Llandudno, the Victorian seaside town in Wales that recently captured the heart of pop star Olivia Rodrigo, is home to Britain's oldest-running Punch and Judy show. The 23-year-old singer visited the town and spent a day eating sausage rolls and drinking wine, describing it as a “great memory” during a radio interview.
Established in 1860, the Punch and Judy show is performed by the fifth generation of the Codman family, using original hand-carved and painted puppets made from driftwood collected on the beach. The show is a fixture on Llandudno's North Shore Beach, which also offers a promenade, pier, boat rides, deckchair rentals, donkey rides, ice cream, and live music from the bandstand.
Known as 'The Queen of the Welsh Resorts,' Llandudno has a long history dating back to Neolithic times. The town was developed as a seaside resort in 1848 by architect Owen Williams, and the arrival of the railway in 1858 made it a popular holiday destination for wealthy wellness seekers. Today, it retains its traditional coastal vibe with grand Victorian buildings, a long promenade, and the longest pier in Wales, stretching 700 metres into the Irish Sea.
Llandudno remains a budget-friendly destination, with hotels available from around £83 per night and cottages from £90. The seafront, known as The Parade, features boutique shops, independent restaurants, churches, and museums. The North Shore Beach, sheltered by the Great Orme and Little Orme headlands, is the primary beach, though it is mainly pebbles at high tide.
Olivia Rodrigo's visit caused a stir when she was spotted at a local M&S, and she later recounted how a credit card issue limited her to buying only sausage rolls and white wine. Her endorsement has added to the town's appeal, which already draws visitors with its classic seaside attractions and historic charm.
