Sometimes you come across a place that has something special about it. Somehow it connects you with its story or its landscape or it simply evokes all the right feelings of joy and happiness. Perhaps it’s the proximity to nature or the atmosphere that’s been created. Many of our guests have this happy affinity with our seaside town of Llandudno – with our hotel – finding happiness and deep relaxation, in the warmth of our welcome or the time spent beside the crashing waves and in the mountains; walking along our celebrated pier again or dining with us before an evening at the theatre.
On the 20th March it was the International Day of Happiness 2024, and the theme for the day was ‘Happier Together’, a reminder that connection brings us happiness and a feeling that we’re part of something bigger.
Our Llandudno hotel is a gateway to our beautiful North Wales coastline and Eryri, the Snowdonia National Park, a spectacular backdrop to our seaside bay, so we wanted to share some of the hotspots that bring happiness to our guests, with the hope that you can look forward to planning a joy-filled spring break in North Wales.
Top of the list of happy hotspots in Llandudno that guests love to revisit has to be our historical Llandudno Pier. No matter your age or how many times you’ve done it, there’s something special about walking out to sea and looking back at the landscape behind you. Our historical pier is no different, in fact, we’d argue that it’s more magical with the pairing of the breath-taking mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and our iconic Victorian seafront in the foreground.
If exploring historical houses and beautifully cared for grounds and gardens brings you joy, visit the gardens of the National Trust manor house of Bodysgallen Hall just 2.6 miles from our Llandudno hotel. Situated in 200 acres of wild and manicured parkland, set your sights on the rare 17th century formal ‘parterre’ garden, the lily pond and rose garden or walk one of several woodland walks. If that’s not quite enough, 7.5 miles from our coastal hotel, you can discover the National Trust’s world-famous Bodnant Garden, more than 150-years in the making, Bodnant Garden boasts Champion Trees, National botanical collections, far-reaching lawns, woodland and impressive terraces.
When it comes to revisiting hotspots, our guests love to celebrate, connect and mark the occasion at our very own award-winning hotel restaurant Chantrey’s. Whether on a Seaside Dining Break or last-minute spring escape, you cannot beat the experience of an evening of fine dining. Chantrey’s Restaurant has held its Two AA Rosettes since 2017, inviting you into sample a thoughtfully crafted and ever-changing menu that always sings of the season, using local and Welsh produce wherever possible.
Shared experience brings happiness to many and is yet another reason why our guests revisit our North Wales hotel – to visit Venue Cymru. Music, theatre and drama connects us with others, emotions, places, different times and memories. Truly a Llandudno institution, sit down to dinner at Chantrey’s then stroll over to the theatre for a host of incredible shows, events and performances a stone’s throw from our hotel. From National Theatre Live screenings and stand-up comedy shows, to plays, pantomimes and live music.
Heritage and history bring much happiness to visitors who discover our Great Orme Tramway – ‘Britain’s only funicular, or cable-hauled, tramway that travels on public roads.’ Whisking people to the top of the Great Orme, our well-known limestone headland at 207 metres to enjoy the spectacular views across to Anglesey, Eryri, and on clear days, over to the Isle of Man and the Lake District. Walk the many pathways or hop on the tramway that starts its journey at Victoria Station, near the pier, ascending via the Halfway Station exhibition and onto the summit where you can picnic, explore, sit and relax or let the children burn off some energy in the playground.
Whatever kind of spring break you seek, whether you wish to simply relax and stroll beside the sea, or get away for an action-packed weekend of hiking and live music, allow our North Wales hotel connect you to your joy, so you may find your happy place in Llandudno.