Llandudno is such an interesting place, filled with history and secrets. If you plan on visiting us at Bryn Y Mor, we have some facts about the Victorian town we reside in that you may like to read before you visit.
1. Llandudno was a source of inspiration for Alice in Wonderland.
Legend has it that the area inspired Lewis Carrol’s classic book – and he even wrote some of it during a stay here. Due to this, you can enjoy what is called the ‘Alice Trail’ around town. This shows you around some amazing statues and other whacky discoveries to do with the novel.
2. They have goats as residents!
This one is no secret – it’s been worldwide news over the last year. The Kashmir goats on the Great Orme have become an attraction after they roamed the town during the pandemics lockdowns.
3. Llandudno is the biggest seaside resort in the whole of Wales.
Llandudno’s population is over 20,000, making it the largest in Wales. It has had the title ‘Queen of Welsh Resorts’ since way back in the 19th century, and it has held this well.
4. It is the childhood home of Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes.
Bryn Rosa, on Abbey Road, Llandudno, was actually the childhood home of William Morris Hughes. He emigrated to Australia in 1884 and was elected into the New South Wales parliament in 1894 before being chosen as Prime Minister in 1915.
5. Most original buildings in the 1850s were erected in the Winter months as not to disturb holidaymakers.
During the summer, these skilled workers would travel to America to continue their work. This is why towns on the East coast are named Bala, Caernarvon, Swansea and Newport.
6. A family used to live in a cave on the West Shore.
Miriam and Isaac Jones from Amlwch made their home in a natural cave on the West Shore for 37 years where they raised 15 children. In 1877, they faced eviction for the development of Marine Drive and refused to leave until they were given a home.
7. It has one of the oldest Punch and Judy shows.
The Punch and Judy show, running at the entrance to the pier, has been going for more than 150 years. Daily shows take place in the summer, depending on the weather.
8. The cable cars on the Great Orme are the longest in the UK.
These were built back in 1969, and take you a mile both up and down, from Happy Valley to the top of the Great Orme. The best way to take in the views!
9. The Mountain Warehouse store used to be the site of Llandudno’s first permanent place of entertainment.
This grand building used to be St. George’s concert hall – where the first two shows were two operas by Mozart!
10. Llandudno has had 3 piers.
In the past, there was a pier slightly further down the North Shore. This was built in 1858 and only lasted 19 years before it was demolished for pier no.2 we have today.
The third pier on West Shore had a short life, left unused shortly after opening, before being swept away by the sea.