Great Orme Tramway - Victoria Station — Attraction in Great Britain

I visited yesterday with another adult and a toddler, going up the top with about half an hour to look around until the last tram down. As soon as we got there, I got an ice cream for the little one after triple checking the last tram time.

About 15 minutes before the descent time, we noticed the tram was almost full, so we went to check we'dhave a seat. The driver and the guy in the booth were discussing how the tram was full and was about to let someone buy a ticket to go down and then leave early. We approached to say we had prebooked tickets and the lady was then told she wouldn't be able to go on if we took the tram.

However, the driver didn't want to let us on as we had ice cream (understandable, even though there are no signs to say we couldn't eat on the tram), but when I asked if he could save the last three seats for us until we finished, he said he was the driver and he gets to choose who get on. When I asked for a clearer answer, he said he couldn't guarantee us seats. When I asked how we'd get down if the tram is too full for us, he suggested we take the bus. I said I'd rather we didn't have to pay for another way down as we'd already paid for the return journey for the tram, and we had a pram waiting at the bottom.

He suggested giving us blue roll for us to sit on and started telling us off for wanting to take it on a "heritage site" and I "shouldn't have bought ice cream last minute." Which, I get, but equally use common sense about saving us the seats after we expressed we'd like to use them?! And we wouldn't have had to consider getting on earlier than necessary (allowing us to finish the treats and clean up), had things been planned or communicated better.

I stood firm, telling him we had plenty of time before the last tram time (10 minutes at this point), and he's the one giving away prepaid seats. He ended up ringing down to ask what to do. They were sending another tram up.

15 of us left the actual last tram at the correct time. I know it's hard to predict when people are going up and down, but overselling the seats isn't for me to rectify. A sad and stressful end to the overall journey, and I'd be telling to avoid when they visit Llandudno as the journey isn't worth the panic of worrying about how we'd get a toddler down if we couldn't secure a seat. At no point when we bought the tickets were we told that we may not be able to get back down and being treated like I'd mismanaged my time like some late petulant child was...

A fantastic way to spend 2 hours in Llandudno. Tickets are bought just before you board and cost £8.10 return for adults and £5.60 for 3-16 year olds. The tram is suitable for most ages and abilities, including dogs however there are steep steps to board, and disembark the tram and a half way stop where passengers must alight a different tram. Those with mobility issues, prams or very young children, would certainly struggle. The Tramway itself is a delight to behold and the staff and stations proudly boast the long and rich history of this one-of-a-kind funicular system. The breathtakingly steep public road Tramway begins it's mile long steep ascent to the (half way station and) summit, providing vivid views of the Llandudno North shore and pier. The close proximity of residents boxed in front lawns and hanging baskets adds to the thrill of the climb. The tram has no seat belts and very narrow seats for 2(?) people, a lot of bracing of the foot is necessary! There are also no windows so prepare for very chilly winds. Once at the summit you can visit the exhibition at the Great Orme Country Park Visitor Centre, have a picnic at one of the many picnic tables, purchase a drink and snack at the Summit Complex, the kids can play on the large outdoor playground, or you can follow one of the many walks on the Orme. You could also simply breathe in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. The views are absolutely spectacular and apparently on a clear day, you can see as far as Blackpool and the lake district. You can descend on any returning tram and again have to disembark at the half way station. All in all, well worth a visit. Do try and get there before 11am as there was a very long queue after this, also bring warm clothes/a jacket, and it is difficult to find parking but some of the side roads do have on-street...

Date of visit 11th September 2025

I’ve not been up the Great Orme before but was recommended to do so by other members of the group who I went with as part of a day out, and I didn’t look back as I had a great afternoon heading up on the trams. We came in mid September just after the summer season had ended; there were no queues for either the tickets or the trams and after waiting for everyone to embark, we headed up the Great Orme. The ticket price was £10.85 for an adult return which I found to be expensive but the views heading up more than made up for it. You get two trams and change halfway and heading up the Orme takes you out of Llandudno with scenes heading further into North Wales and Anglesey coming into view. They were stunning and really panoramic, and when we arrived up at the top, it was definitely worth it in the end! In total, the two tram journeys up to the top took around 15-20 minutes and when at the summit, there’s a cafe and spots to take pictures. The scenery is impressive! Make sure you bring a waterproof coat, as coming down, it was raining heavily, and some of the passengers didn’t know this, until we left the station, and got soaked! It was selfishly enjoyable and thoroughly entertaining to watch everyone get wet!

Tips and Recommendations

1. Definitely come here in September / Autumn, as I have been told that there are long queues during the peak season in July and August.
2. Take some panoramic pictures when up at the top, you won’t regret it.
3. Head to the Captains Table Cafe at the summit, for a hot drink after the ride up the tram. The walk is 2 minutes from the station. You can also get souvenirs from here as it has a gift shop.
4. Bring a waterproof coat on a rainy / overcast day, as the trams are heritage and they do NOT have windows, you may get...