Escape to Llandudno: This Charming Welsh Seaside Town is the Perfect Beach Getaway
Escape to Llandudno: This Charming Welsh Seaside Town is the Perfect Beach Getaway - Stroll Along the Promenade for Seaside Views
No trip to Llandudno is complete without a relaxing stroll along the scenic promenade. This wide pedestrian walkway stretches for over a mile along the sweeping curve of Llandudno Bay, providing postcard-perfect views of the Irish Sea and the town's rugged surrounds.
As you meander along the promenade, make sure to pause and take in the beautiful vistas. To the north, the impressive limestone headland known as the Great Orme juts out into the sea. From here, you can spot the Great Orme Tramway winding its way up to the summit high above town.
To the south, the smaller but no less dramatic Little Orme caps the sweeping bay. In between, panoramic views open up over Llandudno's long sandy beaches bracketed by Victorian era hotels and guesthouses. On a clear day, you can even spot the Isle of Man and the mountains of Snowdonia National Park in the distance.
The promenade itself is always bustling with activity. You'll see locals and tourists alike out for a seaside stroll, biking or jogging along the path. Children play in the sand while others fly kites overhead. There are several places to stop for ice cream, fish and chips or a cup of tea. Benches line the walkway, providing the perfect perch to pause and soak in the sunshine and sea air.
In the evenings, the promenade comes even more alive. Street performers entertain with everything from music to magic acts. The twinkling lights of the pier arc out over the water, while the Great Orme glows under floodlights in the distance.
No matter the time of day, a walk along Llandudno's scenic promenade offers constantly changing views and plenty of seaside atmosphere. As Victoria Holtom writes after her own seaside amble, "the promenade framed postcard-worthy views whichever way I looked."
For Shaun and Claire of the Family Break Finder blog, strolling the promenade was a highlight of their Llandudno getaway. "We enjoyed walking the full length, looking across to Deganwy and Conwy at one end and out to the Little Orme at the other."
Travel blogger Karen of Wander Mum also relished the chance to soak in the seaside scenery during her promenade walks, noting: "On sunny days we'd gaze dreamily out to sea as gentle waves lapped the shore."
What else is in this post?
- Escape to Llandudno: This Charming Welsh Seaside Town is the Perfect Beach Getaway - Stroll Along the Promenade for Seaside Views
- Escape to Llandudno: This Charming Welsh Seaside Town is the Perfect Beach Getaway - Ride the Victorian Tramway for a Retro Experience
- Escape to Llandudno: This Charming Welsh Seaside Town is the Perfect Beach Getaway - Explore the Great Orme for Dramatic Cliffs and Hills
- Escape to Llandudno: This Charming Welsh Seaside Town is the Perfect Beach Getaway - Wander Through Conwy Castle for Medieval Charm
Escape to Llandudno: This Charming Welsh Seaside Town is the Perfect Beach Getaway - Ride the Victorian Tramway for a Retro Experience
Step back in time with a nostalgic ride on the Great Orme Tramway, a one-of-a-kind Victorian funicular tram that climbs high above Llandudno. Opened in 1902, this retro tramway whisks you up the steep limestone cliffs of the Great Orme headland in vintage carriages dating from the early 20th century. With sparkling views over town and sea at every turn, the tramway lets you experience a piece of Llandudno’s rich history and seaside charm.
The trams depart regularly from the bottom station on Victoria Promenade, just a short stroll from the pier and promenade. As the antique wooden carriages slowly ascend, you’ll get sweeping views across Llandudno Bay and the Irish Sea. Up ahead, the summit of the Great Orme comes into focus, topped with an Edwardian hotel that looks like a frosted wedding cake perched on the clifftops.
Each lovingly restored carriage has polished wood seats and framed pictures to provide a taste of the tramway's Victorian era origins. For the full retro effect, ride in one of the heritage "toastrack" trams with open sides that let the sea breeze ruffle your hair. En route, audio guides share stories and legends about the Great Orme's history.
After a leisurely 40 minute ride, the tramway terminates at the upper station located 679 feet above sea level. Here, you can explore the upper levels of the Great Orme, with its sprawling country park, discovery trails, and sweeping coastal outlooks. Or, hop on the return tram to coast back down to town.
Riding the vintage tramcars lets you imagine Llandudno’s bygone days as a genteel Victorian seaside resort. As blogger Becky of Little Big Wander puts it: “There was something ultra-charming about riding the rickety old tram up the steep hillside, with the wind in our hair and stunning views across the bay.”
For Karen at Wander Mum, riding the tramway was a trip highlight: “It was such a lovely experience travelling up (and down) the Great Orme in a 100-year-old tramcar.” She adds: “Don’t miss taking a ride on this vintage tram for wonderful views over Llandudno promenade.”
Escape to Llandudno: This Charming Welsh Seaside Town is the Perfect Beach Getaway - Explore the Great Orme for Dramatic Cliffs and Hills
Rising above Llandudno Bay, the rugged limestone headland known as the Great Orme offers miles of dramatic cliffs, hills, and coastal scenery to explore. This prominent peninsula has been shaped over millennia by the forces of nature, resulting in a landscape brimming with interest. From its windswept summit to wave-battered cliffs, the Great Orme is an adventure playground for hikers, nature-lovers, and anyone seeking breathtaking vistas.
For panoramic views, head to the top of the Great Orme by tramway or by hiking up one of the designated trails. Up here, the summit stretches out into heather-clad hills and fields grazed by goats, overlooking the sweeping curve of Llandudno Bay. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Isle of Man, Anglesey, and the Snowdonia mountains. Thevlan Y Graig headland boasts particularly fine vistas, especially during golden hour when the limestone glows under raking light.
All along the Great Orme's coast, sheer cliffs plunge down to foaming surf and secluded coves below. Follow miles of waymarked trails to take in the staggering clifftop outlooks. The Haulfre Gardens offer a lovely coastal walk overlooking aptly-named Seacliff Bay. Meanwhile, Marine Drive weaves around the peninsula with constantly changing vistas. Stop at Rest and Be Thankful for a deserved break and breathtaking bay views.
For a more rustic perspective, use the permitted access paths to reach the base of the Great Orme's cliffs. Here you can marvel at the towering rockfaces and see the power of the sea carving out tunnels, arches, and sea caves. Check the tide times and take care near the water. The pebbled beach at Pen Trwyn offers a wonderful vantage point.
Geological steps, carved niches, and unique rock formations add visual interest. Seek out the ‘Fairy Glen’ valley with its weather-hewn labyrinth of tunnels, clefts, and mini canyons. Or spot the ‘Holy Trinity’, a triad of sheer cliff stacks. Even small details charm, like purple heather carpeting rocky outcrops in summer.
Escape to Llandudno: This Charming Welsh Seaside Town is the Perfect Beach Getaway - Wander Through Conwy Castle for Medieval Charm
Step back in time wandering the atmospheric ruins of Conwy Castle. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, this medieval fortress offers a glimpse into Llandudno’s rich history and the storied era of castles. Dating back over 700 years, Conwy Castle exemplifies medieval military architecture with its soaring walls and eight iconic towers.
As you approach across the bridge and through the barbican gatehouse, it’s easy to envision knights and archers patrolling the ramparts. The inner ward spreads out, surrounded by imposing curtain walls with arrow slits and lookout turrets. In one corner, a tall tower leans at a precarious angle, adding visual drama. The king’s private apartments still stand, though roofless now with sweeping views. Descend narrow spiral stairs to explore the vaulted undercroft and chapel ruins.
Climbing up the towers and stairs rewards you with panoramic outlooks over the town of Conwy, the river estuary and surrounding mountains. The views from the castle battlements are Instagram-worthy. As Shaun at Family Break Finder describes it: “the views over the estuary and Snowdonia from the top of the towers were fantastic”.
Conwy Castle provides a glimpse into medieval life during the 13th century rule of Edward I, who commissioned the fortress. Back then, it would have bustled with royal officials, servants and soldiers. The castle became an important strategical stronghold, heavily fortified against Welsh resistance. Today, audio guides really help conjure a sense of the castle's medieval past.
Beyond the fortified walls, make time to explore the quaint historic town of Conwy itself. Medieval architectural gems line the cobbled streets, like Aberconwy House and the iconic town arches. For blogger Becky at Little Big Wander, wandering Conwy was a joy: “We loved exploring the little alleyways and taking pictures of all the pretty coloured buildings”.
Conwy is also renowned for its picturesque harbor lined with boats. Karen at Wander Mum suggests a waterside walk: “Take time to follow the quay around the water’s edge and watch the small fishing boats coming and going with the tide”. Grab fish and chips from the quay to complete your seaside amble.