Llandudno is a delightful coastal town flanked by two sandy beaches and the massive limestone Great Orme headland to its north jutting into the sea. As the largest seaside resort in Wales, it is often referred to as the "Queen of the Welsh Resorts".
The town's architecture evokes its Victorian past when it became a fashionable seaside resort. The beautiful curve of Orme Bay and the incredible Llandudno Promenade, lined with pastel-coloured Victorian-era hotels, guided me to the waterfront, where I took a leisurely stroll along the historic pier, exploring charming shops and amusement arcades. Seated outdoors at the pier's end, I found the perfect spot for a pot of tea. I savoured a cup on a crisp, sunny day, relishing the sea breeze on my face while hearing seagulls squawking above.
A growing interest in health and wellbeing during the Victorian era drew many people to the town's coastal shores, believing that its clean air and clean waters gave it a therapeutic quality. Construction of the North Wales Coast Railway greatly improved accessibility to Llandudno from cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, giving people a much-needed respite from congestion and pollution.
Llandudno's reputation was further elevated when Queen Victoria visited North Wales in 1859. When Elisabeth of Wied, Queen Consort of Romania, left town following a stay of five weeks, she described Wales as "a beautiful haven of peace".
The majestic Great Orme is the main focal point as it towers over the town, commanding attention and inviting any explorers to hike its trails to the summit for a panoramic view of the Irish Sea. For a more leisurely approach, Great Orme Tramway from the town's centre is a fun ride straight up to the summit, or the Llandudno Cable Cars offer an alternative fun aerial trip to the top.
Once on top, the gorgeous views extend across the Irish Sea as far as the eyes can see, encompassing the Little Orme, the craggy headland opposite the bay, and the renowned Snowdonia Mountains.
For a whimsical experience, I searched for the Alice in Wonderland statue trail, consisting of a series of bronze sculptures such as Alice herself, the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts. The connection between Lewis Carroll's famous novel "Alice in Wonderland" and Llandudno resides with eight-year-old Alice Liddell, who spent her first of many summers in town and inspired the author's tale of curious adventures down the rabbit hole.
Llandudno was a charming place to while away some time, promenading the
foreshore, hiking to the summit, and simply taking in the splendid sites.
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