Llandudno is a seaside resort and town in the county borough of Conwy in North Wales. It is on the north coast of Wales, between Bangor and Colwyn Bay, and has a population of about 20,000. The town is just off the main rail line between Chester and Holyhead, the latter being the main ferry port for travel to Ireland. Llandudno was specifically built as a mid-Victorian era holiday destination.
Llandudno is now the largest seaside resort in Wales, and lies on a flat land between the Welsh mainland and the Great Orme peninsula. The town's main beach (in the photo below) is the North Shore, and this lies below a wide curving Victorian promenade that runs between the headlands of the Great Orme and Little Orme. The town's elegant pier is on the North Shore; it was built in 1878, and is 1,234 feet in length and a Grade II listed building. Looking back towards the town from the end of the peir, on a clear day one can see the mountains of Snowdonia rising over the town.
During the Victorian era visits to the seaside became the fashion. Llandudno, with its beautiful bay was the destination popular with visitors from the industrial midlands, seeking the fresh sea air on the coast. The entrepreneurial landowner Lord Edward Mostyn, together with local businessmen began to develop Llandudno into a seaside resort. The coming of the railway in 1858 brought increased numbers of visitors, and the money which they spent helped further development of the town. The original pier completed in 1858, suffered storm damage and was replaced in 1875 by the 2,300 foot long pier you can stroll along today.
Improvements continued with the development of Marine Parade, running around the base of Great Orme and the delightful gardens in Happy Valley Park. The Great Orme Tramway was completed in 1902, it is still in operation, taking passengers to the summit to enjoy the views over the Conwy Estuary.
Today's Llandudno offers its visitors good shopping, with a modern shopping arcade discreetly designed to blend with the traditional surroundings. The North Wales Theatre on the promenade is a new 1500 seat theatre, where West End shows and the Welsh National Opera perform. Throughout the area you can experience the local culture at eisteddfodau, festivals and concerts and hear the famous Welsh male voice choirs.For sporting enthusiasts Llandudno offers a Leisure Centre, Ten Pin Bowling, Tennis, Dry Slope Skiing, Golf, and on and off shore Fishing. For something different there is American floodlit Harness Racing at Tir Prince Raceway.
