When it comes to exploring North Wales there are tons of amazing, scenic places to see and stay. Conwy and Llandudno are two popular stops for many tourists travelling through Wales but which is better to visit Conwy or Llandudno? Here we’ll dissect the two Welsh towns and help you decide which town is the best for you.
Conwy
Conwy (pronounced Conway) is a picturesque Welsh town located on the banks of the River Conwy, is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and it features a UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle that dominates its skyline. But besides the castle, there’s a quaint little town and surrounding area that is worth spending some time in. It is a boat-filled seaside town filled with ancient walls, local shops and parks.
Llandudno
Llandudno is often referred to as the “Queen of Welsh Resorts,” as it boasts a real Victorian charm and a fantastic seafront promenade. The seafront stretches around a bay area that is overlooked on the North Shore by a steep hill and rock face that stands out above the Pier offering a great lookout point over the town. There is a huge range of shops in Llandudno and plenty of food and drink options to cater to most tastes.
Here we compare Conwy vs. Llandudno to see which area is better to visit on the North Wales touring path, a great highlight of UK sightseeing. The scoring goes across four categories to help you decide what’s best for you.
Activities and things to do
Scenery
History
For families
Restaurants
Activities and Things to Do
While Conwy isn’t a huge town it does have some good activities and things to do nearby. Conwy Castle is the jewel in the crown here as it is a 13th-century majestic fortress that takes over the town, it offers great views of the coast and is a must-visit attraction along with the Conwy town walls that surround it, which are a great example of medieval military architecture.
Conwy Quay offers a nice walking area, where you can watch the boats bobbing on the river and try some freshly caught fish and chips in the waterfront restaurants. On the Quay, you can visit the Smallest House in Great Britain, a quirky attraction that offers a glimpse into the life of its former resident, a fisherman. Plas Mawr Elizabethan Townhouse is another local opulent attraction from the 16th century that’s worth visiting.
Llandudno on the other hand has very different activities. Llandudno Promenade is one of the most popular areas in Wales just to take a stroll along the beachside and take in Victorian hotels, ice cream parlours, and lively cafes. The iconic Llandudno Pier is a great spot for a leisurely walk or to try a bit of playful gambling some classic seaside amusements.
Explore the Great Orme, a massive limestone headland that offers stunning views of the coast and the surrounding countryside. You can reach the summit by taking the Great Orme Tramway or the Cable Car, which are both good experiences. If you’re pretty fit you can climb the steep hill too.
Venue Cymru is a taste of culture in Llandudno, it’s a modern entertainment complex hosting a variety of shows, concerts, and events. Llandudno is also famous for inspiring Alice in Wonderland and the Alice in Wonderland Trail takes you to various locations inspired by Lewis Carroll’s famous story.
Winner: Llandudno
Scenery
Conwy has some great scenery with the town sitting on the coast next to the marina and the huge castle which both offer some great scenic walk and sitting areas. There are some nice beaches nearby too such as Conway Morfra, which offers some nice contrasts.
Llandudno has a nice town and surrounding beach. The Great Orme headland cliff that overlooks the town really adds to the town’s scenery and offers some great views. Llandudno’s natural scenery just about edges it here as the Castle is the main focal point in Conwy.
Winner: Llandudno
History
Conwy Castle is just about one of the biggest historic attractions in Wales so it makes sense that a lot of people stop here for this along with the castle wall walks. The smallest house in Great Britain is another quirky, fascinating experience and local Elizabethan houses make it a great place for a historical stopover to step back in time.
Llandudno does have the Alice in Wonderland Trail and some nice local historic spots including a historic pier and plenty of locally listed buildings around the town but overall Llandudno’s isn’t really comparable to Conwy’s historic sights.
Winner: Conwy
For Families
Conwy Castle and the surrounding beaches make for a great stop and offer tourist highlights in terms of activities and memories. However, the town doesn’t have as many worthy family-friendly activities and could struggle to offer the variety of different tastes that some families will need.
Llandudno has something for everyone, the Alice in Wonderland Trails, the beach and amusements along with the large charming town give it a place on the map in Wales. While the historical side isn’t quite as prominent as Conwy, the amount of things to do and the size of the town itself offers plenty for young and old to enjoy.
Winner: Llandudno
Restaurants
Conwy often blends traditional Welsh flavours with modern twists. Local seafood is sourced directly from the Conwy estuary on many menus. Imagine trying some freshly caught local mussels, succulent lobsters, and flaky sea bass. Restaurants are also known for their warm hospitality and cosy atmospheres. Imagine dining in a centuries-old building, surrounded by stone walls and candlelit tables.
You can try out some quaint, affordable seaside restaurants and cafes alongside the finer dining places but Lava and the Jackdaw restaurants are worth a try.
Llandudno is a bustling seaside town that takes its culinary scene seriously. Here, you’ll find a more diverse range of international restaurants catering to various tastes and preferences. From upscale fine dining establishments to quaint cafes and small seafood restaurants,
Llandudno has a great range of restaurant choices, two of which would be The Loaf and The Seahorse. It’s that diversity and size that wins it for Llandudno on the food scene.
Winner: Llandudno
Conclusion – Which is better, Conwy or Llandudno?
Both Conwy and Llandudno have their unique attractions and experiences to offer, neither are similar to each other and both are closely located 13 minutes drive apart. Llandudno is great in terms of activities, restaurants, and its lively charming town atmosphere. On the other hand, Conwy charms visitors with its rich history, green scenery, quaint harbours and surrounding beaches.
As always it depends on what you’re after in your visit but Llandudno is the clear winner for me across multiple categories so is the place I would choose to visit if I could only stop in one. Ideally, you can fit in a visit to Conwy Castle and then stay in Llandudno to get the best out of the area.