Llandudno's Relaxed East End
Craig-y-Don is the eastern part of Llandudno, curving around the second half of the bay from the Venue Cymru end of the promenade towards the Little Orme and Penrhyn Bay. It has its own village feel, with a small shopping centre, local cafes and a long, flat stretch of promenade that is noticeably calmer than the busy pier end of town.
For visitors it is a great base: close enough to walk into the town centre along the seafront in around 15 to 20 minutes, but quieter in the evenings, with easy parking on many residential streets and views back across the whole bay to the Great Orme.
A Little History
The land here belonged to the Mostyn family, who also owned much of Llandudno. The name Craig-y-Don was given in 1848 by landowner Thomas Peers Williams, after his home in Beaumaris, and the first modern house was built in 1870. Before that the area saw sand and clay digging with lime kilns, and up on the hillside the Mostyns' old windmill at Bodafon later became a beacon in a warning system used during the Napoleonic Wars.
Craig-y-Don grew into a Llandudno suburb from the 1880s. Many street names still carry stories: Queen's Road is named after Queen Victoria, while Roumania Drive and its neighbours remember Queen Elisabeth of Romania, who wrote as Carmen Sylva and stayed in Llandudno in 1890. St Paul's Church on Mostyn Broadway was built in the 1890s as a memorial to Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence.
Things to See and Do
Venue Cymru
The town's big theatre and conference centre sits at the start of Craig-y-Don on the promenade, hosting touring musicals, comedy, concerts and the Christmas pantomime. See our Venue Cymru guide.
Llandudno Lifeboat Station
The RNLI's modern boathouse at the Craig-y-Don end of the promenade was completed in 2017, replacing the old station in Lloyd Street that meant launching the lifeboat through the town's streets. It is home to a Shannon-class all-weather lifeboat and a D-class inshore boat. Read more in our lifeboat station guide.
The promenade and Bodafon Fields
Craig-y-Don Parade and Colwyn Road continue the promenade east, lined with hotels and apartments. Beyond the parade are the open green spaces of Bodafon Fields, and at the end of the promenade a large children's paddling pool with a beach cafe and toilets, a favourite with families on warm days.
The Little Orme
The smaller of Llandudno's two headlands rises at the eastern end of the bay. It is wilder and less visited than the Great Orme, with nature reserve land, sea cliffs and seabirds, and it gives you the classic view back over the whole of Llandudno Bay.
Local shops
Queen's Road and Mostyn Avenue form Craig-y-Don's own little shopping centre, with independent shops, cafes and takeaways. It is handy if you are staying at this end of town and do not fancy the walk into Mostyn Street.
Staying in Craig-y-Don
Craig-y-Don has a good choice of guest houses, small hotels and holiday apartments, many with sea views across the bay. It tends to suit couples and families who want a quieter base within walking distance of everything. Browse our guest houses and B&Bs, sea view hotels and self-catering pages, or start with where to stay in Llandudno.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Craig-y-Don?
Craig-y-Don is the eastern part of Llandudno, covering the eastern half of Llandudno Bay from Venue Cymru towards the Little Orme and Penrhyn Bay.
How far is Craig-y-Don from Llandudno town centre?
It is an easy, flat walk of around 15 to 20 minutes along the promenade to the pier end of town and Mostyn Street.
What does Craig-y-Don mean?
Roughly, rock of the wave. The name was chosen in 1848 by landowner Thomas Peers Williams, after his home in Beaumaris on Anglesey.