THE VICTORIAN TOWN OF LLANDUDNO OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF SHOPS TO SUIT ALL TASTES AND THE SEA FRONT PIER WILL PROVIDE HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT AND SOME FANTASTIC VIEWS.

Llandudno is Wales's largest resort, uniquely situated between the Great and Little Ormes with two wonderful beaches, the award winning North Shore and the quiet, sand duned West Shore.

Llandudno has kept its Victorian and Edwardian elegance and splendour, despite its modern attractions.

During the Victorian era, roads on the Great Orme were still fairly primitive and the steep slopes prevented all but the most sure footed from reaching the summit. Llandudno was fast becoming a very popular tourist resort, so it wasn't long before local businessmen latched on to the idea of a cable tramway.

A little over 15 months after construction work started at the bottom of the Orme, the line was declared safe by the Board of Trade. On 31st July 1902 the first car moved off from Victoria Station, to the sound of the town band playing "God save the King".

Suddenly, Llandudno's Mountain did not seem quite so big and inhospitable as it once had. Now people of all ages and physical abilities could enjoy the rugged scenery, fascinating wildlife, and spectacular views. The Great Orme had gone public!

There is a Visitor Centre, which is run by Park Wardens, is designed to promote environmental awareness. The excellent displays and photographs provide a wealth of information about the wildlife and history of the ancient headland. A guided walk leaves from here three times a week and a small gift shop is run by members of the 'Welsh Wildlife Trust'.

A 300 meter, dry Ski Slope and Toboggan Run was created near the Happy Valley in 1986. 'Ski Llandudno' is not only popular with amateur enthusiasts but is of national importance to the sport, as the Artificial Ski Championships are held here each year.

For many years, cavers, archaeologists and geologists have been burrowing deeper and deeper into an old copper mining system beneath the Orme. Members of a group called 'The Great Orme Exploration Society' discovered that some of these tunnels dated back to the Bronze Age, some 4,000 years ago . Then in 1991 a company called 'Great Orme Mines' opened up part of a Bronze Age Mine to the public. The Centre they created will give you a fascinating insight into the lives of these prehistoric people, by allowing you to go on an underground visit, watch an audio-visual display and observe archaeologists at work.

In 2002 the Great Orme Tramway celebrated its centenary, yet each year thousands of people still take immense pleasure in traveling to the summit of the Great Orme in an original early twentieth century tramcar. Others prefer to wind their way around the headland, admiring some of the most strikingly beautiful and dramatic scenery, which is visible only from the Marine Drive. This four mile shelf was cut out of the sheer limestone cliffs in 1878 and is designed for vehicles and walkers alike. Alternatively, it is possible to catch a bus in St Edward's Square and go on an informative and visually rewarding sight-seeing tour of the Orme.

Links:

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