North Shore vs West Shore Llandudno: Where Is the Best Place to Stay?
- Jet R.

- Jun 17
- 4 min read

Llandudno remains one of the UK's most loved seaside destinations, attracting visitors throughout the year with its Victorian charm, beautiful coastline, family attractions, and stunning views of the Great Orme. Whether you are planning a relaxing weekend break, a family holiday, or a coastal staycation, one of the most common questions travellers ask is: Should I stay on the North Shore or the West Shore in Llandudno?
Both areas offer unique experiences and cater to different types of visitors. Understanding the differences between the two can help you choose accommodation that perfectly matches your holiday expectations.
At Llandudno Great Escapes, we provide high-quality holiday accommodation across Llandudno, allowing guests to enjoy the very best of both shores while experiencing comfort, convenience, and exceptional locations.
Understanding Llandudno's Two Shores
Llandudno is uniquely positioned between two beaches, each offering a completely different atmosphere.
North Shore is the town's main beachfront area, home to the iconic Victorian promenade, shopping streets, restaurants, cafés, and many of Llandudno's most popular attractions.
West Shore offers a quieter and more relaxed coastal environment. Known for its wide sandy beach, spectacular sunsets, and peaceful surroundings, it appeals to visitors seeking tranquillity away from the busier town centre.
Choosing between the two largely depends on the type of holiday you want to enjoy.
Why Stay on North Shore?
Easy Access to Attractions
North Shore places you in the heart of Llandudno's tourism scene. Guests staying here can easily walk to many of the town's leading attractions, including:
Llandudno Pier
Venue Cymru
Great Orme Tramway
Shopping streets
Traditional arcades
Seafront cafés and restaurants
For first-time visitors, North Shore often provides the most convenient base for exploring the town without needing a car.
Vibrant Seaside Atmosphere
The North Shore promenade is one of the most recognisable features of Llandudno. Throughout the year, visitors enjoy leisurely walks along the seafront, traditional seaside entertainment, and panoramic views across the bay.
Families with children particularly appreciate the lively atmosphere, easy beach access, and proximity to local amenities.
Dining and Entertainment
If dining out and evening entertainment are important parts of your holiday, North Shore offers the greatest variety of options. From independent cafés and fish-and-chip shops to modern restaurants and bars, everything is within walking distance.
Guests attending concerts, theatre performances, or events at Venue Cymru also benefit from staying nearby.
Best For
North Shore is ideal for:
First-time visitors
Families
Couples seeking convenience
Weekend breaks
Visitors without a car
Guests attending events and shows
Why Stay on West Shore?
A More Peaceful Escape
West Shore offers a completely different side of Llandudno. While the North Shore attracts larger crowds, the West Shore offers a more peaceful environment where visitors can truly unwind.
The beach is wider, less crowded, and particularly popular with those looking to escape busy tourist areas.
Spectacular Sunsets
One of West Shore's biggest attractions is its stunning sunset views. As the sun sets over Conwy Bay and the mountains beyond, visitors are treated to some of the most picturesque coastal scenery in North Wales.
For photographers, couples, and nature lovers, West Shore offers a memorable experience that differs greatly from the bustling promenade on North Shore.
Excellent Walking Opportunities
West Shore provides direct access to scenic walking routes around the Great Orme and coastal paths leading towards Deganwy and Conwy.
Visitors who enjoy outdoor activities often choose West Shore as a quieter starting point for exploring the area's natural beauty
.
Family-Friendly Environment
The large open beach and surrounding green spaces make West Shore particularly appealing to families seeking a more relaxed seaside holiday.
Children have plenty of room to play, while parents can enjoy a quieter atmosphere away from the busier sections of town.
Best For
West Shore is ideal for:
Couples
Nature lovers
Walkers and outdoor enthusiasts
Relaxing staycations
Families seeking quieter surroundings
Guests looking for scenic coastal views
North Shore vs West Shore: Which Is Better?
The truth is that neither shore is objectively better—they simply offer different holiday experiences.
Feature | North Shore | West Shore |
Beach Atmosphere | Lively and traditional | Quiet and relaxing |
Attractions | Close to main attractions | More nature-focused |
Restaurants & Cafés | Extensive choice | Limited but peaceful |
Family Activities | Excellent | Excellent |
Evening Entertainment | Strong | Limited |
Walking Routes | Good | Excellent |
Sunset Views | Good | Outstanding |
Accessibility | Excellent | Very Good |
Many returning visitors find that their choice depends on the type of break they are planning. A short weekend getaway may benefit from the convenience of North Shore, while a longer relaxing holiday could be perfectly suited to West Shore.
Why Llandudno Great Escapes Offers the Best of Both Worlds
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Llandudno Great Escapes is access to carefully selected holiday accommodation throughout Llandudno.
Our properties place guests within easy reach of:
North Shore attractions
West Shore beaches
Great Orme walking routes
Llandudno town centre
Local restaurants and cafés
Family-friendly activities
Rather than limiting yourself to one area, our accommodation portfolio allows you to enjoy the unique benefits of both shores during your stay.
Whether you want morning walks along the peaceful sands of West Shore or evenings exploring the vibrant promenade of North Shore, our properties provide an ideal base for experiencing everything Llandudno has to offer.
Planning Your Perfect Llandudno Stay
When deciding between North Shore and West Shore, consider what matters most during your holiday.
If convenience, entertainment, and being close to the town's main attractions are your priorities, North Shore is likely the best choice.
If you prefer peaceful surroundings, stunning sunsets, and a more relaxed coastal atmosphere, West Shore may be exactly what you are looking for.
The good news is that Llandudno is compact and easily walkable, meaning visitors can enjoy both shores regardless of where they choose to stay.
Book Your Llandudno Escape Today
Whether you're planning a family holiday, romantic getaway, weekend break, or coastal staycation, Llandudno Great Escapes offers stylish and comfortable accommodation in prime locations across the town.
Browse our collection of holiday apartments and cottages today and discover why so many guests choose Llandudno Great Escapes as their trusted accommodation provider when visiting North Wales.
Book your next stay with Llandudno Great Escapes and experience the very best of both North Shore and West Shore Llandudno.


















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