St. Tudno's Church on the Great Orme
Historic St. Tudno's Church on Great Orme: A serene medieval sanctuary with stunning coastal views and rich spiritual heritage.
St. Tudno's Church, perched on the northern slopes of the Great Orme in Llandudno, is a historic site dating back to the 12th century with earlier Celtic origins. This Victorian-restored church features medieval walls, a serene churchyard with notable gravestones, and a 1914 stone pulpit. It offers visitors a tranquil atmosphere amid scenic views of the coast and surrounding landscape, embodying centuries of local spiritual heritage.
A brief summary to St. Tudno's Church
- 2HL, St Tudno's Rd, Llandudno, GB
- +441492876624
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during summer months to experience outdoor services held from the stone pulpit in the churchyard.
- Take time to explore the churchyard’s historic gravestones and memorials, including Celtic crosses and Boer War tributes.
- Enjoy the panoramic views of the sea and Great Orme heathland surrounding the church for excellent photo opportunities.
- Wear sturdy footwear as the church is located on the northern slopes of the Great Orme, involving some uphill walking.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Llandudno local bus service from the town center to the Great Orme summit area; travel time is approximately 20-30 minutes. Services run regularly but check schedules seasonally. From the stop, a 10-15 minute uphill walk leads to the church.
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Walking
For active visitors, a scenic 45-60 minute walk from Llandudno town center to St. Tudno's Church offers a rewarding route with uphill terrain. Suitable footwear is recommended; the path includes natural trails and some uneven surfaces.
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Taxi
Local taxis can reach St. Tudno's Church directly in about 10-15 minutes from central Llandudno. This option is convenient for those with limited mobility but may cost approximately £8-£15 depending on time and traffic.
St. Tudno's Church location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about St. Tudno's Church
Ancient Origins and Spiritual Legacy
St. Tudno's Church traces its origins to a Celtic missionary named Tudno, who established a religious cell on the Great Orme during the reign of Maelgwyn Gwynedd in the 6th century. Initially, Tudno may have lived in a cave before founding a small enclosed religious community or "llan," which became the nucleus for the town of Llandudno. As the patron saint of Llandudno, Tudno's legacy remains deeply embedded in the church's identity and local culture.Architectural Evolution Through Centuries
The current church building retains walls dating from the 12th and 15th centuries, showcasing medieval craftsmanship. After suffering roof damage in a severe 1839 storm, the church was abandoned for a time until a restoration funded by William Henry Reece was completed in 1855, which preserved its historic character. The churchyard features a stone pulpit erected in 1914 used for popular outdoor summer services, reflecting the site's ongoing communal and religious significance.Setting and Atmosphere Amidst the Great Orme
Nestled in a hollow on the Great Orme's northern slopes, St. Tudno's Church is surrounded by a peaceful churchyard and an Edwardian cemetery opened in 1903. Visitors can appreciate the striking views of the sea, coastline, and heathland, which enhance the contemplative ambience. The churchyard's gravestones and monuments, including Celtic crosses, offer a tangible connection to Llandudno's history across multiple centuries.Historical and Cultural Significance
Beyond its religious function, the churchyard holds memorials such as a stone tribute to four local men who died in the Boer War, underscoring the site's role in commemorating community history. The layout and alignment of graves in the churchyard and cemetery reveal evolving funerary customs and landscape design, providing insights into the cultural heritage of the area.Visitor Experience and Spiritual Reflection
Visitors to St. Tudno's Church encounter a serene and reflective environment, ideal for mindfulness and spiritual contemplation. The combination of historic architecture, scenic vistas, and the quiet dignity of the churchyard invites a deep appreciation of Llandudno's past and the enduring presence of its patron saint.Preservation and Community Engagement
Today, St. Tudno's Church remains a cherished landmark maintained by local efforts and continues to host outdoor services in summer. Its preservation reflects a commitment to safeguarding the spiritual and historical fabric of the Great Orme, ensuring that this unique heritage site endures for future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Hafod
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Historical Wales
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Llandudno Bandstand
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Conwy Town Walls
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Welsh Mountain Zoo
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National Trust - Bodnant Garden
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Trwyn Du Lighthouse
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Trwyn Penmon Point
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Unmissable attractions to see
St Tudno's Church Viewpoint
0.3 km
Historic St Tudno’s Church on Great Orme offers ancient charm, spiritual calm, and sweeping coastal views above Llandudno.
Historic information
0.5 km
Breathtaking panoramic views, rich history, and family-friendly attractions atop Great Orme Head in Llandudno.
Great Orme Viewing Telescope
0.5 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of North Wales’ coastline and mountains from the iconic Great Orme Viewing Telescope at Llandudno’s summit.
Summit Cable Car Station
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Experience Britain’s longest cable car ride to the Great Orme summit with stunning panoramic views and historic charm in Llandudno.
Great Orme Summit Complex
0.5 km
Breathtaking summit views, family fun, and historic charm atop Llandudno’s Great Orme.
Y Gogarth Great Orme Country Park
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Explore ancient mines, wild goats, and breathtaking views atop Llandudno’s iconic Great Orme limestone headland.
Water pump
0.7 km
Explore the historical Great Orme Water Pump in Llandudno, a Victorian engineering marvel offering stunning views and a glimpse into the past.
Great Orme Mines
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Great Orme Tramway - Halfway Station
0.8 km
Experience Britain’s only cable-hauled tramway on public roads, climbing through scenic Great Orme with historic charm and breathtaking views.
Pigeon Cove
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Ogof Deuben
1.1 km
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Gogarth North Wales Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve
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Tudno's Cradle
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Happy Valley Botanical Gardens
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Llandudno tramway
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Essential places to dine
The Lindens Restaurant
1.5 km
Cozy British dining in Llandudno’s heart, serving classic local dishes with warm hospitality every day from morning till evening.
Watkins & Co
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The Seahorse Restaurant
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Experience fresh, locally sourced seafood in a cozy, elegant bistro setting at The Seahorse, Llandudno’s celebrated dining gem.
The Queen Victoria Bar and Restaurant
1.6 km
Experience traditional British pub culture at The Queen Victoria Bar and Restaurant in Llandudno – where great food meets local charm.
La Taverna
1.6 km
Cozy family-run Italian restaurant in Llandudno serving authentic dishes with warm hospitality in a charming, traditional setting.
The Mediterranean Restaurant Llandudno
1.6 km
A stylish and welcoming spot in Llandudno serving fresh, authentic Mediterranean and Turkish-inspired dishes with a diverse menu and cozy atmosphere.
Snooze Wine Bar And Restaurant
1.6 km
A vibrant boutique wine bar and restaurant in Llandudno, blending tapas delights with expertly crafted wines and cocktails in a stylish setting.
Home Cookin'
1.6 km
Savor hearty British classics and warm hospitality in the heart of Llandudno at Home Cookin', where comfort meets quality.
LC Drink & Dine
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Lively gastropub in Llandudno serving hearty British classics, fresh seafood, and a celebrated Sunday carvery in a warm, welcoming setting.
Osborne's Cafe Grill
1.6 km
An elegant, intimate dinner spot in Llandudno’s Osborne House Hotel, serving modern British and European dishes with local produce and a glass of wine included.
Tudno’s Restaurant & Bar
1.6 km
Seafront British dining with local flavors and warm hospitality overlooking Llandudno Bay.
Johnny Dough's Wood-Fired Pizza
1.7 km
Savor expertly crafted wood-fired pizzas with vegan and gluten-free options in the heart of lively Llandudno’s Mostyn Street.
The Next Door Restaurant
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Take A Break Cafe
1.7 km
Cozy and friendly breakfast cafe in Llandudno serving traditional English fare in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Tiffany Cafe Bar
1.7 km
A friendly and cozy café bar in Llandudno serving hearty British breakfasts and meals with generous portions and welcoming service.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The House of Names
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Llandudno Emporium
1.7 km
Premium aromatherapy and wellness treatments in a tranquil seaside setting on iconic Llandudno Pier.
Llandudno Rock Shop
1.7 km
Discover the colorful charm and traditional flavors of Llandudno’s beloved Rock Shop on lively Mostyn Street.
Murshi
1.7 km
Discover unique handcrafted gifts and artisan treasures at Murshi, Llandudno’s vibrant cooperative gift shop on Mostyn Street.
Clares Department Store
1.8 km
A historic Llandudno department store offering quality goods, friendly service, and a charming shopping experience since 1927.
Petticoat Lane
1.9 km
Discover unique homewares, stylish clothing, and handcrafted jewellery at Petticoat Lane, Llandudno’s charming boutique near the Victorian seafront.
Page Antiques & Collectables
1.9 km
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The Edinburgh Woollen Mill
2.0 km
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Victoria Shopping Centre
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Kingdom Krafts
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About You
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The Gift Company
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The X Factory Outlet
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Wizarding Boutique
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The Crystal Hut Clonmel Street Llandudno
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kings Head
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The Snowdon
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The Fat Cat Café Bar
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The Gresham
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Fountains
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Llandudno’s lively corner bar with friendly vibes, diverse drinks, and a unique outdoor veranda on Mostyn Street.
The Irish Bar
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Baytree Hotel Sea View Bar & Grill
1.7 km
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Ormo Lounge
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Oceans Bar
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The Palladium - JD Wetherspoon
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Carlton
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3D Management Pubs
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Town House Cafe Bar
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Cross Keys
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TAPPS Micropub
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club 147
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Broadway Boulevard
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Bentley’s Sports Bar & NightClub
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Trilogy Nightclub
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Academi
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Hidden Nightclub
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Victory Club
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The Tiki Room
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Esplanade Social Club
25.1 km
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Pendyffryn Club
28.7 km
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Central Beach Club
29.1 km
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Wellman's Sports & Social Club
31.8 km
Llangefni’s vibrant social hub with lively entertainment, spacious dance floor, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
The Market Vaults
32.0 km
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The Foundry Vaults
32.1 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and exciting entertainment at The Foundry Vaults, Llangefni's premier pub for drinks, karaoke, and sports.
Live Lounge
33.1 km
Experience lively evenings with live music and entertainment at Presthaven’s vibrant Live Lounge, set within a family-friendly coastal resort.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Pet Friendly