Llandudno has always been one of our go-tos on a weekend. Ever since I was a child, our weekend jaunt usually meant a trip to Llandudno where undoubtedly we would end up in Asda for a lunch and a chat with all the other people from Blaenau! Ahhhh happy days! Well thankfully, not much has changed and here’s 9 things to do in Llandudno!
(I’ll also have another blog post coming about the Great Orme so don’t despair if you don’t find some star attractions missing on this list)
1) Play on West Shore Beach
On the opposite side of Llandudno is West Shore Beach. Boasting views of the Conwy Riviera, Carneddau mountain range and Anglesey from it’s beautiful beach it is a must visit during warmer days. There’s a little play area for children but who doesn’t love a bit of sea and sand eh?
2) Follow the Alice in Wonderland Story
Did you know that Lewis Carroll (author of Alice Through The Looking Glass) holidayed in Llandudno? Well that’s the rumour and dotted around Llandudno you will find various wooden statues of the characters from the tales. During my visits to Llandudno I think I’ve found them all…. Alice, The Mad Hatter, The White Rabbit, Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum and of course the Queen of Hearts. I won’t spoil it for you by telling you where to find them but you should follow the Alice in Wonderland Town Trail.
3) Scooter along the North Shore
North Shore promenade is a long wide promenade stretching from the pier at the bottom of the Great Orme all the way to Craig Y Don to the East. At the “top end” where the pier is, you normally find the Punch & Judy show and various bus or boat tours can be accessed here. A fab way to reach the other end of the 1.3 mile long promenade is to scooter along. I have rollerbladed it but it’s rather coarse tarmac and causes havoc with your ankles. I have found scooters to be a much better option.
4) Craig Y Don Paddling Pool
Once you reach the far end of the North Shore promenade you will find the Criag Y Don paddling pool. This outdoor space is rather weather dependent of course but on a sunny day is there anything better than a bit of paddling by the sea? And once you’re done paddling you can always stop for a small treat at the Apprentice’s Alana’s Ridiculously Rich kiosk which can be found alongside the pool.
5) RNLI Lifeboat Station
Whilst you’re down that end of the promenade why not visit the relatively new RNLI lifeboat station. We didn’t manage to visit last time we were there as it was closed due to Covid restrictions but me being me, I pressed my face right up against the window to take a peek at the impressive lifeboat. Looks like such a fascinating place.
6) Visit Pier Amusements and Peabody’s Play Area
If you have plenty of pennies then it’s worth a visit to Pier Amusements on the North Shore Pier – a fabulous Grade II listed building. We used to love it here as children – penny slot machines and the massive bumpy slide!
7) Have an ice cream at Fortes Ice Cream Parlour
At the bottom of Mostyn Street you can find Fortes Ice Cream Parlour. With a huge selection of ice creams you are bound to find something to tickle your fancy. Our usual selection is mint and bubblegum flavours.
If ice cream isn’t your thing then there’s also crepes and waffles to be found… yum!
8) Take in a show at Venue Cymru
If a show is what you’re after then Venue Cymru is where you need to be. I’ve been lucky enough to see quite a few shows here including comedy shows, musicals and just feel good nights out. I’ve yet to see panto there but it’s tempting to do that this Christmas.
9) Victorian Extravaganza
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Llandudno is renowned for being a highly popular Victorian holiday location and so during this is an annual 3 day event the town celebrates all things Victorian in the Victorian Extravaganza. From Victorian rides such as helter skelter, merry go rounds and carousels to people donning on fabulous Victorian costumes and parading around town, you are sure to find something that catches your eye. My personal favourites are the traction engines that turn up for the Transport Festival which happens alongside the Victorian Extravaganza. It normally happens over the Spring bank holiday weekend in early May.
I think you’ll find that most of the things I mention in this post is a throwback to my childhood. There is something oddly reassuring that Llandudno still holds the same charm as it did when I was a kid. Long may it continue to be the charming seaside resort it always has been.
