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North Wales Chronicle

Rediscovering Llandudno Pier - 'Pier of the Year 2025'

So with this in mind, we decided it was about time we stepped out, soaked in the sea air, and spent an afternoon treading the boards of Llandudno Pier to rediscover its Victorian charm and stunning views. I haven't explored the pier properly for some time - and never with my young family, so it felt special to finally do it together. Llandudno Pier sign, proudly bearing its new title 'Pier of the Year 2025' (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) From the moment we approached, the place was buzzing. The entrance was packed with visitors, many gathered around the popular Pier Fish and Chips. The aroma of freshly fried fish drifted through the air, leading us towards the Llandudno Pier sign, proudly bearing its new title: Pier of the Year 2025. The popular Pier Fish and Chips (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) We started our visit with some fun at the Leisure Island arcade. Part of it has gone cashless - you now load credit onto a card and tap to play - but the 2p and 10p coin pushers still take coins. We made a beeline for the 2p machines, a nostalgic nod to simpler times. The claw grabber, one of the many machine and games in the front arcade (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) The arcade offers a mix of classics like penny pushers, slot machines and claw grabbers, alongside modern video games and retro favourites such as Space Invaders. The beeps, boops and chatter gave the place a lively energy. Our three-year-old wasn't so interested in feeding coins into the machines, but loved watching the tickets zoom out (these can be exchanged for prizes). We had some success with a game called Sweet Falls and another based on The Simpsons - 'Donut Daze!' Many of the slot machines offer prizes - in one, we even spotted a Pop Mart Labubu doll. Our little boy with a string of tickets (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Afterwards, we began our stroll along the pier itself. Stretching 2,295 feet (700m) into the Irish Sea, it's the longest pier in Wales and the fifth longest in the UK. There is a real mix of shops (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) The walk is lined with a charming mix of stalls and shops: The Puppet Shop, Welsh Gifts & Soft Toys, handmade arts and crafts, Ice Cream Rolls, the Traditional Sweet and Rock Shop, The Crystal Hut, and the vibrantly coloured blue 'Soak' - selling handmade bath bombs, soaps and moisturisers. My little boy was on a mission to find a Frozen bath bomb. Sadly, we didn't find one, but the colourful designs on display were impressive. The pier is home to colourful fairground rides (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Fairground rides dot the pier - from the wave slide and teacups to the inflatable obstacle course and the Runaway Train. We spied a Pop Mart Labubu doll in one of the 10p slot machines in the arcade (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) Beside the pier stands the imposing Britannia Grand Hotel - a landmark with a mixed reputation. Reviews on TripAdvisor range from 'once a magnificent Victorian hotel' and 'in need of serious TLC' to "the dirtiest, depressing hotel I've ever stayed in" but the guests keep coming and almost everyone agrees, the location is superb. Despite its reputation, the imposing Grand Hotel continues to attract guests (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) And there's no question that the views from the pier are breathtaking, especially on a sunny day - sweeping across Llandudno Bay, the Great Orme and beyond. Seagulls swoop and hover, ever hopeful for a snack - one reason we locals avoid the outside benches when eating. We know better. Dave L Vaughan was performing (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) At the far end of the pier, the Deck Arcade awaits, alongside the Ocean Bar. On the day we visited, singer and guitarist Dave L Vaughan was performing. The table and benches outside the bar were full - visitors sipped drinks, basked in the sunshine and relaxed into the music. Soak opened on Llandudno Pier earlier this year (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) We rounded off our afternoon with a ride on the Pier View Ferris Wheel. At £14 for two adults, a three-year-old and a baby, it felt like good value. Designed and manufactured by the famous Lamborghini company in Italy, the wheel stands an impressive 70 feet tall with 18 gondolas, each seating up to six people. As we slowly rose above the pier, the calm sea spread out beneath us. We paused to take in the viewv (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) But the best part wasn't the view - it was seeing Sebastian's face light up as the gondola climbed higher. Wide-eyed and grinning, he said that he felt 'just like Skye from Paw Patrol!' It was a pure, unfiltered moment of childhood excitement that made the ride even more memorable for us all. By nightfall, the Ferris Wheel's 10,000 lights glow brilliantly against the dark sky. The Pier Ferris Wheel which stands an impressive 70 feet tall (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest) We had a glimpse of these lights and they shone gently as we enjoyed our ride. Our visit reminded me why Llandudno Pier continues to capture the hearts of both tourists and residents. It's more than a Victorian relic - it's a living, breathing slice of seaside life, where nostalgia and modern fun meet against a backdrop of sea air and stunning views. Sometimes, the best adventures are right on your doorstep - you just have to make the time to enjoy them. Llandudno Pier has been nominated for a national award and is a finalist for Oceanic Awards' 7th Welsh Hospitality Awards 2025. They have been shortlisted under the category - 'Best Day Out' and are up against Bodnant Garden and Talyllyn Railway in Tywyn. Results will be revealed during a ceremony on September 10.