The picturesque North Wales town of Llandudno will welcome giants of the green baize in February for the BetVictor Welsh Open.
By Tomos Wyn Jones
The final event of the 2023/24 BetVictor Home Nations series will run from February 12 to 18 and it’s a tremendous line-up for the opening day – for details click here and to book tickets from just £15 click here. Robert Milkins is the defending champion, beating Shaun Murphy 9-7 in a thrilling final a year ago.
For those heading to Llandudno, here’s the key information…
Getting to Llandudno
By car, Llandudno is just an hour from Chester. Follow the A55 which traverses North Wales and then head for the seafront. Llandudno train station is a 12-minute walk from the venue. And for international fans, the nearest airport is Liverpool John Lennon, around 90 minutes away.
The Venue
Venue Cymru has hosted a variety of WST events, including a few from the Players Series and even staged the 2021 Scottish Open after the proposed venue in Scotland became unavailable. The Welsh Open was first staged there last season and now returns. For the rest of the year, Venue Cymru hosts entertainment including pantomimes, concerts and comedy nights. It is located on the seafront of one of the UK’s most charming towns.
What to do in the town?
The Great Orme
Dominating the skyline to the North-West of the town, the Great Orme is a limestone headland which snakes out into the sea – in fact its name derives from the Norse word for sea serpent. The views from the 207-metre summit are breath-taking and it’s well worth walking, driving or taking a tram to the top.
Llandudno Ski and Snowboard Centre
Activities here include skiing, snowboarding, snow-tubing and tobogganing, great fun for all family members. Prices start from £10.
Llandudno Pier
Stretching 700 metres into the Irish Sea, this is the longest pier in Wales and the fifth longest in the UK. It can be enjoyed for free year-round with plenty of outlets for entertainment, food and drink, including the scenic Oceans Bar.
Conwy Castle
Just ten minutes drive away, across the River Conwy, is the town and castle of the same name. The spectacular 13th century castle was built for King Edward I and is a fine example of the concentric castle design. Tickets for adults start at £11.70.
For more information on these attractions and much more, click here or here.
Local Food
Lamb, leeks and laverbread are of course among the finest Welsh delicacies, and try Conwy mussels which are locally sourced. Check out the town’s best restaurants here.