The Ultimate Guide to Llandudno, North Wales: Best Things to Do, See & Eat

Last updated on August 6th, 2026 at 01:10 pm

Llandudno is often called the Queen of Welsh seaside resorts, and after visiting several times, I can completely see why. With its elegant Victorian promenade, sweeping bay, Great Orme, traditional pier and fantastic restaurants, it’s a great place to base yourself when exploring North Wales.

While many people simply pass through on their way to Snowdonia (Eryri), Llandudno deserves much more than a quick stop. Whether you’re planning a weekend break, a family holiday or using it as a base to explore the surrounding area, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

In this guide, I’ll share all my favourite things to do in Llandudno, along with where to eat, where to stay and link to some brilliant day trips nearby.

The Ultimate Llandudno Travel Guide

Where is Llandudno?

Llandudno is a traditional Victorian seaside town on the North Wales coast, nestled between the Great Orme and Little Orme headlands. It’s around an hour’s drive from Chester and makes an excellent base for exploring some of the best places in North Wales, including Conwy, Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park and Anglesey.

Whether you’re looking for scenic walks, beaches, historic attractions or outdoor adventures, you’ll find plenty to do both in Llandudno itself and within easy reach.

When is the Best Time to Visit Llandudno?

Llandudno is a fantastic destination all year round, but the best time to visit is generally between late spring and early autumn (May to September), when you’ll have the best chance of warm, sunny weather and longer daylight hours.

Summer is ideal for enjoying the beaches, promenade and outdoor cafés, while autumn brings beautiful colours to nearby Snowdonia (Eryri) and tends to be a little quieter. Winter has its own charm too, with cosy pubs, dramatic coastal walks and festive events, although some attractions have reduced opening hours.

How Many Days Do You Need in Llandudno?

You can see many of Llandudno’s main attractions in a day, but I’d recommend spending at least 2-3 days here.

That gives you enough time to explore the Great Orme, stroll along the famous Victorian pier and promenade, visit the town’s cafés and restaurants, and still have time for a couple of fantastic day trips to places like Conwy, Betws-y-Coed or Snowdonia National Park.

If you’re planning to explore more of North Wales, Llandudno also makes an excellent base for a longer stay.

Do You Need a Car?

Not necessarily, but I’d highly recommend hiring one if you can.

Llandudno itself is easy to explore on foot, but many of North Wales’ best attractions are spread across the region. Having your own car gives you the freedom to visit places like Eryri (Snowdonia), Betws-y-Coed, Anglesey, castles, beaches and hidden waterfalls at your own pace, without having to rely on public transport.

If you’re flying into the UK or arriving by train, you can hire a car from places like Manchester Airport, Liverpool Airport, Chester or Llandudno Junction before heading to the coast. I usually compare prices using DiscoverCars.com, as it searches multiple rental companies to help find the best deal.

Parking in Llandudno

There are plenty of pay-and-display car parks throughout Llandudno, along with roadside parking in some areas. During weekends, school holidays and sunny summer days, parking can fill up quickly, so it’s worth arriving early if possible.

Many hotels also offer guest parking, although some charge an additional fee, so it’s worth checking before you book.

Getting to Llandudno by Train

Llandudno has its own railway station, with direct services from cities including Manchester and regular connections via Chester.

If you’re travelling from London, Birmingham or elsewhere in the UK, you’ll usually change at Chester or Llandudno Junction before continuing on to Llandudno.

The station is only a short walk from the town centre, promenade and many of the main hotels, making it an easy destination to visit without a car.

Top Tip: If you’re arriving by train but still want to explore further afield, you can hire a car locally or use buses to reach nearby attractions, although public transport is more limited in some parts of North Wales.

Best Things to Do in Llandudno

Walk to the Summit of the Great Orme (Y Gogarth)

If you don’t mind a bit of a climb, walking to the top of the Great Orme is one of the best things to do in Llandudno. The views over the bay, coastline and mountains are well worth the effort, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot the famous Kashmiri goats along the way.Walk Llandudno Promenade

Stretching along the seafront, Llandudno’s elegant Victorian promenade is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Grab a coffee, breathe in the sea air and admire the colourful hotels and sweeping views across the bay.

Visit Llandudno Pier

One of the best-preserved Victorian piers in the UK, Llandudno Pier is packed with traditional seaside charm. Wander to the end, browse the gift shops or simply enjoy the views over the Irish Sea.

Ride the Great Orme Tramway

Dating back to 1902, the Great Orme Tramway is Britain’s only remaining cable-hauled street tramway. It’s a fun and scenic way to reach the summit without tackling the climb.

Take the Great Orme Cable Cars

For the best views in town, hop aboard the Great Orme Cable Cars. Floating high above Llandudno, you’ll enjoy incredible views across the coastline, the Great Orme and Snowdonia (Eryri) beyond.

Visit the Great Orme Mines

Step back in time at the Great Orme Bronze Age Mines, one of the world’s most remarkable prehistoric archaeological sites. Explore the ancient tunnels and discover what life was like over 3,500 years ago.

See the Kashmiri Goats

One of Llandudno’s most famous residents, the wild Kashmiri goats roam freely across the Great Orme. Keep your eyes peeled while walking or driving around the headland—you never know where they’ll pop up.

Explore Happy Valley Gardens

Nestled beneath the Great Orme, Happy Valley Gardens is a peaceful spot filled with colourful flowers, walking paths and fantastic sea views. It’s the perfect place to relax before heading up the Great Orme.

Relax on West Shore Beach

Quieter than the main beach, West Shore is a great place to escape the crowds. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset, with views towards Conwy and the mountains of Snowdonia.

Enjoy North Shore Beach

Llandudno’s main beach sits alongside the promenade and pier, making it the perfect place for a traditional British seaside day. Bring a deckchair, paddle in the sea or simply watch the world go by.

Grab an Ice Cream on the Prom

No visit to Llandudno is complete without an ice cream by the sea. Take a stroll along the promenade or pier with a cone in hand and enjoy one of Britain’s classic seaside traditions. Just keep an eye out for the seagulls!

Visit Mostyn Street

Llandudno’s main shopping street is packed with independent shops, cafés, restaurants and well-known high street stores. It’s a great place to wander if the weather takes a turn.

Watch the Sunset

Whether you head to the Great Orme, West Shore or simply find a spot along the promenade, Llandudno is a fantastic place to watch the sun dip below the horizon. On a clear evening, the colours can be spectacular.

Explore the Best of North Wales

One of the reasons I love Llandudno so much is that it’s not just a fantastic destination in its own right – it’s also one of the best bases for exploring North Wales. Within an hour or so, you can be hiking in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, wandering the colourful streets of Portmeirion, exploring medieval Conwy Castle or discovering charming villages like Betws-y-Coed and Criccieth.

If you’ve got a few extra days, I’d highly recommend venturing beyond Llandudno to experience more of this beautiful corner of Wales.

Some of my favourite nearby places include:

• Conwy – Just 10 minutes away, with its magnificent castle, medieval walls and picturesque harbour.
• Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park – Incredible mountain walks, lakes, waterfalls and adventure activities.
• Betws-y-Coed – A beautiful village surrounded by forests, rivers and scenic walks.
• Portmeirion – An enchanting Italian-style village unlike anywhere else in the UK.
• Criccieth – A charming seaside town with a dramatic castle and one of my favourite fish and chip spots.
• Anglesey – Beautiful beaches, coastal walks and picturesque seaside towns.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out my guide to the best places to visit in North Wales, and my comprehensive list of things to do in Snowdonia National Park (Eryri).

Best Places to Eat in Llandudno

rom traditional fish and chips by the sea to cosy cafés and stylish restaurants, Llandudno has plenty of great places to eat. These are the places I’ve personally tried, along with a few others that come highly recommended and are on my list for next time.

Snooze Wine Bar

One of my favourite finds in Llandudno, Snooze is a relaxed wine bar and restaurant just a short walk from the promenade. We originally popped in for a drink but ended up staying for dinner after seeing the food being served. The atmosphere was brilliant, the staff were incredibly friendly and the food was excellent. If you’re visiting at the weekend, I’d definitely recommend booking ahead.

Dylan’s

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more special, I’d highly recommend Dylan’s. Set right on the waterfront, it has one of the best dining locations in Llandudno, with panoramic views across the bay while you eat. The menu celebrates the best of North Wales, with fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients and delicious wood-fired pizzas, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner or just a drink overlooking the sea, it’s one of those places that’s worth adding to your itinerary.

Fish Tram Chips

You simply can’t visit a British seaside town without fish and chips, and Fish Tram Chips is one of the most popular places in Llandudno. Located opposite the Great Orme Tramway, it’s the perfect stop before or after exploring the Great Orme. Grab your fish and chips and enjoy them on the promenade overlooking the sea. Just watch out for those damn seagulls.

The Cottage Loaf

For a cosy pub meal, it’s hard to beat The Cottage Loaf. This traditional gastropub sits right in the heart of Llandudno and is the perfect place to warm up after a day of exploring. I visited on a Sunday when most people were tucking into the famous roast dinners (the Welsh lamb looked incredible!), but I couldn’t resist the lasagne instead. As someone who’s very fussy about lasagne, I can honestly say it didn’t disappoint.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without dessert. The millionaire’s shortbread sundae, loaded with brownie chunks, chocolate mousse and cream, was every bit as indulgent as it sounds and absolutely delicious. If you’ve got room, I’d definitely recommend saving space for pudding!

Also Worth Checking Out

Although I haven’t eaten at these yet, they all come highly recommended by locals and visitors alike:

• Home Cookin’ – Famous for generous portions of traditional Welsh and British comfort food.
• Osborne House – A stylish seafront restaurant serving modern British dishes with fantastic sea views.
• Forte’s – A long-standing café that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake or an ice cream after a stroll along the promenade.
• The Goat – One of Llandudno’s newest restaurants, serving modern British dishes with locally sourced Welsh ingredients. Its seafront location and stylish interior have made it a popular choice for everything from brunch to dinner.
• Bodnant Welsh Food – Although it’s not actually in Llandudno (it’s around a 20-minute drive away in the beautiful Conwy Valley), it’s well worth a visit if you’re exploring the area. Set on a working farm, it’s known for its excellent farm shop, bakery, café and restaurant showcasing some of the very best local Welsh produce.

Where to Stay in Llandudno

I stayed at the delightful Llandudno Bay Hotel. It’s one of the best hotels in the area and only a short walk along the prom from the town centre, with beautiful views across the bay.

The rooms are lovely and bright and when we arrived there was a chocolate brownie waiting for us – now that’s my kind of welcome! They also do a fabulous Welsh breakfast!

I would definitely recommend getting a room with a sea view!

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Llandudno. I’d love to hear about your trip!

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