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Amgueddfa Llandudno Museum: A Journey Through Time in North Wales

Discover 13,500 years of Llandudno's history and heritage in a charming museum with a tranquil garden oasis in North Wales.

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Amgueddfa Llandudno Museum, located in the heart of Llandudno, North Wales, offers a rich exploration of over 13,500 years of local history. Housed in the former home of Francis Edouard Chardon, the museum presents diverse exhibits from prehistoric times to the modern era, including archaeology, social history, and fine arts. Visitors can also enjoy a tranquil biodiversity garden, making it a serene cultural escape.

A brief summary to Amgueddfa Llandudno Museum

  • House 17, to, Llandudno Museum and Gallery Chardon, 19 Gloddaeth St, Llandudno, LL30 2DD, GB
  • +441492701490
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit between Tuesday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm; last admission is at 3:15pm.
  • Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore the three floors of exhibitions and enjoy the biodiversity garden.
  • The museum is fully accessible with lifts and ramps, suitable for wheelchair users and assistance dogs.
  • Entry prices are affordable, with family tickets available; carers and children under 5 enter free.
  • Don’t miss the peaceful garden at the rear, a perfect spot for a quiet break amid your visit.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Llandudno town centre to the museum area with frequent runs; travel times from central Llandudno are approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Tickets cost around £2 to £4. Buses run regularly Tuesday to Saturday.

  • Train and Walk

    Llandudno railway station is about 1.5 km from the museum. A 20-minute walk on mostly level terrain leads to the museum, suitable for most visitors. Alternatively, a short taxi ride costing approximately £5 to £7 is available.

  • Car

    Driving to the museum is straightforward with parking options nearby, though spaces may be limited during peak times. Parking fees vary but typically range from £1 to £3 per hour. The museum is located on Gloddaeth Street in the town centre.

Amgueddfa Llandudno Museum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Amgueddfa Llandudno Museum

A Legacy Bequeathed: Origins and Founder

Amgueddfa Llandudno Museum owes its existence to Francis Edouard Chardon, who in 1927 generously bequeathed his home, Rapallo House, along with his extensive collection of decorative arts and artifacts, to the people of Llandudno. This act of philanthropy laid the foundation for a museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the area. Over the decades, the museum has grown to house a remarkable collection that spans more than thirteen millennia, reflecting the deep historical roots of Llandudno and its surroundings.

Exhibiting the Story of Llandudno

The museum's exhibitions cover an impressive timeline, from prehistoric archaeology to contemporary history. Highlights include artifacts from the Great and Little Ormes, Roman finds from Kanovium Fort, and intriguing displays about Llandudno’s transformation into a renowned seaside resort. Visitors can explore the Neolithic era through the story of the Neolithic lady of the Little Orme, delve into the town's Victorian heyday, and learn about unique events such as Llandudno’s Olympic history and its encounters with tax authorities. The museum’s three floors are thoughtfully curated to offer an immersive historical narrative.

A Diverse and International Collection

With over 9,000 artifacts, the museum’s collection is divided into five broad categories: natural history and geology, local decorative and fine art, social history, military history, and archaeology. This diversity provides a comprehensive view of Llandudno’s development and cultural evolution. Notably, the archaeological collections are considered among the finest held in an independent museum in Wales, featuring rare and distinctive items that underscore the international significance of the region’s heritage.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible, featuring lifts and ramps to accommodate visitors with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users and assistance dogs. It operates Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, with last admission at 3:15pm, from late February to late November. A small biodiversity garden at the rear offers a peaceful retreat, where a pond ecosystem is nurtured alongside fresh fruit and vegetable growth. This garden adds a natural dimension to the cultural experience, inviting visitors to relax away from the bustling town streets.

Community and Educational Role

Run by the Chardon Trust as a not-for-profit institution, the museum serves as a vital educational resource for the community and visitors alike. It welcomes group visits and offers guided tours, fostering a deeper understanding of local history and heritage. The museum shop and garden are freely accessible, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Through its conservation efforts and public engagement, the museum plays a key role in celebrating and preserving Llandudno’s unique identity.

Setting and Atmosphere

Situated on Gloddaeth Street, the museum blends historic charm with a welcoming atmosphere. The peaceful garden at the back creates a serene environment that contrasts with the vibrant town centre. The museum’s setting and thoughtfully designed exhibitions make it a cultural gem in North Wales, appealing to history enthusiasts, families, and casual visitors seeking insight into the region’s past and present.

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