A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to have a weekend away in North Wales and took a trip to the summit of the Great Orme overlooking Llandudno. Having lived in Wales for 3 years until recently and having always taken holidays there my whole life I was pleased to go back and visit somewhere I really love. I have been lucky enough to have visited this area of North Wales before and always find the scenery so stunning.
We stayed over night in Conwy and traveled a few miles the next day over the estuary to Llandudno. Llandudno is a quaint traditional seaside town (the largest resort in Wales) with a stunning Victorian pier which at 2,295 ft long is the longest in Wales. There is also a promenade along the sea front that goes on forever and ever. Even today there are still traditional seaside attractions such as donkey rides along the beach and Punch and Judy shows plus more modern activities such as speed boat rides.
Overlooking Llandudno is the Great Orme at one end of the beach and at the other is Little Orme. Both are carboniferous headlands which stand at each end of the bay. They are stunning outcrops with fantastic views from the top. There are 3 different ways in which to get to the summit of the Great Orme; road, tramway or cable car. What I was surprised about was the cost of the cable car. I had visions of it being quite expensive when in fact a return trip for an adult was only £9 and for a child it is £7 (2016 prices).
Once you have reached the summit of the Great Orme there are certainly some stunning views to be had. On one side of the summit you can see down in to the Conwy Estuary. I have always loved looking at the stunning scenery in this part of the world and on sunny days could sit for hours staring a views like this. I will admit I still like the views when the weather isn’t so great but its no fun sitting outside in the rain!
From the summit of the Great Orme you can’t actually see down to the sea front in Llandudno but this in no way detracts from the area. What you do get from the summit is views of the wind farm out at sea. I know these type of installations are controversial as people think they detract from the view but in my opinion the ones in Llandudno have been sympathetic to their surroundings and lets face it we need to look at alternative ways of producing energy.
You have stunning views over parts of Llandudno as well as local villages and the surrounding countryside. At the summit there is a cafe and restaurant which are reasonably priced plus a gift shop. In addition there is crazy golf and a children’s playground. There is access to many cliff top paths all across the Great Orme plus plenty of space to just sit, have a picnic and enjoy the views.
A fabulous day out for all ages with stunning views of North Wales.
Do you have a favourite part of the world you like to visit? Do you prefer to visit places where you live or travel far and wide?
Such stunning scenery. This is a part of the world I’ve never visited
Such beautiful views. You’ve captured these so well with your photographs
This is definitely one of my favourite parts of the world! Lovely photos 🙂
https://spookymrsgreen.com/2015/04/23/the-beauty-of-north-wales/
What a beautiful place! I love exploring big open spaces like this.
I love your pictures! They have me listing over this place for sure. I would love to explore here. The top of the summit of the Great Orme and looking down to the Conwy Estuary. So stunning.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
I must same I am one who prefers to travel wide and far but I have some places locally that I love to visit.
I have been to North Wales before and I was so in love with the coastal views. Not been to this part though, it is stunning
Great photography, amazing scenery. I do love Wales, I haven’t really been to the North, but what I have seen I haven’t been disappointed.
This looks gorgeous! That cable car photo is amazing! Never been to North Wales, I need to change that! x
Wow this looks great. The views are stunning. Would love to visit.
How lovely! There are such stunning views in Wales.
We will have to check this out whilst over here 🙂 x
I have only been to the outskirts of Wales before but North Wales looks beautiful and is somewhere I can imagine would make a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of city life.
It looks beautiful, I have never visited Wales before. Those cable cars look such fun xx
I haven’t been here since i was little – have such fond memories of it, though. So stunning x
Author
Some stunning views from the summit
I love places where you can see for miles! I also love a cable car! I think wind farms are a good thing too, and don’t mind them wherever I spot them!
I have wanted to go to great Orme for a while now and this is really inspiring me – I love the mini cable car – bet the views are amazing
Laura x
Lovely post and fantastic photoos… I love finding ideas for new places to visit…
I have been to Llandudno but I’ve never made it to the Great Orme. Those views are incredible so next visit, it’s got to be the first place I go I think. You got really lucky with the weather
Wales is the one part of the UK I haven’t ventured yet, but I want to. How is the wheelchair access? I can go overland, but it’s interesting. I love Prague, Florence, Dublin. And of course Edinburgh and Skye!
Lorna
This is absolutely beautiful! When I travel, I typically go where I am interested in the history- henceforth why I lived in Ireland for a year I didn’t make it to Wales when I lived next door but it’s on my list- what are your top 3 Wales recommendations?
Wow, the scenery truly is beautiful here! I have never visited Wales but I’d really like to, it seems like such a lovely place! I’m glad you enjoyed your day out!
Abbey
The local authority provides a warden service on the Great Orme that reguarlly patrols the special scientific and conservation areas.
Wow! What a view. It’s many, many years since I went to Llandudno so I think a return trip is needed!