Discover Llandudno
Queen of Welsh Resorts
Don’t be fooled into thinking that you’ve got this quiet little town worked out – just when you think you’ve seen everything, there’s always one or two surprises waiting just around the corner!
A Brief History
Let’s not kid ourselves that the history of Llandundo is a quick and easy one to learn about… Settlements on the Great Orme date back as far as the Stone Age, but it was in the mid-19th Century that architect ‘Owen Williams’ presented a plan to ‘Lord Mostyn‘. The plan was to develop the marshlands behind Llandudno Bay and develop it into a holiday resort. They were enthusiastically pursued by Lord Mostyn and between 1857 and 1877, much of central Llandudno was developed into the town that we know and love today. The town has continued to grow in popularity thanks to its traditional feel and is considered one of the top tourist destinations to visit in the UK.
Llandudno is a fantastic place for tourists thanks to its history, attractions and the vast choice of restaurants, cafes and bars. Llandudno is also perfectly located as the gateway to Discover North Wales. Its location right in the centre of the North Wales coastline means that whether its history and castles your after or the excitement of climbing mountains, everything is right on your doorstep.
BEST PLACES TO EAT
We think that the best place to eat in town is the Swn Y Mor, but if you like to get out and about and you want to explore Llandudno, you’ll be spoilt for choice! The only problem will be separating the good from the ‘not so good’ – so we’ve chosen some of our favourite places to help you narrow down the options. Remember, these are some of the best places to eat in town and tend to be busy regardless of when you are visiting – even in the winter, they are filled with the locals (which is usually a good sign). BOOKING AHEAD IS RECOMMENDED!
01492 877777
An extensive & authentic Italian menu using the best and freshest ingredients. ‘Romeo’ has been established for over 25 years and is popular with both locals and tourists. There is a great ambience in the restaurant and the staff are always so friendly!
01492 870762
Everything that you would expect from a Welsh Country Pub but located right in the heart of Llandudno. ‘The loaf’ has a big open fire place, which makes it the perfect venue in the colder months, but also has a small enclosed garden which acts as a sun trap in the summer!
01492 870762
Whilst it’s not in Llandudno Town Centre, this Chinese Restaurant is still only a 5 minute walk from the Swn Y Mor and is definitely our top choice when it comes to Chinese food. Everything always seems to be cooked fresh and there’s plenty of choice regardless of your dietary needs.
01492 875315
If it’s fresh seafood you’re after, you’d be hard pressed to get fresher than the fish that is served at the Sea Horse! Don’t worry if everyone in the group isn’t a fish eater – there’s plenty of other things on the menu to choose from.
01492 546570
On the outskirts of Llandudno in Glanwyddan Village, there is a little country pub that is arguably the best kept secret in town. A great range of cask ales and an extensive menu make the car journey worthwhile. Better still, get a taxi and enjoy a stress free evening!
01492 871813
The home of wood fired pizza in Llandudno! When coupled with the array of local Draught Beer and Gin that’s on offer, this is a great restaurant where you’ll get a warm welcome from both the staff and the oven!
BEST PLACES TO DRINK
You may not be interested in an old fashioned pub crawl, but there’s nothing wrong with stopping at the occasional ‘watering hole’ while you explore all that Llandudno has to offer. Everyone can find all the ‘usual suspects’, but surely you haven’t come to Llandudno to go to the same pubs as everyone else! We’ve put together some of our favourites and places where you’ll find ‘the locals’ to help you experience everything Llandudno has to offer. Naturally we recommend starting off at the Swn Y Mor with one of the local beers, a chilled glass of Welsh wine or fruity Welsh Gin & Tonic (please don’t have all 3 at the same time as you may not make it past the front door). Once you feel refreshed, try any of the following…
This micro pub is hidden away, with the locals looking to keep it as their own little secret! If you fancy trying a craft beer or local ale, you will struggle to find a bigger selection anywhere else in town. TOP TIP: visit on Tuesdays at 17:30 for the legendary ‘Cheese Tuesday Platter’!
Recently refurbished to a very high standard, this pub has a fantastic little sun terrace. If you’re not careful you could end up staying for the entire afternoon! It has a tasty menu and the delicious food is cooked to order.
Built in the 1700’s, this is the oldest pub in town and one that should not be missed. Hidden behind the Great Orme Tram Station, prepare yourself to meet and get chatting to some of the friendly locals. The pub regularly has live performances, so keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates.
You may feel slightly overwhelmed in the lounge at Osborne House. Maybe it’s the open fire places or the grand pictures hanging on the wall. Like it or hate it, you can’t help but feel that you have walked onto the set of ‘Downton Abbey’.
Snooze brings a touch of elegance and splendour as it serves up a vast array of wines from all around the world. Its sharing platters are tasty and ensures that the wine doesn’t go to your head too quickly!
OK, so this one’s a little touristy, but you can’t visit Llandudno without wandering along its famous pier. Perched right at the end of the pier (half a mile out to sea), you can take a moment to look back at Llandudno in all its glory!
BEST PLACES TO SEE
Regardless of your reasons for visiting to Llandudno, there are a few things that you must do whilst you’re here. I’m sure that most of these things are already on your list, but just to make sure…
At over 200m high, this limestone headland is an incredible backdrop to the town. The Orme is home to a herd of Kashmiri Goats, which can be seen grazing precariously on the edge of the cliffs. On a clear day, views from the top of the Orme can stretch as far as the Isle of Man.
At over a mile in length, the Llandudno cable car will take you on a sight-seeing journey like no other in the town. The red & yellow cars can be seen silently travelling up and down the Orme, slowly carrying thousands of people each year up to the summit.
Opened in 1902, the Great Orme Tramway is the only remaining cable-operated street tramway in Britain. The first part of your journey takes you up through some of the steepest streets in Llandudno to the ‘half way point’. The second takes you up to the summit of the Great Orme.
If you like chocolate, then you’re in for a treat! Go on a journey that will take you through the last 5000 years, looking at how chocolate has become intertwined into our society. Try a few samples before heading to the little chocolate shop where you will probably want to buy everything!
Uncovered in 1987 during a scheme to landscape part of the Orme, these Copper Mines date back over 4000 years to the Bronze Age. Engineers, Cavers & Archaeologists are still finding new tunnels to reveal what is thought to be the largest discovered prehistoric mine so far, in the World!
Take time to experience the sights and sounds of what life was like in Britain during World War 2. An incredible time capsule that is both educational and humbling. It is an important reminder of how proud and grateful we should be – never forgetting the people that lost their lives.