Take a Scenic Tram on The Great Orme
The Great Orme Tramway is Britain’s sole public-road funicular, or cable-hauled tramway. Since its inception in 1902, it has delighted tourists.
The tramway climbs a mile (1500m) across the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve to the beautiful top of the Great Orme. Relive travel more than a century ago in the carefully restored historic tramcars, each named after a Saint.
The train ride begins at Victoria Station, which is located near Llandudno’s coastline and pier.
The dramatic beauty, rich history, and natural grandeur of the Great Orme are definitely worth the trek.
Come and see how people have travelled for almost a century on this unique and ancient Llandudno institution.
How it works
The Great Orme Tramway is a funicular system operated by a crew of Winchmen and Attendants. This is how it works:
- The ascending tram requires a lot of assistance. A large vehicle cannot ascend such a high hill against gravity without the assistance of electricity. The falling tram has some of this electricity.
- The trams are joined by cable, which allows one tram to pull the other up.
- The engine house at the Halfway Station controls the tramway. When you come here, keep an eye out for the strong electric motors, as well as the drums and wires linked to the trams. The two Winchmen who control the motors are also shown here, one for the higher track and one for the lower track.
- The descending tram of a funicular system, such as the Great Orme Tramway, travels effortlessly down the track. The steep gradient and gravity assist it in its journey.
- The Winding Shed, located at the top of the rails, features a massive winding drum around which the cable is wrapped numerous times. This guarantees that there is enough friction for the brake to slow the waggons without the cable sliding.
