Wales' Greatest Pier
Llandudno Pier is one of those structures that simply makes a place. Stretching 2,295 feet (700 metres) from the promenade into the bay, it is the longest pier in Wales and the fifth longest in England and Wales, and it remains one of the finest Victorian pleasure piers still operating anywhere in Britain. Voted Pier of the Year by the National Piers Society in both 2005 and 2025, it is not merely a historic curio but a living part of the town, used and valued by both residents and visitors.
The pier in its current form opened on 1 August 1877, though an earlier, shorter pier had stood on the site since 1858. The 1877 structure was a more ambitious undertaking, extending well out into the bay to allow the large paddle steamers of the Victorian era to land passengers even at low tide. The ornate iron pavilion at the shore end dates from the Edwardian period and is one of the most photographed buildings in Llandudno. Walking out from the pavilion, the town recedes behind you and the bay opens up on all sides: to the east, the Little Orme; to the west, the massive limestone face of the Great Orme; ahead, the open water of the Irish Sea.
Ocean's Bar and Pier Head Facilities
At the far end of the pier, 700 metres out to sea, sits Ocean's Bar — one of the most distinctively located pubs in Wales. Serving Wild Horse Brewery real ales alongside the usual bar range, it offers views across the bay in every direction: on a clear day, the mountains of Snowdonia are visible to the south, Anglesey to the west, and the Wirral to the east. Sitting with a pint in Ocean's Bar while the sea passes beneath the pier boards is one of those simple pleasures that Llandudno does exceptionally well.
The Pier Head Cafe offers more casual refreshments: fish and chips, doughnuts, and the standard seaside fare that has been dispensed from pier-end kiosks since the Victorian era. The middle section of the pier has amusement machines and other traditional attractions. The whole pier has the feeling of a place that has been doing this for a long time and sees no reason to change: there is something reassuring about its continuity, the fact that people have been walking this same 700 metres for a pint and a view since 1877.
The Pier's History
The history of Llandudno Pier reflects the broader history of the Victorian seaside resort. The first pier, opened in 1858, was a relatively modest structure designed primarily to allow boat trips to land passengers on the shoreline. As Llandudno grew in ambition and popularity through the 1860s, it became clear that a more substantial pier was needed, both to accommodate the larger vessels that visitors expected and to provide the promenading space that was a central feature of the Victorian seaside experience.
The present structure, opened in 1877, was designed to be impressive. Its length pushed it well out into the bay, its ironwork was ornate by the standards of functional engineering, and the pavilion at the shore end provided a covered space for entertainment and refreshment that the earlier pier lacked. In subsequent decades the pier was extended, modified, and in one section destroyed by a ship collision in 1907 before being rebuilt. Its survival through the 20th century, when many British piers were demolished or fell into disrepair, reflects Llandudno's general success in maintaining and valuing its Victorian heritage.
Visiting the Pier
The pier is freely accessible at all times; there is no admission charge to walk along it, though the facilities at the pier head operate their own charges for food and drink. The address is N Parade, Llandudno LL30 2LP. It is at the eastern end of the North Shore promenade, close to Happy Valley and the cable car lower terminus. The pier can be busy on summer weekends and sunny days; early morning or evening walks along the pier offer a quieter experience with often very beautiful light on the bay.
The pier is fully accessible — the surface is flat and there are no steps between the entrance and the pier head — making it one of the most enjoyable accessible walks in the resort. In windy weather, the exposed nature of the pier means conditions can be brisk; the walk back from the pier head directly into a westerly wind is an invigorating experience. The promenade walk from the pier entrance to the base of the Great Orme completes a natural circuit of the North Shore seafront.
The pier's history
Llandudno pier is renowned for being a popular tourist attraction with its identifiable Victorian architecture. This gem of a pier is referred to by some critics as the "Queen of Welsh Piers."
Construction
Brunlees and McKerrow designed the pier, and it took two years to construct. The building of the pier commenced in 1876, and it was completed in 1878. The pier itself is built from wrought iron structured beams resting on cast-iron columns and finished with traditional wooden decking. The total length of the pier is 2295ft, of which 1234ft stretches out into the Irish Sea.
Background Information
The Llandudno Pier Company initially operated Llandudno pier. In 1968, the pier was purchased by the Trust House Forte Group, a British hotel, and restaurant company, subsequently it then became part of the first leisure corporation in 1983. The current owner is a local businessman Adam Williams. He stated in an interview with Owen Hughes, a Business correspondent for the Daily Post, that “This opportunity never arises for an individual, it’s always corporate done.”
History
The Pier Pavilion was famous for its musical concerts in 1926-1927. Some familiar names such as George Formby, Ted Ray, The Beverley Sisters, and Cliff Richard have all made an appearance at the Pier Pavilion. However, in 1994 the Pier Pavilion was destroyed by a fire, leaving just the decorative wrought iron supports standing. February 13, 2020, marked the 26th anniversary of the Pier Pavilion fire. It has been suggested by developers to renovate the area affected. However, it currently remains empty.
Llandudno's previous councillor David Hawkins stated that "The development will cause major disruptions to the tourism industry, especially the Pier." Notably, The National Piers Society (a non-profit making registered charity) stated that "Seaside piers around the coastline of Britain stand as a predominant reminder of the triumphs of Victorian engineers and entrepreneurs. The National Piers Society further suggested that “Only half survive, and several of these face an uncertain future".
Shops and Concessions
Llandudno pier offers everything from traditional fish and chips and ice cream to old-school entertainment for all the family to enjoy. As you arrive at the pier entrance, you can find a dinky doughnut stall, and to your right, a hot beverage kiosk, the perfect start to a leisurely stroll along the pier. Further along, there will be an amusement arcade, one of two located on the pier. Both arcades are open 10 am to 5 pm offseason and from 10 am to 10.30 pm during the primary summer season and are owned by Tir Prince Leisure Group.
The Shell Shop is one of the many kiosks placed on Llandudno Pier; This quirky little stall offers everything from original artwork to shell and driftwood crafts, perfect for that keepsake gift. It is a family run business, the owner of which has worked on the stall for 30 years, and the vast majority of products are imported from Thailand to offer that unique gift. So why not treat that special someone. The Shell Shop is open Tuesday-Sunday 11-5 pm, from Easter weekend until October half-term.
Dedicated Site: https://www.llandudnopier.com/
© Crown copyright (2013) Visit Wales
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Llandudno Pier?
Llandudno Pier is 2,295 feet (700 metres) long, making it the longest pier in Wales and the fifth longest in England and Wales. The current pier's first section opened on 1 August 1877, though an earlier shorter pier stood from 1858.
What is at Llandudno Pier?
The pier has Ocean's Bar at the far end, serving Wild Horse Brewery real ale with views across the bay. There is also a Pier Head Cafe serving fish and chips and doughnuts, amusements and traditional pier attractions. The address is N Parade, Llandudno LL30 2LP.
Has Llandudno Pier won any awards?
Yes. Llandudno Pier was voted Pier of the Year by the National Piers Society in both 2005 and 2025, recognising it as one of the finest surviving pleasure piers in England and Wales.
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