The tramway, the cable car, the Kashmiri goats, the Bronze Age copper mines and the toboggan run — how to make the most of a family day on the Great Orme.
If you only do one thing in Llandudno, make it the Great Orme. The huge limestone headland on the edge of town is a country park, a nature reserve and an adventure playground all in one — and it's one of the most reliable family days out in North Wales. Here's how to get the most from it.
Getting to the top
Half the fun is the journey, and there are several ways up. The Great Orme Tramway, the only cable-hauled street tramway in Britain, has been trundling up since 1902; the cable car — at over a mile each way, the longest aerial cabin lift in Britain — gives long, swinging views over the bay; or you can walk up via the summit paths. With children, the tram up and the cable car down (or vice versa) makes a brilliant round trip.
Prefer to drive? You can reach the summit by car two ways. The scenic route is the Marine Drive toll road — a one-way cliff-top loop from the pier; about a mile along, turn off at St Tudno's Road for the top (currently £5.80 per car, and the toll ticket also covers parking at the summit). Alternatively, the toll-free road up through the town leads to the summit complex, where there's a pay-and-display car park. Either way you'll find a visitor centre and café at the top — an easy day out even if a long walk isn't on the cards.
Get directionsScenic route — Marine DriveDirect to the summit
At the summit
The summit complex has a visitor centre, a café and viewpoints that on a clear day reach across to Anglesey, Eryri and even the Isle of Man. It's breezy up top whatever the forecast, so bring a layer — and a camera.
Meet the goats
The Orme's herd of wild Kashmiri goats are the headland's celebrities, descended from a pair the Shah of Persia gave Queen Victoria in 1837, by way of the Mostyn estate. You'll often spot them grazing right beside the road, utterly unbothered by their fame. A guaranteed hit with children.
Go underground at the Copper Mines
The Great Orme Bronze Age Copper Mines are genuinely world-class — the largest prehistoric mines open to visitors anywhere — a Guinness World Record holder — dug by hand nearly 4,000 years ago. Walking through the ancient tunnels is the sort of thing children remember for years.
For the thrill-seekers
The Llandudno Ski & Snowboard Centre on the Orme's slopes has a dry ski slope and a long toboggan run that's a riot for older kids and brave grown-ups. There's also pitch & putt for a gentler bit of competition.
Wildlife and wild places
As a nature reserve, the Orme is rich with rare wildflowers, butterflies, seabirds and, offshore, the chance of seals and porpoises. The toll-road loop of Marine Drive hugs the cliffs the whole way round — a spectacular slow drive or a proper walk.
A few tips from us
- Allow most of a day if you want to do the tram, the goats, the mines and the summit without rushing.
- Dress for the top, not the town — it's always cooler and windier up there.
- Check tram and mine opening times in advance, especially out of season.
- Bring binoculars. Between the goats, the seabirds and the views out to sea, there's always something worth a closer look.
How long to spend, and the best time to go
If you want to do the headland properly — the tram or cable car, the goats, the copper mines and the summit — give it most of a day; rush it and you'll wish you hadn't. Mornings are often clearest for the long views, and the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are our favourites, with fewer crowds and lovely light. It's always cooler and breezier at the top than down in the town, whatever the forecast, so take a layer even on a warm day. Out of season, do check the tram and copper-mine opening times before you set off, as they run shorter hours in winter.
Is the Great Orme suitable for everyone?
For the most part, yes — and you don't have to be a hardy walker to enjoy it. You can reach the summit by tram, by cable car or by car via the toll road, so the views are open to everyone. Some attractions ask a little more: the copper mines have steps and uneven ground underfoot, and the headland paths are natural trails rather than smooth pavement. Dogs are welcome out on the open headland and tend to love it. If you're bringing a pushchair, the summit complex and the road are manageable, while the rougher trails and the mines are less so. Our walking-focused guide to the Great Orme walks has more on the routes themselves.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the top of the Great Orme?
Four ways: the historic Great Orme Tramway, the cable car, on foot via the summit paths, or by car on the Marine Drive toll road or the road up through town. With children, the tram up and the cable car down (or the other way round) makes a brilliant round trip.
Is the Great Orme free?
The headland itself is a free country park to walk and explore. The tramway, cable car, copper mines and ski centre each have their own admission charge, and there's a small toll on the Marine Drive road, but you can have a wonderful day just walking and meeting the goats for nothing.
Is the Great Orme dog friendly?
Yes — dogs are welcome to roam the open headland on a lead, and most love the wide-open space and the sea air. Do keep them close around the Kashmiri goats and near the cliff edges.
How long do you need on the Great Orme?
Allow most of a day if you'd like to combine the tram, the goats, the copper mines and the summit without rushing. If you're just after the views and a café stop, a couple of hours up top will do it nicely.
When is the best time to visit?
Mornings tend to be clearest for the long views, and spring and autumn are gloriously quiet. Whenever you go, dress for the top rather than the town — it's always a touch cooler and windier up there.
The Great Orme is right on our doorstep — many of our guests walk straight from The Rosedene to the foot of the tramway. Ask us when you arrive and we'll help you plan the perfect day on the headland. There's plenty more to fill a trip in our things to do in Llandudno and perfect weekend guides. When you're ready, our rooms are waiting at the bottom of the hill — book direct for the best rate.
— Mark & Andrea, The Rosedene