Victorian seaside gem dubbed ‘Queen of resorts’ with unexpected attraction

This North Wales town boasts a lengthy history of attracting holidaymakers from throughout Britain, having earned the prestigious title “Queen of the Welsh Watering Places”.

The Victorian coastal treasure of Llandudno, with its colourful past, is believed to trace its origins back to the Bronze Age. These distinctive features attract tourists eager to experience the breathtaking scenery of the Conwy Valley and discover the region’s fascinating heritage.

Indeed, Llandudno has previously been recognised as amongst the safest locations to live in Britain, with approximately 19,700 fortunate people calling it home. Moreover, visiting and staying here proves considerably more affordable than most rival seaside destinations.

Two principal beaches extend along the coastline: North Shore Beach and West Shore Beach. The northern stretch features a lengthy promenade typical of any British coastal resort.

However, what distinguishes it from others is its palm tree-lined walkway – reminiscent of a Mediterranean haven. Nestled peacefully beyond North Shore Beach lies the Great Orme clifftop, providing an excursion aboard the Great Orme Tramway, transporting visitors to elevated vantage points via cable cars.

One tourist said: “The cable car ride was amazing; for the length of the journey, £14 per return (this was the price in 2024) is pretty reasonable. The views are stunning, and you can see for miles on a really clear day, which we had.”

The West Shore of Llandudno, located on the opposite side of the town, offers breathtaking views of the Snowdonian mountainside.

A TripAdvisor review praises it as: “One of my favourite beaches anywhere: unspoilt, dog-friendly, free of kiosks and vendors – just sea, rock and sand. Stunning views of the Great Orme. Lots of parking.”

Llandudno’s history stretches back to the Stone Age and Iron Age, with numerous settlements over the years on the slopes of the limestone headland known as the Great Orme.

This stunning landmark draws visitors from all corners of the globe, offering a four-hour trek that is well worth the effort.

The town boasts two iconic landmarks: The Parade, a Victorian promenade, and the historic pier, built in 1877. After extensive restorations, the pier has been recognised as one of the finest in the UK.

One visitor shared their experience of the pier, saying: “Excellent pier experience. A Punch and Judy, plenty of arcades, hair braiding/colouring, a good walk, fun stalls and a cafe with a wonderful lady singer belting out Amy Winehouse numbers. There’s even a little display of historical photos to show when the pier was used for the ferries. Well worth a visit.”