Llandudno seafront and Peir

Photo by Bill Eccles on Unsplash

Why This Itinerary?

Llandudno is one of North Wales’ classic Victorian seaside resorts, with a sweeping promenade, two beaches, the dramatic Great Orme headland, and plenty of family fun that doesn't have to cost a fortune.

This 2-day itinerary keeps things relaxed and budget-friendly, focusing on free outdoor activities, scenic walks, and a few carefully chosen paid attractions. It’s ideal for families looking for a quick getaway by the sea with fresh air, simple pleasures, and lots of space for kids to run around.

Day 1: Promenade, Pier & Great Orme

Settle into Llandudno with a gentle day along the seafront, topped off with sweeping views from the Great Orme.

9:30 AM Stroll the North Shore Promenade

Start the day with an easy walk along the long, flat promenade. Kids can scooter or cycle, and there are plenty of benches to stop and take in the views across the bay. It’s a great way to get your bearings without spending anything.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Cost: Free

11:00 AM Llandudno Pier & Arcades

Head onto Llandudno Pier for classic seaside fun. Let the kids loose on the 2p machines and small rides, pick up some candyfloss or ice cream, and enjoy the sea breeze at the end of the pier.

Duration: 1.5–2 hours | Budget: approx. £5–£10 per child (games & treats)

1:00 PM Picnic or Fish & Chips on the Seafront

Keep costs low with a simple picnic on the beach, or grab fish & chips from a local takeaway and eat them on the promenade wall. Bring a blanket and let the kids play on the pebbles and sand.

Duration: 1 hour | Budget: approx. £5–£8 per person

2:30 PM Great Orme Tramway or Walk Up

Take the historic Great Orme Tramway up to the summit for incredible views across the town and coastline. If you’re really keeping an eye on costs and the kids are happy walking, you can hike one of the signed paths instead and save money.

Duration: 2–3 hours | Cost (tram): approx. £10–£12 per adult, £6–£8 per child (return)

5:00 PM Summit Playtime & Nature Trails

At the top, explore the Great Orme Country Park, follow a short nature trail, and see if you can spot goats on the slopes. There’s a playground and café where you can grab an affordable drink or snack.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Cost: Free (snacks extra, approx. £3–£5 per person)

7:00 PM Simple Family Dinner in Town

Finish the day at a family-friendly pub or café in the town centre. Look out for early-bird menus or kids’ deals to keep dinner costs low.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Budget: approx. £10–£15 per adult, £6–£8 per child

Day 2: Alice Trail, Happy Valley & West Shore

Follow in Alice’s footsteps, explore green spaces, and discover Llandudno’s quieter side at West Shore.

9:30 AM Alice in Wonderland Town Trail

Llandudno has links to the real Alice Liddell, who inspired Alice in Wonderland. Follow the themed statues and sculptures around town. You can download a map or just wander and spot characters as you go.

Duration: 1.5–2 hours | Cost: Free (optional map/app may be a few pounds)

11:30 AM Happy Valley Gardens & Mini-Golf

Climb up to Happy Valley for landscaped gardens, views over the bay, and plenty of space for kids to burn off energy. In good weather, treat the family to a round of mini-golf for a small extra cost.

Duration: 1.5–2 hours | Cost: Gardens free; mini-golf approx. £4–£6 per person

1:30 PM Budget Lunch in Town

Pick up sandwiches, pies, or pasties from a bakery or supermarket and eat in one of the town’s small parks or back on the seafront. It’s a simple way to keep the day’s spending low.

Duration: 1 hour | Budget: approx. £4–£7 per person

2:30 PM West Shore Beach & Dune Walks

In the afternoon, head over to West Shore, the quieter of Llandudno’s two beaches. Kids can play on the sand, fly a kite, or explore the dunes. It’s a lovely spot for shell-hunting and paddling on a sunny day.

Duration: 2–3 hours | Cost: Free (small parking fee may apply, approx. £2–£4)

5:30 PM Sunset Walk & Final Ice Cream

Take an early evening walk along the sea wall and watch the sun drop behind the mountains of Snowdonia. Treat everyone to one last ice cream or hot chocolate from a nearby kiosk.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Budget: approx. £3–£5 per person

7:00 PM Optional: Indoor Fun if It Rains

If the weather turns, swap some outdoor time for an indoor attraction such as a small local museum, soft play, or arcade time on the pier. Set a strict coin limit so the budget doesn’t creep up.

Duration: 1–2 hours | Budget: approx. £5–£10 per child

💡 Essential Travel Tips for Llandudno

  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn (May–September) for the best chance of dry, mild weather.
  • Staying on Budget: Plan mostly free activities (beaches, walks, parks) and limit arcade and ride spending.
  • Getting Around: The town is compact and very walkable. Most families won’t need public transport once in Llandudno.
  • Weather: Coastal weather changes quickly. Pack layers, a light waterproof, and spare clothes for kids.
  • Food Costs: Self-catering or picnics cut costs significantly. Many guesthouses include breakfast.
  • Accessibility: The promenade is flat and buggy-friendly. Some Great Orme paths are steep; check routes in advance.
  • Approximate Daily Budget: For a low-budget family trip, allow around £25–£40 per adult and £15–£25 per child per day for food and activities (excluding accommodation).

🏨 Where to Stay

For a low-budget family trip, look for simple guesthouses or B&Bs just behind the seafront, or self-catering apartments where you can prepare your own meals. Properties a few streets back from the promenade are usually cheaper than those directly on the front.

Families arriving by car might also consider nearby holiday parks or caravan sites within a short drive of Llandudno, which often have playgrounds and on-site facilities.

Browse family-friendly places to stay in Llandudno → (Affiliate link - we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you)

✈️ Getting to Llandudno

Llandudno is well connected by public transport and road, making it an easy weekend destination from many parts of the UK.

By train, you can usually reach Llandudno with a change at Llandudno Junction, with direct services from cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham to the junction. From Llandudno Junction, the local train ride takes around 10 minutes.

If you’re driving, follow the A55 along the North Wales coast and then the A470 into Llandudno. Parking is available along the seafront (pay-and-display) and in town centre car parks. For a low-budget trip, look for guesthouses with free or low-cost parking included.