Discover everything from scenic drives, hikes and tram rides to ancient mines, wildlife and panoramic views of Llandudno Bay at this imposing limestone headland.
Great Orme (Y Gogarth) is a striking headland of biological and geological importance, rising above Creuddyn Peninsula. Spot varied birdlife while exploring picturesque biking, driving and walking routes. Visit archaeological sites, play a round of miniature golf and marvel at the views of Llandudno’s coastline. Named after a Norse word for sea serpent, Great Orme is about 2 miles (3 kilometres) long and 679 feet (207 metres) tall.
Reach Great Orme’s summit by a rewarding walk. Three marked trails start from the town centre and follow paths that weave around hillsides, past flower-filled meadows and beside limestone cliffs. The names of the trails, in order of increasing difficulty, are the Haulfre Gardens Trail, Happy Valley Trail and Zig Zag Trail.
Another option is travelling by bike, bus or car around Marine Drive, a 4-mile (6-kilometre) toll road with magnificent views at every turn. The road skirts the headland, in the shadow of looming cliffs and looking out across the Irish Sea. Alternatively, travel up on the Great Orme Tramway or the Llandudno Cable Car. The tramway is one of the world’s last surviving cable-powered tramways and the cable car ride is the longest in Great Britain.
Once at the summit, check out the exhibits at the Great Orme Country Park Visitor Centre, which explain the site’s history and wildlife. Take a moment to appreciate the wonderful panoramas. On a clear day, it’s possible to see as far as the Isle of Man, Lake District and Snowdonia National Park. Look for butterflies, peregrine falcons, seabirds and wild Kashmiri mountain goats.
Take a self-guided tour of the Great Orme Mines, a Bronze Age mine dating back about 4,000 years. Visit the 12th-century St. Tudnos Church, built on the site of a Celtic mission. Have fun on a pitch-and-putt and miniature golf course or ride the toboggan run at Llandudno Ski Slope.
Great Orme’s cable car and tramway depart just a short walk from Llandudno’s town centre. Both operate from late March to October. Marine Drive is open year-round. Use the parking available at the visitor centre.
