Right on Llandudno’s famous promenade, The Kensington Hotel is a perfect spot to enjoy classic Victorian charm and beautiful sea views. But there’s something extra special about this seaside town. Step outside the hotel and you’re not just walking along the bay, you’re stepping into the world of Alice in Wonderland.
Alice in Llandudno
The real Alice, Alice Liddell, who inspired Lewis Carroll’s stories spent many childhood summers in Llandudno. Her family built a holiday home called Penmorfa on the West Shore in 1862. While it’s never been proven that Carroll visited, some old photographs suggest he may have, and that little mystery added to the town’s magic.
Statures, Stories and White Rabbit
In 1933, a statue of the white rabbit was unveiled on the promenade. The plaque claimed Carroll wrote Alicve in Wonderland during walks here with Alice Liddell. Historians might say that’s a stretch, but the statue sparked a tradition that lives on today.
Fast forward to 1990 and the Alice Trail was created. The trail takes visitors on a walk around town, past more than 30 sculptures of famous characters like the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, and of course Alice herself. It’s like following breadcrumbs through a storybook, only with Victorian buildings and sea views as your backdrop.
A Modern Wonderland
Llandudno has found fun ways to keep the magic alive. There’s even an app that brings the Alice characters to life through augmented reality as you follow the trail. Some locals say the zigzag path up the Great Orme looks like a giant chessboard, linking it to Through the Look Glass. And on the West Shore, rock formations are said to resemble the Walrus and the Carpenter.
Festivals and Jam Tarts
Alice’s story has become part of the town’s identity. Llandudno has hosted Alice-themed festivals, tea parties on the promenade, and even tried to set a world record with a line of 1,500 jam tarts. While the old Alice visitor centre and Penmorfa are no longer standing, the spirit of the story is everywhere.
Plan Your Trip
For guests at The Kensington Hotel, this history adds a unique layer to your stay. After breakfast, you can head out on the trail, wander down Nevill Crescent, or simply look out at the sea and imagine young Alice playing nearby. The hotel’s Victorian character makes it easy to picture yourself in the same era when the story first came alive.
Whether or not Carroll ever wrote it here, Llandudno has embraced its role in Alice’s story. With sculptures, trails and tales woven into the town, it’s a place where history and imagination meet. And for visitors staying with us, it’s right on your doorstep. Book a room today!