Photo by Pauline Gourguechon on Unsplash
Why Llandudno for a Family Budget Break?
Llandudno is one of the UK's most charming seaside towns—a classic Victorian resort on the North Wales coast with two beautiful beaches, a historic pier, and the spectacular Great Orme headland. Best of all, most of the town's highlights are free or very low cost, making it ideal for families traveling on a budget.
This itinerary balances outdoor adventures, seaside fun, and just enough downtime to keep everyone happy. You'll explore the Great Orme, enjoy traditional pier and promenade activities, visit quieter beaches and gardens, and learn about local history—all without breaking the bank.
Day 1: Great Orme Adventure & Pier Strolls
Start your Llandudno adventure with the town's star natural attraction, followed by classic seaside fun on the Victorian promenade.
10:00 AM Great Orme Tramway or Walk
The Great Orme rises dramatically above Llandudno and offers stunning views across the bay and out to sea. You can either take the historic Great Orme Tramway (opened 1902) for a scenic ride up to the summit, or save money by walking one of several trails. The Marine Drive footpath loops the headland and is buggy-friendly for part of the route, while the steeper Summit Complex path rewards walkers with panoramic views.
At the top, there's a café, a small visitor center, and several viewpoints. On clear days, you can see Snowdonia, Anglesey, and even the Isle of Man.
Duration: 2–3 hours | Cost: Tramway ~£9–£11 per adult, £6–£8 per child; walking is free
1:00 PM Picnic Lunch or Budget Café
Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at one of the Great Orme's picnic spots or grab sandwiches from a bakery or supermarket in town. The promenade also has several budget-friendly fish and chip shops if you'd like a proper seaside treat.
Duration: 1 hour | Budget: approx. £3–£7 per person
2:00 PM North Shore Beach & Promenade
After lunch, head down to Llandudno's main beach—the North Shore. The long, sandy beach is perfect for kids to play, build sandcastles, and paddle in the shallow waters. Stroll along the Victorian promenade to take in the views and enjoy a classic British seaside atmosphere.
Duration: 2–3 hours | Cost: Free
5:00 PM Llandudno Pier
Walk out onto Llandudno Pier, Britain's longest pier in Wales at 700 meters. Although some arcades cost money, simply walking the pier, enjoying the views, and perhaps treating the kids to one small game or an ice cream is an affordable and quintessential seaside experience.
Duration: 1 hour | Budget: approx. £1–£5 per child for games/treats
6:30 PM Early Dinner or Takeaway
Finish the day with an early dinner at a budget-friendly café or grab a takeaway pizza, fish and chips, or similar. Many family-run eateries in Llandudno offer generous portions and good value for money.
Duration: 1 hour | Budget: approx. £7–£12 per person
Day 2: Alice in Wonderland Trail, Gardens & West Shore
On your second day, explore Llandudno's literary connections, relax in beautiful public gardens, and visit the quieter West Shore Beach.
9:30 AM Alice in Wonderland Trail
Llandudno is famously linked to Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland—Alice Liddell (the inspiration for Alice) used to holiday here as a child. Follow the free Alice in Wonderland Trail around town, spotting statues and plaques dedicated to the story. Kids enjoy hunting for the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, and other characters.
You can pick up a trail map from the tourist information center or download it online before your visit.
Duration: 1–1.5 hours | Cost: Free
11:00 AM Haulfre Gardens & Happy Valley
These beautiful, terraced gardens sit on the lower slopes of the Great Orme and offer lovely views over the town and sea. The gardens are free to explore and feature colorful flower beds, winding paths, and plenty of space for children to run around. Happy Valley nearby has crazy golf, a putting green, and small play areas (small charge).
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.