Llandudno Pier may be officially recognised as the best in the UK, but during a visit at the end of June, it was the town's Victorian architecture that stole the show. The 700-metre structure, which dates back to 1878, is a prominent feature of the North Wales resort, yet the grand cream-and-white buildings lining The Parade immediately caught attention upon arrival.
Victorian charm takes centre stage
Parking on Llandudno's sweeping promenade, the historic Grade II listed pier was not the first sight to stand out. Instead, the uniformed and bow-fronted 19th-century hotels along the seafront drew the eye, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of seaside leisure.
Herry Sweeney, a 66-year-old local, said: "It's always been a popular place for tourists. It's a lot to do with its Victorian nature. We've got more Grade II listed buildings than any other seaside towns in Wales."
A preserved seaside heritage
Unlike other resorts that have faced decline, Llandudno has largely avoided modernisation, leaving its wide streets and grand architecture intact. Many properties on the promenade and surrounding streets are Grade II listed, legally protecting their historic facades, ironwork and sash windows.
An estimated 400 listed structures throughout the town form a well-preserved collection of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. Landmarks such as the St George's Hotel and The Imperial Hotel offer visitors a chance to experience the era from within.
The pier topped the National Piers Society members' vote in 2025, having previously won the same title in 2005. Llandudno attracts nearly 10 million visitors annually, making it the largest and most popular seaside resort in Wales, with the pier alone believed to record over six million visitors each year.
Dubbed "The Queen of Welsh Resorts" for around 150 years, the town continues to embrace its Victorian heritage, and this is what makes it so popular with tourists.
