The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Llandudno

Hidden out of the way is a quiet little place to enjoy your snacks in peace.

Perched high on the dramatic cliff edge along Marine Drive, the Rest and Be Thankful Café is the ultimate halfway reward when you’re exploring the headland.The Location: Sitting right at one of the highest points of the 4.5-mile toll road, it commands jaw-dropping, uninterrupted views out across the open expanse of the Irish Sea. It’s a prime spot for watching the light shift over the water or catching a fiery coastal sunset.The Vibe: It has a wonderfully welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. Famously dog-friendly, it’s a haven for walkers, cyclists, and drivers alike where you can track in with a muddy pup or wind-swept hair without a second thought. The Menu: True to its pitstop nature, it serves up hearty comforts to combat the sea breeze—think steaming mugs of hot chocolate, hot tea, coffees, and a selection of comforting bakes, cakes, and light bites. Whether you've tackled the loop on two feet, two wheels, or by car, stepping inside for a brew while looking out over those massive clifftop drops makes the name feel entirely earned.

Nestled in a sheltered hollow on the windswept headland, St. Tudno’s Church is a remarkably atmospheric spot that gave the town of Llandudno its name. Its origins stretch back to the 6th century when the Celtic saint Tudno established a humble monastic cell here. While nothing remains of that original primitive structure, the current building incorporates stone walls dating from the 12th century, with later medieval expansions from the 15th century. Left abandoned and roofless after a ferocious 1839 storm, the church was lovingly restored in the 1850s and remains an active place of worship hosting popular summer open-air services. The surrounding churchyard—and the adjoining municipal cemetery opened in 1903—is scattered with weathered headstones, elaborate Celtic crosses, and local memorials. Set against sweeping backdrop views of the sea, it is a deeply peaceful sanctuary steeped in centuries of heritage, weathering the elements high above the modern coastline below.

Puffing up this steep limestone track, lungs burning, I’m passing the old Great Orme workings. Crazy to think ancient miners hacked out copper here four thousand years ago with stone tools. Now it’s just me, the wind, and sweeping views of the blue bay below.

If Llandudno’s promenade is a grand Victorian stage, the Llandudno Bandstand is its sparkling, musical centerpiece. Looking like a fancy blue-and-white wedding cake dropped onto the seafront, this iconic structure has been the heart of the town’s "seaside swagger" since the late 1800s. It’s the ultimate spot to catch a free show. Depending on the day, you might hear a booming brass band, a soulful choir, or even a rock tribute act—all with the dramatic backdrop of the Great Orme and the Irish Sea. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but tap your toes, even if you’ve got a melting ice cream in one hand and a rogue seagull eyeing your chips with the other. Whether you're dancing on the prom or just soaking up the nostalgic vibes from a nearby bench, it’s pure, old-school holiday magic.

When Llandudno Town Band was formed in 1910, it was decided that a bandstand was needed on the promenade. The hoteliers were not happy to have the noise outside their hotels, so the council procured a mobile bandstand (top picture) on wheels. Nicknamed “The Juggernaut”, it could be dragged by horses to any part of the promenade, and the band could perform anywhere from the Happy Valley to Craig y Don. It was in disrepair by 1925 so the council built a permanent bandstand. It was inaugurated in 1926 and remains in use today.

Summer concerts are held here as of 2025

There are still a series of summer concerts here as of 2025