The pretty but 'filthy' UK seaside town named the best place to retire
Llandudno in North Wales has had some mixed reviews in recent years - but it's been named the UK's best retirement town for older people
A pretty seaside resort has been named the best retirement town for older people - even though it's also been described as being 'filthy' and its beach has been slammed as being "dangerous" to walk along.
With its promenade, pier and sweeping bay framed by the mountainous Great Orme and Little Orme, Llandudno, in North Wales has been a magnet for tourists since the 1850s.
Its natural beauty and Victorian splendour have seen it affectionately nicknamed the 'Queen of Welsh' resorts.
And it was recently named Britain's "safest" seaside town - with locals saying living there is like 'going back 50 years'.
However, it's also come in for some heavy criticism. One woman who once lived there was left utterly dismayed after a trip down memory lane to her old stomping ground.
Penny Colegate, 68, was appalled to find Llandudno "'filthy" and "swimming in litter". However, locals in North Wales have also blamed tourists for leaving a mess - including used nappies.
Tourists, meanwhile, were left less than impressed by Llandudno's stony shoreline, dubbing it the "most disappointing beach in the UK. Tripadvisor reviewers said its North Shore was "dreadful to walk on" and "run down".
Locals have also lamented the loss of Llandudno's once sandy beach - and begged for funding to bring it back, claiming it was now too dangerous to walk on. However, they've also complained about there being TOO MUCH much sand on the beach.
And residents even demanded that the council stopped the wind from 'blowing sand everywhere'.
TikTok traveller Zac Zones said that Llandudno is "generally a beautiful place".
Another hotel in Llandudno called in the liquidators after a series of bad reviews and a drop in trade. Nonetheless, Llandudno was recently named one the UK's top ten seaside towns.
Which? gave it five stars for its seafront, scenery and tourist attractions - and four stars for its beaches, food and drink, and shopping. It also praised Llandudon's cheap hotel prices, averaging £93.
Personal alarm system manufacturers Taking Care have named Llandudno the best retirement town for older people. It scored the town 75.3 out of 100 across various cost, health, and lifestyle factors.
It said: "The Welsh seaside town of Llandudno is notorious for its sweeping bay, Victorian seafront architecture and is most notably known for having the longest pier in the country.
"Every year, many tourists escape to the seaside resort to relax and soak up the culture of the sea, countryside and countless castles. Llandudno’s appearance has remained largely untouched for over a century and is renowned for having the longest pier in the country.
"Llandudno is easily accessible for many, with regular buses and bus stops dotted all around the town and a train station slap-bang in the centre with connections to most areas across the coast. Llandudno is located near the Snowdonia National Park, which offers tourists many walks and breath-taking views. Llandudno ranks highly with its stunning architecture and picturesque coastal views.
"With this in mind, it’s no wonder Llandudno ranked at second highest for number of hashtags on Instagram."
