The Victorian town of Llandudno is well known for having the longest pier in Wales and some great places to go shopping as well as amazing hotels Llandudno.
However, apart from the obvious, there are some equally exquisite places to visit that you’d be sorry to miss out on. One of these is Happy Valley. Happy Valley, as it is today, is known as being a home for wildlife such as animals and plants, great for family walks, features a putting green, ski slope and is home to the cable car’s base station just at the side of The Great Orme.
The History of Happy Valley
Happy Valley was in fact once a quarry that stretched for The Great Orme and was a gift from Lord Mostyn to the town to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria back in 1887. After the quarry was donated, the area was soon developed into gardens that had many attractions within them, even back then. No, it didn’t see the cable car station, but it did feature two miniature golf courses, putting green and an open air theatre which was very popular at the time.
At the foot of Happy Valley you can find a stone circle which was the centre of the Welsh National Eisteddfod ceremonies in 1896 and 1963. Fast forward to 1969, and The Great Orme Cable Cars were opened as a modern alternative to the The Great Orme Tramway, which is still going today! The cable cars start in Happy Valley and go all the way to the Summit of the Orme. Spanning just over a mile long, it is still the longest single stage cabin lift in Britain.
A Great Place to Relax or Find Adventure
Happy Valley also has a Cafe which serves hot and cold food and drinks. So whether the sun is shining or you’re visiting on a chillier day there is something for everyone. The walking path through Happy Valley has been professionally engineered and winds through trees, large rockery areas and see’s at the edge drops. Most of the area is green and covered in flowers – a photographer’s dream.
Once you reach the top of Happy Valley you will also notice Llandudno Snowsports Centre – a popular attraction for both visitors and residents of Llandudno. This dry ski slope allows new skiers or snowboarders to take lessons or book in an open session for those who are more confident. At the slope there is also a toboggan run which is great fun for all the family. Don’t worry if you’ve not got the right gear with you either! There’s a hire shop next door where you can get everything from skis, snowboards, boots and ski poles. Why not enjoy the benefits of a ski slope membership? The membership gives you money off when visiting and extra perks to enjoy throughout your stay.
Skiing can be hungry work, but there is a bar/restaurant closeby that offers hot food and drinks so you can get your energy back for another run.
So, the next time you’re in Llandudno don’t forget to visit Happy Valley for a fun filled adventure!
