STAY AT HOME
Bookended by beaches on a limestone peninsula, this vintage North Wales seaside town has plenty of outdoor appeal
Why go
A Victorian favourite once billed as the ‘Queen of Welsh resorts’, Llandudno has kept much of the charm that made it so popular. The curving promenade framing Llandudno Bay, the aroma of fish and chips wafting in the air, pastel-coloured art deco houses lining the seafront and old-fashioned amusements on Llandudno Pier all combine to deliver a quintessential British seaside break. The town also serves as gateway to a wealth of natural attractions in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and water-based adventures in Colwyn Bay. And a stay in Llandudno can be combined with a trip to Conwy, across the river of the same name, which has a mighty castle and Britain’s smallest house. visitconwy.org.uk
What to do
Spend a day exploring the area in and around the Great Orme —the limestone headland that rises above Llandudno to the north west. Start by riding the cable-hauled Great Orme Tramway (in action since 1902) and exploring the Great Orme Mines, a legacy of Bronze Age copper mining. Then, if it’s not too windy, glide down on the Llandudno Cable Car and take a car or bike along Marine Drive for a scenic trip around the base of the peninsula, looking out across the Irish Sea to the Menai Strait and Anglesey. greatormetramway.co.uk greatormemines.info
Where to eat
Dylan’s, on Llandudno’s East Parade, is set in a Grade II-listed building and offers sea views plus a menu starring local produce. Dishes might include Welsh lamb tacos, Conwy pork or mussels plucked from the Menai Strait. Its attached shop has a range of award-winning Welsh sauces, pickles and preserves to take home. dylansrestaurant.co.uk
