If you want to visit a seaside town that’s like stepping back in time, this pretty stretch of coast is full of well-preserved historic buildings and even has Britain’s oldest running Punch and Judy show
The town has many Victorian attractions that are still operational to this day(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A day at the seaside is a classic British activity, but sadly, many of the charming traditions associated with these holidays are melting away as quickly as a dropped Mr Whippy as families opt to jet off on sunny breaks instead.
However, one seaside town in Wales has a range of old-fashioned holiday attractions to enjoy, and it even has a yearly festival dedicated to its Victorian heritage.
While Llandudno has roots dating back to the Stone Age, the area saw a huge amount of growth in the Victorian era as men flocked to the area to work in the copper mines, as well as fishing and agriculture. It was then developed into a seaside resort, with the addition of Llandudno railway station in 1858 bringing flocks of Victorians to the coast for fresh air and relaxation.
In the same year, a small wooden pier was added, offering a place for visitors to wander and enjoy the sea air. Around 20 years later, it was rebuilt as Llandudno Pier, which remains standing today with its distinctive Victorian cast-iron railings and domed buildings. There are cafes, bars, and shops along the walk, plus amusements and small fairground rides at the end of the pier.
Another marvel of Victorian engineering is the Great Orme Tramway, a funicular railway that climbs up through Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve to the peak of Great Orme. The tram station starts in a small station close to the pier, where you board these beautifully preserved vintage carriages. The route is about a mile long up the rocky cliffs and takes about 20 minutes, with spectacular sea and countryside views along the way.
Stop at the halfway station and you can explore Great Orme Mines, which date back 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. First discovered in the 1980s, a huge network of tunnels has been uncovered since, and you can take a tour to explore this winding underground mine. Be warned, it’s not an experience for the claustrophobic, and you’ll need sensible shoes and clothing for safety reasons.
North Shore Beach is one of the town’s most popular attractions, especially on sunny days. While it’s mostly sandy and pebbly, there are softer areas where you can set up a blanket and build a sandcastle. You can even take a donkey ride along the promenade, which the kids will love. During peak season, you can enjoy Britain’s oldest running Punch and Judy show, which is performed by the fifth generation of the Codman family. The performers still use the original puppets from the town’s Victorian heyday, which were carved from driftwood found on the beach.
Llandudno has a lively town centre, also made up of modern buildings, such as a large shopping centre, alongside Victorian architecture. There’s a good selection of high street and independent shops, as well as cafes, pubs, and restaurants all a short walk from the seafront.
Visit during the May bank holiday weekends and you can enjoy the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza, a free street fair that celebrates the town’s Victorian heritage. This year, it’ll run from May 2 to 4 with further dates to be confirmed.
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Along the streets, you’ll find vintage fairground rides such as old carousels, steam engine displays, and food stalls selling seaside favourites from candy floss to fish and chips. You can also book tickets for a traditional Victorian circus, as well as enjoy street entertainment and an overall wholesome atmosphere during these popular weekend events.
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