Seaside Stories: Life at Min y Don, Llandudno and Beyond

As we step into 2026, it feels like the perfect time to pause and reflect on a year that truly tested resilience — not just in the hospitality industry, but for us personally here at Min y Don Llandudno.

2025 brought its fair share of challenges for small bed and breakfasts like ours. While business rates remained stable last year, they’re set to change in 2026, along with the new tourist tax, adding fresh considerations for our little guesthouse. Rising employer costs, higher energy and utility bills, increasing food prices, and lingering impacts from historically high interest rates have all kept us on our toes. Like many independent operators in Llandudno and across North Wales, we’ve had to adapt constantly, juggle priorities, and find ways to stay positive even when the landscape shifted unexpectedly beneath our feet.

Of course, we don’t have a big team — just us, and our three dogs: front of house, the boss, and security. They may not help with bills, taxes, or tourist charges, but they certainly keep spirits high. Teresa even averaged 16,000 steps a day last year (at least when her watch allowed!), which probably helped keep everything running smoothly.

There were plenty of highlights too. Being shortlisted for the Go North Wales Tourism Awards in the B&B, Inn and Guest House of the Year category was a real honour and a testament to everything we’ve poured into Min y Don Llandudno. We were also thrilled when our webcam reached 5,000 subscribers and almost a million visits — a lovely reminder that people near and far enjoy watching our little corner of Llandudno. Some have even affectionately nicknamed it the “sheep cam,” which makes us smile every time we log on. Our four-legged friends wandering around Llandudno are a delight, although during the busy season Dan and his team are tirelessly working to keep them from straying too far. Of course, mammas always know where the best grass is for their lambs, especially during the dry summer we just experienced!

During 2025, we also launched the Llandudno.blog, where we share upcoming events, behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at Min y Don Llandudno, local things to do, and artist spotlights. It’s been wonderful connecting with our guests and the wider Llandudno community through stories, recommendations, and a few of our own little adventures.

On a more personal note, June was particularly tough. Our much-loved head of security, China, underwent three major operations in just eight days. At times, we very nearly lost her, and it was an emotional period that put everything else into perspective. As if that wasn’t enough, she ended the year with a very questionable carpet-snacking incident, leading to yet another major operation. Thankfully, she’s home and recovering well —proving just how tough she really is.

During the hardest moments, it was our wonderful guests — many of whom we’re lucky to call friends — who stepped in with kindness, encouragement, and practical help. We are truly grateful for every gesture of support. Gail from The Parlour at Mostyn House also delivered her delicious Bara Brith, which was a sweet and much-needed boost during a stressful week—highly recommended for anyone visiting Llandudno!

Despite the challenges, 2025 reminded us why we do what we do. The loyalty, friendship, and support of our guests and neighbours have carried us through the toughest times. And now, as we welcome 2026 at Min y Don Llandudno, we’re choosing optimism, determination, and a healthy dose of humour. There will no doubt be new challenges ahead (and hopefully fewer carpets…), but also new guests, wagging tails, and plenty of good moments to enjoy.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who stayed with us in 2025 —your support, laughter, and friendship mean the world. We’re also looking forward to seeing some returning guests who have already booked for the coming year. Min y Don Llandudno will be closed until March, giving us time to recharge, plan, and get everything ready for another fantastic year of hospitality in beautiful Llandudno. New year, new adventures, and more reasons to explore the North Wales coast!

We are also excited to share that we launched our new website this month: www.minydon.co.uk. Watch out on Facebook for our latest improvements over the coming months — we’ve got plenty of new things in store!

As we close the chapter on 2025, we wish everyone a truly fabulous New Year filled with warmth, rest, and good company. While 2026 will undoubtedly bring its own set of challenges, we look forward to it with hope, determination, and the same resilience that has carried us through this year — ready for fresh opportunities, renewed energy, and brighter days ahead.

Thank you for being part of our journey.