Written by Teresa Hughes – Llandudno local, bed and breakfast host, and newly converted Parkrun fan.
If you’re visiting Llandudno or live locally and want a great way to start your Saturday morning, Parkrun is one of the most enjoyable community activities you can join.
It’s friendly, completely free, and suitable for everyone — whether you’re running, jogging, walking, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. Parkrun is as much about community as it is about exercise, and it’s a brilliant way to explore the beautiful North Wales coast.
Parkrun Quick Info
- Distance: 5km of fun weekend activity
- When: Every Saturday at 9am
- Cost: Free
- Pace: Run, jog, walk, or mix it up
- Who can join: Everyone – all ages and abilities
- Dog friendly: Yes (one dog per runner on a short lead)
- Register once: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/
Once registered, simply bring your barcode each week and your time will be recorded.
My First Parkrun at Conwy
I recently ran my first ever Parkrun at Conwy, finishing in 26:43, which I was pretty pleased with!
The atmosphere was brilliant and very welcoming for a first-time Parkrun. Parkrun really isn’t about racing — it’s about getting outside, enjoying the weekend, and sharing a bit of community spirit with everyone taking part.
What really stood out to me was the fantastic support from the volunteers along the route and at the finish line. The volunteers were cheerful and encouraging, and the finish line team made the whole experience feel special.
It was a genuinely fun run, with a relaxed and friendly vibe that makes you want to come back again.
If you’re planning to try Conwy Parkrun after wet weather, it’s worth wearing older trainers as parts of the course can sometimes be a little damp — but that just adds to the character of a coastal Parkrun adventure!
Wearing purple for International Women’s Day to recognise and celebrate women around the world 💜 during my first Conwy Parkrun.
Conwy Parkrun
Just a short drive from Llandudno, Conwy Parkrun is one of the most scenic Parkruns in North Wales.
The route follows the beautiful Conwy estuary and finishes inside the grounds of RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, offering a wonderful natural setting to end your run, jog, or walk.
There is a café on site at the nature reserve which is usually open from around 9:30am, making it a perfect place to relax with a drink or breakfast after completing the 5km course and enjoying the coastal scenery.
The course is mostly flat, making it ideal for beginners, walkers, and runners aiming for a good time.
Event details:
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/conwy/
Rhos-on-Sea Promenade Parkrun
Another fantastic Parkrun close to Llandudno is Y Promenâd Llandrillo-yn-Rhos Parkrun in nearby Rhos-on-Sea.
This seafront run follows the promenade with beautiful coastal views across the bay. The wide, flat path makes it great for runners, walkers, and families enjoying a Saturday morning by the sea.
It’s also a lovely way to explore another part of the coast if you are staying in Llandudno for the weekend.
Event details:
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/ypromenadllandrilloynrhos/
Staying in Llandudno for Parkrun
Many visitors come to Llandudno for Parkrun tourism, using the town as a base to explore several events across North Wales.
If you are staying locally in a guest house or B&B, it’s always worth mentioning that you are planning to run.
Some accommodation providers – including Min y Don Llandudno – may be happy to offer an early or slightly later breakfast so you can enjoy Parkrun and still have a relaxed morning.
Just ask when booking or the evening before — most hosts are more than happy to help fellow runners and walkers.
I’m hoping to run more Parkruns myself, although during the busy summer months it can sometimes be tricky when breakfast service is in full swing at the guest house.
That said… if anyone ever fancies a Saturday morning helping with breakfast service and washing up, it might just free up a little more time for a few more Parkruns!
A Fantastic Community Event
One of the best things about Parkrun is the fun, friendly community atmosphere.
Every week you’ll see people taking part in their own way:
- Experienced runners chasing a personal best
- First-time runners discovering 5km at their own pace
- Walkers enjoying the coastal air
- Families and visitors exploring the area
- Volunteers cheering everyone along the route
Celebrating Parkrun Milestones
Parkrun is also a wonderful place to celebrate personal achievements. Whether it’s your first 5km, a new personal best, or a milestone run, every achievement is welcomed.
You may see runners celebrating their 25th, 50th, 250th or 1000th Parkrun, each representing consistency, dedication, and enjoyment of being part of the community.
After finishing, many people head for coffee together, making Parkrun a great social way to begin the weekend.
Volunteering at Parkrun
Parkrun simply wouldn’t happen without volunteers.
Roles include:
- Course marshals
- Timekeepers
- Barcode scanners
- Tail walkers keeping everyone company at the back of the field
If you want to be involved without running, volunteering is a brilliant way to support the event and meet people.
You can find volunteering information here:
https://support.parkrun.com/hc/en-us/sections/200112523-volunteering
Other Parkruns within 35 Miles of Llandudno
If you enjoy Parkrun tourism or want to try different routes across North Wales, there are several great events within around 30 miles of Llandudno:
- Penrhyn Castle Parkrun – A beautiful run through the historic National Trust estate near Bangor.
- Nova Prestatyn Parkrun – A flat and friendly seaside course along the North Wales coast.
- Newborough Forest Parkrun – A stunning route through pine forest with views towards Llanddwyn Island on Anglesey.
- Nant y Pandy Parkrun – A peaceful woodland course on Anglesey following riverside paths through the Nant y Pandy nature area.
- Dolgellau Parkrun – A mostly flat course heading in the direction of Barmouth through beautiful countryside on a hard-packed, unsealed trail path.
Trying different Parkruns is a great way to explore more of the region while working towards your own Parkrun goals and milestones.
Parkrun Tourism in North Wales
If you catch the Parkrun bug, there are many other events across North Wales. Many runners enjoy travelling to different locations to complete new courses and work towards various Parkrun milestones and challenges.
North Wales offers some beautiful routes, combining coastal scenery, countryside landscapes, and welcoming local communities.
Join a Parkrun Near Llandudno
Whether you are a local resident, visiting for the weekend, or staying in a Llandudno bed and breakfast Parkrun is a wonderful way to experience the community spirit of the area.
Run, jog, walk, or volunteer — everyone is welcome.
Set your alarm for Saturday morning, lace up your trainers, and come and see why Parkruns near Llandudno are becoming such a popular weekend tradition.
And if you do try one of the local Parkruns while visiting the area, feel free to share your experience or favourite route in the comments — it’s always great to hear which courses people enjoy most across North Wales.
About the author
Teresa Hughes runs Min y Don in Llandudno with her husband Rheinallt.
Rheinallt handles the cooking, while Teresa takes care of the tea, coffee, and, most importantly, the smiling!
When she isn’t welcoming guests, Teresa enjoys exploring the local coastline, discovering new walks, and squeezing in the occasional Parkrun — at least when the bed and breakfast business isn’t keeping her busy.
Seaside Stories: Life at Min y Don, Llandudno and Beyond 
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