Promenade like the Victorians
Llandudno’s wide sweeping promenade is the one of the defining features of the town. Stretching out for a good mile and a half, the gorgeously designed hotels that line the front are almost as pretty as the sea view. During the height of summer the beaches are thronged with tourists and traditional attractions like Punch and Judy shows and donkey rides. If you’re feeling peckish, now would be the perfect time to pick up some seaside fare. Cockles and mussels with a splash of Tabasco cannot be beaten if you’re looking for some molluscs with your sea view, although they’re not necessarily to everyone’s taste.
Follow the Alice in Wonderland Trail
There are no historical records of Alice Liddell, Lewis Carroll’s muse for his children’s classic, ever visiting Llandudno. However, the local council has taken a rumour and really run with it. Wonderfully designed wooden sculptures based on some of the more memorable characters are dotted round the town, with a trail running between them. On the way, you can stop off at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Room and The Looking Glass Ice Cream Parlour. If you’d like a bigger, perhaps more authentic, culture hit then the Mostyn Gallery is always worth a look. With its ever changing modern art exhibits and 19th century interiors, its free and stunning.
Walk down Llandudno Pier and get lucky on the arcade
Nothing screams Victorian-style seaside like a good old fashioned pier and arcade. Llandudno’s has been recently renovated so you’ll have all the fun and joy of walking just metres above the sea, without the fear of falling through a rotten plank. There are plenty of benches along the pier to take a load off, but if you’re looking for some amusements its crammed full of distractions. Surprisingly large rides for kids, classic claw machines as well as traditional penny slots are all on offer to suck up your loose change. Take your winnings (if you have any!) and walk to the end of the pier to enjoy the view and a stick of candy floss.
Climb (or ride up) the Great Orme and have a pitch’n’putt
Its the Goliath of a hill that commands a huge view of the city. As soon as you get to Llandudno you’ll see it towering above the pier, beach and hotels and you’ll want to take the challenge. Whilst not exactly Everest, the steep incline and winding road may prove a bit of a challenge for young ones and the elderly. If you’d rather save your breath (and your legs) then you can always take the tram up to the top. Its a lovely antiquated Victorian thing, with a friendly driver, and at least you’ll have plenty of energy left when you reach the top. Energy that you’ll need to enjoy the well implemented crazy golf course that’s situated right at the top near a lovely cafe, serving teas, coffees and cakes.
Take a well deserved ride on the cable car
You’re at the top of the Great Orme, you’ve exhausted yourself on the way up and now you’re immobilised. Having gorged yourself on a cream tea with scones, before you even consider rolling back down the hills, or paying for another trip on the tram—stop! There’s a wonderful cable car ride; taking you the full 679 feet back down to the town and getting you that extra bit closer back to your hotel and your well earned afternoon nap. The cable ride takes a leisurely nine minutes, giving you ample time to enjoy the panoramic views of the bay of Llandudno and the Iris Sea.