Made popular by the Victorians, this promenade town can still lay claim to being Wales' most popular seaside resort, if not one of the most popular in the UK. Framed by the twin limestone hummocks of Great Orme and Little Orme, Llandudno couldn't be blessed with a more photogenic position, and its location on the peninsula means it also boasts long stretches of wide sandy beach. It is the beach of course that has long drawn visitors seeking a little rest and respite as well as sun and sand, but there's plenty more to see and do here than a simple bucket and spade will allow.
For many, the greatest attraction these days is Great Orme. Climbing up to 680 feet, a walk to the top of this limestone behemoth provides breath taking views not only out to sea, but towards the peaks of Snowdonia, as well as the wide sands of the Conwy Estuary. This area of natural beauty has a hugely diverse landscape, from heathland to cliffs, limestone, woodland and grasslands. It's also home to wild Kashmir goats, instantly recognisable with their shaggy warm looking coats, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna, some of which like the silver studded blue butterfly are completely unique to the Great Orme.
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If you're not quite up to walking up then breathe a sigh of relief by taking the legendary Great Orme tramway, the only cable-hauled street tramway in the UK which still uses the original Victorian tram cars to ferry passengers to and from the summit of Great Orme and Llandudno town. Alternatively you can take the longest passenger cable car system in Britain up to the peak. The cheerful looking cable cars are painted in vibrant primary colours, adding to the seaside resort's fun loving outlook and offering incredible views both from the cable cars on the way up, and the summit once you reach it. If you're more on the adventurous side, you might want to consider skiing, snowboarding or tobogganing down the Great Orme - yes, even in summer - at the local Ski & Snowboard Centre.
Great Orme doesn't just offer incredible views and varied wildlife however, as it also gives visitors a fascinating glimpse back in time thanks to the Great Orme Copper Mines. This is the largest prehistoric mine ever discovered and dates back almost 4,000 years all the way to the Bronze Age. There are five miles of tunnels to be explored, with hard hats and torches provided at admission, while back at sea level and in the town itself, you can walk along a piece of history down Wales' longest pier or visit Mostyn Gallery, an attractive terracotta and brick heritage listed house that dates from the turn of the century and is now home to one of Wales' premier contemporary art galleries.
Llandudno's charms are many, and you cannot help but be swept up in its Victorian grace and great natural beauty. A wonderful town to wander around, it boasts great eating and drinking opportunities and even plays host to the newly restored Venue Cymru, which has quickly become North Wales' top venue for performing arts.