Llandudno Junction — once known as Tremarl — is a village in the county borough of Conwy. This quaint village is doused in history as part of the ancient parish of Llangystennin, but it holds its own as a lively up-and-coming spot beside the River Conwy.
As a village, Llandudno Junction grew up around a railway station, but it has welcomed more nature lovers than locomotives in recent times.
Keep reading to find out more about Conwy’s best-kept secret.
Overview of Llandudno Junction
Population: 12,874
Area: 3.553 km²
A short distance from the popular tourist town of Llandudno and the mediaeval village of Conwy, Llandudno Junction is a small village with a lot to offer.
South of Deganwy, it sits on the shores of the Conwy Estuary and boasts beautiful trails at the local nature reserve, a nine-screen cinema and the busiest railway station in North Wales.
Why is Llandudno Junction Called Llandudno Junction?
I wish there was a cooler answer for this. But alas, the village grew around Llandudno Junction railway station. This station is a junction for trains to Llandudno and the Conwy Valley Line.
Hence, Llandudno Junction.
Slightly more interesting, Llandudno — the largest seaside town in Wales — takes its name from its patron saint, Saint Tudno. According to Welsh historians, Tudno was one of seven sons of King Seithenyn, whose legendary kingdom Cantref y Gwaelod was submerged by tidal activity. The theory says that Tudno turned to the monastery to make amends for the drunken incompetence of his dad, which led to the loss of the kingdom under the waves.
Where Do Trains Go From Llandudno Junction?
As North Wales’ busiest station, trains from Llandudno Junction train station operate hourly between Birmingham International, Cardiff Central and Manchester Piccadilly.
Six trains daily on the Conwy Valley Line call at Llandudno Junction, as well as Avanti West Coast’s trains from London Euston.
Put simply, the trains go far and wide.
History of Llandudno Junction
In 1872, John Marius Wilson’s Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales described Llandudno Junction as “a railway station village in North Wales; on the Chester and Holyhead railway, near the boundary between Denbighshire and Carnarvoushire, 1¼ mile E of Conway.” It’s not particularly groundbreaking, but it sums up the village pretty succinctly.
It was a rail village. In the 1911 census, every house on Queen’s Road had a railwayman living in it. The village grew around the railway station. As well as the passenger station, the village had a steam locomotive servicing depot and extensive goods facilities.
But, in the latter quarter of the 20th century, the railway depots and a central electrical manufacturing facility — Hotpoint — closed, changing the local employment landscape for good.
In years since the site of the depot and goods yard has been reimagined, now accommodating a business park, fast food outlets, a leisure centre, a multiplex cinema, and a Tesco.
It’s safe to say, Llandudno Junction is no longer just a rail village.
What to do in Llandudno Junction
Activities in Llandudno Junction
It goes without saying, for the locomotive lovers among us Llandudno Junction Train Station will always be a winner. Serving the North Wales Coast Line, the station is one of the busiest in North Wales, with nearly half a million passengers travelling each year.
Nature lovers won’t want to miss the RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, a reserve beside the River Conwy noted for its black-tailed godwits, sedge warblers, shelducks and water rails. With its well-laid-out walks, viewing points and picnic sites, it’s worth a visit.
If you’re looking for nature with a glass of red in hand, visit Gwinllan Conwy. A traditional Welsh vineyard with a backdrop of the Snowdonia National Park, it’s the perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon. First planted in 2012, the vineyard has grown to over 2 acres with 2000 vines. That’s a lot of wine. Top recommendation, take a guided vineyard tour (ask for Sarah, the vineyard manager, as she knows her stuff) and with a grazing board.
If you’re looking to take a break from the culture and the outdoors, consider a trip to Cineworld Llandudno. It’s not unique to the area, and its history doesn’t date any further back than 2002, with the nine screens and affordable prices it’s a great place to catch the latest releases. It also sits a stone’s throw away from a Mcdonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut, so it really can do the trick for an afternoon.
Where to eat in Llandudno Junction
We’ve already mentioned McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut… how about we cover some Llandudno Junction gems that you won’t find elsewhere?
Stop by Providero Tea and Coffee House for a quick bite to eat and a cup of tea. You’ll find it on Conway Road, and you’ll also find it’s pretty busy all of the time. This is owed to its great coffee and even great staff, so it’s worth the wait.
Just down the street, you’ll find Enochs Fish & Chips, which is a perfect stop for quality fish and chips. You rarely find a chippy that can do a sit-down meal well, but they’ve got it to a tee. Locals tip, opt for the Enoch special — a pot of tea and water, bread, fish, chips and peas. It was £12 but it’s worth every penny.
Where to stay in Llandudno Junction
Rated number one on Tripadvisor, the Old Station Hotel is a great choice for travellers visiting Llandudno Junction. Situated both within walking distance from the train station and with free parking as standard, it’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for a convenient place to rest your head. It’s known to locals as ‘The Killer’ or in Welsh ‘Y Killer’. Depending on who you talk to, the myth on how it got its name changes. One theory is that train drivers would get drunk there, and then drive trains, turning them into possible ‘killers’. Another (less interesting) version suggests that it’s where the railway workers would kill time on their lunch breaks. I’ll let you decide which you believe.
Shops in Llandudno Junction
Collinge Antiques has been dealing in antiques for over 30 years. Furniture is their speciality, from Georgian to Edwardian periods, with an emphasis on Welsh interest. Give the IKEA trip a miss and revel in what’s on offer. Even if you’re not looking to buy, you can’t beat a mooch around — some of my favourite finds include a vintage tractor… It’s safe to say that didn’t come home.
The Emporium on Conway Road is the perfect place to pick up a memento of your visit. With a carefully curated mix of second-hand, hand-made and local gems, you’re sure to find something to put a smile on your face.
Held on the last Wednesday of each month at RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, the Conwy Farmers Market is worth a visit if you’re in the area. Don’t get me wrong, it’s quaint, but you can buy great produce straight from the people who grow, rear or create it. Think meat, eggs, fruit, veg, jams, olives, and cheese. And, you’ll be supporting the local community.
Is Llandudno Junction A Good Place To Live?
Short answer, yes. Llandudno Junction is a great place to live (and to visit). But don’t take our word for it. Why not ask the people who live there? The population has grown 6-fold since 2001. And with good reason: a tight-knit community, historical roots and plenty to offer for visitors, Llandudno Junction is a hidden corner of North Wales that you shouldn’t overlook.