A Guide to the Best Things to do in Llandudno
Want to know the best things to do in Llandudno, Wales? We’ve got you covered. Llandudno is one of Britain’s most beautiful coastal towns, and although it’s not mainly well known, it is as lovely as other English seaside resorts, if not nicer. Translated from Welsh as ‘the church of Tudno’ who is the patron saint of Llandudno, the town has roughly 20,000 people. It is pronounced lan-did-now.
Experience the best of a beautiful North Wales seaside resort, with its vibrant mix of Victorian charm, rugged scenery and spectacular coastline. Take a walk out on the Great Orme – its limestone cliffs are home to rare wildlife, and from the top, there’s a breathtaking 360° view over the town, the mountains beyond, and sandy beaches down below. Stop by one of Llandudno’s independent shops and browse unique gifts, or discover a new favourite eating house.
The town exceeded our expectations – so hopefully, you will feel the same way.
How to get to Llandudno
You can reach the town by car from the A470, which is not too far from the A55 expressway. There is also a train station in the town if you wish to arrive by public transport.
Llandudno Weather
Before you go, it is a good idea to check the forecast on Met Office Llandudno as many of the best things to do in the Llandudno area are better when it is not raining.
16 Best Things to do in Llandudno
West Shore Beach
The quieter West Shore beach is sandy and is very popular with holidaymakers. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Llandudno. Conwy Bay is directly in front of the beach. Low tide exposes a large expanse of land ideal for kite-flyers or kite-surfers. It is also known for its spectacular sunsets.
You can join the Wales Coast Path or climb the nearby Great Orme Headland, a wildlife-rich country reserve and Special Area of Conservation.
A cafe near the beach with parking and toilet facilities and the beach was awarded a Blue Flag Award in 2021. There is no lifeguard at the beach. Please read the safety signs posted at the beach entrance to be aware of potential hazards.
Llandudno Pier
Llandudno Pier is the longest in Wales (700m) and one of Britain’s best. It is open all year round from 10 am (weather permitting) until 10:30 pm during peak season.
Llandudno Pier provides stunning panoramic views over the Irish Sea and the North Wales Coast. In addition to the breathtaking views, it also offers the perfect stroll and great food and stalls. There are arcades and funfair attractions, including bumpy slides, bouncy castles and more for children of all ages to enjoy.
One of the main attractions is the modern Ferris wheel, and the Pier feels authentic but not run down like other British seaside towns.
Fishing is allowed on the Pier from 8 am until 8 pm. Day fishing permits are available at the cafe located on the Pier Head at £5.00 per person on a first-come, first-served basis.
After, you should also wander the (almost) 2 miles long promenade, where you may be able to catch one of the famous Punch and Judy shows or have ice cream!
Great Orm
The Great Orme, Llandudno’s mini-mountain, is rich in natural and man-made history. It’s impossible to miss the massive chunk of limestone rising 207m/679ft from the sea. It is not surprising that the Vikings gave it its name, which means “sea monster”.
You can reach the top via cable car, the tramway, walking or driving and there is a Visitor Centre that’s closed in winter. We loved venturing up and taking a picture with the trig point – definitely one of the best things to do in Llandudno.
The Great Orme is a Country Park. It’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Site of Conservation, Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The diverse habitats include rich heathlands, limestone grassland, woodland, and sheer sea cliffs. It is easy to spot the wild Kashmir goats’ most famous inhabitants. They are known for their white fur and terrifying horns, and there are beautiful views of Llandudno from the top and miniature golf if you fancy a game with spectacular scenery.
Happy Valley Botanical Gardens
Happy Valley’s 19th-century public gardens are located on the east side of the Great Orme rocky headland and offer expansive views of Llandudno Bay. The limestone rockery features include a collonaded walkway and a camera obscura. There are play areas for children and beautiful views.
You can go on an adventurous trek through Happy Valley. The path is professionally designed and winds through large areas of woodland. Walking up the path will take you to a stunning view of the surrounding area, covered with flowers and greenery.
Great Orme Tramway
The Great Orme Tramway, also known as the Cable-Hauled Funicular Tramway, is Britain’s only tramway that operates on public roads. Since its opening in 1902, it has delighted visitors.
The Tramway climbs 1 mile (1500m) through the Great Orme Country Park, Nature Reserve and to the Great Orme’s breathtaking summit. The original tramcars have been lovingly restored, and each one is named after a saint.
The extraordinary journey starts at Victoria Station, just a short drive from Llandudno’s seaside and Pier. Ticket costs depend on the time of the year you visit, and you can find a helpful timetable on the Great Orme Tramway website.
Fish and Chips
Is there anything more British than fish and chips at the seaside?
Maybe a cup of tea is, but one of the best things to do is to grab this delicacy and enjoy it along the seafront.
There are many places to go, but there is one right at the start of the Pier.
Just remember, the seagulls are out in full force, and we saw many swooping down on innocent victims. They are sometimes stealing chips from people’s hands!
Quite an adventure…
Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre
Why not check out Llandudno Ski & Snowboard Centre if you’re seeking a new adventure. If you’re already skiing experts, you can practise, and if you’re beginning to learn how to board or ski, you can have a lesson. Alternatively, you can try tobogganing, snow tubing or alpine adventure golf. You can book in advance on their website.
Llandudno Cable Cars
Take a ride on the Llandudno Cable Car, which is easily one of the best things to do in Llandudno. This unique attraction was opened on June 30, 1969, and is still one of the most loved attractions in town.
The Llandudno Cable Cars glide silently between Happy Valley and the summit of Great Orme at 679 feet. From there, you can enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Bay of Llandudno.
It takes just over a mile to reach the summit and is 80 feet high. The leisurely nine-minute journey on an endless steel rope leads you to breathtaking views once you reach the summit. You will see Anglesey, Snowdonia’s mountains, Puffin Island, and its surroundings.
Good to know: windy conditions can cause the Llandudno Cable Cars to stop working.
Boat Trips
One of the unique ways to explore Llandudno is from a boat. Hop aboard Sea-Jay or Sea-Borne for a water-based 1 hour or 30-minutes sightseeing trip to see the Little and Great Orme, Caves and Coves and lighthouse.
Head to the North Shore Jetty Promenade to see what options are available and when the next boat departs. There are limited seats, and they ask that you pay on the boat. This attraction is seasonal, tide and weather dependent but is one of the best things to do in Llandudno.
Alice in Wonderland Trail
No visit to Llandudno would be complete without venturing into the heart of the classic Victorian resort, and an ideal (and free) way to do this is by downloading the Wonderland Town Trail app. The popular children’s book Alice in Wonderland has connections to Wales, and it is brought to life in this trial.
The White Rabbit and the Queen of Hearts were our favourites!
Llandudno Chocolate Experience
One of the best things to do in Llandudno if it rains is to head to the Llandudno Chocolate Experience. It offers a chocolatey adventure that spans 5000 years. You will begin in a Mayan hut and travel through nine eras to see how chocolate has become ingrained into our society.
You will find information panels, activities and unforgettable scenes in an immersive world. This building also houses our chocolate company’s headquarters, which produces various products that they distribute across Europe.
Mostyn Gallery
MOSTYN is a contemporary gallery and visual art centre in Wales. The original turn-of-the century galleries, hidden behind a striking Edwardian terracotta façade and topped by a landmark gold spire in Llandudno’s traditional seaside resort, have been merged with modern spaces designed to impress in an award-winning architectural design.
Six gallery spaces showcase the best international contemporary art and crafts, featuring artists and makers from Wales. There’s something for everyone with friendly staff, activities for all age groups, a beautiful shop, and a bright, airy cafe. Access to the building is easy and free too. Even better.
Great Orme Mines
The Great Orme Mines are open every day from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, and you do not need to book in advance. It is one of the most remarkable archaeological finds of recent times, discovered in 1987 when a plan was made to landscape the Great Orme. They date back to the Bronze Age and change our perceptions of the ancient people of Britain and their structured civilised society that existed 2,000 years before the Roman invasion.
Since the 1980s, archaeologists, cavers, and mining engineers have slowly been uncovering more tunnels and large landscape areas and revealing what is believed to be the largest prehistoric mine ever discovered. Admission costs are £9 for adults, £6 for children and a family £24.50. Visiting the mines is one of the best things to do in Llandudno.
Hop-on, Hop-off Bus
Depending on how you fancy discovering the town, there are 3 different hop on, hop off bus tours in Llandudno. The starting point is the North Parade, where you will be able to see your options.
You can see Conwy Road and get off at Rose Hill Street to discover Conwy. The Great Orme Tour is one of the leading tours; it was opened in 1902 and had been delighting tourists ever since. You will travel along the scenic route to Llandudno’s West Shore in vintage coaches. Along the route, you’ll see some of Llandudno’s most essential destinations, such as St Tudno’s Church or the magnificent Great Orme Lighthouse.
Llandudno Museum
There are 9,000 artefacts in the Llandudno Museum & Gallery, so it is well worth a visit, especially if it is raining. The collections together provide a comprehensive picture of the history of the seaside resort, from its prehistoric days to the present day.
Francis Edouard Chardon founded the museum in 1925. He left Rapallo House and his fine arts and decorative art collection to Llandudno. If it rains, it is one of the best things to do in Llandudno.
North Shore Beach
North Shore Beach is nestled in the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno, less than a mile from the town centre. This sheltered beach is well-known for being a popular spot for families due to its wide promenade, which features kids’ facilities. Start planning your upcoming trip to North Shore Beach by booking one of the many hotels situated along the promenade. It is beautiful and easily one of the best things to do in Llandudno, especially if the weather is good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What things can you do in Llandudno when it rains?
The best things to do in Llandudno when it rains are going to the Chocolate Museum, the Llandudno Museum, or browsing the shops and tea rooms.
What is there to do nearby?
Nearby you can visit Conwy Castle and discover the many exciting things to do in Conwy. You are also close to Aber Falls and Anglesey Island, which offers much to explore, see and do.
Please read our guides below for some inspiration:
Best Things to do in Conwy, North Wales
The Best Things to do in Anglesey
There you have our guide to the best things to do in Llandudno, please let us know if there’s anything else we can add to this fantastic list. We really loved visiting and exploring on our last trip to North Wales and we will be back soon.
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
