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Llandudno
is Wales's largest resort, uniquely situated between the Great and Little
Ormes with two wonderful beaches, the award winning North Shore and the
quiet, sandy West Shore.
During
the Victorian era, roads on the Great Orme were still fairly primitive and
the steep slopes prevented all but the most sure footed from reaching the
summit. Llandudno was fast becoming a very popular tourist resort, so it
wasn't long before local businessmen latched on to the idea of a cable
tramway.
Conwy
castle is only 5 miles from here; it is a gritty, dark stoned fortress
that has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. The
first time that visitors catch sight of the castle, commanding a rock
above the Conwy Estuary and demanding as much attention as the dramatic
Snowdonia skyline behind it, they know they are in the presence of a
historic site which still casts a powerful spell.
Conwy, constructed by the
English monarch Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as one of the key
fortresses in his 'iron ring' of castles to contain the Welsh, was built
to prompt such a humbling reaction.
The
North Wales Theatre in its spectacular setting on the prom stages major
shows all year round. Brass band
concerts are staged on the promenade bandstand, and concerts by Welsh male
voice choirs, held at various venues, prove enormously popular with
visitors.
You
can also take a scenic
railway trip up the Conwy Valley rail line which links up with the steam
trains of the west coast. Other highlights in the town's diary are a
Victorian Extravaganza, a waiters' and waitresses' race and a transport
festival.
Action
is one of the main attractions in Llandudno! There is a wide range of
activities for everyone. But just consider the ingredients that
make up this magical corner of Wales - sea, sand, cliffs, rushing rivers,
silent mountain lakes, forest trails and woodland walks, rock climbing,
hill walking, water and jet skiing, squash
courts, badminton, solaria, surfing,
tennis and even croquet! The
town also has two fine 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts at Craig-y-Don,
and bowling greens. The bay is a Mecca for sailing and a venue for
national championships each year. Fishing from the pier deck is a popular
pastime, and, for the children, there's a children's play area on the
pier. After the day's activities the city offers the visitors several
restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs.
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