Great Orme Tramway

The Great Orme Tramway is a cable-hauled streetcar system in Llandudno that runs in two separate sections and carries passengers from the seafront district to the summit of the Great Orme. The route passes through the Country Park and measures about one mile in total, with both sections meeting at Halfway Station.

The lower section began service in July 1902 and opened the hill for mass tourism for the first time. The following year the second stage to the summit was inaugurated and completed the connection.

Each car carries the name of a Welsh saint and has kept this tradition since the early years. The inscriptions recall the religious history of the region and give each vehicle its own identity.

Rides run from March through November and suit visitors of all ages, as the cars are wide enough for families. Changing at Halfway Station happens on the same platform, so continuing is straightforward.

This system is the only one in Britain where cable-hauled cars run on public streets and cross regular traffic. Drivers have to stop at certain points and wait for the cars to pass.

Location: Conwy County Borough

Official opening: 1902

Website: http://greatormetramway.com

GPS coordinates: 53.33210,-3.85440

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29