Whenever I need a break from the city, this is the day trip I always end up doing. I’ve been a few times now and I still don’t get bored of it. Instead of staying in one place, I like hopping between Llandudno, Conwy and Colwyn Bay. They’re all really close together, so you get a bit of everything in one day, sea views, cute streets, great food and somewhere to properly switch off. 
When to Go
Late spring or September is my favourite time to visit. It’s much quieter, the weather’s usually decent, and you can actually enjoy the place without loads of crowds.
Getting Around
I’d honestly skip the car. Parking can be a nightmare, so I always get a 1bws Day Ticket (£7.50) instead. It lets you hop on and off local buses all day and makes getting between the towns really easy.
How I Spend the Day
Llandudno
I usually take the tram up and the cable car back down (around £12). The views are incredible, and if you wander away from the busiest spots, you’ll probably spot the famous goats too.
Back in town, I always have a walk along Llandudno Pier and the promenade before exploring Mostyn Street, which has a nice mix of independent shops, cafes and high street stores. If you’ve got time, pop into Mostyn Gallery or Home Front Museum.
For food, you can’t go wrong with Habit Tea Rooms, The Loaf Coffee & Sandwich Bar, The Cottage Loaf, Johnny Dough’s Wood-Fired Pizza, or an ice cream from Parisella’s Ice Cream Parlour. If you’re after something sweet, Candles Cafe is also worth a visit. It’s the perfect place to spend a relaxed morning before heading over to Conwy.
Conwy
The castle is definitely worth seeing, but my favourite bit is walking along the town walls. The views are incredible, and I always stop at one of the independent cafes afterwards for a coffee.
Colwyn Bay
This is my favourite stop. It’s much quieter than the others, and there’s something really calming about walking along the promenade and watching the sea before heading home.
A Few Tips
-
Wear comfy trainers because you’ll be walking quite a bit.
-
Always pack a waterproof, even if it’s sunny when you leave. The weather changes so quickly.
-
Skip the busiest cafes and try one of the smaller local ones instead. If they’ve got warm Welsh cakes, you’re in for a treat.
It’s one of my favourite days out from Manchester. It’s easy to do, doesn’t cost loads, and always leaves me feeling like I’ve had a proper reset. 
If you’ve got any hidden gems nearby, let me know, I’m always up for exploring somewhere new. 
