Easy day trips from Llandudno by public transport (no car needed)
Staying in Llandudno without a car and fancy seeing a bit more of North Wales? No problem!
Llandudno is a great base for exploring by public transport, with a train station in the town centre and buses heading along the coast and further inland.
But travelling with kids can be hard work. Nobody wants to spend half the day changing buses and trains while someone announces they’re hungry for the fifth time that morning.
So, we’ve picked 5 easy day trips from Llandudno by public transport, focusing on places you can reach without lots of changes.
From castles and hills to seaside towns, here are a few places worth exploring.
Our family-friendly day trips from Llandudno
Visit Betws-y-Coed by train
Want to swap the seaside for a day of mountain views and waterfalls? Betws-y-Coed is one to look at.
You can travel there by train from Llandudno, making it an easy way to experience a little of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park without having to drive.
Betws-y-Coed is a small village surrounded by forests and mountains, with plenty of cafés and shops to browse and the famous Swallow Falls nearby too. And if it’s not your family's vibe, you don't need to be a family of big walkers to enjoy a day here.
Once you arrive, you don't really need a packed itinerary. Have a wander around the village, stop for something to eat (or pack a picnic), take in the scenery and, if the kids still have plenty of energy, head out for a walk.
It's also a good option if you have a train-mad child, as the journey becomes part of the day out too.
Getting there from Llandudno: Train
Good for: Scenery, waterfalls, walks and a change from the seaside
Visit Conwy by train or bus
Conwy is an easy one to consider if you're staying in Llandudno and don't have a car.
You can get there by train or bus, and once you arrive, there's plenty within walking distance - and it really doesn't take much time at all.
Conwy Castle is the obvious place to start, but you can also walk along sections of the town walls for free, head down to the harbour and see the Smallest House in Great Britain.
It's close enough to Llandudno that you don't necessarily have to make a full day of it either. That can be useful with younger children, or if you just want to get out for a few hours.
Getting there from Llandudno: Train or bus
Good for: Castles, history and exploring on foot
Head to Rhos-on-Sea by bus
If you fancy another seaside day without travelling too far, Rhos-on-Sea is an easy option from Llandudno.
It has a more laid-back feel, but there’s still plenty to do with kids. You can spend some time on the beach, walk or scoot along the promenade, go crabbing or rock pooling, paint pottery and there’s a playground and paddling pool for younger children too.
There are plenty of places to stop for something to eat or grab an ice cream (you will have so much choice!), and it’s an easy place to spend a few hours without needing to plan too much.
Getting there from Llandudno: Bus
Good for: Beach days, younger children and a more relaxed day out
For more ideas, read our guide to 9 fun things to do with kids in Rhos-on-Sea. >
Take a trip to Rhyl by bus or train
For another traditional seaside day, you can head further along the North Wales coast to Rhyl.
You can reach Rhyl from Llandudno by public transport, and there’s plenty aimed at families once you arrive, including lots of arcades, a water park, the beach and a long promenade.
Rhyl might not have the scenery of Betws-y-Coed or the historic feel of Conwy, but if your kids love arcades and traditional seaside attractions, there’s still plenty to keep them entertained. It also gives you another option if you’re staying in Llandudno for a few days and fancy exploring somewhere different.
Getting there from Llandudno: Train or bus
Good for: Arcades, seaside attractions and the water park
Take a trip to Llanrwst by train
For a quieter day out, take the train from Llandudno along the Conwy Valley to the small market town of Llanrwst.
The River Conwy runs alongside the town, where you’ll find the famous Tu Hwnt i’r Bont tearoom next to the historic Pont Fawr bridge. You can also walk to Gwydir Castle, a Tudor courtyard house (open seasonally on selected days), or enjoy a wander along the river.
Llanrwst doesn’t have as many big family attractions as some of the other places on this list, but if you fancy somewhere more relaxed with local history and pretty scenery, it’s a lovely option.
Getting there from Llandudno: Direct train
Good for: Gwydir Castle, riverside walks and pretty scenery
Where will you visit first?
Hopefully we've given you a few ideas for getting out and exploring more of North Wales during your stay in Llandudno.
We'll be adding more family days out that are easy to reach by train and bus, along with guides to what you can do once you get there.
Just remember to check the latest public transport times before setting off, particularly on Sundays and bank holidays.
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