Llandudno (pop. 20,000) is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Wales, with two sandy beaches, one on either side of the town, separated by the limestone promontory of Great Orme Head. The more easterly of the two beaches, North Shore, is bounded by another headland, Little Orme. With the advent of tourism in the last century, this
Victorian town became a gathering-place for the new middle class, who came here from the nearby industrial regions of Liverpool and Manchester. To date, the magnificent late Victorian pier has been mercifully spared the modern fairground influences - games machines and souvenir stalls - which are so typical of many resorts on the south coast. Mostyn Street, with its shopping arcades, is well worth a visit, and there is a wide range of cultural events and entertainments.