How to get to The Great Orme
Reaching Great Orme in Llandudno has never been easier. For visitors from many UK cities, the journey typically involves a change at Llandudno Junction Station to arrive at Llandudno Station. From here, you're just a short distance away from the Great Orme.
Once in Llandudno, you have many options to reach the park and the summit of The Great Orme. The most iconic way to reach the top is going to be by taking the historic tramway. Departing out of Victoria Station, it takes just 20 minutes for it to reach the Summit Complex.
However, for a more aerial view and a swifter journey, you can opt for the cable car instead. This journey takes approximately 10 minutes to the top.
What to do at The Great Orme
Perhaps the most unique feature and one of the most popular attractions is the Great Orme cable car and tramway.
A restored Victorian means of transport, it now offers spectacular panoramic views throughout its 1500m journey through the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve to the summit. For history buffs, it also gives the opportunity to enjoy the UK’s only public cable-hauled tramway since its opening in 1902.
If you want to enjoy a journey even further back in time, you can also visit the Great Orme Copper Mines. With its self-guided tour, you can discover a window into Britain’s Bronze Age past, with some parts of the mine stretching back as far as 4000 years ago. Suitable for all ages, it offers an intriguing and educational experience.
If you’re looking to get out into the fresh air and immerse yourself in nature, you’ll want to consider one of the many trails available at Great Orme.
From leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes, each offers a new opportunity to explore the local landscape. You’re guaranteed to get some stunning views of Orme’s coastal scenery and abundant wildlife.
For more insight into the local flora and fauna, you can even sign up for a guided tour.
For families, Great Orme also features a play area and picnic spots. Here you can relax and indulge in some family fun with the idyllic scenery of the country park and beyond as your backdrop.
If you’re looking for more exciting activities for children, the Great Orme is also the location of the Llandudno Ski Slope. Its toboggan run, which is the longest in Britain at 700m, and the pitch-and-putt golf course promise plenty of fun for little ones. For those seeking more excitement, the dry slope offers both skiing and snowboarding.
Finally, at the top of the mountain, the Summit Complex serves as a rewarding destination to both relax and replenish. It features a café-restaurant and a boxing-themed bar, making it the ideal spot for a drink and a bite to eat alongside the captivating vistas.
There’s also a gift shop if you want to bring back a souvenir of conquering Orme’s summit.
About The Great Orme
The Great Orme is a historically renowned location, deriving its name from the Norse word for sea serpent. This is thought to be because of its resemblance to a sleeping sea creature from the southeast.
Since their introduction in the 19th century, Kashmiri Goats have become a figurehead in the local wildlife. Although they were originally brought for breeding, they have now adapted to the area. This means when you explore the Great Orme, you're likely to bump into one of these local residents.
The Ogof Llech Cave is also located at the Great Orme and is a renowned site for both history and archaeology. It's linked to historical figures like St Tudno in the seventh century and the Knights Hospitaller. These make it another unique addition to the already compelling list of historical features you can find here.
Ecologically, the Great Orme is a haven for rare species such as the Silver Studded Blue butterfly and various unique plants. This diversity underscores the ecological importance and conservation role of the area.
The area serves as a crucial habitat, playing a part in preserving regional biodiversity.
Ways to save on your train ticket to The Great Orme
Embarking on a journey to Great Orme doesn’t have to strain your wallet. Savvy travellers can take advantage of several cost-saving opportunities with Avanti.
Advance booking is always a smart move, offering lower fares for early birds of up to 75% off. If you're travelling with family, a Family Ticket could save you up to 60% with under-5s getting their tickets for free.
For individual travellers, holding a Railcard is the easiest way to slash a third off your rail fares can slash ticket prices significantly, sometimes up to a third off.
Planning your visit during Off-Peak times can also yield cheaper fares, and large groups should explore Group Ticket options for additional savings. With these tips, you can ensure your trip to the Great Orme is as budget-friendly as possible.
Get the app
To streamline your journey to Great Orme, consider downloading the Avanti app.
It will allow you to browse through the best ticket deals, book your journey with ease, and even amend your travel plans if necessary. It’s your digital companion for a smooth and enjoyable journey to the Great Orme.
