Llandudno

Llandudno Europe > Britain and Ireland > United Kingdom > Wales > North Wales > Conwy (county borough) > Llandudno For other places with the same name, see Llandudno (disambiguation) . Llandudno is a Victorian-era seaside resort situated on the picturesque north coast of Wales . Once a favourite of Queen Victoria, Llandudno still retains an old-world charm that sets it aside from other British seaside resorts. Llandudno is set between the cities of Bangor and Chester and is easily accessible by road and rail. Understand Llandudno has the distinction of being the largest seaside resort in North Wales. It lies between two notable carboniferous headlands, the Great Orme and the Little Orme with the Irish Sea on one side and the estuary of the River Conwy on the other with sunset views of Puffin Island. It is these headlands and the two waterfronts, the North Shore and the West Shore, that give Llandudno its special appeal. Although settlements have existed on the Great Orme since the Stone Age and an Iron Age hill fort survives at Pen-y-Dinas, Llandudno was developed as a seaside resort in the Victorian era. As such, it has Victorian charm - large Victorian houses, fine hotels lining the bay, a pier, boat trips round the headland, Punch and Judy on the wide promenade, an excellent lifeboat service, and a fine theatre with ballet, opera, orchestral concerts, ice shows and pantomime in season. Llandudno has a prominent Welsh speaking community, greatly increased by the frequent visitors from rural communities further inland whose primary day-to-day language is Welsh. As a simple mnemonic for English speakers, in Welsh the double LL is pronounced similar to "thl". The U is usually pronounced as an I. So Llandudno is pronounced "thlan-did-no". Get in By train Through trains from London Euston , 6 times a day, change at Llandudno Junction Through trains from Manchester , every hour on weekdays (2½ hours). Through trains from Liverpool (approx. 2-2½ hours), change at Chester or change at Chester and Llandudno Junction (it depends on the timetable how many changes there'll be). Trains from Crewe , every hour on weekdays, change at Chester and/or Llandudno Junction. Trains from Cardiff , every two hours on weekdays, change at Llandudno Junction. Trains from Holyhead , every hour on weekdays, change at Llandudno Junction. 🌍 Llandudno railway station . ( updated Nov 2019 ) By car From England : From the M6, take the M56 in the direction of Chester , North Wales. Take the M53 in the direction of A55, North Wales at the end of the M56. This becomes the A55, stay on this for 30 miles or so until you see signs for the A470 turn off. From here follow signs for Llandudno. By plane Nearest airports are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport but only Manchester is directly linked by train (from airport by train to Manchester Piccadily, then change train). From Liverpool airport: take a bus to Liverpool Lime Street station , then take a train. By bus Local buses operate from Rhyl (every 12 minutes), Bangor (four per hour), Caernarfon , Llanberis and Llangollen but there are no daily long distance coach services to Llandudno. National Express has a daily service from London calling at Llandudno Junction (three miles away). There is a weekly National Express service to Newcastle upon Tyne on Sundays. Get around Take the scenic Conwy Valley Train from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog . Gwynedd Red Rover Tickets cost £5.50 for unlimited day travel on the Conwy Valley train, on all buses in Snowdonia and on all buses in the Conwy Valley and throughout western Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey . See 🌍 Bronze Age Copper Mines , Pyllau Road , ☏ +44 1492 870447 . Bronze age mines on the upper slopes of the Great Orme. Tours start off with a brief talk on the mine and seeing tools found in excavations, before heading down into the mines! Great fun and well worth a visit, although the tours aren't very long. The mines are slippery, confined and claustrophobic. 🌍 Bishop's Quarry . Fossils in the exposed limestone faces of Bishop's Quarry near the summit. 🌍 Oriel Mostyn Gallery , 12 Vaughan Street ( The Mostyn is 200 meters from Llandudno Train Station ), ☏ +44 1492 879201 . Contemporary art and design 🌍 Victorian Pier , North Parade , ☏ +44 1492 876258 . the finest in Wales, second longest in Britain and one of a dwindling number of recreational piers in the country. Do 🌍 Great Orme Tramway , Victoria Station, Church Walks, LL30 2NB , ☏ +44 1492 577877 . Ride the traditional tram (built in 1902) to the summit of the Great Orme, enjoy the visitor centre and visit Randolf Turpin's Bar in the Summit Complex . ( updated Apr 2018 ) 🌍 Llandudno Cable Car . from the Happy Valley to the summit of the Great Orme. 🌍 Walks over the Great Orme . perhaps visiting Saint Tudno's church . Summit trails Easiest and quickest route - Haulfre Gardens Trail colour coded olive green (Victoria Tram station, Haulfre Gardens, Llwynon Road, Tyn y Coed Road, Bryn Eisteddfod Terrace, Pyllau Road, Great Orme Copper Mines) Longest route - Happy Valley Trail colour coded blue (Happy Valley Gardens, Powells Well, St Tudno's) Steepest route - Zig Zag Trail colour coded black Happy Valley . Walk and enjoy the magnificent views. Haulfre Gardens . Walk and enjoy the magnificent views. Marine Drive . Walk, cycle, drive or ride a coach around. There is a toll of £2.50 for cars but that includes free parking at the summit car park, which is reached by a side road via Saint Tudno's Church. The toll is generally not in place after 7PM. Football: Llandudno FC play soccer in Cymru Premier, the top tier within Wales. Their home ground is Maesdu Park half a mile south of the railway station. 🌍 Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre , Happy Valley , ☏ +44 1492 874707 . artificial ski slope and toboggan run Penderyn Distillery , Old Board School, Lloyd St LL30 2YG ( 400 yards northwest of station ), ☏ +44 1492 701530 . Daily 9AM-5PM . Whisky production ceased in Wales in 1894, but in 2000 Penderyn re-started in the Brecon Beacons, and in 2021 opened this distillery; another near Swansea opens in 2023. They also produce other spirits. Tour £11.50 . ( updated Jan 2023 ) 🌍 North Beach . Ride a donkey or just enjoy the sun 🌍 paddling pool , North Shore Beach . Take a dip in the lovely, large pool on the east end of the promenade. 🌍 West Shore . Ride a donkey or just enjoy the sun 🌍 Bodafon Farm Park , Bodafon Road , ☏ +44 1492 549060 . a working farm that includes a bird of prey sanctuary (lots of owls included). Rock pools . Take the stairs on the west side of the pier to some rock pools (at low tide only!). Buy Llandudno has long been considered North Wales’ 'heavyweight' shopping destination. There are two major modern retail parks in the town — ‘Mostyn Champneys’ and ‘Parc Llandudno’ — boasting a range of popular stores. Amidst the wide boulevards and Victorian awnings of the main shopping street, you’ll find lots of independent shops and family businesses alongside big high street names. The famous colourful stick of rock with inner layer spelling out Llandudno. Eat Llandudno is home to many food venues catering for all tastes and budgets. Budget Cheaper venues include: 🌍 The Palladium , 7 Gloddaeth Street , ☏ +44 1492 860023 . Pub/bistro of the J. D. Wetherspoon chain. There is often a very long wait for food here at peak times, owing to the popularity and sheer size of the venue 🌍 Fortes , 69 Mostyn Street , ☏ +44 1492 877910 . Italian & Bistro. Llandudno's famous traditional ice cream, which has been serving freshly made ice cream for the past century. 🌍 Fountains , 114 Mostyn Street , ☏ +44 1492 875600 . Trendy bar/bistro with decent selection of good quality sandwiches, pizzas and wraps Medium range For those seeking a medium-priced meal, there are several Italian and other ethnic cuisine restaurants in the town: 🌍 The Albert , 56 Madoc St , ☏ +44 1492 877188 . Describes itself as a family-friendly food pub. 🌍 Mamma Rosa , 11 Mostyn Avenue ( in Craig-y-don, close to Venue Cymru and Boulevards ), ☏ +44 1492 870070 . Italian. 🌍 Romeos , 25 Lloyd Street , ☏ +44 1492 877777 . Italian 🌍 Candles , 29 Lloyd Street ( corner of Madoc Street ), ☏ +44 1492 874422 . British/Continental licensed restaurant. 🌍 The Bengal Dynasty , 1 North Parade ( corner of Upper Mostyn Street and Prince Edward Square ), ☏ +44 1492 875928 . Bangladeshi 🌍 Home Cookin , 139A Mostyn Street , ☏ +44 1492 876585 . Bistro. Has queues most nights. Good food and friendly service. 🌍 Jasmine House , 39 Mostyn Street ( opposite Trinity Church above KFC ), ☏ +44 1492 874201 . Chinese 🌍 East , 21 Augusta Street ( opposite the Train Station. ), ☏ +44 1492 868555 . Chinese with a hint of Japanese Blue Elephant , 96 Gloddaeth St, LL30 2DS . 5-11PM . Bengali curry house, great selection including plenty of veg dishes. ( updated Nov 2022 ) Splurge The Empire Hotel . The Seahorse . No.1s Bistro . Drink Cafe Culture . Waterstone's Cafe . Upstairs At Clair's . Fortes . Badgers . It specialises in traditional-British lunches and pastries. Nightlife Though not on a par with the likes of Blackpool , Llandudno does have a vibrant nightlife scene with several popular bars and clubs. Busier in the summer months when tourists swell the ranks of revellers, a decent night out can be found in Llandudno all year round owing to the sizeable local crowd. Along with the obvious Friday and Saturday nights, Wednesday can also be busy with certain nightclubs offering popular reduced rates. Llandudno's 'trendier' bars can be found in the area of Upper Mostyn Street (walk down the Promenade towards the Cenotaph, then turn left down Gloddaeth Avenue). Venue Cymru . Modern building on the promenade with a large music stage and also a theatre hosting major shows. It often sells out for popular gigs and comedy so it's worth checking well ahead of your visit, what's on. Fountains . A popular bar offering a varied drinks menu. Quieter atmosphere in the upstairs section, live DJ in the basement. The Fat Cat . Good food, well-made cocktails. Club 147 . Popular on Friday and Saturday nights when '147' as it is commonly known transforms into a fully fledged nightclub. Also shows sports evens (but be warned; during international football or rugby matches, the crowd supports Wales and anybody but England (with tongue firmly in cheek!) The Palladium . The flagship Welsh pub of the J.D. Wetherspoon chain set in a former cinema. A very impressive sight. Crowded and often rowdy on weekends. Known locally as Wethers to the extent that some locals would not recognize its official name. The Cottage Loaf ( beside the rear entrance to the Palladium ). A stalwart of Llandudno nightlife for decades. Local beers, live music, quiz nights and a great atmosphere. The King's Head ( beside the tram station ). Offers a good variety of drinks, live music and quiz nights. Popular with young and mature crowds alike. Hosts outdoor local music evenings during the summer months. (Headstock) Llandudno has two full sized night clubs, both about a mile away from the centre of town (down the Promenade towards Craig-Y-Don). Broadway Boulevard . Very popular with the local crowd, Broadway is a large nightclub that attracts some well-known DJs. Drinks offers are available during the week (Wednesday night being the most popular). Be on your best behaviour, though; the door staff are strict an [... truncated ...]

By Plane

The nearest major international airports serve Wales [Cymru GB-CYM] with connections from across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Regional airports in the area provide additional domestic and European services. Airport buses and taxis connect to the town centre.

By Train

The local railway station is served by regular services on the British rail network. Train services connect to major cities across Wales [Cymru GB-CYM] and the wider UK. National Rail Enquiries provides schedule and fare information. Advance booking typically offers better rates.

By Car / Road

Llandudno is accessible by road via the UK's motorway and A-road network. Major routes connect the town to nearby cities and regions. Bus services provide affordable connections. Parking is generally available in designated areas in and around the town centre.

Llandudno is compact and easily explored on foot. The town centre, with its shops, restaurants, and historical buildings, is pedestrian-friendly. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car is recommended. Local bus services operate within the town and to neighbouring communities. Taxis are available for shorter journeys.

• The historic town or city centre with its traditional architecture

• Local landmarks, churches, and heritage buildings

• Scenic viewpoints and natural attractions in the surrounding area

• Nearby parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces

• Walking tours exploring the town's heritage and architecture

• Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and watersports in the surrounding area

• Visiting local museums, galleries, and cultural centres

• Exploring nearby countryside, coastline, or parks

• Sampling local food and drink at pubs, restaurants, and cafes

Dining options in Llandudno range from traditional gastropubs and cafés to fine-dining restaurants. Local specialities include fresh seafood, locally sourced meat and game, and seasonal produce. Many establishments pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting regional producers.

Typical British pub fare (fish and chips, Sunday roasts, pies) is widely available, alongside international cuisines reflecting the area's diversity. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are increasingly common.

Traditional pubs serving local ales are found throughout the town. Craft beer has a growing presence, with local microbreweries supplying both pubs and bottle shops. Tea rooms and cafés offer a quintessentially British experience. The area is well-served by coffee shops and independent roasters.

Budget

• Budget hotels and hostel accommodation available, with dorm beds from £20/night.

Mid-range

• Bed & breakfasts and guesthouses offer doubles from £70–120 per night.
• Chain hotels (Premier Inn, Travelodge, Holiday Inn) provide consistent quality.

Upscale

• Boutique hotels, country house hotels, and historic inns offer doubles from £150.

Local shops offer a range of goods from well-known brands to local crafts and speciality foods. Markets and independent retailers provide character and authentic finds. Typical opening hours are Monday–Saturday 09:00–17:30, with some stores open on Sundays. Many towns have a weekly market day.

From Llandudno, travellers can easily continue exploring other destinations within Wales [Cymru GB-CYM] and the wider United Kingdom. The well-connected transport network makes it straightforward to reach neighbouring towns, cities, and attractions.