Llandudno has genuine accessibility strengths, which should be said plainly. The promenade is broad and mostly level, the town centre is fairly compact, and many main visitor areas can be enjoyed without climbing anything dramatic.

The promenade is the great asset here. Running for over a mile and a half along the North Shore, it is wide, level, paved and provides sea air, bay views and the full resort composition without gradient. A town that allows this kind of access by its most scenic feature is doing better than many.

The pier is largely accessible, though the end sections may present challenges depending on current maintenance and surface condition. The wide promenade behind is accessible throughout.

The difficulties come from the headlands, older buildings and beach surfaces. The Great Orme has steep routes. Some hotels and guest houses have stairs, limited lifts or arrangements clearly designed before anyone asked sensible questions.

The Great Orme Tramway carries visitors to the Orme summit without requiring the climb, which is a significant accessibility feature for anyone who cannot manage the gradient on foot. The cable car provides a similar service from Happy Valley. Both are seasonal.

Shingle, sand and slopes can make beach access harder than a map suggests. Maps are charming liars. They rarely mention ankles, wheels or the precise cruelty of loose stones.

Conwy County Borough Council maintains accessibility information for main visitor attractions, and individual venues should be contacted directly for specific requirements regarding lifts, level access, accessible toilets and parking. The assumption that heritage automatically means inaccessible is not always correct, but neither is the assumption that a grand Victorian hotel has done everything it might.

West Shore is accessible at the promenade level and provides beach access at appropriate tidal conditions. The residential character of the area means less visitor infrastructure but also fewer crowds and easier parking for those who require it.

Check individual venues, parking, lift access and toilets before travelling. Do not assume that old-world charm includes modern access. Sometimes old-world charm means a staircase waiting to judge you.

Llandudno can be very manageable, especially around the promenade and town centre, but its historic fabric is uneven. One may love heritage and still insist it stop being so awkward about handrails.