Llandudno is a coastal resort in north Wales, overlooking the Irish Sea. The town has a population of just under 20,000 people and is also known as the Queen of the Welsh Resorts
In Britain’s ‘safest’ seaside town locals say they feel like they’ve stepped back in time by half a century.
Llandudno, nestled on the north Welsh coast with views of the Irish Sea, is home to nearly 20,000 residents.
“Living here is like going back 50 years,” shares Ray, 80, who chose Llandudno as his retirement haven nearly 30 years ago. “The older ladies still dress nicely. You can go out for walks after dark. There are no rough gangs going around swearing and fighting.”
The town’s seafront, featuring a two-mile stretch of Victorian terraces mixed with grand hotels, serves as its vibrant hub, reports the Express. The area boasts charming shops, eateries, churches, and museums, alongside a pier with slot machines and a pub with stunning beach views.
Another highlight for both locals and tourists is the Great Orme Tramway, offering rides up the prominent limestone headland, complemented by a cable car option. “It’s a beautiful place to live,” enthuses Helen Parkes, 37, who relocated from London with her family two years ago.
“We sometimes say it’s like a holiday that never ends. It’s lacking in terms of retail and culture Conwy next door has had more spent on it and has more independent shops but living here you do realise life’s not all about spending.”
Liz Westwood, 21, an employee at the Llandudno Pier Coffee Shop, moved from the Midlands to live with her grandmother. “I came here from the Midlands, to live with my nan and, in a way, start again,” she reflects.
“You’ve always got the beach and the mountains. I get on with people of all ages, but there are young people here if you want to find them.”
Accessible from various UK cities by train, the town boasts a variety of accommodation options, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a relaxing break away.
Llandudno is one of Britain’s seaside towns which is bustling with tourists during the summer season, but tends to get a little quiet come the winter.
Local firms have found it hard to maintain the trade in the off season. According to some, things have become so bleak that some businesses have made big decisions about their operations. The County Hotel, an establishment by the seafront, will now close for all of the winter because bosses see it as the “most viable solution” to keep afloat, it was reported at the end of last year.
Bill Bryson, a travel writer, once described the town as his “favourite seaside resort”. Another guest gave the town a five-star review on TripAdvisor, writing: “First visit to Llandudno and won’t be the last. We visited on a sunny but cold January Friday afternoon and were able to park for free at the top end of the promenade before driving fully into the town centre.
“Wrapped up well and lots of fresh air really made the walk invigorating. Not a single piece of litter, lovely seeing brightly painted seating shelters and the Mad Hatter statue. Lovely views and nice to see the promenade being enjoyed by everyone, with it being so flat and plenty of room, great for cyclist, pedestrians, wheelchairs, prams, runner etc.”
Llandudno has a proud place in North Wales’ heritage. The town is just a stone’s throw from the natural beauty spots of the area, such as Snowdonia and Great Orme; a limestone headland.
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