The West Shore is the less popular of the two beaches in Llandudno which is a bit of a shame. It is located on the opposite side of town to most of the hotels and shops which means it tends to get overlooked.
Unlike the North Shore (the other beach) this is an exposed and sometimes windswept place and being on the Conwy estuary there are strong tidal currents if you go too far out to sea. You should also be aware that when the tide goes out there are large expanses of sandbanks which can be quickly cut off when the tide turns. The liftboat is called out regularly to rescue people who get caught out by this.
So if it's that bad why would anyone go there? Well firstly it's much easier to park here. The area is largely residential with a few hotels mixed in so there is quite a bit of free, unrestricted on-street parking. There is also a large pay and display car park right next to the beach.
There are adequate facilities including the Beach Cafe which is a traditional seaside cafe selling snacks, ice creams, cups of tea etc or if you'd prefer something stronger then there's the bar of the Sandringham Hotel just over the road. There are a couple of convenience stores nearby for crisps, drinks, newspapers and so on.
There are breakwaters along the beach which are part of the flood defence system but they create small, sheltered beaches which are great for sunbathing or paddling (just don't go too far out). On a hot, sunny day you can't go wrong so long as the tide's in.
Because the beach is quite exposed it attracts wind surfers and kite surfers when the wind gets up. It's also a popular beach with locals and dog walkers as there is plenty of space. The views along the coast and of Anglesey and Puffin Island are also worth seeing.
All in all a great beach to visit if the weather's good.
STOP PRESS - The Sandringham Hotel is now called 'The Lilly' and is apparently a 'restaurant with rooms'. I'm not sure if there will still be a public bar. read more