Holiday rentals in Llandudno

Sheltered between the limestone headlands of Great Orme and the Little Orme, this small seaside town on the north coast of Wales has retained a distinctly Edwardian magic, even as it’s become one of the country’s least-kept secrets. Walking out onto the sands of Llandudno’s North Shore beach is like stepping back a century in time, thanks to its promenade, wrought-iron pier, and backdrop of elegant terraced hotels. Even the entertainment here has an old-timey feel, with puppet shows operated by families down through the generations. Past the Little Orme lies the charming coastal village of Rhos-on-Sea; and on the opposite side of the peninsula, a mere 15-minute drive, you’ll find the River Conwy estuary, and beyond that, Snowdonia National Park.

Wales has a deserved reputation for being rainy, and Llandudno is no exception. You’ll want to be prepared with suitable wet-weather clothing whatever time of year you stay in one of the area’s holiday cottages. Still, you can expect plenty of sunshine in the summer months, with average high temperatures reaching 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall tends to stay warm — temperatures can still reach the mid-60s — while spring is a little brisker, with average highs around 53 degrees. If you travel in winter, be prepared for lows around 38 degrees along with wet and windy weather.

Great Orme

Rising dramatically from the sea, the limestone rock of the Great Orme, two miles long and one mile wide, is a nature reserve, home to rare plant life, a dry ski slope, and a flock of wild Kashmiri goats descended from a pair that were a gift to Queen Victoria. The Victorians left other legacies on this impressive rock, including the Marine Drive around its base and a cable tramway that can take you to its peak.

West Shore

On the opposite side of the peninsula to North Shore, looking on to the picturesque Conwy Bay, is this small, quiet beach. Backed by sand dunes, and with a wilder, more rugged vibe, it’s a great place to watch the sunset. If you’re here in the morning, its cafe serves an excellent Welsh breakfast.

Conwy Castle

It’s only a short hop across the bay to Conwy, whose 12th-century walled town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its medieval streets and formidable, 21-towered castle are a sight to behold; at the opposite end of the scale, on the quayside, you can find Britain’s Smallest House, a mere 72 inches wide.