Llandudno Pier
First up I headed to Llandudno Pier. The longest pier in Wales, it dates from Victorian times and has been a draw for tourists for as long as mass tourism has been around.
I set out on a bright, sunny day amid crowds of families and accents from all over the world – proving that Llandudno can still pull the holidaymakers in – and I was transported back to my childhood.
@rhyl_journal Join me for a tour of Llandudno’s iconic pier! #llandudno #conwy #northwales #bankholiday #bankholidayweekend #seaside #pier #victorianpier #daysout ♬ Enjoy the Moment – Zeca Zilocchi
After passing the food kiosks and the sweet smell of donuts and candy floss you come to the first of a number of arcades packed with a mix of video games, claw machines and penny slots.
There’s plenty of seating all along the pier, which is 700m long (almost half-a-mile in old money) so if you need to stop for a rest and a quick drink you can.
All along the first section there are stunning views on the right hand side across Ormes Bay and North Beach to Little Orme. It’s well worth stopping and taking those views in on the way out. The further out you get the more breathtaking they become.
A little further on and the arcade is replaced by a ferris wheel built by Italian ride engineers Lamborghini – not the car manufacturer – which offers another perspective of the bay and is well worth a go.
A few more stalls offer keepsakes, trinkets and collectables before you reach the Grand Hotel. Designed in 1900 by J Francis Doyle (no relation), the 168-bedroom hotel was one of the biggest of it’s time.
It still dominates the landscape and is where you find a few artisan food stalls and a treasure trove of a book store before the left hand side of the pier opens up onto a view of Happy Valley and the Great Orme.
There are a few more rides – some kiddy cars, a mini-twister, spinning teacups, a carousel an inflatable obstacle course and a wave slide – all of which offers a good incentive for reluctant kids to join you on the pier.
Currently there are some improvement works taking place just behind the rides, but on a pier that’s over 100 years old that’s to be expected.
Keep on going and you come to perhaps the most surprising thing on the pier – a wooden garden furniture store!
Beyond this there’s a long stretch of views that lead you to the pavilion at the end of the pier. This magnificent sight looms into view as you walk and is a striking image.
The pavilion itself houses another arcade with some mini-rides and trampolines. Here you can get refreshment at the Ocean’s Cafe, which also serves alcohol and in the summer has live music.
Anglers used to be able to fish off a dedicated platform here but it is currently closed for safety reasons.
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Llandudno Cable Lift
Having earlier mentioned the Great Orme you may be tempted to scale it. But if you’re looking for quick, scenic way to get to the top, how does the cable car fare?
@rhyl_journal Dare you ride the cable cars at Llandudno? I did! #Llandudno #cablecars #thingstodo #seaside #seasideholidays #headforheights #greatorme #northwales #bankholiday ♬ Explore the World – Brainheart & Sis
My first tip is make sure you have cash on you. The cable car costs £13.50 for an adult one way and £14 for a return but they don’t take cards or contactless. Also,pay attention to the time of the last car back down, unless you fancy the walk!
My second tip is have a snack before you go. It’s a steep walk up to Happy Valley and the cable car entrance and there are steps up too, so it would be difficult for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
It will get you up the Great Orme in nine minutes once you are on board, but if you are in Llandudno it’s worth going early, as queues build up throughout the day and you cold be waiting over an hour.
Once you are on board however it is an extraordinary experience. Panoramic views over the Great Orme, Ormes Bay and Little Orme are spectacular – and the unusual experience of drifting over a hill covered in sheep or a road where people are casually walking and chatting is something to behold.
It’s the quickest way to the top of the Great Orme and once there you can grab a lovely cuppa and a slice of cake at the cafe before taking part in possibly the most picturesque mini-golf in the UK.
Remember to grab your customary selfie at the summit and head over to the visitors centre, where you’ll find a history of the Great Orme including the story of boxer Randolph Turpin, who used to train for fights at the summit. Pay close attention and you could even find the indents where the ring posts used to be!
Both of these famous Llandudno attractions take a little effort, but both are most definitely worth it. Remember, if you take a look for yourself, there’s also plenty of other amazing family attractions to experience in the town too – perfect for a bank holiday or a quick weekend break.
