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Places of interest #7 in Llandudno

Summit Cable Car Station

4.3 · 1,873 reviews
Open and breezy with panoramic coastal views
Summit Cable Car Station, Llandudno LL30 2XF, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The system was opened in 1969 to facilitate transit to the Great Orme summit.

2

The cable car travels a total distance of approximately one mile.

3

It utilizes a fixed-grip system where carriages are permanently attached to the haulage cable.

4

The Great Orme summit stands 207 meters above sea level.

5

The route passes directly over the Happy Valley botanical gardens.

Overview

The Great Orme Llandudno Cable Car is the longest cable car system of its kind in the United Kingdom. It transports passengers from Happy Valley at the base to the summit of the Great Orme headland. The system operates using a funicular-style cable haulage mechanism. It provides an aerial perspective of Llandudno Bay, the North Wales coastline, and, on clear days, the mountains of Snowdonia. The terminal sits near the Summit Complex, a historic site once known as The Telegraph Inn. It serves as an alternative transit method to the Great Orme Tramway for reaching the limestone plateau. The journey covers a significant incline, transitioning from seaside parkland to a high-altitude coastal environment.

Photo spot

The elevated vantage point as the car approaches the summit terminal, looking back toward the Llandudno pier.

Insider tips

Check wind conditions before heading out, as high gusts can cause service suspensions.

Bring a windproof jacket even in summer, as the temperature at the summit is significantly lower than at the base.

Combine the cable car ride with a descent via the Great Orme Tramway for a varied travel experience.

What to avoid

Do not attempt the ride if you are uncomfortable with open-air cabins or high altitude, as there are no enclosed alternatives on this specific system.

Good to know

The cable car is a seasonal attraction and generally does not operate during the winter months or during periods of adverse weather.

Etiquette

No specific dress code, though sturdy footwear is recommended for walking around the summit plateau.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45 minutes to 1 hour including the ride time
Best time to visit
Late morning on a clear day for maximum visibility of the Snowdonia mountain range.
53.333, -3.853
Get directions
Details
Transit TypeFixed-grip cable car system
Elevation207 meters at the summit

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45 minutes to 1 hour including the ride time to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late morning on a clear day for maximum visibility of the Snowdonia mountain range..

The elevated vantage point as the car approaches the summit terminal, looking back toward the Llandudno pier.

Close by you'll find Llandudno Pier, Great Orme Country Park, Great Orme Mines.