Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
When the main beach gets too frantic, go west to this considerably less built-up stretch on
Conwy Bay. The views over Anglesey and the mountains of Snowdonia make a magnifi-
cent backdrop to sandy strolls, and there's a model boating pool at the Orme end. It's just
a shame that the water quality on this side is substandard.
Mostyn Gallery
OFFLINE MAP
GALLERY
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.mostyn.org
;
12 Vaughan St; 10.30am-5pm Tue-Sun)
A listed 1901 terracotta and brick
exterior hides the sharply angled innards of North Wales' leading contemporary art gal-
lery. Its five galleries house changing and often challenging exhibitions. Call in to explore
the shop or grab a coffee upstairs even if you find the art perplexing.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
LLANDUDNO YESTERDAY & TODAY
Jacqueline Millband Codman's family have staged Punch and Judy shows (
Click here
) in Llandudno for over 150
years. Her great-grandfather started the show outside the Empire Hotel in 1860, which moved to its present spot
on the Promenade in 1864. We asked her to share some tips about the town.
Llandudno Today
It's very much a year-round place these days, always bustling and definitely moving with the times. A lot of EU
money was invested in updating the Promenade in 2000 and lots of smart new places opened up. Llandudno al-
ways did cater for top-end clientele with private jazz clubs and cafes in its post-war heyday. Unlike some resorts
on the North Wales coast, Llandudno is definitely not rough and ready. We work hard to maintain the Victorian
ambience of the town and to preserve its natural beauty. I can honestly say that much of the Promenade and many
of the hotels along the seafront haven't changed much since I was a girl growing up in Llandudno in the 1950s.
What to Do
Take a picnic to Happy Valley, or head to West Shore to feed the swans on the boating pool. Walking around the
Great Orme is good for sea views, and taking the Great Orme Tramway is perfect for nostalgia. We're also very
lucky that we're so close to the mountains of Snowdonia. After a couple of days exploring the resort itself, take
the train to Betws-y-Coed. From Llandudno, you're just 20 minutes from the heart of Snowdonia National Park.
Best Eats
I don't get out as much as I used to but Seahorse (
Click here
) is still superb for fresh fish and Fish Tram Chips
(
Click here
)
remains perennially popular for a simple but good-value supper.
Activities
Great Orme Tramway
OFFLINE MAP
TRAM
GOOGLE MAP
