Great Orme Llandudno
Ascend the Great Orme for breathtaking panoramic views of the Irish Sea and Welsh mountains, accessible by historic tram, cable car, or scenic drive.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Great Orme Llandudno
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend the Great Orme for breathtaking panoramic views of the Irish Sea and Welsh mountains, accessible by historic tram, cable car, or scenic drive.
"A must-see experience with panoramic spectaculars of both Irish Sea and Snowdonian peaks."
🚗 Drive or Toll?
Driving up offers flexibility, but there's a toll. Parking at the summit is included. :car:
🚡 Cable Car Check
The cable car can close due to high winds. Check its operational status before your visit. :windblowingface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Great Orme Tramway
Llandudno town center to the summit
Ride the UK's only funicular tramway on public roads for a unique journey to the summit.
Great Orme Cable Car
Near the tram station to the summit
Soar above the landscape for breathtaking panoramic views of the Irish Sea and surrounding peaks.
Summit Views
Great Orme Summit
Experience spectacular 360-degree vistas of Llandudno's coastline and the Welsh mountains.
Bronze Age Copper Mines
Base of the Great Orme
Explore one of the world's earliest industrial sites, offering a glimpse into ancient mining history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting to the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive or Toll?
Driving up offers flexibility, but there's a toll. Parking at the summit is included. :car:
🚡 Cable Car Check
The cable car can close due to high winds. Check its operational status before your visit. :windblowingface:
🚶♀️ Walk the Orme
Walking offers amazing views and exercise, especially when others opt for transport. :athletic_shoe:
🐑 Watch for Sheep!
Be mindful of sheep on the roads, especially when driving or walking. They sometimes cause minor delays! :sheep:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive or Toll?
Driving up offers flexibility, but there's a toll. Parking at the summit is included. :car:
🚡 Cable Car Check
The cable car can close due to high winds. Check its operational status before your visit. :windblowingface:
🚶♀️ Walk the Orme
Walking offers amazing views and exercise, especially when others opt for transport. :athletic_shoe:
🐑 Watch for Sheep!
Be mindful of sheep on the roads, especially when driving or walking. They sometimes cause minor delays! :sheep:
🧺 Picnic with a View
Pack a picnic to enjoy the stunning scenery from various spots around the headland. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Great Orme for its spectacular panoramic views of the Irish Sea and Welsh mountains, calling it a 'world-class rustic location.' The unique Great Orme Tramway and Cable Car are highly recommended experiences. Some minor drawbacks include potential crowds and the condition of public restrooms at the summit.
"On a day of changeable weather, when the sun breaks through the clouds, a must see experience is The Great Orme. Great by name; Great by nature. However you arrive on The Great Orme, you will be met by a panoramic spectacular of both Irish Sea and Snowdian peaks. The charming, sweeping beaches of Llandudno are seen best from the wind swept summit of The Great Orme. On this occasion, we arrived on the charming and quaint Great Orme Tramway; only once paused by the crossing of some suicidal sheep. Once atop this magnificent rocky outreach, we explored in all directions, savouring every unforgettable sight. It was too windy for the cable car to be running, but, having done this before, it is an unmissable must-do ride should it be running while you're visiting. Overall, a world-class rustic location."
Lisa D
"Amazing place to visit and well worth the £5.80 toll you have to pay to drive in. You get parking included with that to park at the summit too.
So much to see at the top and driving round the Orme.
It was too windy for us to go in the cable car as it was closed so we will have to do that next time and it's a good excuse to go again."
Simon (Simps)
"Spectacular scenery, roads that rival the original 'Italian Job' movie, pay at the toll booth & get free parking at the summit. Be warned, it dies get bust. There is a restaurant, gift shop & loos, but the loos can be a tad unpleasant due to the amount of people using them. We picnicked further round the headland on top of the cliffs with amazing views. It can be walked, driven or take a tour bus."
Mr B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Great Orme by driving (there's a toll road with summit parking), taking the Great Orme Tramway from Llandudno town center, or riding the Great Orme Cable Car. Walking up is also a popular option for hikers.
Yes, there is parking available at the summit of the Great Orme, which is usually included with the toll fee if you drive up.
Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy walking up the Great Orme from Llandudno. There are various paths offering scenic routes and great exercise.
The best way depends on your preference! The tramway offers a unique historical experience, the cable car provides stunning aerial views, and driving offers convenience.
While there isn't a direct bus to the very summit, local buses can take you to the base of the Great Orme or near the tramway and cable car stations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's a toll fee if you drive your car to the summit, which includes parking. The Great Orme Tramway and Cable Car have separate fares.
It's advisable to check the official Great Orme Tramway website for current ticketing information and to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Opening hours for the tramway and cable car vary seasonally. It's best to check their official websites for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
The Great Orme headland is largely accessible without an entrance fee, but specific attractions like the tramway, cable car, and the toll road for driving do have charges.
Typically, you can purchase tickets for the Great Orme Cable Car upon arrival, but it's always a good idea to confirm this with their official channels, especially during busy periods.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views, visit the Great Orme Lighthouse, explore the Bronze Age copper mines, and find amenities like a restaurant and gift shop.
Yes, the Great Orme offers numerous walking trails for all abilities, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes, with stunning coastal and mountain scenery.
The wild goats that famously roam Llandudno often inhabit the Great Orme, so you might spot them during your visit, especially in quieter areas.
The summit typically has a restaurant, gift shop, and public restrooms. However, reviews suggest the restrooms can get busy and may not always be pristine.
Yes, families can enjoy the tramway, cable car, and the open spaces for exploring. The views are captivating for all ages.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views. The tramway and cable car rides themselves provide unique photographic opportunities. Look for viewpoints along the walking trails too. 
Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting, but the panoramic views are stunning throughout the day. Consider the weather for dramatic skies.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check local drone laws and guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant details or wildlife.
The Great Orme Tramway with the town in the background, the cable car ascending, and the sweeping coastal vistas from the summit are all iconic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The open spaces at the summit are perfect for kids to explore and burn off energy. Don't forget to look out for the famous Llandudno mountain goats – spotting them is a real thrill for younger visitors! Consider packing snacks and drinks, as while there are facilities, they can get busy. The walk up can be managed in sections, or you can opt for the tram or cable car to make the ascent easier for little legs. The views are captivating for all ages, making it a memorable family outing.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Even if you choose to use the tram or cable car for part of your journey, exploring the summit on foot is highly recommended. Discover hidden viewpoints, enjoy the fresh sea air, and perhaps even spot some of the local wildlife. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and check the weather, as it can be exposed and windy.
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
+1Key spots include the summit for sweeping vistas, the journey on the Great Orme Tramway or Cable Car for unique perspectives, and various viewpoints along the walking trails. Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting, or embrace the moody atmosphere of a cloudy day for a different aesthetic.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Great Orme Tramway: A Historic Journey
+1This historic tramway provides fantastic views as it climbs, offering a different perspective than the cable car. It's a popular choice for families and those seeking a classic tourist experience. Be sure to check operating times, as they can vary seasonally and are subject to weather conditions.
+1Pro-tip: Consider taking the tram up and the cable car down (or vice-versa) to experience both modes of transport and their distinct views. This allows for a comprehensive appreciation of the Great Orme's accessibility and scenery.
Exploring the Great Orme Summit and Views
Beyond the views, the summit area offers several points of interest. You can visit the Great Orme Lighthouse, which stands as a prominent landmark. For those interested in history, the Bronze Age Copper Mines offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient industrial activity. The open spaces also make it a great spot for a picnic or simply to enjoy the fresh sea air.
Important Note: While the views are the main draw, be prepared for potentially windy conditions at the summit, especially outside of summer. This can also affect the operation of the cable car.
Wildlife Encounters on the Great Orme
Spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a memorable experience. While they are wild animals and should be observed from a safe distance, their presence adds a special charm to the Great Orme. Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the headland, and you might be lucky enough to see them grazing or navigating the terrain.
Beyond the goats, the Great Orme is also a haven for birdlife, and seals can sometimes be spotted playing in the bay below, particularly if you're exploring the coastal paths. The diverse natural environment makes the Great Orme a rewarding destination for nature lovers.
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