The best running trails around Maes-Y-Facrell, Pen Y Gogarth National Nature Reserve

The iconic two-mile Llandudno Promenade hugs North Shore between the Great and Little Orme headlands. Lined with grand Victorian hotels, it features sweeping sea views, a historic pier with classic Punch and Judy shows, a bandstand, and wide, flat walkways perfect for leisurely seaside strolls

The iconic two-mile Llandudno Promenade hugs North Shore between the Great and Little Orme headlands. Lined with grand Victorian hotels, it features sweeping sea views, a historic pier with classic Punch and Judy shows, a bandstand, and wide, flat walkways perfect for leisurely seaside strolls

The iconic two-mile Llandudno Promenade hugs North Shore between the Great and Little Orme headlands. Lined with grand Victorian hotels, it features sweeping sea views, a historic pier with classic Punch and Judy shows, a bandstand, and wide, flat walkways perfect for leisurely seaside strolls. Also memorial to my best friend who perished at sea with his elder brother and friends. Still think of Justin and Chris every time I visit home.

The Great Orme Copper Mines in Llandudno, North Wales, represent one of the most astonishing archaeological discoveries of recent times. Recognized as one of the largest prehistoric mines in the world, this massive complex completely changed our understanding of Bronze Age technology, trade, and society in Britain. DiscoveryFor centuries, locals and Victorian miners knew that ancient tunnels existed beneath the headland, but they were widely assumed to be of Roman origin. However, in 1987, a land-scaping scheme for a planned car park led cavers and mining engineers to explore deep into the old workings (abseiling down the 470-foot Vivian’s Shaft). Upon analyzing the artifacts, animal bones, and charcoal found inside using radiocarbon dating, archaeologists stunned the historical community: the mines were actually 4,000 years old, dating back to the Early Bronze Age, long before the Romans ever arrived. Scale and ExtentVast Labyrinth: The site features over 5 miles (8+ kilometers) of explored underground tunnels, passageways, and chambers reaching depths of up to 220 feet (70 meters). Tiny Passages: Many of the tunnels are extraordinarily cramped. Some of the tightest spaces could only have been excavated and navigated by young children aged 5 to 6 years old. Prehistoric Scale: Over 40,000 cubic meters of rock were removed during prehistory, spreading across a surface and underground network covering more than 24,000 square meters.

When it comes to two wheels, the Great Orme isn't a purpose-built trail centre with manicured dirt singletracks or man-made jumps, but it’s still an absolute playground for riders who love raw, natural terrain and unforgettable coastal views.The Marine Drive Toll Road: While technically a road, this 4.5-mile anti-clockwise loop is a bucket-list ride for cyclists. It’s free for bikes, largely traffic-light due to the one-way system, and hugs the cliff edges with sweeping drops to the sea. It gives you a proper leg-straining climb up past the old lighthouse before letting you open it up on the twisty coastal descents. Off-Road and Grassy Tracks: There are some rough tracks, grassy paths, and limestone-flecked bridleways that weave across the upper slopes and around the country park. They demand a sturdy mountain bike and a good sense of balance, bouncing over exposed rock and uneven terrain. The Reality Check: Because the headland is a protected Special Area of Conservation, a limestone nature reserve, and a grazing ground for wild Kashmiri goats and sheep, off-piste exploring is heavily discouraged. Public footpaths are strictly for walkers, so you have to stick to permitted tracks and the toll road. If you're after heavy-duty uplift parks with berms and drop-offs, you'd head deeper into Snowdonia to places like Coed y Brenin or Antur Stiniog. But for a cheeky spin with jaw-dropping sea air in your face and punchy, leg-burning climbs, riding the Orme is hard to beat.

If Llandudno’s promenade is a grand Victorian stage, the Llandudno Bandstand is its sparkling, musical centerpiece. Looking like a fancy blue-and-white wedding cake dropped onto the seafront, this iconic structure has been the heart of the town’s "seaside swagger" since the late 1800s. It’s the ultimate spot to catch a free show. Depending on the day, you might hear a booming brass band, a soulful choir, or even a rock tribute act—all with the dramatic backdrop of the Great Orme and the Irish Sea. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but tap your toes, even if you’ve got a melting ice cream in one hand and a rogue seagull eyeing your chips with the other. Whether you're dancing on the prom or just soaking up the nostalgic vibes from a nearby bench, it’s pure, old-school holiday magic.

When Llandudno Town Band was formed in 1910, it was decided that a bandstand was needed on the promenade. The hoteliers were not happy to have the noise outside their hotels, so the council procured a mobile bandstand (top picture) on wheels. Nicknamed “The Juggernaut”, it could be dragged by horses to any part of the promenade, and the band could perform anywhere from the Happy Valley to Craig y Don. It was in disrepair by 1925 so the council built a permanent bandstand. It was inaugurated in 1926 and remains in use today.

Summer concerts are held here as of 2025