fbpx

Our guide to Conwy and Llandudno

The Victorians and Edwardians called Llandudno the Queen of the Welsh resorts and it was graced with some of the most elegant seaside architecture in Britain. Neighbouring Conwy is one of Britain’s finest examples of a medieval walled town and home to a fabulous medieval fortress.

Llandudno today is experiencing a revival as a tourist resort as the British ‘staycation’ becomes more and more popular. It’s a proper, traditional, British seaside resort with a pier, Punch and Judy Shows and even donkey rides on the beach. Llandudno’s classic Victorian pier was originally built in 1876 and its traditional arcades remain a wonderful place to grab an ice cream or a traditional fish ‘n’ chip dinner and enjoy the spectacular sea views. Llandudno was the destination of choice for Lewis Carrol who lived for periods in the town which is said to have inspired certain characters and settings for Alice Wonderland – today this connection can be explored on the town’s popular Alice in Wonderland town trail (with accompanying app). For those who love history and countryside you can enjoy a tram-ride to the protected coastline of the Great Orme Headland which offers stunning sea views as well as vistas inland to the Snowdonia National Park. The tram is an experience in itself as the only operating Victorian cable-hauled tramway in Britain. Colwyn Bay beach and Llandudno beach are both blue flag sandy beaches with buckets of natural beauty where you can take a walk or enjoy a picnic.

By Contrast, the history of Conwy town reaches long before the Victorians; the town is truly one of Britain’s hidden gems. Set on the Conwy Estuary it is a quaint medieval harbour town of cobbled streets and squares, and can appear almost frozen in time with its medieval town walls and dominating 13th century fortress at Conwy Castle. Ther is certainly no shortage of things to do; explore the preserved Elizabethan house as Plas Mawr, climb to the top of one of Conwy castle’s 8 towers to get a stunning view over the town and then explore the castle walls with their 21 towers that still enclose Conwy town to this day. Look out for the Quay House, Britain’s smallest house which measures only 3.05m x 1.83m, or take a stroll down to Conwy Marina and Quay for a fish and chip supper and a drink outside the Liverpool Arms.

Llandudno and Conwy are also within easy reach of the spectacular scenery of the Conwy Valley and the Snowdonia National Park. Here you can choose to take in the majestic views with a ride on a mountain train at the funicular railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog or visit the National Slate Museum. Another World Heritage site not far away is Caernarfon Castle which was used for the investiture of Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales in 1969.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trail, North Wales has it all: spectacular scenery, ancient monuments and true British culture.

Related Guides

Relevant Tours

  Classic Favourites  
Tours of Britain Search

Classic Britain Driving Tour - a snapshot of the countryside and historic cities of England, Scotland and Wales. Enjoy the rolling hills and thatch villages of the Cotswolds to the towering mountains and fortresses of North Wales. Pass through the lakes and dales of the English Lake District and the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands and Yorkshire Dales. Historic cities to explore on route include Regency Bath, Medieval York, and the capital cities of Edinburgh and London.

  Agent Choice for 2023  
Tours of Britain - Conwy Bridge

A small group tour of Wales – Discover beguiling natural landscapes and an utterly unique heritage on this journey through the enchanting nation of Wales. Following a stay in the cosmopolitan capital of Cardiff, we’ll explore the dramatic coastlines of Pembrokeshire, the towering mountains of the Snowdonia National Park and the charming landscapes of the border Marches. Along the way we’ll encounter medieval market towns, secluded villages and colossal castles. Wales is an undiscovered gem that will leave you enchanted by its natural beauty and ancient Celtic heritage.

  Agent Choice for 2023  

A small group tour of Wales and Cornwall – A perfect combination of Celtic cultures discover the beauty of England’s West Country and the beguiling landscapes of Wales. Your journey will take you over the barren moors and along the rugged coastlines of Devon and Cornwall before passing in to the undiscovered nation of Wales, home to towering mountains and ancient castles. This journey is a combination of our "Treasures of Cornwall" and "Enchanting Wales" tours.

  Classic Favourites  
England Tours of Oxford

A Great Britain driving tour - experience all that is great about Britain on the ultimate tour of England, Scotland and Wales. See it all, from the thriving capital cities of London, Edinburgh and Cardiff to the remote Scottish Highlands, tranquil Lake District and spectacular Snowdonia National Park. Along the way you’ll experience diverse cultures and histories and see world-famous landmarks including Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, Cardiff Castle, the Cotswolds, Hadrian’s Wall, Loch Ness and Edinburgh Castle.

Tours of Britain - Conwy Bridge

A Rail Tour of Wales – Enjoy an epic rail journey taking you to all corners of this small but magnificent nation. Your rail tour takes you from the Welsh capital of Cardiff through the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire to the dramatic mountains of the Snowdonia National Park. Medieval castles and historic harbour towns await as well as some of Wales' renowned historic and heritage railway lines which will take you on some of the most scenic rail journeys that Britain has to offer. All in all a comprehensive tour of Wales travelling by train.

Tours of Wales - Brecon Beacons

Enjoy an England and Wales driving tour to experience the contrasts of two distinct British cultures on this in-depth tour of two of Britain's intriguing nations.  Enjoy the contrasting vistas of the patchwork fields of the Cotswolds, the rustic Yorkshire Dales, the mountains of Snowdonia and the coastlines of the Pembrokeshire National Park. Not to mention icons of English and Welsh history at Conwy Castle, York Minster, Shakespeare’s Stratford, Cardiff Castle and Stonehenge.

  Agent Choice for 2023  
Tours of Britain Search

A small group tour of England and Wales – Enjoy an epic journey of discovery through the varied histories and landscapes of England and Wales. We’ll see many of Britain’s most beautiful natural landscapes from the golden coasts of Pembrokeshire and the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales to the rustic hills and vales of Yorkshire and the Lake District in England. Along the way we’ll sample traditional fare and enjoy a host of local visits including archetypal medieval fortresses, stately English manors, ancient cathedrals and historic steam train journeys; the ideal tour to discover the very essence of Britain.

Tours of North Wales - Caernarfon Castle

A Castle Tour of Wales – A nation renowned for its ancient fortresses, discover the heritage and natural beauty of Wales on a trip staying in elegant country house hotels and grandiose castle accommodations. Explore the untouched landscapes of Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire and the awe-inspiring ruins of Wales' glorious World Heritage Castles including Conwy, Harlech and Caernarfon. Your tour ends with two nights in the cosmopolitan capital city of Cardiff.

Tours of Wales - Tenby

A Wales small group tour – Wales is a land of myth and mystery, dramatic landscapes and a rich Celtic heritage just waiting to be discovered. On this journey your explore all aspects and regions of this small but fascinating nation.  The Wonders of Wales takes us to the nation’s major sites, through some of Britain’s most beguiling countryside, along dramatic coastlines and introduces us to Welsh history, language and culture old and new!

  Classic Favourites  
Tours of Wales - Cardiff

A Driving Tour of Wales - Immerse yourself in breath-taking natural scenery and an ancient Celtic culture as you explore the diminutive nation of Wales. A land of contrasts from the cosmopolitan capital city of Cardiff to the tiny cathedral village of St Davids and from the industrial valleys of the South to the majestic snow-capped peaks Snowdonia in North Wales you’ll see it all on this journey of discovery. Along the way see untouched coastlines, medieval fortresses, meandering rivers, ancient abbeys and a host of traditional towns and villages.

  Agent Choice for 2023  
Tours of Scotland - Glenfinnan Viaduct

A small group tour of Britain – Discover what makes Britain Great on this small group journey through the diverse cultures and landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. This comprehensive itinerary takes you from the peaceful coasts and mountains of Wales, through rustic landscapes of rural England and north in to remote wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. We’ll see iconic landmarks and hidden gems, visit Britain’s quaint villages and heritage cities and enjoy a host of local experiences from steam train rides through the English countryside to whisky tasting in the Highlands.  In the company of your local guides, the Great British Journey is the ultimate way to explore Britain.

Castle Tours - Blenheim Palace

A Britain Castle Tour - Indulge in the history and heritage of England, Scotland and Wales by day and see its character reflected in your unique and distinguished accommodation each night on this deluxe tour of Britain. With your overnight accommodation in quality castle or manor house hotels, your tour will take you through the elegant cities of York, Bath, Oxford and Edinburgh as well as the natural beauty of the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Moors, the Scottish Lowlands and the mountains of Snowdonia.

Tour of York England

A Private Tour of Britain - Indulge your senses in the history, heritage and landscapes of Britain. Relax as in the company of an experienced private driver who’ll share their local knowledge and insight as they guide you through the countryside of England, Scotland and Wales. Enjoy quality and characterful accommodations each night and a wealth of included sightseeing each day including a unique local experience in the heart of the Cotswolds. For those seeking something a little special, the British Indulgence is a “must”.

  Classic Favourites  
Wales Rail Tours

A Wales Rail Tour – Relax and enjoy the views of your scenic rail journeys as you explore the unique culture and landscapes of Wales.  From the cosmopolitan capital of Cardiff this rail journey will take you to the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire, through the picturesque Welsh border Marches and into the dramatic landscapes of the Snowdonia National Park. Along the way you’ll see the beautiful coastal towns of Tenby and Llandudno, historic Shrewsbury and the hidden gem in medieval Conwy.

Wales Tours Conwy Castle

A North Wales driving tour – this remote corner of Britain not only harbours spectacular natural scenery but is also a stronghold of an ancient Celtic culture. Spend a week exploring the dramatic mountains of the Snowdonia National Park and a host of ancient castle ruins which enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status. Along the way discover traditional Welsh villages, sweeping coastal towns and hear the unique Welsh language spoken by the locals.

Tours of England - Liverpool

A British Rail Tour – Get two countries for the price of one as you use the British rail network to explore the rails England and Wales. Your itinerary will include scenic rail rides through the scenic Welsh border Marches and over the Yorkshire Dales whilst overnight stops include the historic cities of Chester and York and the cosmopolitan Welsh capital city of Cardiff. In order to best explore the rural landscapes of Wales we’ve included two separate day tours to explore the South Wales countryside and the mountains of Snowdonia in the North Wales.

  Agent Choice for 2023  

A small group tour of Scotland and Wales – Explore the outer reaches of Britain from the glorious landscapes of the Pembrokeshire coast to the wilds of the Scottish Highlands. Two of Britain’s lesser explored regions, Wales and Scotland, offer a perfect marriage boasting strikingly unique cultures but sharing a common appeal in their undiscovered natural beauty. Your journey will take you from the nations’ capital cities in Cardiff and Edinburgh to the mountains of Snowdonia and the remote seascapes of the Isle of Skye. Along the way you’ll ride steam trains, wander the flagstones of ancient castles and sample local fare.

Contact us