Llandudno - The Great Orme & Seafront

Ilkeston Cam On Holiday In North Wales 2000

Part Nine - Llandudno
High On The List Of Attractions As we approach the end of these pages recollecting our holiday in North Wales it is perhaps an opportune time to return to our base and take a look at some of the attractions of Llandudno. One of the highest both in geography and popularity is the headland known as the Great Orme. The summit may be reached by various methods including a cable car, a tramway, by road and of course on foot. All four ways can be made out in the photo right with the Halfway Tram Station visible towards the centre of the picture. Once at the top, commanding views over the town, along the coastline or towards the Snowdonia National Park are available, weather permitting. As can be seen in the panoramic picture at the top of this page, Snowdon itself is reluctant to show itself even on the brightest and sunniest of days, often being shrouded with cloud. There are a number of buildings at the summit of the Orme to cater for the visitors including a souvenir shop and a restaurant. Pictured below is the cable car terminus. Wherever you go in Llandudno, the view to the west always seems to be dominated by the rocky form of the Great Orme. Whether viewed from the top ( below left) or from further afield (below right) the headland is prominent and is rightly acknowledged as being one of the town's major attractions. A previous visit to Llandudno yielded the two images below and serve to illustrate two vastly different attractions on the Orme. One of the trams that hauls visitors up and down can be seen approaching Halfway Station whilst just a few yards away, this ancient mine offers guided tours of the workings. Those inclined to less strenuous activities are welcome to sit in the tea rooms or, on fine days, in the garden and enjoy a Welsh Cream Tea. I'll leave you to guess our preference but here's a clue. We put on weight! Descent from the Orme does not mean leaving the attractions and entertainment behind. The pier as well as being a good platform for anglers also has the all usual seaside amusements. Boats trips are available from the slip way and much enjoyment can be derived from just strolling along the promenade. Beneath the prominent War Memorial, seagulls perch in precarious places and scavenge for titbits among the visitors, while entertainment for children (below) also attracts a more adult following, probably remembering their own childhood holidays. Continued in Part 10 - Llandudno Town Other parts in this series: 1- Llandudno & Llanrwst; 2 - Betwys-y-Coed; 3 - Bangor; 4 - Llyn Ogwen & Llanfair; 5 - Caernarfon & Blaenau Ffestiniog; 6 - Bodelwyddan & Rhos-On-Sea; 7 - Conwy Bridges & Smallest House & 8 Conwy Quay & Town.