How to spend a weekend in Llandudno

The charming seaside resort town of Llandudno in North Wales is as popular as ever, and for good reason. With perfect beaches, excellent amenities, a host of cultural attractions and excellent proximity to towns such as Conwy, the Snowdonia mountains and the Isle of Anglesey, it’s little surprise that it’s one of the best destinations in North Wales.

Fitting it all in however…now there’s a challenge! Read on for our guide to the perfect weekend in Llandudno, from Friday night to Sunday afternoon.

Friday Night

Check in to your Llandudno hotel and head straight out to dinner. This town is a mecca for fish and seafood lovers.

Restaurants all along the seafront offer meals in the form of the catch of the day, but arguably the best in terms of good old fish and chips is Fish Tram Chips. This fryer has not only been voted the best in the town but one of the top three in North Wales. Located over by the Orme Tram Station to the west of the centre, this fryer is a real favourite with locals and with visitors. Limited seating is available outside, but take a wander to the beach and enjoy your fish and chips with views across the bay.

Afterwards go for a friendly drink at one of the town’s many pubs such as the beach-side Carlton, the historic King’s Head or the popular Albert in the centre of town.

Saturday Morning

As your longest day, this is your chance to explore the local area. The beautiful medieval walled market town of Conwy is just a 15 minute drive away (or 25 minute bus ride), and as a UNESCO heritage site, it’s worth coming out of Llandudno for one morning to take in it’s beauty.

Walk around Conwy Castle, take in the Suspension Bridge and the well-preserved town walls and then stop for lunch in the beautiful Conwy Harbour.

Saturday Afternoon

Head back to Llandudno for an afternoon of good old fashioned Welsh seaside fun. Walk the whole length of the Victorian pier at the town’s most popular North Shore Beach and enjoy the many arcades along the way.

Then catch a Punch and Judy Show on the beach, a live concert in the bandstand or perhaps take a donkey ride along the beach. After that hire a deck chair and finish the afternoon off dipping your toes in the sea and building sandcastles on this glorious sandy beach (complete with ice cream of course).

Saturday Evening

Start your evening with a touch of elegance by walking along The Parade to the four star Llandudno Bay Hotel, one of the town’s most high end hotels. The Woodhouse Cocktail Bar and Lounge serves up delicious cocktails and bottles of chilled champagne. The hotel’s Foster Restaurant is an ideal choice for dinner where you can enjoy a set three course menu.

Close to the Llandudno Bay Hotel is Venue Cmryu, the town’s premier events venue. Take a look in advance to see what’s on, with an ever changing calendar of comedy, music, theatre, opera and musical theatre, it’s likely there’s a show worth catching. The venue’s Y Review is also a great choice for dinner should you be watching a performance, as it offers a full pre-theatre dining experience with views across the bay.

If nothing takes your fancy at this venue then something should at the Theatr Conwy, Wales’ oldest theatre located back in Conwy or at the 9 screen Cineworld in Llandudno Junction.

Sunday Morning

Come Sunday morning pack up a picnic and make your way to the huge headland to the west of the town, Great Orme. This Site of Special Scientific Interest was named by the Vikings; Orme meaning ‘Sea Monster’, and you can understand why as you see this majestic piece of land jut out into the sea.

Ramblers can choose to walk from the town centre, but if the walk is just too much or you have little ones with you, then you can choose between the tram and the cable car, which both transport you directly up there.

Once there, visit the Great Orme Mining Site, the largest Bronze Age mining site in the world. Also take a wander around Great Orme Country Park where you’ll spot a wealth of wildlife. At the park climb the Summit Complex for jaw dropping views across the Irish Sea and as far as the Isle of Anglesey and even Snowdonia.

Sunday Afternoon

In the afternoon head back to the beach to get those last special hours of sunshine, for a change try out the West Shore Beach, a quieter alternative to North Shore, located on the other side of the peninsula.

On your way home try to fit in the splendid Bodnant Garden. Visitors are welcome year round at these National Trust gardens which are located some 8 miles south of the town. These varied gardens include Italianate terraces along with charming pergolas, romantic bridges and botanical species from around the globe.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the perfect weekend in Llandudno, quite literally a hidden gem of the UK. This award-winning town is perfectly located to enjoy the surrounding area, and those staying longer should also try to visit Snowdonia National Park and the Isle of Anglesey.

If time is limited, the most essential things-to-do in one weekend include the Pier, Great Orme, Conwy Castle and a good old fish and chip supper. Whether you go with your spouse, a group of friends or you take the whole family for a weekend of seaside fun, you’re sure to be back in Llandudno again soon.