10 Best Things to Do in Llandudno, Wales

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In my opinion, Wales is one of the most underrated places to visit in the UK. Everyone raves about all the things to do in London and the English coastline, and everyone loves Edinburgh for its Harry Potter vibes and gorgeous architecture, but somehow, Wales is often left off the list. And this my friend, is where you’re making a HUGE mistake, because there are so many wonderful places to visit in Wales. First and foremost, this charming little coastal town, because, there are so many great things to do in Llandudno.

Nestled on the Welsh coast, Llandudno will enchant you with its timeless Victorian architecture, scenic beauty, and lively ambience. So, whether you’re interested in the nostalgic seaside pier and panoramic views, or simply want somewhere to stay in Wales that is close to the infamous Snowdon, here are the top things to do in Llandudno.

Where is Llandudno?

First things first, where is Llandudno? Llandudno is located in Conwy County Borough, on the north coast of Wales. It is situated between the Great Orme headland and the Little Orme peninsula, overlooking the Irish Sea. The town is easily accessible by road and rail, with the A55 expressway providing a direct route by car, and the Llandudno railway station connecting it to major cities like Manchester and London via train.

From London, it’s quite a drive, clocking in at around 4.5 hours. By train, it’s not much of a shorter journey, as you’ll have to go into Manchester, and then onto Wales from there. It’ll take around 3 hours and 45 minutes to get to Llandudno from London by train. 

I typically use Omio to book all my train travel, as it’s easy and affordable. 

How long is Llandudno pier?

Llandudno Pier is approximately 700 meters (2,296 feet) long. It’s one of the longest piers in the UK – in fact, it’s the 5th longest! – and the longest in Wales. It extends out into the Irish Sea from the Llandudno seafront, offering stunning views of the coast and the surrounding landscape.

The best things to do in Llandudno

So, without further ado, these are the best things to do in Llandudno, Wales. I’ve included the price of each activity so you know exactly what your trip to Welsh town will cost and I’ve also included a few of my personal top tips for visiting the area. 

1. Ride the Llandudno cable car

Cost: £13 return, £12.50 single per adult

One of the most popular attractions in Llandudno is the Great Orme. This magnificent cliff top has plenty of great things to do at the top, and there are several ways to get up it: drive, walk (although that is more like a hike than a walk!), take the tram (which we’ll cover shortly), or take the Llandudno cable car!

The cable car, with its cute pastel-coloured cars, is the longest in Britain and easily one of the best things to do in Llandudno. It’s one of the town’s most popular attractions too and offers a leisurely journey 679 feet up to the summit complex of the Great Orme where you can see panoramic views of the coastal town, the bay of Llandudno, and the surrounding landscapes. 

Top Tips: You can catch the cable car from the Happy Valley and it’s a cash-only attraction. There’s no cash point at the summit, so you’ll need to have cash on you. It also can’t operate when it’s too windy, so check the weather before you go.

2. Wander Llandudno pier

Cost: Free to enter, plus whatever you spend on attractions

As the longest pier in Wales, this is a great place to visit in Llandudno.

Stretching out into the ocean, along the pier you’ll find the usual collection of corny, but enjoyable, UK seaside attractions. 

Ride the Ferris wheel, spin on the teacups, and grab your bag to race down the slides! Then, head to the arcade to play Deal or No Deal, the 2p machine, or Mario Kart! I absolutely love arcades and easily spent a few hours on the pier when I was there.

3. Explore Llandudno promenade

Cost: Free

Located along the oceanfront, the Llandudno promenade is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll along the seafront. Fringed by Victorian buildings and overlooking the sandy beach and the majestic Great Orme headland, it offers a picturesque backdrop for locals and tourists alike.

It’s lined with benches, so you can sit and watch the sunset. It’s also the gateway to the pier and the beach, so it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll visit here at least once during your trip to Llandudno.

Top Tip: You might also find a few markers on the secret Alice in Wonderland trail here…

4. Ride the Llandudno tram

Cost: £10.90 return and £9.20 single per adult

The second method you can use to get to the infamous Great Orme summit is the tramway. Just a short walk from the centre of the town, the tramway is an old-fashioned cart that trundles up the mountain giving you pretty awesome views of the countryside.

There are two different trams you’ll have to get to get to the summit of the mountain. The first tram takes you to the halfway point. This takes around 10 minutes but for us, it took a little longer as there were delays with the returning tram which meant our one couldn’t set off. At the halfway point, you’ll find a small museum dedicated to the Great Orme. It’s a great place to learn some history about the site. 

To get to the very top, take the second tram. This takes around 5 minutes and has less impressive views than the first as you’re going up the final bit of the mountainside now. But once you reach the top, you’ll have access to all of the Great Orme’s attractions, scenery, and copper mines. 

Top Tip: It would be nice if they did a combo ticket so that you can take the cable car up and the tram back down, but unfortunately, they don’t offer this as the services are run by two separate companies. So, if you want to experience the tram and the cable car, you’ll have to pay twice.

5. Visit the Great Orme

Cost: Free, but the mines are £10.50 per adult.

Now, it’s time to talk about the Great Orme itself. Easily one of the best things to do in Llandudno, this impressive headland towers above the town. Rising dramatically above the Irish Sea, the Great Orme is known for its rugged beauty and breathtaking panoramic views. From the top, you can see the entire coastline, the beautiful bay and the charming town below. 

This is on a clear day, of course. Unfortunately for us, the clouds didn’t make for a great view!

Nonetheless, even on a cloudy day, there are also lots of things to do up the Great Orme. You’ll find fascinating rock formations, viewpoints, and an extensive network of walking trails that wind through the landscape. You’ll also find the Great Orme copper mines.

These mines are believed to be one of the world’s oldest known mines, dating back over 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. They were primarily excavated for copper ore, which was used for tools, ornaments, and trade. You can explore the underground tunnels and chambers that were once worked by prehistoric miners, revealing a complex network of passages and chambers.

6. Relax on Llandudno’s beaches

Cost: Free

There are two primary beaches in Llandudno: Llandudno (also known as North Shore Beach) and West Shore Beach. Located on opposite sides of the town, these beaches are a great spot to enjoy the coast in Wales, but are each pretty different. 

Llandudno Beach, located along the bustling promenade, boasts a wide expanse of rocky sand against the backdrop of the impressive Great Orme. Its gently sloping shoreline is perfect for leisurely walks, and family activities, but the pebbles don’t make it great for sunbathing. It’s also where you’ll find the pier, so it can get pretty busy. 

West Shore Beach, on the other hand, offers a quieter escape with its serene atmosphere. The beach is a combination of pebbles and sand. It’s perfect for relaxation and taking in the tranquil surroundings, or going for a stroll with your dog. We also saw plenty of cyclists and runners along the path here. 

7. Walk the Alice in Wonderland Trail

Cost: Free

For those who are a fan of fairytales and fancy a little whimsical exploration, then the Alice in Wonderland trail might just be one of the best things to do in Llandudno. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s famous literary work (which I have been bought many copies of over the years!), the trail takes visitors on a delightful journey through various locations associated with Alice’s adventures. 

It’s almost like a free scavenger hunt through the town. You can download an app, mark your journey and cross off all the points that you find! From bronze sculptures of iconic characters like the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter to themed displays that bring the story to life, the trail offers a blend of storytelling and outdoor exploration. It’s actually pretty fun and well worth doing if you have the time.

8. Visit the Llandudno Snowsports Centre

Cost: Depends on the activity. Practice on the main slopes is £24 per adult, while the Toboggan run is £10 for 2 rides.

Located in the heart of Llandudno, this sports centre is a great place to visit if you like to get a little active when you travel. Catering to both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts, the centre offers a range of snow-related activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Its artificial slopes provide a convenient and accessible way for you to learn and refine your snow skills regardless of the season. You’ll then be able to hit the slopes of France or Austria in style!

9. Visit the Happy Valley Botanical Garden

Cost: Free

Nestled on the slopes of the Great Orme, and incidentally where you’ll get the cable car from if you choose this method of getting to the summit, is a gorgeous place to relax surrounded by natural beauty and diverse plant life.

This idyllic garden offers a tranquil escape, featuring well-maintained pathways, vibrant flower beds, and lush greenery. With a backdrop of breathtaking sea and town views, it’s a popular spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and moments of relaxation.

10. Take a day trip to Conwy

Cost: Free, Conwy Castle entrance is £11.70 per adult

Conwy is a historic town located next to Llandudno. Taking a day trip there is a fantastic idea if you enjoy history, castles, and captivating medieval charm. The town is almost the opposite of Llandudno in that it has historical attractions where Llandudno has natural ones.

Conwy Castle is an absolute must-visit and walking through its ancient courtyards and turrets will literally take you back in time. You’ll also find the “Smallest House in Britain”, which ironically used to belong to a huge fisherman, and Conwy’s picturesque quayside and harbour. The Conwy Suspension bridge is also worth a visit as well as Plas Mawr, an old building in the town centre. 

Overall a trip to Conwy is a great way to get a deeper understanding of the area’s history and one of the best things to do in Llandudno.

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