We took the first ever train service from Liverpool to Llandudno, taking the opportunity to explore its attractions, and speak to some of the locals about what it means for the town00:01, 19 May 2026View of Llandudno beach(Image: Liverpool ECHO)People from a seaside town in North Wales say they are looking forward to welcoming more Scousers, after a new train service from Liverpool to Llandudno launched on Monday (May 18), creating a direct link for those looking to travel between the two destinations.To mark the occasion, the ECHO booked a ticket for the first service from Liverpool Lime Street Station, catching the 6.46am train to Llandudno, and taking the opportunity to explore its attractions, and speak to some of the locals about what it means for the town.It comes less than a year after Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, and then First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, met at Llandudno Junction railway station to discuss improved rail links, along with the chair of Transport for Wales, Vernon Everitt.In October, Mayor Rotheram said: “The Liverpool City Region and North Wales share deep historic, economic and cultural ties, and improved transport links will only strengthen that partnership in the future.Llandudno train station(Image: Liverpool ECHO)“Creating better connections across the North West and into North Wales is a key part of our vision for a more joined-up, more productive economy.”In terms of the impact on Llandudno, the benefits of this new partnership came up in several conversations we had on our visit, particularly among small business owners dependent on the visitor economy – similar in that regard to seaside towns across the UK, including New Brighton and Southport here in Merseyside.The budget-friendly Welsh town has been hugely popular with generations of Merseyside families, but it’s hoped the new direct transport link will increase visitor numbers from Liverpool, and also incentivise more people to travel from North Wales into the city region.These sentiments were shared by Mike, 55, who has run The Welsh Rock Shop since 1995, a confectionary store on Mostyn Street in Llandudno town centre.As a result of the new train service, Mike anticipates increased tourism from Liverpool, benefiting both locals and visitors. He said: “It’s fantastic for everyone, and I can only see it being a good thing.”We used to get a lot of day-trippers coming on the coaches, but they’re becoming more and more expensive. Then there were regulars coming down from Liverpool and the Wirral, but who’ve said they haven’t come as much because of fuel prices.Mike, 55, has run The Welsh Rock Shop since 1995(Image: Liverpool ECHO)”But with a train going straight through to both places every day, it’s much easier for people to come and less expensive. Then there’s the other aspect which is people from here getting to go to Liverpool for a day out too, so it works both ways.”We go to the game [at Anfield] quite a bit, so it’ll be good for us to have an alternative to driving up, and maybe have a couple of drinks in Liverpool for a change.”Across the road from the rock shop is Dave, who owns The Habit, a family-run café and coffee shop, after taking it on from his mum a few years back. Dave is excited about the prospect of more people coming to Llandudno, especially for the general prosperity of the town.He said: “Anything that brings people here is a good thing, because high streets across the UK are suffering, businesses are moving out to the outskirts, so it’s more and more difficult for people to make a living.”Llandudno has so much going for it, and I hope the new train will be an added boost to all the other things going on here.”Dave owns the family-run Habit café and coffee shop after taking it on from his mum a few years back(Image: Liverpool ECHO)One visitor loved Llandudno so much he decided set up home permanently. Richard Cleary, 73, moved from London to Wales several years ago, and told us he enjoys the sense of calm around the town, adding: “You can see how well preserved the architecture and buildings are.”It’s a wonderful location, and there’s plenty of things for people to do. Speaking of which, I’m off to walk around the Orme, which is magnificent and presents incredible views of the coastline.”One of Llandudno’s most popular sites is the Great Orme, which is a limestone headland rising 200 metres above the sea. Visitors can walk to the top, or use the Great Orme Tramway.Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno(Image: Liverpool ECHO)The Great Orme is also famous for being home to a herd of goats who live on the rocks. On occasion, visitors may find one or two of those goats venturing into the town centre.To travel up, you can use the tramway located on Church Walks, which has been around for more than 100 years, and after being lovingly restored, people can enjoy travelling in its original tramcars.Near the bottom of Church Walks, we come across Gail who runs Mostyn House B&B with her husband Mick. They moved to Llandudno four years ago and set up the business after falling in love with the town over the course of several visits.Gail said: “We originally took it on as a guest house, and then we’ve expanded with the tea room as well.”I was a hairdresser for 40 years and used to holiday here for about 20 years. We eventually decided to take the leap and set up a home and a business here, and it’s worked out brilliantly.Gail runs Mostyn House B&B with her husband Mick(Image: Liverpool ECHO)”The new train will only make things better. We get people from international places, and we do have people from Liverpool, but if there’s a train service, it’ll make it a lot easier, and we hope more people from Liverpool will come down now.”Llandudno suits all ages, it’s not just for old people as it was years ago. There’s a lot of young families coming in now, and all sorts of people from different cultures, it’s a nice mix, and there’s many things to see and do.”Just being on the prom and seeing all the façades of all the old Victorian buildings, there’s a lot of history here, nice shops, it’s gorgeous really.”Llandudno also has twin West and North Shore beaches, with West Shore Beach much quieter than Llandudno’s North Shore. The beaches are perfect for a relaxing walk, or some family-friendly fun on the coast.Eira Pritchard runs a gift shop on Llandudno Pier(Image: Liverpool ECHO)Llandudno Pier, which is the longest pier in Wales, was originally built in 1876 but still remains a popular attraction with families. Visitors can stop for ice cream, or visit an arcade.As we walk down towards the beach, we meet Eira Pritchard who runs a gift shop on Llandudno Pier. She said: “The summer season is starting now, but when we have a day off, we’ll be using the train as well and definitely taking a trip to Liverpool.”We do have a lot of people from Liverpool coming down here, in couples or as families. If it’s a nice day, people are on the beach having picnics, or they take a walk along the pier, which is a big thing for all of us.”There’s a lot going on here, and now, fingers crossed, we’ll be getting a lot more people from Liverpool down here as well.”
Welsh seaside town looking forward to welcoming more Scousers
