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Nature · Conwy, País de Gales
Great Orme
The limestone peninsula above Llandudno, 6 km from Conwy, with a tram and cable car to the summit, Bronze Age copper mines, wild goats and views over the Irish Sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Great Orme
The Great Orme is a limestone peninsula rising to 207 metres that projects into the Irish Sea beside Llandudno, about 6 km from Conwy. The name is thought to derive from Old Norse meaning sea serpent, for its shape seen from the sea. The peninsula is a nature reserve, with meadows of rare plants, seabirds on the cliffs and a herd of wild long-horned goats roaming freely.
To reach the summit, the Great Orme Tramway, a cable-hauled tram, has climbed from Llandudno's street to the top in two stages since 1902 and is one of the few of its kind still operating in the world. There is also a cable car when in operation, and a tolled road of about 6 km around the peninsula, the Marine Drive, offering sea and cliff views. Trails criss-cross the summit.
Partway up the slope are the Great Orme copper mines, excavated around 4,000 years ago in the Bronze Age, with narrow tunnels visited wearing helmets; they are considered among the largest prehistoric mines known. At the top, the visitor centre has an exhibition about the peninsula's natural history.
Llandudno, at the foot of the Great Orme, is a Victorian seaside resort with a curved promenade of white hotels and the 1877 pier, the longest in Wales. The tramway, the mines and the cable car usually operate from spring to autumn.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the tram, the mines, the summit and Llandudno's seafront.
Best time
From spring to autumn, on a clear day, when the tram and the mines are operating and the view from the summit reaches Anglesey and the mountains. In summer, Llandudno gets very busy at weekends.
How to get there
Llandudno is about 6 km from Conwy, with a short train ride from Llandudno Junction and frequent buses. The tram station is on Church Walks in central Llandudno.
Tip
Take the tram up, visit the copper mines partway up and walk down along the trails to the seafront and Llandudno pier. Be mindful of the wild goats on the summit.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Great Orme
How do you get up the Great Orme?
By the cable tram, which has operated since 1902, by the cable car when in operation, by car via the toll road, or on foot.
What are the Great Orme copper mines?
Mines dug about 4,000 years ago, in the Bronze Age, which are visited wearing a hard hat.
Is Llandudno far from Conwy?
No, about 6 km, with a short train or bus ride.