The Great Orme is a limestone headland that rises straight out of the sea on the north coast of Wales, close to the town of Llandudno. Here is a complete guide.
How To Get To The Great Orme
Great Orme is a limestone headland located close to the town of Llandudno in Wales.
By Foot:
There are lots of different walks up and around the Great Orme summit, varying in length.
The summit trails are some of the shorter walks at just over 1 mile (1.6km). The longer walks, taking you around the headland, and are up to 4 miles (6.4km).
By Car:
You can drive to the top of Great Orme from the toll road. The toll road four miles long and takes you around the base of Great Orme.
Toll charge £3.70 per car.
You can park at the summit for free as long as you display your toll ticket.
By Tram:
For a unique journey, you can climb aboard a restored tramcar at Victoria Station, a short distance from Llandudno Pier, and start your ascent through the winding roads of Great Orme.
Trams run seven days a week between 10am and 6pm, from late March to late October.
Adults £8.50/£9.50 (Low/High season)
Children (3 to 16) £6.00/£7.00 (Low/High season)
Family tickets and single journey tickets are also available.
By Cable Car:
For some stunning aerial views, you can hop on a cable car that will take you from Happy Valley in Llandudno, to the summit of Great Orme.
Opened in 1969, the cable car runs along Great Orme, spanning a distance of just over a mile.
Open seven days a week 10am – 5pm. (The cable cars do not operate during windy weather.)
Adult Return £11.00 / Single £10.50
Family Ticket Return £33.00 / Single £31.00
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
The Great Orme Entrance Fee
It is free to visit Great Orme by foot.
There is a toll charge of £3.70 per car.
The Great Orme Opening Times
Great Orme is open 24 hours a day.
We would not recommend walking on Great Orme after dark.
Best Time To Visit The Great Orme + Tips
Between March and October would be the best time to visit Great Orme, when all the facilities are open/running. The weather should also be warmer!
Great Orme is a popular tourist hotspot for families, especially during the summer, so expect school holidays and weekends to be busy.
This is a great day out for all the family (including the dog), with lots of activities on offer.
Book tram/cable car tickets ahead of time if visiting in the busier times.
Dogs are allowed on the trams and cable cars but it has been noted that they don’t always enjoy the cable car experience!
What To Pack
What To Expect At The Great Orme
The History
Great Orme is a limestone headland that is 2 miles (3.2km) long and 1 mile (1.6km) wide. It rises 679 feet (207 metres) high.
Looking spectacularly like it rises up from the sea it has always attracted visitors, from the Stone Age right up to the present day.
It is thought that the name Great Orme comes from the Norse for Sea Serpent ‘Urm’ as sailors who approached the headland often described it as the shape of a serpent rising from the water.
This incredible feature is steeped in history as well as boasting breath taking views of Llandudno, areas of Snowdonia National Park, the Isle of Anglesey and the Irish Sea.
The Grounds
We visited Llandudno on the next stop on our Wales itinerary following Horseshoe Falls.
The majority of tourists visiting the Great Orme are simply there to stretch their legs and take in the nature on show.
The popular headland receives over half a million visitors each year. So whether you love bird watching and natural history or simply walking and enjoying spectacular views, Great Orme has something to offer everyone.
There are even some secluded beaches that you can get down to. Although they were a little rocky, so we opted to wait for Llangrannog Beach further down the West coast.
Something else to look out for are the many wild Kashmiri goats that roam Great Orme. They come from a breeding pair, gifted by Shah of Persia to Queen Victoria for her coronation in 1837.
Standing prominently at the summit you will find the Summit Complex, consisting of a cafe/restaurant, a bar and a gift shop.
Also at the summit is a children’s playground, mini golf and visitor centre.
The Summit Complex is open from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week from Easter to late October.
Designated a Special Area of Conservation, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Heritage Coast this headland is definitely worth a visit.
Where To Stay In North Wales
Luxury – Cottage Apartment by Seaside Llandudno
Situated in Llandudno, just 400 yards from Llandudno North Shore Beach, Cottage Apartment by Seaside Llandudno features beachfront accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi.
The property has city views and is less than 0.6 miles from Llandudno Pier and a 7-minute walk from Leisure Parks.
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with garden views.
Guests at the apartment can enjoy hiking and skiing nearby, or make the most of the garden.
Mid-Budget – Belmont Llandudno
Situated in Llandudno in the Gwynedd Region, 200 yards from Llandudno Pier, Belmont Llandudno features a terrace and guests can enjoy the on-site bar.
Each room has a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. Every room is equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer. Belmont Llandudno features free WiFi .
There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.
The hotel also offers bike hire. Llandudno General Hospital is 1.1 miles from Belmont Llandudno, while Leisure Parks is 100 yards away.
Budget – No 6 Quality Guesthouse
Located in Llandudno, within 450 yards of Llandudno Pier and 550 yards of Leisure Parks, No 6 Quality Guesthouse provides accommodation with a shared lounge and a garden, and free WiFi throughout the property. The guest house features family rooms.
At the guest house, every room is equipped with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
A Full English/Irish breakfast is available daily at No 6 Quality Guesthouse.
For more places to stay in Wales, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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