Royals and Rail: UK Train Journeys Fit for a King
28/04/2023 · By Ian Holt
Embark on UK train journeys fit for a king with Royals and Rail by Great Rail Journeys. Experience amazing regal travels all over the British Isles.
Read moreOften referred to as "the Queen of Welsh resorts", Llandudno lies on Wales' rugged north coast, overlooked by the impressive Great Orme peninsula, while the beautiful sweep of sand curves round to Little Orme, itself very pretty. This beautifully preserved Victorian seaside town is also surrounded by the stunning natural wonder of Snowdonia National Park.
As well as being ideally located for exploration of northern Wales, Llandudno itself is home to a number of charming attractions. Of course Llandudno also boasts a fantastic beach, ideal for strolling or simply relaxing, as well as a pier with its traditional seaside attractions.
Great Orme
If you're feeling more energetic, there are numerous
options available to you. One of the most popular is the Great Orme
Tramway, which takes you up from Llandudno and through a
country park to the summit in wonderfully preserved tram cars. From
the halfway tram station you can visit the Bronze Age copper mines,
thought to be the largest pre-historic mine in the world. From the
summit of Great Orme, you can take in the marvellous views - on a
clear day you can see as far as the Isle of Man.
Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.
On this nostalgic escape, ride on celebrated railways, visit ancient castles and discover the beautiful gardens of north Wales. Journey through stunning scenery on the Ffestiniog Railway, the world's oldest independent line, and ascend Snowdon's summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Step into the unique village of Portmeirion, whose...
A township since the thirteenth century, Llandudno, like many British coastal resorts, rose to prominence in the Victorian era. By 1848 Llandudno had become an established fishing and copper-mining town with a population of around a thousand when it was proposed to the local landowner, Lord Mostyn that the town might achieve further prosperity as a holiday resort. By the end of the nineteenth century, significant development including the construction of a new pier, a two-kilometre seafront promenade and a pavilion plus new hotels and guest houses had transformed the town. The arrival of the railway in 1858 sealed Llandudno's success, bringing hordes of holidaymakers from the Midlands and north-west of England and earning Llandudno the nickname 'Queen of the Welsh Resorts'.
Modern Llandudno retains its Victorian splendour and natural beauty but also offers a host of entertainments for visitors including both a tramway and a cable car to the summit of Great Orme as well as museums, public gardens and traditional seaside amusements.
Great Orme
Whether reached by car, on foot, by tram or cable car, the summit of Llandudno's headland offers spectacular sea and coastal views and on a clear day the Isle of Man is visible. As well as offering excellent walks - look out for free-roaming goats - Great Orme also provides visitor facilities including a café, toilets and a children's playground.
Promenade
Traversing the crescent-shaped bay between Great Orme and its smaller twin Little Orme, Llandudno's wide promenade is backed by grand, white-washed Victorian hotels and is a delightful spot to sit back on one of the many benches provided and watch the world go by.
Town Trail
Llandudno's historic highlights can be easily explored on foot and a dedicated Town Trail provides a recommended route which begins at the town's library and takes in notable features including several of Llandudno's churches, the promenade, the railway station, the pier and two of the town's public gardens.
Great Orme Copper Mines
In 1987, the world's largest prehistoric copper mines were discovered beneath Great Orme, and today visitors can explore a network of tunnels laboriously excavated by our Bronze Age ancestors around 3,500 years ago.