Travel Eye on Llandudno (Wales)

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Overview:

Llandudno is one of the largest and most popular of the Welsh seaside resorts, and still retains much of its Victorian character and charm. The golden sandy beach at North Shore is set in the magnificent crescent shaped bay, flanked by Great Ormes Head and Little Orme, with Llandudno and its elegant promenade lying protected between the headlands.

The town was named after St. Tudno the 6th century saint who brought Christianity to the area. The prefix "Llan" is indicative of a parish and St. Tudno's Church built mainly in the 15th century, stands on the site of the saint's original monastic building.

During the Victorian era visits to the seaside became the fashion. Llandudno, with its beautiful bay was the destination popular with visitors from the industrial midlands, seeking the fresh sea air on the coast. The entrepreneurial landowner Lord Edward Mostyn, together with local businessmen began to develop Llandudno into a seaside resort.

The coming of the railway in 1858 brought increased numbers of visitors, and the money which they spent helped further development of the town. The original pier completed in 1858, suffered storm damage and was replaced in 1875 by the 2,300 foot long pier you can stroll along today.

Today's Llandudno offers its visitors good shopping, with a modern shopping arcade discreetly designed to blend with the traditional surroundings. The North Wales Theatre on the promenade is a new 1500 seat theatre, where West End shows and the Welsh National Opera perform.

Throughout the area you can experience the local culture at eisteddfodau, festivals and concerts and hear the famous Welsh male voice choirs.

Locality:

Llandudno is situated on the Welsh north coast, in the county of Conway. Near the holiday resorts of Rhyl and Colwyn Bay.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

The Great Orme is a place of infinite mystery and the cause of much speculation amongst historians and archaeologists who come to study the area. Even those who know the old rock well, are intrigued by her shadowy beginnings and long to discover her ancient secrets.

A 300 metre, dry Ski Slope and Toboggan Run was created near the Happy Valley in 1986. 'Ski Llandudno' is not only popular with amateur enthusiasts but is of national importance to the sport, as the Artificial Ski Championships are held here each year. 

The Old Rectory Tea Gardens are situated part way up the zig-zag road, leading from the Marine Drive to St Tudno's Church. Once known as Dolfechan Farm, this attractive cafe is now famous for its colourful gardens and prize winning flower beds.

For many years, cavers, archaeologists and geologists have been burrowing deeper and deeper into an old copper mining system beneath the Orme. Members of a group called 'The Great Orme Exploration Society' discovered that some of these tunnels dated back to the Bronze Age.

Must see and do

• Great Orme Copper Mines, Llandudno
• Alice in Wonderland Centre, Llandudno
• Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay
• Harlequin Puppet Theatre, Colwyn Bay
• Dinosaur World, Colwyn Bay
• Palace Fun Centre, Rhyl
• SeaQuarium, Rhyl    

Events

• March:   Premier Snooker League Final (Colwyn Bay)
  May:   Victorian Extravaganza (Llandudno)
  June:   Festival of Music and the Arts (Llandudno)
  August:   Bumper Weeksnd of Entertainment (Rhyl)