Llandudno town guide

Nestled along the North Wales coast, Llandudno offers plenty of charm as a holiday destination, with its vibrant atmosphere and rich Victorian heritage. However, this bustling seaside town isn't just a place of historic beauty, it's also a haven for families and dog owners seeking memorable experiences during their Welsh seaside break. 

Step back in time and stroll along the promenade, which is lined with elegant Victorian buildings; Llandudno's architecture belongs to a bygone era, with its grand hotels, charming shops and the iconic pier stretching out towards the Irish Sea, it is a picture perfect setting. 

Llandudno's location makes it an ideal base for venturing further afield with Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and its breathtaking scenery just a short drive away. So whether you’re looking for a charming seaside escape for the family, or a pet-friendly retreat, look no further – our Llandudno guide will highlight the perfect places to visit and showcase where to stay. 

Skip to:

• Things to do in Llandudno 
• Places to eat and drink in Llandudno   
• Llandudno walks
• Shopping in Llandudno

Things to do in Llandudno  

Visit Llandudno Pier

The perfect day out for all the family, whether on two legs or four, Llandudno Pier offers an abundance of entertainment including arcades, traditional fairground rides along the seafront – and the staple British seaside entertainment, a Punch and Judy show. 

If you’ve packed up a picnic at your holiday cottage, you can enjoy it along a picturesque spot along the promenade or indulge in a sweet treat from one of the many kiosks along the route. And the long, open space of the pier provides a great area for dogs to walk and enjoy the fresh sea air too. 

Llandudno Beach  

Whilst Llandudno actually boasts two beaches, it’s Llandudno North Shore Beach (simply known as Llandudno Beach) that is the larger and more popular of the two. Best suited for paddling, it is also a popular spot with kite surfers. Sheltered by the Great Orme and Little Orme headlands, it features a mix of sand and pebbles, depending on the tide. 

North Shore is a traditional beach with its wide promenade and Victorian pier being the perfect backdrop and the beach itself is great for building sandcastles, paddling, or simply relaxing and taking in the vista. There's also a paddling pool and play area at the eastern end, perfect for younger children. Deckchairs are available to rent for those who just want to soak up the sun or witness one of Llandudno’s famous sunsets. 

The Great Orme

A popular day out for couples, groups and families is a trip to The Great Orme, the imposing limestone peninsula that juts out from Llandudno into the Irish Sea. You can travel up Great Orme by car or tram – the Great Orme Tramway has been operating since 1902 – and offers spectacular vistas from the summit. 

Perhaps you’d like to explore the local wildlife on route and enjoy a ramble through the 550-acre Great Orme Country Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or even head in search of the famous herd of Kashmir goats that freely roam. 

Places to eat and drink in Llandudno

The Cottage Loaf

Nestled in the heart of Llandudno, The Cottage Loaf is a cosy country pub that offers all the charm you’d expect from a cosy cwtch of a destination; think comfy furniture, crackling open fires and a fabulous pub garden. Top this off with hearty pub fare such as Steak & Conwy ale pie and a selection of cask ales to choose from and you’re in for a treat. Known affectionately as The Loaf, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing meal in welcoming surroundings. 

Dylan’s Restaurant

For a fine dining experience in elegant surroundings, the award-winning Dylan's Restaurant celebrates the flavours and seasonal produce of North Wales. 

Located near the seafront on East Parade in an historic and iconic building, this Llandudno restaurant offers a variety of dining options – from a sunny terrace area and cosy downstairs seating to a stunning upstairs space with panoramic sea views. Their Michelin-recommended menu features fresh, local ingredients sourced from the surrounding Welsh hills and seas.

The Loaf Coffee & Sandwich Bar

This cafe has become a popular place for locals and those visiting the area as it has something to offer every appetite; whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee, a hearty breakfast, or a leisurely lunch, a visit to The Loaf Coffee and Sandwich Bar promises to be a treat for your taste buds. 

With its welcoming community vibe, coffee lovers can indulge in one of their full-bodied artisan roasts and a freshly made panini. It’s the perfect place to start your day or ideal for a lunchtime pit-stop on route to your afternoon adventures. Please note: Walk-ins only – no bookings taken.

Llandudno Walks

Little Orme

Explore the smaller limestone headland to the side of Llandudno Bay by foot; Little Orme, remains relatively untouched by tourism and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) also known as 'Rhiwled,' and managed by the North Wales Wildlife Trust. 

Parking near the entrance isn’t possible, so you'll need to start the walk from the end of the promenade in Llandudno Bay, where free roadside parking is available. From there, head towards the cliffs of Little Orme, which is easy to see from the start at the far end of the stony beach. As you ascend towards the iconic white trig point, you’ll witness the most incredible vistas of  Llandudno Bay to the west and Colwyn Bay to the east. 

Great Orme Historical Trail

Easily adaptable for a couple hours of adventure or a full day out, the Great Orme Historical Trail is a picturesque route that’s abundant in historical and natural wonders, ranging from Bronze Age copper mines to a Second World War artillery school. 

Two trails begin at the summit, right by the car park and these can be combined for the longer hike. As you explore the route, take the time to enjoy the spectacular views of Liverpool Bay, the Carneddau mountains, the Menai Strait, and Anglesey. 

The Great Orme Nature Trail (Gogarth) 

Explore the Great Orme Nature Trail walk that takes you through Gogarth Nature Reserve, which is the ideal route for budding naturalists, with the opportunity to spot seals, seabirds, and the resident goats, as well as offering spectacular views across the coast. 

With beautiful scenery showcased, it’s a well-trodden route and popular with runners too, and as you start off in the town a lot of the route is paved, perfect for a young family to undertake with a packed picnic to enjoy at the end. 

Shopping in Llandudno

A traditional resort town, Llandudno offers visitors plenty of options for a day of shopping, with arcades, antique shops, pier kiosks, and small independent boutiques offering locally made crafts and treats. Explore the main high road, Mostyn Street and enjoy a re-fuel at one of the many cafes that line the route. 

The Victoria Shopping Centre is the main shopping area in Llandudno and offers a diverse range of popular high street stores and brands, including Waterstones, Claire’s Accessories and Boots. An indoor shopping centre, it also houses a few eateries and gives access to the main thoroughfare along Mostyn Street. 

Stay at a self-catering cottage in Llandudno

Whether you're planning a memorable holiday for the whole family, with dogs welcome too, or you're on the hunt for a romantic retreat with a hot tub, our Llandudno cottages have the perfect self-catering options for you. Spacious cottages with safe, enclosed gardens offer an ideal base for families and those looking to bring their dogs on holiday, offering easy access to attractions such as the beach, donkey rides, and the Great Orme tramway. For couples, our selection of cosy apartments or cottages with sea views provide a haven, perfect for enjoying candlelit dinners, coastal walks and breathtaking sunsets.