Llandudno Pier Wales

Llandudno Pier, Llandudno, North Wales

Jake Davies

Llandudno Pier in North Wales. — A classic and elegant Victorian-era seaside pier at Llandudno

Llandudno, on the north coast of Wales, is not only the biggest seaside resort in Wales but a classic example of a Victorian seaside resort.

The town was fed by a railway that brought holiday makers from the industrial heartland of Britain, in particular, nearby Liverpool and Manchester.

The seafront is lined with hotels and guesthouses with a promenade between them and the beach, Llandudno is also home to what is an icon of seaside resorts of the era - the pier.

Rides for kids at the entrance to Llandudno Pier. — Somewhat pricey fairground rides for kids at the entrance to Llandudno Pier

Elegant wrought iron balustrades along Llandudno Pier. — Elegant wrought iron balustrades along Llandudno Pier

Piers

The primary function of a pier is to extend out into water that is deep enough for steamers and other larger pleasure boats to be able to dock in an environment that for most seaside resorts was one of shallow beaches.

They also became much more than that, as an extension of the promenade and also as a site for sundry entertainments.

Since Victorian times holidaymakers have crowded along Llandudno Pier. — Since Victorian times holiday makers have crowded along Llandudno Pier

History

Llandudno had a small, wooden pier constructed in 1858 shortly after the railway arrived in Llandudno, but it was replaced in 1878 with the current one.

At 2,295 feet (700 meters) in length, it is the longest pier in Wales (ahead of nearby Garth Pier in Bangor) and the fifth-longest in England and Wales.

Here in days gone by steamers to the Isle of Man would leave.

The pier is constructed of wrought iron lattice girders resting on cast iron columns, and decked with wood which has been replaced several times.

The pier was designed by Brunlees & McKerrow and is known for its elegant ornamentation and elaborate kiosks.

Musical performances took place in a bandstand at the head of the pier, but were moved to the Pier Pavilion constructed at the entrance to the pier in 1886.

The Pier Pavilion was destroyed by fire in 1994 and has not been replaced. Llandudno Pier is considered by many to be the finest example of a Victorian seaside pier still standing.

Large amusement arcades located at the end of Llandudno Pier. — Large amusement arcades located at the end of Llandudno Pier

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Llandudno Pier, Llandudno, North Wales. — The pier is the longest pier in Wales

Amusements

Entry to the pier is free, and from the end of the pier there are great views looking back on the Llandudno seafront and the Great Orme, the majestic headland that rises to the west.

There are still the occasional sailings to the Isle of Man, and visits by historic steamships like the PS Waverley.

The pier is also a popular spot for anglers, but for most visitors it is simply the promenade that is the draw.

There are plenty of food vendors that serve up traditional summer holiday fare like ice cream, fish & chips, cockles & mussels, fresh doughnuts, etc.

As well there are numerous shops selling a variety of products including some classic souvenirs.

Along the landward pier extension are all kinds of fairground rides like slides and merry-go rounds, and the pier head is filled with the noise of amusement arcades.

There is even a bar at the end of the pier. All in all a classic seaside experience.

There are views out to the huge Gwynt y Mor Wind Farm in the Irish Sea and up to the Great Orme Tramway.