Great Orme at Llandudno, North Wales

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?