Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve
Majestic coastal headland offering panoramic sea views, historic tram rides, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic coastal headland offering panoramic sea views, historic tram rides, and abundant wildlife.
"Breathtaking views in every direction, whether you're looking out to sea or admiring the rugged landscape."
🚗 Drive with care
Roads are steep; ensure your car is in good condition. Parking available at the summit.
🚠 Cable car fun
Offers spectacular views, but check wind conditions as it may close.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Great Orme Tramway
Ascends from Llandudno town to the summit
Britain's only funicular tramway on public roads, offering a historic and scenic journey to the top.
Summit Views
Great Orme Summit
Breathtaking panoramic views of Llandudno, the coastline, and the Irish Sea.
Haulfre Gardens
Southern slopes of the Great Orme
Beautifully maintained gardens offering a peaceful retreat with lovely sea views.
Bronze Age Mines
Base of the Great Orme
Explore ancient mining history with a fascinating visitor experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Getting to the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with care
Roads are steep; ensure your car is in good condition. Parking available at the summit.
🚠 Cable car fun
Offers spectacular views, but check wind conditions as it may close.
🚶♀️ Hike for views
Walk up via Happy Valley or Haulfre Gardens for a rewarding experience.
☕ Summit cafe
Grab a bite and enjoy the scenery at the cafe near the summit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with care
Roads are steep; ensure your car is in good condition. Parking available at the summit.
🚠 Cable car fun
Offers spectacular views, but check wind conditions as it may close.
🚶♀️ Hike for views
Walk up via Happy Valley or Haulfre Gardens for a rewarding experience.
☕ Summit cafe
Grab a bite and enjoy the scenery at the cafe near the summit.
🐑 Wildlife spotting
Keep an eye out for sheep grazing freely on the slopes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Great Orme for its breathtaking views and unique transport options like the historic tramway and cable cars. The natural beauty, abundant sheep, and peaceful atmosphere are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some note the steep roads for driving and the potential for cable car closures due to wind.
"I had a lovely walk to the summit, going via the Happy Valley Park. Wonderful views from the top. I returned by the back of the old quarry. Went slightly off track but it found me the goats. Then back on the correct path brought me to the lovely Haulfre Gardens. A. really lovely walk."
Peter Mara
"Good walk up to summit pass by lots of sheep ! But, also see the dry ski slope, also the mine and lots of views along the way. Cafe at top selling hot & cold food and small gift shop. Toilets. Transport includes tram and cable car as well as public buses. Also car park, if prefer to drive."
Diane Thomas
"🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Y Gogarth – the Great Orme Country Park – is absolutely worth the visit. The views are breathtaking in every direction, whether you're looking out to sea, spotting a ship in the distance, or just admiring the rugged landscape dotted with sheep. There’s a nice mix of things to do: the cable cars and the historic tram add a unique charm, and there’s even a bit of fun with crazy golf.
If you're driving, be aware that the roads are steep – great if your car can handle hills, but it’s not the place to test a tired clutch. There’s parking available at the top, which is really convenient if you want to explore without too much of a hike. Overall, it’s a brilliant spot for scenery, wildlife, and a bit of classic Welsh adventure."
Simon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Great Orme by car, with parking available at the summit. Alternatively, the Great Orme Tramway offers a unique ascent from Llandudno town, and public buses also serve the area.
The roads are steep, so it's best to drive if your car is in good condition. Parking is available at the top.
Public buses run to the Great Orme, and the historic tramway is a popular choice. Cable cars also provide access to the summit.
Yes, there are several walking routes, including paths through Happy Valley Park and Haulfre Gardens, offering beautiful scenery along the way.
While walking can be strenuous, the tram, cable car, and bus services offer more accessible ways to reach the summit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is generally free. However, specific attractions like the tramway, cable car, and dry ski slope have their own ticket prices.
Ticket prices for the tramway vary, with family tickets and individual fares available. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing. 
Family return tickets for the cable car are available, and there's a small fee for bringing dogs. Check their website for current rates.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and are subject to weather conditions, especially for the cable car. It's advisable to check in advance.
Parking is available at the summit, and there may be a charge for using the car park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy breathtaking views, ride the historic tram or cable car, explore ancient mines, visit Haulfre Gardens, and spot wildlife like sheep. There's also a dry ski slope.
The summit offers panoramic views of Llandudno, the coastline, and the Irish Sea. The cable car ride also provides stunning perspectives.
Yes, there is a cafe at the summit selling hot and cold food, and a small gift shop.
The park is home to numerous sheep that roam freely, and you might also spot other local wildlife.
Families can enjoy the tram ride, explore the open fields, and there's a dry ski slope for a bit of adventure.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The summit offers sweeping panoramic shots. The tramway journey itself provides unique photographic opportunities, especially with the historic carriages.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the landscape and sea views.
The cable car provides aerial views of the coastline and the Great Orme itself, offering a different perspective for your photos.
The Great Orme Tramway station, the summit viewpoint, and the winding roads with sheep grazing are all popular subjects.
Weather can change quickly, so be prepared for wind and potential rain. Also, be mindful of the sheep and give them space.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the summit, kids can enjoy the open spaces for running around, spotting the numerous sheep grazing freely, and visiting the cafe for snacks. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
+1 Don't forget to include the freely roaming sheep in your shots for a quintessential Welsh landscape. Be prepared for dynamic weather, which can add dramatic flair to your photographs. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Great Orme Tramway
+1 It has been delighting visitors since its opening in 1902, offering a nostalgic journey back in time. The tramway climbs a mile (1500m) through the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve, culminating at the spectacular summit. Travelers often highlight the charm of this historic transport. It's not just a way to get to the top; it's an attraction in itself, providing fantastic views and a memorable ride. The experience is often described as a step back in time, with the lovingly restored carriages adding to the vintage feel.
When planning your visit, it's worth noting that the tramway's operation can be influenced by weather, particularly wind. Checking their schedule and conditions beforehand is recommended to ensure a smooth journey to the summit.
Exploring the Summit and its Surroundings
Beyond the views, the summit area and its surroundings offer a variety of points of interest. You can explore the remnants of the Bronze Age mines, a testament to the area's ancient history. For a more tranquil experience, the Haulfre Gardens provide a beautifully maintained space to relax and enjoy the scenery.
There's also a visitor centre at the summit that offers informative insights into the area's natural and historical significance. For those seeking a bit of fun, there are activities like crazy golf, and the presence of numerous sheep grazing freely adds to the natural charm of the landscape.
Navigating the Great Orme: Transport Options
The Great Orme Tramway is a highly recommended and iconic way to ascend, offering a unique and scenic journey from Llandudno town.
+1 Complementing this, the cable cars provide another spectacular way to reach the summit, offering aerial views of the coastline. However, it's important to note that cable car operations can be suspended in high winds. For a more budget-friendly or accessible option, public buses regularly serve the Great Orme. Many visitors also choose to walk to the summit, with routes like the one through Happy Valley Park offering a rewarding experience and the chance to encounter the local sheep.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit