Great Orme Tramway - Image 1
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Great Orme Tramway

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

Ride a historic funicular tramway up the Great Orme for breathtaking coastal views and a unique journey through time.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Best chance for cable car operation

CrowdHigh
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Great Orme Tramway - Image 1

Great Orme Tramway

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Best chance for cable car operation

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride a historic funicular tramway up the Great Orme for breathtaking coastal views and a unique journey through time.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The Great Orme Tramway is a historic ride with breathtaking views of the Welsh coast!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Cable Car Status

Cable cars are wind-dependent! Have the tram as a backup. :cloud:

💳 Card Payments Accepted

You can swipe your card for tram tickets on the spot. :credit_card:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Tram Ride

Historic Tram Ride

Victoria Station to Great Orme Summit

Experience a unique funicular tramway ride, the UK's only one on public roads, offering breathtaking coastal views.

TikTokInstagram
Panoramic Summit Views

Panoramic Summit Views

Great Orme Summit

Ascend to the summit for unparalleled vistas of Llandudno Bay, the Irish Sea, and the Welsh coastline.

TikTokInstagram
The Great Orme Cross

The Great Orme Cross

Great Orme Summit

A significant landmark offering a moment of reflection with expansive views, especially at sunset.

TikTok+1
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Planning Your Visit

Check the Weather for Cable Cars

The iconic cable cars offer stunning views, but they're highly weather-dependent. High winds can cause them to close, so have a backup plan like the tramway if the weather turns. TikTok

Book Tram Tickets in Advance

While you can often queue and pay on the day, booking tram tickets online can save time, especially during peak season. This ensures you don't miss out on this historic ride. Instagram

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Best chance for cable car operation
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Magical light and views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Llandudno, Great Orme Tramway. The Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno, Wales, is a historic funicular railway offering scenic rides to the Great Orme summit since 1902. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 #DroneVideo #Wales #Tram
@dragonscopemedia
7K likes • 329.9K views

🎯 Check Cable Car Status

Cable cars are wind-dependent! Have the tram as a backup. TikTok :cloud:

💳 Card Payments Accepted

You can swipe your card for tram tickets on the spot. Instagram :credit_card:

#llandudno #greatorme #thegreatorme #thegreatormellandudno #northwalesmusic #northwales🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
@number1col
6.8K likes • 231.8K views
UK travel bucket list - all aboard The Great Orme Tramway! The Great Orme Tramway is UK’s only funicular tramway that travels on public roads. Located in the seaside town of Llandudno in North Wales, the tram travels from town centre to the summit of Great Orme headland. The ride is broken into 2, with a stop half way to change to the tram that goes up to the summit. The ride to the summit pro...
girlwiththeredbob
8.5K likes • 322.3K views

🚶 Walk Down Happy Valley

Consider walking back to town via Happy Valley for a scenic descent. TikTok :hiking_boot:

🐶 Dogs Welcome on Tram

Bring your furry friends along for the ride! Instagram :dog:

The Great Orme Tramway has opened for the 2025 season! Views like these atop the Great Orme are hard to beat 🥰 🚉 Travel on the @conwyvalleynorthwalescoast line to Llandudno railway station. #GreatOrme #WalesCoast #InstaViews #NorthWales #FeelTheHwyl #CroesoCymru #OnlyInWales
wales_on_rails
47 likes • 750 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Cable Car Status

Cable cars are wind-dependent! Have the tram as a backup. TikTok :cloud:

💳 Card Payments Accepted

You can swipe your card for tram tickets on the spot. Instagram :credit_card:

🚶 Walk Down Happy Valley

Consider walking back to town via Happy Valley for a scenic descent. TikTok :hiking_boot:

🐶 Dogs Welcome on Tram

Bring your furry friends along for the ride! Instagram :dog:

📸 Capture Sunset Magic

The views at sunset are truly spectacular. TikTok+1 :sunrise:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Great Orme Tramway for its unique historic charm and the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. The experience is often described as a 'must-do' in Llandudno, offering a nostalgic journey with stunning coastal scenery. However, the cable car's reliance on good weather can be a point of frustration for some.

What People Like

Historic tram ride
Spectacular summit views
Unique vintage experience

What People Dislike

Cable car weather dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Llandudno by train, with the station being a short walk from the tramway's Victoria Station. Driving is also an option, with parking available nearby. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there are parking facilities available in Llandudno town center, close to the tramway's starting point. TikTok

Absolutely! The tramway's Victoria Station is conveniently located within walking distance of Llandudno's main attractions and promenade. TikTok

The most iconic way is via the Great Orme Tramway. Alternatively, you can drive or take a tour bus. TikTok

Besides the tramway, tour buses operate to the summit, and the cable car offers another scenic route, weather permitting. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

As of recent information, adult tickets are around £11.85 and child tickets are approximately £8.95. Dogs are also welcome for a small fee of £2. Instagram

While reservations aren't strictly required, booking online can save time, especially during busy periods. You can also line up and pay on the day. Instagram

Operating hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Great Orme Tramway website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

Yes, card payments are accepted on-site for purchasing tram tickets. Instagram

Family tickets or group discounts might be available. Check the official website or inquire at the ticket office for current offers. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

It's a historic funicular tram ride that ascends the Great Orme, offering stunning coastal views and a unique journey. The ride is broken into two sections. TikTokInstagram

From the summit, you'll enjoy panoramic views of Llandudno Bay, the Irish Sea, and the surrounding Welsh coastline. You can also see the Great Orme Cross. TikTok+1

Yes, it's a family-friendly attraction. Children and adults alike can enjoy the historic ride and the scenic views. Instagram

The tram is a funicular railway operating on public roads, while the cable car is a separate aerial lift system that is more susceptible to wind closures. TikTokReddit

Besides the views, you can visit the Great Orme Cross, explore walking trails, and sometimes spot wild goats. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vintage trams against the backdrop of the Welsh coast, the panoramic summit views, and the dramatic sunsets. TikTok+2

Golden hour, especially during sunset, offers magical lighting for stunning photographs. TikTok+1

Yes, you can take photos from inside the tram, but be mindful of other passengers and ensure you have a clear shot. TikTok

Drone usage might be restricted in certain areas. Always check local regulations and guidelines before flying. TikTokInstagram

Popular shots include the tram ascending the hill, wide-angle views from the summit, and candid moments of enjoying the scenery. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Great Orme Tramway is a fantastic family outing! Kids will love the novelty of the historic tram ride, and the journey itself is broken into two parts, keeping it engaging. Instagram The summit offers plenty of space to run around and enjoy the views, and there's a good chance of spotting wild goats, which is always a hit with children. Instagram Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and check the cable car status as a backup if the tram is too crowded or if you want a different experience on a calm day. TikTok

🚶 Solo Travelers & Adventurers

For solo travelers, the Great Orme Tramway offers a straightforward and rewarding experience. It's a great way to get to the summit and enjoy the scenery without the need for strenuous hiking, though walking trails are available once you're up there. TikTok You can easily strike up conversations with fellow travelers on the tram or at the summit. TikTok Consider walking back down through Happy Valley for a more immersive nature experience. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Great Orme Tramway and its summit are a photographer's dream. Capture the vintage trams against the dramatic coastal backdrop, the sweeping panoramas from the top, and the magical light during sunset. TikTok+2 The cable car, when operational, also provides unique aerial perspectives. Instagram Be prepared for changing light conditions and consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the expansive views. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Great Orme Tramway

The Great Orme Tramway is a truly unique attraction, being the UK's only funicular tramway operating on public roads. Since its opening in 1902, it has transported visitors up the Great Orme headland, offering a nostalgic journey back in time. The ride is divided into two sections, requiring a change of tram halfway up, adding to the experience. TikTokInstagram+1

This historic system is one of only three surviving street funiculars globally, drawing comparisons to systems in San Francisco and Lisbon. The trams are permanently attached to the cable, and their movement is controlled by stopping and starting the cable itself. This engineering marvel provides a smooth and scenic ascent, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Llandudno. Instagram

Travelers often praise the tramway for its charm and the breathtaking views it provides. It's not just a mode of transport but an experience in itself, offering a different perspective of the Welsh coast. TikTokInstagram+1

Summit Views and Attractions

Reaching the summit of the Great Orme via the tramway rewards visitors with spectacular panoramic views that stretch across Llandudno Bay and out to the Irish Sea. This vantage point is perfect for photography and simply soaking in the coastal beauty. TikTokInstagram

One of the key landmarks at the summit is the Great Orme Cross, a prominent monument that offers a place for quiet contemplation amidst the expansive scenery. Many visitors enjoy the summit views, especially during the 'golden hour' leading up to sunset, when the light casts a magical glow over the landscape. TikTok+2

Beyond the views, the summit area provides access to walking trails and opportunities to spot wild goats that roam the headland, adding an element of wildlife encounter to the visit. Instagram

Cable Car vs. Tram: Making the Choice

Llandudno offers two distinct aerial experiences to reach the Great Orme: the historic tramway and the cable car. The Great Orme Tramway is a unique funicular railway that runs on public roads and is generally more reliable in varied weather conditions. It provides a charming, vintage journey with excellent views. TikTokInstagram

The Great Orme Cable Car, on the other hand, offers a more open-air experience with individual chairs suspended in the air. While it provides incredible, unobstructed vistas, it is highly susceptible to wind. As one traveler noted, 'the wind was too strong and it wasn’t running,' leading to disappointment. TikTokReddit

Therefore, when planning your visit, it's crucial to check the weather forecast. If high winds are predicted, the tramway is a safer bet for reaching the summit. If the weather is calm, the cable car offers a thrilling alternative with potentially even more expansive views. TikTok

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