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Home , Adventure Parc Snowdonia, Conwy Falls, Deganwy Castle, Great Orme, Gwrych Castle, Little Orme

DISCOVER EXPLORE EXPERIENCE

LITTLE ORME,

2019 is ’s ‘Year of Discovery’. It’s a theme that fits Llandudno and County like a glove. WHAT’S INSIDE Uniquely, this area sums up all that’s special about Wales in one neat package...its stunning coast and country, rich heritage and culture, immersive outdoor activities and indoor attractions, food, 02 PEAK SEASONS: 20 HISTORY AND HERITAGE 34 FESTIVALS AND EVENTS festivals and entertainment. WE’RE OPEN ALL YEAR It’s a collection of experiences you Neither will you go short on the good Take your time to discover it all. 24 BETWS-Y-COED 38 ACCOMMODATION won’t discover anywhere else. Start things in life. Stay at snazzy, stylish This part of Wales welcomes visitors 04 SPRING AND SUMMER GUIDE at the tip of Llandudno’s retro pier seafront hotels (we have the best throughout the year. Springtime 26 COUNTRYSIDE AND and travel into the timeless hills and choice in Wales) or characterful country strolls along Llandudno’s immaculate 06 AUTUMN AND WINTER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 53 ATTRACTIONS ADVERTS mountains of , and you’ll boltholes. Eat at bistros and restaurants promenade and Christmas shopping come across everything from Punch serving the finest locally-sourced in Betws-y-Coed bookend a thriving 08 LLANDUDNO 30 FOOD AND DRINK 56 TOURIST INFORMATION and Judy to world-class contemporary produce. Dip into a vibrant night-time all-season scene. CENTRES art, one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences entertainment scene at theatres, pubs 12 ALONG THE COAST 32 WHAT’S NEW (inland surfing anyone?) to rousing, and clubs – and don’t miss the Big For the full picture delve into the pages 60 MAPS AND TRAVEL robust castles, exciting new attractions One, Wales’s National Eisteddfod, which of this publication. Enjoy the read. 16 THE NATIONAL 33 EVENING INFORMATION to existing favourites. comes to the handsome, historic market EISTEDDFOD, ART, ENTERTAINMENT town of in 2019. Roger Thomas, editor and travel writer. ENTERTAINMENT, CULTURE AND CRAFTS

VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 1 It may be cold outside but wrapped up in your winter jacket you’ll feel a good–to–be–alive warmth and exhilaration up in Snowdonia’s mountains.

This image is the perfect scene-setter for the one message we really want to get across in this guide: Llandudno and Conwy County are open for business 24/7/12, shorthand for all day, every day, every month of the year.

And one year equals 365 different experiences. From warm summers on the beach to winters tucked up in cosy country inns, springtime wildlife-watching to autumnal walks in the woods, you’ll find plenty to see and do whatever the season. KThere’s another message too, summed up in three words: adventure, culture, landscape. They’re the inspiration for Wales’s 2019 Year of Discovery. On the E next few pages we’ll show you how, uniquely, you can experience all three P A along our coast and in our hills and mountains… at all times of the year.

LLYN OGWEN - SNOWDONIA

2 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 3 Here are five of the best experiences in spring and

1 P is for… 4 Summertime, and Pier. Take a stroll in the summer the livin’ is easy. breeze along Llandudno’s splendid Sip a cocktail, chardonnay or craft pier, the longest in Wales. beer on the terrace of the King’s Head, Llandudno’s oldest inn and Promenade. Then head to the don’t miss Headstock, its summer prom. Like the pier, it goes on music festival. and on – all the way along an unblemished seafront that makes 5 Cool Colwyn. Llandudno the envy of other It’s all change at . seaside resorts. Walk Porth Eirias’s remodelled promenade, have a meal at award- Punch and Judy. Stop off at winning chef Bryn Williams’s snazzy Professor Codman’s show, a seafront bistro, enjoy aquatic action Llandudno favourite for over at Colwyn Bay Watersports. Then 150 years. do the traditional thing and visit the Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay’s 2 Catch a wave. caring conservation zoo. Not in the sea but at in the Conwy Valley, the world’s first inland 1 Blooming Bodnant. 3 Walk the walls. 5 Great to be alive. surfing lagoon. Revolutionary It’s a must. ’s famous Blow the cobwebs away by walking That’s what you’ll feel on top of technology guarantees the perfect Laburnum Arch bursts into life from Conwy’s medieval walls. Along with the , the headland that wave every 90 seconds. late May. This 180ft/55m tunnel brooding, dark-stoned , rears up like a sea monster above of drooping yellow blossoms is the this 3/4-mile circuit, the most intact Llandudno. This wildlife haven is one

perfect introduction to a garden in Europe, guards a maze of narrow of Britain’s most important sites for 3 Up, up and away. On a balmy summer’s day there’s that’s coming into colour everywhere streets and alleyways. rare plants. Springtime wildflowers no better place to be than Mynydd after its winter slumbers. peek through limestone grassland, Hiraethog, the moorland that rolls 4 Rural Rowen. seabirds gather on the cliffs and away into the distance beneath big 2 The way to go. Rowen is one of the prettiest over 20 species of butterfly can skies. Go first to the Llyn Brenig See our shores on two wheels by villages in Wales. That’s especially be seen. Visitor Centre to get your bearings cycling parts (or all, if you’re feeling true in springtime, when the gardens and find out about local walks, energetic) of the waymarked 30-mile of its traditional stone cottages are cycle rides, fishing and watersports. Conwy Cycle Route along the coast decked with flowers. Follow paths from to . up into the Tal-y-Fan Mountain You’ll also be following part of the before returning to the village recently launched Way, pub for a well-deserved pint. the new national route from Chester to .

4 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 5 Autumn colour Here’s a quick taster from our activity-packed autumn and winter.

1 If you go down to the woods… We’ll start with something woody after all, our woodlands are at their reddish, russety best at this time of year. Go to Coed y Gopa, an eye-catching mixed woodland of oak, elm, ash, pine and larch above . ‘It makes for a knockout show of autumn colour,’ says the Woodland Trust magazine. Winter warmth

2 We’ve got taste. 4 Art works. 1 Christmas shopping. 2 You’ll fall for this one… 4 That’s entertainment. Our food scene is buzzing and Follow the Helfa Gelf Art Trail every Forget Amazon. There’s a special magic usually reserves its Pop, comedy, opera, drama, dance… inventive, with menus covering weekend in September, when studios about Christmas shopping - especially best displays for winter. Natural they’re all on the bill at Venue Cymru, everything from fine dining to the and workshops throughout North Wales if you head our way. Llandudno’s Resources Wales reckons that the trail North Wales’s biggest entertainment best fish and chips. You can’t go open their doors to visitors. Christmas Fayre is famously festive, to the falls from Ty’n Llwyn four miles and arts venue. The biggest? Oh yes wrong in Conwy, for example. and for more great gift ideas go to west of Betws-y-Coed is one of its it is! (during the winter season there’s Try multi award-winning Signatures Betws-y-Coed’s speciality shops. ‘Ten Best Winter Walks’. If one waterfall panto too). in the Aberconwy Resort and Spa, At nearby Woollen Mills you isn’t enough head to the spectacular or the big, bold flavours at Watson’s can browse products manufactured on the other side of Betws. Bistro. Or the recently opened Midland, site. And Llandudno has the biggest 5 In the dark. where Spain meets North Wales in and best shopping in North Wales Our winter night skies are crisp and a choice of tapas with the accent on (Mostyn gallery’s shop is outstanding 3 Snowy Snowdonia. inky - ideal conditions for a spot of seafood and local produce. for art and jewellery). Now’s the time to see the white stargazing. Head for the hills away from stuff on Snowdonia’s peaks. Get to light pollution. above grips with these mountains under the Conwy Valley is a good choice. It 3 Undercover. expert tuition on outdoor courses has a real sense of solitude, especially Okay, we’ll come clean. It sometimes run by Plas y Brenin National Mountain at night. rains in autumn. Don’t fret. There’s Sports Centre at . They plenty to do inside and underground. cover everything from climbing Go Below near Betws-y-Coed is an 5 Opening time. to canoeing, mountain biking to action-packed subterranean journey Autumn 2019 sees the scheduled hiking. If you’re planning your own through abandoned mines (‘Pound opening of the innovative Conwy outdoor adventures, take a look at for thrills, this might just be the best Culture Centre, where the arts and adventuresmartwales.com... its advice value day out in the UK,’ reckons heritage (we have plenty of both) on weather, gear and skills helps you The Sunday Times). Not to be outdone, come alive in interactive exhibits stay safe. at Llandudno you can explore Great and displays. Orme Copper Mine, the world’s oldest metal mine open to the public.

6 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 7 EveryoneLLANDUDNO loves

Here’s why, in one image, everyone loves Llandudno. Just take a look at the immaculate pier and prom. They haven’t changed much since their creation well over a century ago (something you can’t say about other seaside resorts).

Quite simply, Llandudno is a classic of its kind, cherished, unblemished and pristine. But it’s not fuddy-duddy or old-fashioned. That’s the key to its character. From its Victorian roots it has grown into a uniquely contemporary resort, the kind of place where you can build sandcastles or see modern art, admire period architecture and enjoy the latest entertainment, go shopping or wildlife-watching, ride a vintage or alpine cable car. see overleaf for more It’s staying beside the sea as it should be.

LLANDUDNO PIER, LLANDUDNO

8 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 9 Travel writer and editor Roger Thomas and his wife Liz take a two-day break. You can follow LLANDUDNOin their footsteps at any time of the year. Whatever the season, Llandudno is full of life. LiveNOON Sand and sandwich time. We grab a sandwich and head for the North Shore, a popular beach DAY 2 complete with boat trips, donkey rides and Punch 2pm After lunch we do what everyone does – and Judy. There’s lots of summery sandcastle- DAY 1 take a walk along the pier. Wales’s longest pier building going on (though, to be honest, I prefer carries us almost half a mile out to sea, and for it in its bracing, reviving winter persona). every step of the way we soak up views of that 10am We call into Llandudno Tourist Llandudno’s second beach – the West Shore – picture-perfect, paintbox-coloured seafront – Information Centre (in the Victoria Centre is peaceful throughout the year, with sweeping 10am Let’s start right at the top. By which pure eye candy – that makes Llandudno such a on Mostyn Street). As well as providing local mountain views an added bonus. I mean the summit of the Great Orme, the soaring special place. knowledge on what to see and do, you’ll also 207m (679ft) headland that’s an essential part get great gift ideas from its well-stocked of Llandudno’s character. 2.30pm We head for Mostyn, a personal range of local craft products, food and drink. 3.30pm We find out more about Llandudno favourite and one of Wales’s leading galleries, Until October, you can get there by tramway or – from its ancient roots to its birth as a where cutting-edge art (and a seriously good Llandudno’s 19th-century links with Alice cable car. In winter, it’s a short, steep drive resort – at the town’s museum (now closed for gift shop) are housed in an ornate red-bricked Liddell (the real Alice in Wonderland) are from the seafront. Our bird’s-eye view takes refurbishment, but scheduled to reopen in winter building. fascinating. We trace her connections with in the sweep of the bay and the mountains of 2019 – see llandudnomuseum.co.uk). Then we the resort on the Alice Trail. Starting from Snowdonia. The Orme itself is uniquely diverse, call into the nearby Home Front Experience, an the information centre and with the help of 4pm We’re not quite shopped out, so pay a visit home to a country park, ancient copper mines and immersive little museum that takes you back to the map (there’s also an app available from to Parc Llandudno, the modern retail park on the an amazing variety of wildlife, including a herd World War Two. alicetowntrails.co.uk), we follow the White edge of town. of Kashmiri goats and some of the rarest plants Rabbit’s bronze footprints past landmark in the world. Time to eat. We’re spoilt for choice characters from her fantasy world, like the 7pm 7pm Time for a slice of showbiz at Venue Cymru, but plump for Dylan’s Restaurant, located in an Mad Hatter and Queen of Hearts. It’s the ideal North Wales’s largest entertainment complex, which Coffee time. There’s a great extraordinary seafront setting. The food is as way to really get to know this heritage-rich 11.30am stages a huge variety of starry performances. choice of coffee shops – and much else – good as the surroundings – do what we did and go resort that hasn’t changed that much since It’s a major venue with world-class productions in Llandudno’s busy canopied shopping streets for the whitebait and sea bass. Alice’s time. – everything from top West End shows and Welsh just behind the prom. National Opera to big-name stars from pop, comedy and drama.

Make a date

Here are a few of Llandudno’s 2019 festivals and events. For the full picture see pages 34/37.

16 February 4-6 May 13-15 September Cambrian Rally Llandudno Victorian LLAWN07 Llandudno and the Conwy Valley Extravaganza Free multi-arts festival cambrianrally.co.uk victorian-extravaganza.com llawn.org

10 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 11 Kinmel Bay and WHAT’S THE STORY? Kinmel Bay’s wide sandy beach is popular for thrilling coastal activities like kitesurfing, kayaking and windsurfing, while neighbouring Towyn is the place to be for buzzing beachfront amusements, arcades and entertainment.

DON’T MISS. Take a nature walk COASTING through the rolling landscape of Kinmel Dunes Nature Reserve, an unspoilt expanse where you can spot countless Llandudno is just part of seabirds in the sky and grey seals our seaside story. There are swimming just off the coast. If you’re in communities all along our the mood for action, head to Tir Prince Leisure Park where you’ll find American- coastline, each one packed with style harness horse racing and high-speed things to see and do. Here’s a quick rollercoasters, or try the go-karts and guide to what you can find on our fairground rides at Knightley’s Fun Park. shoreline, from east to west. Abergele and Pensarn WHAT’S THE STORY? It’s two for the ALONG price of one. Set slightly back from the coast and a great jumping-off point for country walks, the historic town of Abergele is full of tempting independent shops, while Pensarn’s big sandy beach serves up seaside fun in buckets and spades.

DON’T MISS. Take a walk up to the 178m (583ft) Tower Hill. Local legend says it was once the site of an Elizabethan watchtower that guarded the coast against pirates, but today it’s the perfect vantage point for stunning sea views. Alternatively, head for the beach. It’s often quieter than some of its better-known coastal neighbours, so you’ll have plenty of room to enjoy the sand and sea – and sun, if last year’s summer is anything to go by. If you’re a golfer, don’t forget your clubs. There’s also an excellent 18-hole golf course.

12 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 13 Colwyn Bay Rhos-on-Sea Conwy & WHAT’S THE STORY? WHAT’S THE STORY? This little WHAT’S THE STORY? Yo u ’ve While Colwyn Bay has been harbour town packs a huge amount probably heard of Conwy’s attracting visitors since the of personality into a compact historic quayside, an authentic old , it’s not afraid to package. There’s the traditional waterfront (complete with famous move with the times. In recent promenade (ideal for gentle seaside ‘Smallest House’, an impossibly tiny years, the seafront has been strolls), colourful boats bobbing in fisherman’s cottage) that huddles Llanfairfechan transformed with the arrival of the harbour, children dipping for beneath the town’s medieval castle WHAT’S THE STORY? A family WHAT’S THE STORY? A pretty little the Porth Eirias development crabs at the water’s edge, and a and walls. But it’s worth exploring favourite. Penmaenmawr’s wide village with a big sandy beach built (home to Michelin award-winning charming puppet theatre, the only the entire estuary, both sides of sandy beach and promenade boast for games, paddling and sandcastle chef Bryn Williams’s bistro) and one of its kind in Britain. It all adds the shore. On Conwy’s side there’s a paddling pool, children’s play area building. It’s also a good starting point the construction of a whole up to a perfect, pocket-sized resort. Conwy Quays, a modern marina and skate park, perfect for keeping for walks in the surrounding hills. new beach. with splendid views across the younger visitors entertained. There’s Head to higher ground and you’ll be DON’T MISS. The clear waters water to another swish, stylish also great walking, watersports and a rewarded by fantastic views over the DON’T MISS. Enjoy some aquatic round here are alive with fish boat-filled marina on the opposite busy sailing club. Menai Strait towards . action at Colwyn Bay Watersports of all shapes and sizes. Go in bank at Deganwy. They’re both a (also found at Porth Eirias), which search of the big one with a continuation of this area’s strong DON’T MISS. For that classic DON’T MISS. Make sure you bring offers courses in windsurfing, sea-angling trip from the harbour. seafaring and maritime traditions. seaside experience, hire one of your binoculars. Llanfairfechan is close sailing, stand-up paddleboarding Or stay on dry land and explore Penmaenmawr’s wooden beach huts. to Traeth Lafan Nature Reserve, a rich and power boating. Away from Rhos-on-Sea’s stellar shopping DON’T MISS. See it all on a boat Conveniently located close to the café coastal habitat home to seabirds like the water, you’ll find animal magic scene of independent boutiques trip from Conwy’s quayside. And on the promenade, they’re the ideal oystercatchers, great crested grebes at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, home selling antiques, vintage clothes sample succulent Conwy mussels. base for a day of fun on the sand. and red-breasted mergansers. to rare and endangered creatures and jewellery. like red pandas, snow leopards and Sumatran tigers.

Award winners

Many of our beautiful beaches have received the prestigious Blue Flag and/or Seaside Award in recognition of their cleanliness and water quality. Kinmel Bay, Abergele (Pensarn), Colwyn Bay/Rhos-on-Sea, Llandudno North Shore, Llandudno West Shore, Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan have all picked up top beach prizes.

14 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 15 It’s one of the world’s greatest festivals and this year it’s coming to Conwy County. EntertainsCentral to the Eisteddfod are competitions in poetry, storytelling and song In August 2019 the National Eisteddfod lands in Llanrwst for a uniquely Welsh, featuring 6,000 entrants from all over Wales. But that’s just part of what’s going For more on art and on. You’ll also find activities and events for all the family, plus Maes B (the week-long celebration of music, art, culture and much more. The Eisteddfod is a culture see overleaf WalesEisteddfod’s very own rock and pop festival). Don’t worry if you’re not a Welsh beguiling blend of tradition and 21st Century fun, attracting around 150,000 visitors speaker. Translation services are provided in the main competition pavilion a year. and you can even join in with some on-site Welsh lessons.

It’s the biggest party in North Wales and you’re all invited.

16 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 17 CULTURE CLUB PLAYING TO Scheduled to open in autumn 2019, the new Conwy Culture Centre brings Conwy’s THE GALLERY Mostyn in Llandudno isn’t only one of heritage to 21st-century life. Housed in the UK’s best contemporary art galleries. a striking modern building with views It’s also a fascinating architectural Rover the town walls and castle, it will be achievement, with a gold-spired Edwardian home to a library and the Conwy Archive, façade giving way to a series of strikingly plus an arts and heritage hub featuring modern interior spaces. Inside you’ll find interactive exhibits and displays from the WHEN IT COMES TO a shifting programme of exhibitions that county’s historic collections. ART AND CULTURE, showcase the best in contemporary art and craft from Wales and beyond. There’s THE NATIONAL ON STAGE also a cool café and stylish shop selling Head to Llandudno’s Venue Cymru jewellery, ceramics, prints and books. EISTEDDFOD AT for a packed programme of theatrical LLANRWST IS OUR entertainment. Take your pick from traditional family pantomimes (a big hit at PICTURE PERFECT he highly respected Royal Cambrian HEADLINER FOR 2019. Christmas time), performances by Welsh T Academy of Art in Conwy focuses on National Opera, pop music, dance and hit BUT THIS WEEK- artistic excellence in Wales, with a mix plays direct from the West End. Colwyn of historic and contemporary works. LONG CELEBRATION Bay’s Theatr Colwyn is Wales’s oldest There’s more amazing art at beautiful working theatre and cinema – and it’s Ffin y Parc in Llanrwst, a grand country IS ONLY ONE PLAYER still going strong, now modernised to house that showcases some of the IN A RICH CULTURAL offer a 21st-century entertainment finest artists working in Wales alongside experience. Rhos-on-Sea is home the best of contemporary 20th-century SCENE WAITING TO to a very different kind of theatrical art. Displayed in immaculately designed encounter. The Harlequin Theatre is BE DISCOVERED ALL rooms, all are available to buy. Don’t the first and only permanent puppet worry if your budget won’t stretch to YEAR ROUND. theatre in Britain. If movies are more taking a painting home with you. your thing, catch all the latest releases The cakes on sale in the café are in the Cineworld multiplex at masterpieces in their own right. . TRAIL FINDERS For a wide-ranging look at our diverse art and craft scene take a trip on the Helfa A Gelf Art Trail, Wales’s largest open studios event. Every September hundreds of artists from all over North Wales welcome visitors to their studios, offering a fascinating insight into the creative process. 18 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK TVISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 19 DUST HAS SETTLED ON It was built in the 13th century as one of King Edward I’s ITS ORIGINAL PURPOSE. ‘iron ring’ of fortresses in BUT THERE’S NO GETTING his campaign against Wales. Its soaring walls and towers, AWAY FROM THE POWER set against Snowdonia’s AND MIGHT, UNDIMINISHED mountains and the sea, still stand tall so much so that the THROUGH THE CENTURIES, castle, along with Conwy’s OF CONWY CASTLE. well-preserved town walls, is a World Heritage Site.

It’s one of Europe’s great castles – but also just one chapter in our page-turning history and heritage. There’s lonely for example, home of the Welsh princes, perched on a craggy outcrop amid the peaks of Snowdonia. The atmospheric ruins of are located in a prime spot overlooking the North Wales coast. At Llanrwst you’ll find the Tudor-era and much- haunted . Finally, there’s in Abergele, a medieval-style mansion built in the early Living 19th-century.

history

20 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 21 CONWY CASTLE, CONWY For more details on plans for the new Conwy Culture Centre see pages 32

In Wales’s Year of Discovery there’s no better place to delve into the past. It’s all around you, in medieval castles, prehistoric sites and stirring stories of kings and princes.

Little and large Haunted house Mother tongue Our history comes in all shapes Home of the powerful Wynn A humble stone farmhouse and sizes. On Conwy’s quay, family for more than two deep in the hills above you’ll find the Smallest House centuries, Gwydir Castle at has a huge in Great Britain. Measuring Llanrwst is steeped in history. cultural significance within just 1.8m/6ft by 3m/10ft, this Restored after years of Wales. Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant, miniature terraced property was dereliction, this fortified Tudor now cared for by the inhabited until 1900 but now manor house is known for its National Trust, was the serves as a tiny time capsule royal connections (both King birthplace in around 1545 of of Conwy’s past. At the other Charles I and King George V Bishop William Morgan who end of the scale is Plas Mawr stayed here), impressive helped secure the future of (‘Big House’ in English). This original features like the oak- the as the grand Elizabethan townhouse panelled Dining Room and the first translator of the Bible inside Conwy’s crowded town ghosts that reputedly haunt its into Welsh. walls is the finest of its kind in halls. Simple from the outside, the UK. The lavish interior has nearby Gwydir Uchaf Chapel been immaculately restored has an elaborate painted to its 16th-century splendour, ceiling. while interactive touchscreen displays bring the building’s Meet the makers history to life. We’ve centuries of industrial heritage to discover too. Changing rooms Start out in the hills above Conwy’s many architectural Penmaenmawr where you’ll treasures also include 14th- find a Stone Age ‘axe factory’ century Aberconwy House. that made tools which have One of Wales’s oldest been found all over Britain. townhouses, it’s a fascinating Then it’s on to the Great trip through several eras of Orme Copper Mines, where history. As you explore, you’ll workers dug out pass through rooms decorated a network of subterranean in Jacobean, Georgian and tunnels more than 3,500 years Victorian styles, each reflecting ago. Finally, jump forward a different period in the to the Industrial Revolution, house’s long life. when engineer Thomas Telford created Conwy’s stunning, game-changing suspension bridge, then see industry in action at , founded in the mid-19th century and still going strong. 22 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 23 Be a social climber It’s Llandudno’s inland neighbour and the Take to the trees with friends and family best of at Zip World Fforest to tackle ropes, gateway to the Snowdonia National Park. nets and swings strung through the Here’s our list of eight can’t-miss things to see and do in and around Betws-y-Coed. canopy. There’s also the Fforest Coaster toboggan run and the new Plummet 2, a pulse-pounding 100ft/30m drop through a trapdoor that’s the closest Take the train Walk this way... things to freefall this side of an Ride the rails for the best introduction Or ride, or take your pick from a aeroplane. to Betws-y-Coed. Take the 40-minute range of all things outdoorsy. There’s Betws train journey along the a good reason why Betws-y-Coed Cafés and choirs from Llandudno and you’ll pass through is popular whatever the season. It’s You’ll build up quite an appetite some of the loveliest riverside and a thriving hub for walkers, cyclists, exploring Betws, so treat yourself to a mountain views in North Wales. kayakers and just about every other bite to eat and refreshing beverage in type of fresh-air enthusiast. one of the town’s cafés and restaurants. Take the train (again) The lively Y Stablau (Stables) is one Rail enthusiasts love Conwy Valley Be a fall guy (or girl) of the best, serving up live music and Railway Museum, located right next Watch the rushing waters at Swallow special events alongside tasty locally to the main station. Climb aboard Falls, where the plunges sourced food and drink. Look out also a miniature steam train for an through a rocky channel in a series of for male voice choir summer evening eight-minute trip through landscaped tumbling cascades. One of Wales’s most concerts at St Mary’s Church. grounds, visit a museum full of famous beauty spots, it’s at its most fascinating railway artefacts and browse spectacular in autumn, winter and spring. the huge collection of model trains Make sure you bring your camera. in the shop. Hit the shops In the know Browse boutiques selling one-of-a-kind One of your first stops should be craft items harking back to the the Snowdonia National Park Information Betws-y-Coed’s 19th-century past as Centre, a fount of knowledge on things an artists’ colony, or stock up on all the to see and do locally. There’s also a gear you’ll need for outdoor adventures spectacular introductory film featuring in Snowdonia. Bustling Betws is a high-altitude drone footage and a virtual shopper’s paradise, and a great place summit that recreates the 360-degree to source those special Christmas gifts. views from Snowdon’s peak.

and so the adventure Make a date Here are a few of Betws-y-Coed’s 2019 festivals and events. begins For the full picture see pages 34/37. 8 June 25-31 October 2-3 November Quest Adventure Race Ffear Fforest Halloween Snowdonia Betws-y-Coed Zip World Fforest, Betws-y-Coed Walking Festival questadventureseries.com zipworld.co.uk breeseadventures.co.uk

24 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK ZIP WORLD FFOREST, BETWS-Y-COED VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 25 Flanking the lush Conwy Valley on one side there’s the Gwydyr Forest Park, Here’s where you can be just a stone’s throw a landscape latticed with trails for casual from the sea: walking in the woods in a fresh and serious walkers and very green North Wales. Country-lovers not to mention hidden have the great outdoors at their feet. lakes and an abundant wildlife. Venture further west and you’re into high-altitude Snowdonia, with its rocky peaks and classic mountain hikes.

On the other side of the valley there’s the very different landscape of Mynydd Hiraethog, a high, wild plateau clothed in forest, moor and heather, centred around the lake of Llyn Brenig, a focal point for walkers and outdoor greenAT enthusiasts. And don’t forget the coast. How could you, when you have almost 35 miles of the world- famous Wales Coast For more on outdoor Path to explore, all the Heartactivities and the way from Llanfairfechan countryside to Kinmel Bay? see overleaf

FAIRY GLEN, BETWS-Y-COED

26 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 27 WALKING, WILDLIFE SPOTTING, CYCLING, SURFING... THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE REASONS TO GET OUT AND ABOUT.

BOUND IN THE ZONE North Wales’s reputation as the UK’s activity capital is down to places like Adventure Parc Snowdonia and Zip World Fforest. The waves arrive like clockwork at Adventure Parc Snowdonia, Conwy Valley’s unique inland surf lagoon, where revolutionary technology serves up the STARS IN YOUR EYES OUTWARD perfect swell. There’s also a soft play area for the kids, with a number of new developments planned for 2019 including an indoor adventure centre. See page 32 for more details.

Just down the valley there’s Zip World Fforest, an aerial adventure experience with zip lines, toboggan rides and simulated parachute jumps. And at Llandudno’s Ski and Snowboard Centre there’s guaranteed on-piste fun and games whatever the weather. ANIMAL MAGIC OVERGROUND Wild about wildlife? Bring your Go Below Underground Adventure binoculars to spot the residents of near Betws-y-Coed is the ultimate UP THE GARDEN PATH Bodnant Garden in the Vale of Conwy is Conwy’s RSPB Reserve, which include dramatic subterranean experience. a National Trust treasure. It packs amazing black-tailed godwits, lapwings and sedge In former mines deep beneath horticultural variety into its 80 acres/32ha, warblers. Visit watery Llyn Brenig to Snowdonia you’ll discover a world of from Italianate terraces, crafted water catch a glimpse of rare creatures like red deep blue lakes, zip wires, bridges, features and manicured meadows to the squirrels and ospreys, or wander over ladders and abseils. It’s an assault wild, tangled world of The Dell. It’s no Llandudno’s rugged Great Orme for an course like no other. Back on the surprise to learn that a remake of The encounter with our resident population surface, tackle Snowdonia’s high Secret Garden starring Julie Walters and of Kashmiri goats. You’ll also see exotic country from Plas y Brenin National Colin Firth, scheduled for release in 2019, beasts at Colwyn Bay Mountain Zoo, Mountain Sports Centre, Capel Curig, was partly filmed here. Across the valley plus farm animals, owls and birds of prey which lays on all kinds of courses and there’s Conwy Water Gardens, an aquatic at Bodafon Farm Park in Llandudno. outdoor experiences. centre with fishing lakes, reptile house and nature walks. THE WHEEL THING GET ON TRACK Go star trekking in Snowdonia’s You’ll find marvellously muddy off-road Feed your need for speed at GYG Dark Sky Reserve. Thanks to routes in our hills and forest. Head to Karting in . It’s the low levels of light pollution and Penmachno or the Gwydyr Forest Park largest karting circuit in the UK, wide, open spaces, it’s one of just for some of the UK’s most spectacular providing high-octane thrills for 11 such reserves in the world... and scenic mountain biking. For road racers of all ages. the perfect place for stargazing, cyclists there are lung-busting climbs with the Milky Way, distant and gentle family trails like the Conwy constellations and shooting stars Cycle Route, an almost entirely traffic- all visible on a clear night. free 30-mile coastal cruise. 28 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 29 LoCAL

A feast of a festival Taking place every October, Gwledd Conwy Feast is the biggest and best food festival in North Wales. The town’s historic streets are transformed as producers gather to showcase their wares, alongside a local food market, street food vendors and cooking FLAVoUR demonstrations. Completing the menu is a busy programme of live music, art and crafts and an explosive finale with fireworks lighting up the sky above Conwy.

Local heroes Bottoms up There’s mighty meat at Edwards of Fancy a tipple? Take a tour of Conwy Our pristine Conwy. The award-winning butchers Vineyard to find out exactly how they countryside, serve up tempting cuts of locally make their five varieties of wine (and sourced Welsh beef and saltmarsh lamb, taste a few samples while you’re at rivers and seas plus traditional hand-made sausages and it). If gin’s your thing, take your pick are the source pies. If you’re on the go, there’s also from two distilleries, North Star and of fine, fresh a fantastic selection of freshly made Snowdonia, producers of award-winning food and drink. sandwiches. For more local delicacies, spirits using ingredients foraged from head to Llandudno Tourist Information the North Wales countryside. Here’s a taste. Centre, where produce from across the area is on offer alongside guides, maps and travel advice.

Mussel power Sustainably hand-raked from Conwy Estuary just as they have been for centuries, deliciously meaty Conwy mussels are known as the best flavoured in the UK. Pop into the shop on the harbour for mussels at their freshest then visit the Conwy Mussel Museum to find out more about these succulent shellfish.

30 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 31 WHAT’S NEW? into the Night Keep an eye open for these new developments in 2019 5 top evening experiences From bustling seaside pubs to late night ski experiences on the Great Orme, Here are CCBC Tourism Marketing Officer – Jasmin Koffler’s five top evening experiences. For more great ideas follow us on facebook.com/VisitingLlandudno

➊ For the jokers... ➌ For the ➍ For the brave... Comedy nights are extremely popular partygoers... Are you brave enough to spend a in Llandudno and the surrounding Llandudno has a bustling nightlife night in a haunted castle? For those YOU WON’T MISS THE BOAT areas, with many pubs hosting regular community and houses many that enjoy haunting tales and ghostly comedy evenings. Head to The Great popular bars including Fountains, visits, take a guided ghost tour Llandudno’s Old Lifeboat Station is the new home of the Boathouse Orme Brewery or Colwyn Bay’s The Lily and The Palladium (more at Gwrych Castle where you can Climbing Centre, opening early in 2019. North Wales’s latest Station Pub on the last Saturday of commonly known as Llandudno’s investigate reports of notorious ghosts climbing centre will appeal to all-comers, beginners and experts every month for an evening full of Whetherspoons). Lookout for seasonal that haunt the castle at night. Guests alike. It features around 300 sq m (3,230 sq ft) of climbing surface side-splittingly funny entertainment. offers throughout the year and will then be taken on vigils around the with 8m (26ft) lead walls, a roof bouldering area and human ‘rat Guest comedians in the past have enjoy a cocktail, live music and the grounds of the castle and the restored run’ cave system created in the roof space. included Wales’ own Tudur Owen, as occasional karaoke evening. At the tower. Visit gwrychcastle.co.uk for well as the fabulous Dan Nightingale end of the night, the party continues more details - if you dare! - a top-class circuit headliner who in the town’s two nightclubs - earned rave reviews at Edinburgh Club 147 or Broadway Boulevard! RIDING THE CREST OF A WAVE ➎ For the adrenaline Fringe 2018. Find out more seekers... From summer 2019 Surf Snowdonia in the Conwy Valley becomes at greatormebrewery.co.uk or For a more relaxed evening, visit one Booked a ski holiday and want Adventure Parc Snowdonia. Don’t worry, surfing dudes. The 300m (984ft) facebook.com/standupattheseaside of the traditional ale pubs including some extra practice before your inland surfing lagoon – a world’s first – will remain a key part of the The Kings Arms, The Cottage Loaf trip? Llandudno Snowsports Centre attraction. The renaming/rebranding reflects the broader range of activities (Llandudno), and The Erskine Arms ➋ For the theatre offers a wide range of PermaSnow on site, the result of a development of around £16m. These include: (Conwy) - all of which have a friendly lovers... slope-based activities – skiing, and laid-back atmosphere. Typically • Adrenaline Indoors – a nature-inspired high-thrills climbing, There’s no business like show snowboarding and even sno-tubing! housed in period buildings, these pubs artificial caving adventure experience. business! Avid theatre-goers can enjoy Located on the Great Orme, the ooze character and charm, reiterating magical and inspiring performances at centre provides a late ski session the history of the Victorian and • Explore Outdoors – fresh-air family activities including an Llandudno’s Venue Cymru - a theatre, every Thursday until 10pm. Ski the Medieval resorts of Llandudno off-road pump track, mountain bike trail, bouldering, fun and conference and events facility close to night away and admire the stunning and Conwy. fitness trail and adventure playground. the centre of Llandudno. The theatre views of Llandudno Bay at night! Find out how you can get on-piste • Adventure Concierge Service – to encourage visitors to explore regularly hosts West End favourites, at jnlllandudno.co.uk/slopes/ski exciting instructor-led activities off-site and visit other leading as well as popular music concerts and For a full list attractions in the region. theatrical productions. of upcoming shows and events, visit venuecymru.co.uk For more festivals GIVING THE and events past a new see overleaf future

Llandudno Museum and Gallery has A new chapter always been a treasure chest of IN CONWY COUNTY’S STORY all things local - from prehistoric and Roman times to Llandudno’s Heritage-rich Conwy is about to add to its cultural assets. growth as a seaside resort. The Conwy Culture Centre, scheduled to open in autumn 2019, is housed in a striking contemporary building with It’s currently going through a complete makeover in preparation views over Conwy’s medieval castle and town walls. for its reopening in winter 2019 as Llandudno’s prime all-year, all-weather heritage attraction. Highlights of the redevelopment It features an arts and heritage hub with interactive interpretation include new galleries, exhibitions and interpretation, family and historic collections plus a new library and home for the fun and exciting activities, a drop-in heritage and community County Archive. For visitors, it’s the perfect gateway to the story hub, refreshments area and improved access throughout. of Conwy County – and also a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee against the stunning backdrop of Conwy Castle.

Funded by: Council, Heritage Lottery Fund; Welsh Government; Rural Community Development Fund; Gwynt y Môr in partnership with Conwy Arts Trust and Arts Council Wales. 32 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 33 MARCHSPRING 15 UNDER 20 SIX NATIONS: WALES V IRELAND Festivalsand EVENTS 2019 Stadiwm Zip World, 23 Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay GREAT Our full-on programme of festivals and events runs wru.wales/tickets throughout the year. Here’s a taste of what’s happening in 2019. ORME For more details of events in Conwy County check out 19−24 WORLD SNOOKER: GIANT LADBROKES PLAYERS visitllandudno.org.uk CHAMPIONSHIP WA L K LLANDUDNO breeseadventures.co.uk Venue Cymru, Llandudno venuecymru.co.uk 26 CONWY SEED FAIR 31 CONWY MARATHON High Street, Conwy Llandudno Promenade conwybeekeepers.org.uk alwaysaimhighevents.com WINTERFEBRUARY APRIL LLANDUDNO AND JANUARY THE CONWY VALLEY 7 LLANDUDNO TRAIL The 64th Visit Conwy HALF MARATHON Cambrian Rally is a new Happy Valley, Llandudno 6 WIRRAL TO round of the prestigious runwales.com/events LLANDUDNO 16 MSA British Rally MINI RUN CAMBRIAN Championship – and 14 COAST HALF North Shore RALLY MARATHON Promenade the opening event of cambrianrally.co.uk Porth Eirias, Colwyn Bay to Prestatyn COLWYN facebook.com/ the series. It’s also part bespokefitnessandevents.co.uk WirralMinis of the Jordon Surfacing BAY 1940S BTRDA Rally Series, Pirelli

12−13 TAKE Welsh Rally Championship 27−28 FESTIVAL facebook.com/FortiesFestival PART 2019 and the ANWCC Venue Cymru, Championship. Drivers Llandudno and spectators love it, venuecymru.co.uk 4−6 LLANDUDNO 4−6 LLANDUDNO for it takes place in the MAY VICTORIAN TRANSPORT FESTIVAL 26−27 BIG challenging, classic forests EXTRAVAGANZA Bodafon Fields, Llandudno GARDEN of North Wales. victorian-extravaganza.com llantransfest.co.uk BIRD WATCH: FAMILY FUN 17−19 TREFRIW RSPB CONWY WALKING FESTIVAL RSPB Conwy trefriwwalkingfestival.co.uk rspb.org.uk 01492 584091 19 SNOWDONIA HALF MARATHON Llanrwst runwales.com

NICK 30 CANAPÉS AT THE CASTLE BEER VIP evening tour of Conwy Castle 10 22 01492 577566 MEMORIAL UNDER 20 Promenade, Colwyn Bay 10K FUN RUN SIX NATIONS: promxtra.co.uk North Shore Promenade, Llandudno Stadiwm Zip World, nwrrc.co.uk WALES V Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay PROM DON’T FORGET! This list was compiled during November 2018 and details ENGLAND wru.wales/tickets XTRA may have changed, so please check dates and times if you plan to attend an event.

34 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 11 VISITLLANDUDNO.ORG.UK 35 JUNE AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 1 DEGANWY Quest Wales, part of 3-4 BIG WILD AUTUMN13 CONWY HONEY FAIR 3−6 WALES RALLY GB PROM DAYSUMMER Quest Adventure Series, SLEEPOUT High Street, Conwy walesrallygb.com From 11am to 4pm RSPB Conwy rspb.org.uk facebook.com/ returns to the idyllic conwybeekeepers.org.uk 01492 584091 DeganwyPromDay town of Betws-y-Coed. The inspiring, challenging routes 13−14 ANYFISH, ANYWHERE 10 GWLEDD 1-2 CONWY are designed to be a real test Two-day open championship for sea 8 of endurance for any outdoor SHOW PIRATE WEEKEND anglers hosted in the popular resort of enthusiast. With various routes eglwysbachshow.co.uk CONWY Conwy Quay QUEST Llandudno anyfishanywhere.com conwypirates.com to choose from, Quest takes FEAST ADVENTURE you on an adventure to the gwleddconwyfeast.com edge of your physical ability. 13−15 LLAWN07

4−7 THREE 25−27 RACE Tough cycles, amazing trail runs Free multi-arts festival Llandudno CASTLES TRIAL BETWS-Y-COED and a remote kayak in a lake in llawn.org Classic cars trial based the Snowdonia National Park lie 26 PORTH EIRIAS HALLOWEEN in Llandudno ahead. 10K AND KIDS 1K three-castles.co.uk questadventureseries.com/race/quest-wales Fun Run Colwyn Bay bespokefitness.niftyentries.com 9-10 RHOS 29 LLANRWST

PIRATE WEEKEND 28−30 RURAL SHOW 18 SNOWDON MG RUN Rhos-on-Sea SNOWDONIA CHALLENGE sioellanrwstshow.co.uk conwypirates.co.uk BETWS-Y-COED BREESEADVENTURES.CO.UK Starting from Llandudno Promenade llandudnomgoc.org NOVEMBER 18−21 GLAMORGAN CC JULY 20−27 CONWY 22−27 WALES 360 25 CANAPÉS V LANCASHIRE CC Colwyn Bay Cricket Club, CLASSICAL MUSIC A six-day cross-country AT THE CASTLE mountain bike adventure. Rhos-on-Sea FESTIVAL VIP evening tour of glamorgancricket.com conwyclassicalmusic.co.uk Day three starts from Conwy Castle 01492 577566 Betws-y-Coed wales360.com 22 CANAPÉS AT THE CASTLE VIP evening tour of VENUE CYMRU, LLANDUDNO Conwy Castle 01492 577566 24−26 (12PM-6PM) NORTH WALES ROCK & POP 7 LLANDUDNO FESTIVAL, LIVE AT Llandudno Promenade CHORAL FESTIVAL STADIWM ZIP WORLD A free international festival This popular annual festival welcomes choirs from all over the world. Organised JESS GLYNNE presented by TVWales, featuring by Conwy County Borough Council, it’s one of the top choral festivals in Wales. emerging recording artists. Renowned for its friendly atmosphere, it has grown from strength to strength. A Stadiwm Zip World, JAZZFESTIVAL LLANDUDNOJAZZFESTIVAL.COM −10 Colwyn Bay 01492 872000 tvwales.co.uk wonderful celebration of music suited to any chorister, with a variety of competition 26-28 venuecymru.co.uk 27−2 AUG SCORPION NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS categories across the weekend. 01492 575943 northwaleschoralfestival.com 8 Llandudno Bay llandudno-sailing.com 9 BETWS-Y-COED 14−17 LLANDUDNO TRAIL CHALLENGE CHRISTMAS FAYRE trailbetws.com/the-challenge llandudnochristmasfayre.co.uk 2−10 NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD AUG 24−26 (6:30PM-9PM) TVWKIDS LLANRWST Llandudno Promenade DECEMBER The National Eisteddfod of Wales is the country’s main celebration A competition for young singers of the arts. It’s a travelling annual festival attracting around 150,000 and musicians in partnership with 7 LLANDUDNO 7 LLANDUDNO 14 CONWY people to venues around Wales, and this year it comes to Llanrwst Anglesey Music. WINTER5K SANTA DASH CHRISTMAS WINTERFEST tvwales.co.uk in the Conwy Valley. Steeped in tradition, it also embraces all that’s bespokefitnessand PARADE conwytownevents.co.uk new and youthful in Welsh culture. And everyone is welcome, with events.co.uk llandudno.gov.uk 30−31 LLANDUDNO translation facilities available to non-Welsh speakers. GOLDWING LIGHT PARADE eisteddfod.wales/2019-eisteddfod llandudnolightparade.co.uk Friday evening and Saturday DON’T FORGET! This list was compiled during November 2018 and details may have changed, so please check dates and times if you plan to attend an event.

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