What if you could experience travel as it was 100 years ago? Take a ride on the Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno, and that’s exactly what you get.
The tramway — opened in 1902 — is the only cable-hauled tramway on a public road in Great Britain. The Victorian tram cars have been lovingly restored over the years, and both locals and tourists flock to enjoy the 1500m climb up the Great Orme.
If the journey wasn’t enough, the views from the top are something else. On a clear day, you can see from the Isle of Man to Blackpool. Find out everything you need to know in our complete guide to the Great Orme Tramway.
What Makes the Tramway So Unique?
We’ve already said it, but the Great Orme Tramway is the only one of its kind in the UK, and one of the few cable-operated street tramways in the world. The tramway operates by a funicular system and is controlled by a team of Winchmen and Attendants.
It was built in July 1902 to ferry passengers and cargo to and from Llandudno, and the summit of the Great Orme, a 679-foot-tall limestone headland.
Originally, there were seven cars: three for freight and four for passengers. The passenger cars, which were each named after a local saint, are still in use today. Unfortunately, the freight cars didn’t have the same luck — they were retired from service in 1911.
Once upon a time, the tramway was used to carry coffins to the Halfway Station for burial at St. Tudno’s Churchyard. Unfortunately, the company that owned the tramway didn’t pull any punches with fare — bereaved or not — mourners were charged full fare, plus an extra fee for transporting the coffin. It’s safe to say that didn’t last long.
How Much Is It To Go Up the Great Orme By Tram?
The costs for the Great Orme tramway are pretty reasonable for the experience.
An adult ticket will set you back £6, while a children’s fare — ages 3 to 16 — costs £4.20.
It’s not just any old train ride, the journey on the tram is slow and scenic, taking you through the narrow, inclined streets of Llandudno before it opens out into wide spaces as you progress up the mountainside.
For every 8 children, 1 adult travels free.
How to Reach Great Orme Tramway
It’s pretty easy to get to the Great Orme Tramway. Trains from Manchester, Cardiff, and Holyhead change at Llandudno Junction.
If you’re driving from the M6, take the M56 in the direction of Chester, North Wales. At the end of the M56, take the M53 in the direction of A55, North Wales. You’ll find it really well sign-posted.
How Long is the Great Orme Tramway Journey?
The tram climbs 1500m up the Great Orme from Victoria Station. The tram ride is split into two parts, stopping at Halfway Station. This first leg will take around 20 minutes, the second around 15 minutes.
How Often Does the Great Orme Tram Run?
Trams run about every 20 mins or so, but this is subject to change. Staff at Victoria Station can keep you right.
Where Can You Park?
If you’re driving to Great Orme Tramway, the closest car parks are on York Road and Maelgwyn Road, both around 5 minutes walk away. It’s £4 for 10 hours (or £2.80 for 4 hours) at both car parks, so you can spend the whole day in Llandudno without worrying about parking.
There is limited on-street parking closer to Victoria Station, too, but it’s expensive and difficult to get, so avoid it if you can!