Things to Do in Llandudno

The Vikings left no written texts yet they used the Old Norse word to describe the Great Orme. They called it the sea serpent. It was dismal and depressing and though they tried to settle down, there was no permanency. Since then the continual and persistent process of change on Earth bought about a mystical and dynamic change in the Great Orme. Diversified and rare animals and plant life now dominates the Great Orme.

The Great Orme and the Little Orme are carboniferous headlands and between them lie Llandudno, Queen of the North Wales Resort. This is a part of Conwy County Borough and has the estuary of the River Conwy on one side and the Irish Sea on the other.

• In 1860 the Codman family brought the Punch and Judy puppet show and it is still a major attraction till date.
• Elizabeth Hughes known as the Donkey Lady introduced donkey and pony rides over a 100 years ago and since then the popularity has not diminished. The pristine North beach is home for these donkey and pony ride.
• In 1878 Sir John Betjeman built a 2,295 foot long bridge and it still stands as the longest pier in Wales and one of the finest piers in Britain for recreational activities.
• Speed boats are available from the Llandudno jetties and it has a sailing club as well.
• The Victorian town centre has wide streets, restaurants, cafes, and a glorious view of the sea front. Trekking down these uncluttered promenades is very exhilarating because the trails are all carefully planned out.
• At the town of Pen Morfa the people are very proud of the connection to Alice in Wonderland and there is a sculpture in honour of her.
• The west shore is linked to the North Shore by the Gloddaeth Avenue and there is a fine model of a boating pond.
• Happy Valley which was once a copper mine and later a stone quarry is now a part of Llandudno. It a garden which is the starting point of the aerial cabin car to the summit of the Great Orme.
• The Marine Drive is a 4 mile scenic drive covering Saint Tudno’s church and Summit complex.
• Great Orme Tramway is a remarkable historical survival. It will take you right to the top in two easy stages.
• Cable Car from Happy Valley to the Great Orme summit is the longest Aerial Cabin Lift in the U.K.
• The Enterprise is an exact copy of a 19th century London steam bus which is controlled by a coachman sitting out front but it is propelled by steam horse power.

Step back in time to the Victorian Era, stand on a pier and let your senses take in the sea, perfectly calm and scarcely audible. Gentle ripples of water tap the delicate balustrades and lattice work railing of the Llandudno Pier.

The pier is home to a permanent fun fair. Sit on the benches and smell the air, gaze out to see, out to the horizon. You can’t tell where the blue skies ended and the blue sea began.

Voted Pier of the year by the members of the National Piers Society in 2005, the Llandudno Pier is a seaside resort of Llandudno on the coast of North Wales between Bangor and Colwyn Bay.

At 2,295 feet the pier is the longest in Wales and the fifth longest in England and Wales.The pier is very unusual in that it has two entrances, one on the promenade at North Parade and the other, the original entrance, on Happy Valley Road.

• It is often chosen for Victorian and Edwardian seaside filming location.
• It has a promenade deck with a ‘T’ shaped pier head and has a spectacular work of wrought iron railings and brackets of iron lacework.
• The Grand Hotel is an integral part of the Pier and now a swimming pool has been incorporated.
• Sea fishing is allowed on the Pier and is owned and controlled by Pier Point Tackle.
• There is an astonishing variety of shops selling leather goods, Welsh Gifts, hats, to costume jewellery, Lace and shells, even a Joke shop can be found.
• Llandudno Emporium on the Pier deals in the supply of the finest Natural Remedies, Aromatherapy, and bathing gifts.
• There are many food kiosks and the rich aroma of food wafts down and beckons you.

Over a hundred years ago, a wooden tramcar started on a journey through a wild windswept plateau and entered into a wonderland of dynamic nature. Today one can take a trip in the Great Orme tramway and experience an exhilarating and invigorating ride out into a breath taking and magnificent countryside.

Wide open windows allow you to breathe the exceptionally pure air and rest your eyes on acarpet of grassland and rare flowers, creating a spectacular display of colour. It rises slowly through craggy limestone cliffs and makes its way through grandeur views of hazy mountain ranges with the sun shining brilliantly at the top.

The Great Orme Tramway hasa rich history and with it is the story of its rare flora and fauna.There are two varieties of butterfly which are unique to the area, the wild Kashmir goats exclusive to the Great Orme and theOrme’s beautiful, rare flowers.

Based on a funicular system, the descending tram moves easily down the track with gravity helping it on its way. The ascending tram however needs a lot of help, and in its climb against gravity it gets help from the descending tram.

The Tramway is controlled from the engine house at the Halfway Station. There are two attendants who keep a look out on the upper section since the track goes over an open hillside and can be crossed by the public and animals at any point.

The tramcars were each named after a local Welsh Christian Saint, and had been lovingly restored over the years.The tramway was opened in its two stages: the lower section on 31 July 1902 and the upper on 8 July 1903. By 2001 the entire Halfway Station, its control room and its power plant were completely rebuilt and re-equipped.

The tramway has three main stations, a lower station named "Victoria” a middle one aptly named 'Halfway', and the Great Orme Summit station. Passengers must change trams at the Halfway Station as upper and lower funicular sections are physically separate.

A ride on the tramway magically lifts your spirits, but there’s so much to do on the Great Orme.

• This is one of Britain’s healthiest spots, and walking through the country park with a park warden will introduce you to the variety of flowers which developed in the Arctic age and yet they retain their character even now.
• Great Orme Kashmiri goats can be seen grazing all over the countryside and it is believed that Queen Victoria was presented with the goats by the Shah of Persia.
• At Orme’s amazing Bronze Age copper mines, you will find the largest Prehistoric mine so far discovered in the world .Over 3,500 years ago miners used stone and bone to carve this remarkable structure. Hard hats are given to children when visiting these tunnels.
• Sno-Tubing at Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre allows you tobogganing, sno-tubing, on the fabulous artificial ski slope covered in the patented Perma snow surface. It also has the crazy Alpine golf.
• Saint Tudno’s church was built in the 12th century and was dedicated to its founder St. Tudno. The church has been restored several times over the years. However, there is a remarkable medieval survival, a carved wooden roof boss high above the chancel step depicting the 'stigmata' or five wounds of Christ. It has its own cemetery was well.

The water is always moving, never the same. The waves seem to make eager haste to caress sand and leave a fringe of lace on the shore. Constantly amending its mysterious majesty, no description can truly capture the beauty of the sea, yet it inspires for miles. This is the Victorian Promenade.

The expansive span of sand, shingle and rock extends for 2 miles in a graceful curve between the Little Orme and the Great Orme. It is separated from the road by small walls and rows of benches and flowerbeds. It is very rich in lime thus supports a vast share of botanical rarities.

It is also the haven for rare species of birds such as the cormorants, shags, and numerous gulls. The entire stretch is clean and very well maintained. This promenade is an all age joy.

• Walkers are able to enjoy a nice sea side stroll.
• Home to Venue Cymru, the town’s theatre which hosts shows and musical performances.
• The theatre also hosts large conferences.
• The band stand allows local bands to perform.
• Cycling along the promenade is sheer pleasure.
• Speed boats are there to take you for a spin in the sea.
• Traditional Punch and Judy shows are held for everyone’s entertainment.
• Trained dogs are allowed on the Promenade.
• Free of litter.
• Sit on the benches provided and watch the sunset or relax and let the world go by.
• Donkey rides are there as well.
• There are well maintained gardens with gorgeous hanging baskets.
• There are owls on display.

Experience the expanse of air, as you move smoothly and quietly upwards with a glorious panoramic view beneath you. Be captivated and enthralled by the lush greenery and the stunning beauty of Mother Nature. Look down and you see the Irish Sea stretched out shining and quivering. Take a trip in the Great Orme Aerial Cable Car.

The Llandudno Cable Car opened in summer1969 and has been a tourist attraction ever since. The cabins are painted in arresting colours of red, yellow, orange, light blue and purple.

From the cabin you can see the breath taking view of the Irish Sea over looking to Rhyl and the Isle of Man as well as the aesthetic view of the Snowdonia National Park.

As the cable car glides silently, it takes you from Happy Valley to the summit of the Great Orme, Llandudno, the little Orme, Conway Estuary are all spread spectacularly beneath. On the return journey you enjoy the astounding views of Anglesey, Puffin Island and the mountains of Snowdonia.

This cable car is the longest passenger car system in Britain.

It is an 18 minutes return trip and the cable cars move slowly and sedately so people who are scared of heights, can enjoy the peaceful ride as well. Being 670ft in the air is a great way to get to the top of the Orme.

Spend an afternoon meandering on Mostyn Street and get a feel of how wide, spacious and well maintained the street really is. A wide variety of shops line the street and there are lots of side streets with more shops.

Tourists flock to them like fireflies to a lamp. The aroma of fresh flowers blooming, and the panoramic view of the sea front is overwhelming. The melody of the brogue of the sightseers interacting with the distinct accents of the locals drift down the street. 

This is the main high street of Llandudno, running parallel to the promenade road and is as long as the promenade road. There are numerous cafes, quick food restaurants, craft shops, even quirky one off shops.

There are antiques on display, jewellery, accessory shops, luxury boutiques and stores selling leather goods and many shops to browse through.

• There are many worldwide stores on Mostyn Street like HMV and Game.
• There are many banks and building societies, a library, and 2 arcades.
• Llandudno is a very religious and historic place so there are many churches down this street.
• Upper and Lower Mostyn is split in two by a roundabout.
• Park Llandudno is on this street and it hosts large stores, has an ample car park and is very convenient to shop.
• The shops on this street are always evolving and are in competition with each other but the prices of goods and services is very reasonable.
• Mostyn Champneys is another large shopping area with a bowling alley and is always busy.
• There are benches at intervals for people to sit and relax.

As you navigate through the labyrinth of narrow passages and low ceiling, you become aware of how suffocating the experience was during the Bronze Age 4000 years ago, when men excavated the copper mines with bones and rocks relentless in their effort to find copper. It is cramped and wet and dark inside the mine but it is guarded safely by elves, from the goblins who inhabited the mines and legend has it that there is a goblin community chamber inside.

The Bronze Age Britons used volcanic stones as hammers to penetrate the walls of the caves, and probably used animal bones for more detailed work.

There are 4 miles of tunnels, some with huge hall sized spaces and others so narrow, that only a child can pass through. However difficult it was to work ih these mines, the Britons did it laboriously lifting some1800 tonnes of copper from these mines. And very soon the supply outstripped the demand, thus making the mining come to a standstill. In 1692AD mining started once more but in 1881, it came to a complete halt.  It was uneconomic to mine anymore so the mines became obsolete and fell into disuse and over the years were covered in rubbles.

The great Orme copper mine is the only one of its kind to become a tourist destination. Excavation still continues with the hope that more discoveries will be made about this Great Copper mine.

• Although there are 9 levels, only 2 levels are accessible for public viewing.
• There is quite a lot to see and learn on the surface as well.
• It is a self-guided tour and involves a lot of ascent and descent.
• There is a gift shop with a wide range of second hand books and souvenirs.
• There are informative signs inside the mine and one can also use an audio guide.
• Exhibitions are held to promote the efforts of the miners and to give an insight to how it was in the Bronze Era.
• The shops have a display of rocks and crystal which are available at pocket money prices.
• Vending machines for a cuppa are placed near theseshops.
• There is a free gravelled car park.

Alice did not go down the rabbit hole, instead she stepped into the Elephant Cave. The darkness pushed in on her but she was out looking for adventure. She quickened her pace and within minutes came to the end. From there she could see bats hanging upside down like tiny black stalactites, their eyes glittering like gem stones. She came out into the sunshine and found herself in the Happy Valley in Llandudno.

The Elephant Cave was a limestone quarry which was closed down and transformed into an area of garden, The Happy Valley, an informal parkland with its own network of paths. Happy Valley is home to variety of wildlife, both animals and insects and there are several rare plants as well.

• Within Happy Valley there are two miniature golf courses, a putting green, and a very popular open air theatre.
• The base station of the Cable Car is in Happy Valley and the other station is just a mile away thus makes this the single longest stage cabin lift in Britain.
• There is a Café serving an array of food, both hot and cold and assorted beverages.
• The path through Happy Valley is a very exciting and venturesome trek. Although the path is manmade, it is a delightful mash of rockery and garden.
• The lawns are rich in colour iridescent blues and greens, with soft flower beds. Orchids grow in abundance on the lime rich soil, and present a riot of colours.
• Inspiration for Alice in Wonderland unique tour celebrates the heritage with a Mad Hatter and a White Rabbit at the forefront.
• At the John Nike Ski Centre, the dry ski slope allows skiers and snowboards to ride down the slope with the immovable granite behind them and the tidal bay in front.
• The ski slope is used for toboggans and this is controlled by an automated lift.
• There are snow boards, boots, skis, and ski poles on hire at reasonable rates.
• Watch the bonfire at night and the firework display from the Happy Valley.

Imagine a museum taking you back in time and literally letting you experience how life used to be during the bleakest time in history, the Second World War. Step into a portal and witness 6 years of war through the sights and sounds inside the museum and discover how it was won on the home front.

To witness this era of horror and how the people at home dealt with it while the cadets were in the front lines, you must take a tour at the Home Front Museum at Llandudno.

Frank Meredith opened a garage and taxi business in 1919 with his sons and by 1940 a part of this building was used by the Auxiliary Fire service. Volunteers were trained in firefighting duties and other aspects of defence. Meredith Taxis and garage closed around 1960. It changed ownership a number of times and finally in 1999 it was acquired to house the Home Front Experience, a museum which not only provides a unique insight into the hardship of daily life during this trying period, but one filled with nostalgia and memories as well.

Upon entering the museum, you will find several colourful room displays. Care has been taken by the curator Adrian Hughes to include accurate details that portray the simplicity during that era. Each room depicts a story during the war through statues, props and beautifully designed backdrops.

Here you’ll learn the lesser known stories of World War II’s unsung heroes, those who toiled at the home front. The teacher trying earnestly to make her pupils take interest and divert their attention from reality.

The nurse manning the kitchen and medical supplies, the collection of artefacts and tableaux, the ration books and gas masks are all on display. You are allowed to take pictures as well. Once you leave the museum, you’ll be glad you visited.

The ice is like a velvet white ribbon draped over the slope. Hold both ski poles and take the plunge! Feel exhilarating speed and the hiss of snow under your feet as the air whistles past your ears and eyes. The adrenaline, packed with nerve-racking excitement keeps you warm in the heart of this winter wonderland.

The slope is made of Perma Snow and is very unique and scenic.Perma Snow is cost effective, safe and easy to install and is a simple, artificial ski slope. It provides a great surface for skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing.

This ski slope has the very same attributes as natural, snow covered slope but injuries are far less. Free style skiers improve their techniques due to the confidence they muster over the smooth surface and this significantly reduces risk of injuries.

• They have several classes dealing with skiing such as open practice, private lessons, school skiing, youth groups and universities.
• In open practice you must be able to use the lifts, control your speed/ direction, and be able to stop. You must be a good skier to use the slope for open skiing.
• They offer combinations as well, which includes tobogganing and snowboarding.
• Staff are very friendly and helpful.
• There is a ski club, and a cabin to rest and watch the wonderful  daunting views surrounding you.

The fiery red sun slowly san beneath the horizon and threads of light shone on the rock pools revealing the tiny creatures that lived in the shallow water. The sky turned orange, then red, then dark blue, until all that was left was a chalky mauve. Soon the moonlight casted brilliant rays with sequin silver stars that glowed like embers. The creatures darted to and fro in search of food.

The West Coast Beach lies in the Conwy estuary and there are strong tidal currents. When the tide goes out there are large expanse of sandbanks which create small sheltered beaches which are great for sunbathing and paddling. There are breakwaters along the beach which is a part of the flood defence system.

• Watch the spectacular and marvellous setting of the sun, rayscriss crossing across the sky.
• The beach is partly accessible to dogs, dogs are allowed between 2 stone groynes.
• This beach is quiet, and a quick retreat. Parking is available.
• It’s a wind surfer delight provided the weather allows it.
• Kids can play crazy golf, while parents can relax in the nearby cafes.
• Stunning views of the coast and of Anglesey and Puffin Islands.
• The large stretch of shallow water makes this ideal for kite surfing.
• Low tide reveals an extensive patch of sand, thus creating good conditions for kite buggying.
• Rock pools are exposed during low tides. It is the home to limpets and seaweed and deep inside the pool there is an incredible diversity of life.
• Children can enjoy thrilling donkey rides.
• Toilet facilities are available.

Instead of doing the usual walk in and read, get transported to another reality in the Llandudno museum. It houses 13000 years of history under one roof .It will leave you uplifted, stimulated, and you will feel more alive. The museum brings to light an aura of culture that is inspiring and it will stir all your senses: sight, sound and touch. The galleries have exhibits which are primeval, prehistoric and very educational.

The museum has a collection of fine art, artefacts from World War 1 & 2, Copper mines, Roman remains, and displays detailing the natural history and archaeology of Llandudno area. It has a collection of paintings, sculptures, object d’art donated by Francis Chardon from around the world.

• Discoveries are on display to show the history of the town and the surrounding area from the end of the last Ice Age to present day.
• You get to know how the town developed into a major tourist resort.
• Llandudno during wartime, is show cased through exhibits.
• The displays are at a good height if you are in a wheel chair.
• It has a series of rooms, with period furniture and other artefacts on display.
• Prehistoric Room narrates the story of how the early hunters lived some 13,000 years ago.
• The Roman Room with wealth of artefacts show how the Romans controlled North Wales in AD77.The artefacts includes a child’s footprint on a Roman tile and a board game.
• The Medieval Room is characterised by displays of the Roman withdrawal and the emergence of Welsh princes.
• The Resort Room elaborates with pictures on how Llandudno developed into a resort by 1850 from a small settlement of miners.
• The War Room itemizes artefacts from both the world wars and its effect on Llandudno.
• Museum trail quiz is available for free from the ticket desk.
• Touch screen computers are there with loads of information.
• Events and Exhibitions should be checked online.
• There are special projects for school workshops.
• Shop for souvenirs and artefacts online.
• Friendly and informative staff.
• Wheel chair access to ground floor only.