorial, mad Hatter Statue and Bandstand.
2. LLANDUDNO PIER
One of the most iconic things to do in Llandudno is to stroll along the ornate Victorian Pier, the longest in Wales. Grade II listed and originally built in 1878 for passengers disembarking Isle of Man steamers, today the pier is a great place to wander along.
The Victorian ornamental ironwork and elaborate kiosks are still present today and attractions along the length of the pier include cafes, amusement arcades, shops and kiosks.
Its location on the North Shore provides sweeping views of the Promenade, Irish Sea, and both Ormes.
An unusual feature of the pier is its two entrances, after its length was extended in 1884 to 2,295 feet or 700 metres. The original entrance on Happy Valley Road is now locked and unused. The Grand Hotel sits between here and the new entrance on the promenade at North Parade.
In the summer the pier is bustling with visitors watching the famous Punch & Judy show, people fishing on the Pier Landing Stage and those hoping to spot seals on the rocks below.
- Open: All year-round (weather permitting) from 10am-10.30pm during peak season.
- Cost: Free
3. ALICE IN WONDERLAND TRAIL
If you are looking for things to do in Llandudno for families, look no further than the Alice in Wonderland town trail.
Alice Liddell, the girl who inspired Lewis Carroll, used to holiday in Llandudno with her family, staying along the West Shore. Having become close friends with her parents, it’s speculated that Lewis Carroll was inspired by Alice and her adventures in Llandudno.
In 1933, an iconic White Rabbit statue was unveiled by former Prime Minister David Lloyd George, and the town has revelled in the connection ever since.
Passing a veritable army of statues and carved figures, the trail is a fun way to explore the town, which you can now do with the mobile app! The Alice Town Trails apps work on iOS and Android, and you can get them at the App Store and Google Play.
- The trails start at the Tourist Information Centre.
4. MOSTYN GALLERY
Looking for something to do in Llandudno in the rain? Look no further than this contemporary art gallery. Originally built in 1901 for Lady Mostyn (landowners in North Wales), the elaborate terracotta and brick heritage listed building, has been sensitively restored.
Even if art is not your thing, Mostyn’s 6 gallery’s containing work from leading Welsh artists to challenging exhibitions are worthy of a browse. Plus, admission is free and there’s a delightful cafe!
- Location: 12 Vaughan Street
- Open: 10.30am-4.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday
- Cost: Free
5. HOME FRONT MUSEUM
The Home Front Museum is a great place to experience the sights and sounds of civilian life during the Second World War.
The self-guided tour takes you on a 6-year journey as you explore shop fronts, room displays and various war memorabilia. Take time to browse ration books, gas masks and more, on this nostalgic journey.
Packed into a small organised space, history buffs can read letters sent to families, watch war time videos and view exhibits.
I personally found the museum very interesting and felt a link to my mum, who was sent to Llandudno as a young child during wartime.
- Location: Home Front, New Street LL30 2YF
- Open: Mid-March to Early November
- Cost: Adult £4.20 with concessions.
- Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 9.30am-4.00pm. Open Sundays during school holidays and in July & August
6. MARINE DRIVE
The Marine Drive Scenic Toll Road, twists and turns around the base of the Great Orme headland, up to the Summit.
One of Britain’s longest toll roads, the 5 mile one-way road loops anticlockwise and offers stunning panoramic vistas on the right hand side. On a clear day you can see across to Anglesey and Snowdonia.
If you fancy taking a drive from Llandudno, you don’t want to miss this Snowdonia Driving Route For One Of The Most Scenic Drives In Wales.
Don’t miss the opportunity to stop off at 12th century St Tudno’s Church along the way, a place of worship since the 6th century. The beautiful early 20th century stained glass windows are Victorian, and a bell added in 1703 is still rung before services begin.
Details of services are available on Llandudno Parish Website.
- Location: Begins past the pier on the North shore
- Charges: Cars £4.50 (includes parking at Summit), walkers and cyclists free. Pay the toll charge in cash at the toll booth, or via PayByPhone, and show your receipt at the toll booth.
7. GREAT ORME TRAMWAY
A fun way to reach the Great Orme Summit is sitting aboard the Great Orme Victorian Tramway.
In operation since 1902, it is the only cable-hauled tramway in use on British public roads. Your journey may not start with the sound of the town band playing “God Save the King”, but it will be just as memorable.
The restored tram cars, all named after saints, are a treasured part of the town’s heritage history and one of Llandudno’s favored attractions.
Leaving Victoria Station, you climb 1500m through the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve to the Great Orme’s summit. Stopping at the Halfway Station Exhibition, you can discover more details about the engineering of this Victorian beauty.
After changing trams, your journey continues to the spectacular summit, providing stunning views all the way.
TRAM FAQS:
- Location: Victoria Station, Church Walks, Llandudno LL30 2NB- a short distance from the pier. Look out for the bright blue funicular cars.
- What time of year does the tram run? Late March to late October (Ring 01492 577877 for exact dates)
- How many days of the week does the tram operate? 7 days a week
- What Times does the tram run? 10am to 6pm (Closes at 5pm during March and October)
- How much does a ticket cost? Tickets cannot be purchased in advance
8. GREAT ORME AERIAL CABLE CAR
One of Llandudno’s most popular attractions is being whisked up to Great Orme Summit in a red, yellow, orange, or light blue coloured cable car.
Opened in June 1969, Britain’s longest cable car leaves Happy Valley Gardens and takes a leisurely 10 minutes to reach 679 feet up the Great Orme.
Though supported by nine pylons, the cable car does not run if it is too windy. You are treated along the route to sublime panoramic views of Llandudno Bay, Conwy Estuary and the Little Orme. A ride on a cable car is one of the fun things to do in Llandudno, unless you have an aversion to heights!
CABLE CAR FAQS:
- Location: North Parade, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2LP
- What time of year does the tram run? May through October (Ring 01492 877205 for exact dates and times)
- How much does a ticket cost? Adult Single £12.50 | Adult Return £13.00 *CASH ONLY, no card payments*
- Can you take your dog? Yes but not all dogs enjoy the experience!
- * The cable cars can’t operate on windy days – please phone for opening times.
9. GREAT ORME COUNTRY PARK
Recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, heritage coast and Special Area of Conservation, Great Orme Country Park is quite special.
The massive limestone headland rises 679ft from the sea and has fascinating archaeology, geology and habitats to explore.
Either drive, walk, hop on the tram or cable-car to reach the Summit and the visitor centre. This is an ideal place to watch sea bird colonies, and learn about rare species unique to the Great Orme such as the silver-studded blue butterfly.
You will probably meet the resident wild Kashmir goats, who made the town centre their roaming ground during Covid-19 lockdown.
Learn about the headland’s history by following the circular nature trail from the visitor centre.
Other easily marked trails offering wonderful views of the town and beyond include:
- Haulfre Gardens Trail
- Happy Valley Trail
- Zig Zag Trail
If you fancy a novel way to get down from the Summit, why not visit Llandudno Ski Slope and Snowboard Centre and toboggan, ski, sno tube or snowboard down. Yes, even in the summer!
- Visitor Centre Open 10am to 5:30pm Easter – October (5pm in April & October or in bad weather).
- Llandudno Snowsports Centre
10. WEST SHORE BEACH
If you want to get away from the bustling North Shore, head to the quieter Blue Flag West Shore Beach. Looking out over Conwy Sands and with Great Orme’s limestone headland towering above, this Llandudno beach makes a great picnic spot.
At low tide a large curving expanse of golden sand is revealed, an ideal place for kite flying and ball-games. Facing west, the beach is a great place to visit in Llandudno for spectacular sunsets.
Or you may prefer to paddle in the great expanse of shallow water or try kite buggying.
Looking for things to do in Llandudno for families? For younger children there is a play area and boating lake close-by making it a perfect choice.
From the West Shore you can join the Zig Zag and Haulfe Gardens trails, to reach the Great Orme Summit. The views are fantastic looking south-west towards Snowdon mountain range.
- Location: South-West side of Llandudno LL30 2AG
- Facilities: Cafe and toilets
- Parking: Along West Parade and there is a small car park at the southern end of the road.
- Dogs Allowed? Yes, between the two markers, with restrictions applying between May-September.
11. HAPPY VALLEY GARDENS (Jubilee Gardens)
The landscaped Happy Valley gardens on the east side of the Great Orme, began life as a mine and stone quarry.
The 19th century gardens with sweeping Llandudno Bay views opened during Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Some notable features include a drinking fountain fashioned with a bust of Queen Victoria, a limestone rockery and beautiful specimen trees.
Pathways weave around the trees and planting areas with plenty of benches to sit on and enjoy the views.
- Location: Happy Valley Road LL30 2ND
- How To Enter: Via Happy Valley Road by the entrance of Marine Drive Toll Booth (pay and display car park)
THINGS TO DO IN LLANDUDNO AT NIGHT
If you are spending the night in town and looking for entertainment options, we suggest you check out the following, namely:
12. VENUE CYMRU
Venue Cymru is a modern entertainment centre with a great calendar of events in its 1500-seat theatre. Check out stand-ups, musicals, gigs and shows in its line-up.
Enjoying a prime position on the Promenade, it is only a short walk from most accommodation.
- Location: Promenade, Llandudno LL30 1BB
- Box Office: 01492 872000
- Seating Plan Map
EVENTS IN LLANDUDNO
These outdoor Llandudno attractions are a great way to discover the town’s history from its early Victorian roots. Check them out if you get the chance!
VICTORIAN EXTRAVAGANZA
Established for over 35 years, the 3-day Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza is held annually over the early May Day Bank Holiday Weekend (4-6th May 2024). Each day at 12 noon, the parade follows a route along Madoc Street and Gloddaeth Street, finishing along the Parade.
Crowds enjoy funfairs, food stalls, bands, entertainment and Vintage Vehicles. It’s a fun thing to do around Llandudno to celebrate the town’s Victorian past. Those taking part in the parade are decked out in Victorian dress and really is a sight to behold.
A great event in Llandudno for free, especially enjoyed by families.
- Time: The event runs 10am till 5pm each day of the first May Bank holiday weekend
- Where To Get a Programme: Free programmes are distributed around the businesses of Llandudno just before Easter, and contains the event information, entertainment timetable and map.
- Bringing Dogs: Just be mindful of noise from whistling traction engines!
- Parking: An event map details available car parks. Main streets will be closed to vehicle access during the weekend.
PROFESSOR CODMAN’S PUNCH & JUDY SHOW
If you are looking for a fun thing to do in Llandudno, this show won’t disappoint. Run by the same family since 1860, the puppets have even entertained Queen Victoria in their heyday.
Look out for the distinguishable red and white striped tent near the pier entrance.
Kids will love this iconic Llandudno attraction. It’s old-fashioned seaside entertainment which is funded entirely by audience donations.
- Location: Entrance to the pier along the Promenade
- Performances: Year-round weekend shows at 2pm & 4pm. During school holidays, shows are daily.
ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT NEAR LLANDUDNO
The North West coast is quite compact making Llandudno a great base for exploring nearby attractions. The following ideas include key highlights such as gardens, historic houses, a distillery, a castle and some adrenalin adventures.
- Bodnant Gardens: A National Trust property a 20minute drive away, with stunning gardens and lakes within its 80 acres. Located off the A470. Signposted from A55, junction 19, LL28 5RE
- Conway: Cross the gothic-style 1800s suspension bridge with views of the iconic Conwy Castle. A short 15minute drive from Llandudno, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Conwy.
- Penderyn Distillery: You can walk here in 8 minutes or use their visitor carpark and take an hour-long tour. Discover how their award-winning whisky is made before enjoying a sample in the tasting bar! Location – Lloyd Street, Llandudno, LL30 2YG.
- Penrhyn Quarry: If you are looking for a unique and exhilarating experience, how about riding the world’s fastest zip line? Location – Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, LL57 4YG
ACCOMMODATION IN LLANDUDNO
If you decide to stay overnight in Llandudno, here are some great accommodation options to choose from:
- BEACHSIDE GUESTHOUSE – A seaside gem! Beachside-themed en-suite rooms in a great location, a minutes walk from the beach. Wonderful breakfast and downstairs lounge with an ‘honesty’ bar.
- ESCAPE B&B – All nine individually designed bedrooms offer stylish, luxurious accommodation. Room rates from £120-£160 per room per night inclusive of VAT & full breakfast.
- BODYSGALLEN HALL – Restored 17th-century hotel in acres of wooded parkland with views across to Snowdonia. 31 luxurious rooms, spa & fine-dining restaurant. Perfect for a treat!
Llandudno is one of the most charming seaside towns on the north-west coast of Wales.
From climbing up to Great Orme’s Summit or admiring the coastal views from the famous pier, to exploring a Bronze Age mine, you can find plenty of things to do for a full day in Llandudno. Make sure to spend a day or 2 in the area next time you are in North Wales.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment below, and we will be happy to help.
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