Finding Alice & Prov
EXPLORING OUR FAVOURITE PARTS OF LLANDUDNO WITH FINDING ALICE!
You might have noticed curious posters popping up, a riddle in Big Prov’s window or maybe even spotted a White Rabbit vanishing around a corner. Llandudno’s streets feel a little more curious these days. There’s a sense of something whimsical just beneath the surface, a glimpse of a clue tucked into a shop window or possibly a white rabbit with a pocket watch. It all adds to the magic and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a living storybook.
If you’ve read the book with a nice mug of coffee or watched the movie, Alice in Wonderland is one of those books that everyone knows and loves. Alice leads us into the curious world of Wonderland, full of hidden secrets and oddities. Along the way, we meet familiar faces like the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit.
Did you know Llandudno has its own place in Wonderland’s history?
Imagine being the inspiration behind one of the greatest novels of the Victorian era, a story retold in countless movie adaptations. This is the story of Alice Liddell who had her very own storyteller, Lewis Carroll (real name, Charles Dodgson).
Where Alice Lived
You may have passed her house on the North Shore when visiting the sandy beaches, this is where she lived for 10 years.
Believe it or not, Alice in Wonderland might never have been published if Alice Liddell hadn’t left a draft of the story on the dining room table! It was the novelist Henry Kingsley who picked it up, read it and loved it. Together with his friend George Macdonald who read the same draft to his children, they persuaded Dodgson to publish becoming one of the greatest books of all time!
Alice Through the Looking Glass has an even stronger connection to Llandudno. It is said that the Great Orme deeply influenced Dodgson. You can spot characteristics from his writing in Llandudno itself. The zigzag path, he describes looking down on a chessboard can be related to the path up to the Great Orme. As Llandudno was being built in that era, the roads being laid out would have resembled a chessboard.
Even today, standing at the top of the Great Orme and looking down, it's not hard to imagine the scene Dodgson once saw, winding paths criss-crossing like a giant game of chess in motion. What once seemed like an ordinary hill or winding path is part of a bigger story, a Wonderland of our own. That’s what makes Finding Alice feel more than just a game. It’s a way to see Llandudno through a different lens.
So what does this have to do with Prov and how do you take part in the Wonderland adventure today with Finding Alice?
Finding Alice is more than just a walk around town - it’s an adventure. Armed with your wits (and a couple of smartphones), you and your team will follow cryptic clues, solve riddles, and encounter some rather curious characters from Wonderland. Whether you are with family, friends, or co-workers, this experience is sure to bring out your playful side. And if you’re starting or ending your trail near us, we’re always ready with delicious drinks and cakes, not to mention a cryptic clue. Providero is proud to be one of the featured locations so be sure to pop in, solve a riddle, and reward yourself with a slice of cake!
What You’ll Need:
Two internet-connected phones or tablets
Up to 3 hours
A notepad and pen for jotting down clues, sketching maps, or scribbling tea party trivia!
Comfy shoes for exploring Llandudno
Your thinking cap (and maybe a Wonderland costume if you’re feeling bold!)
Along the way, you’ll discover hidden corners of Llandudno and unlock exclusive discounts at local spots that are part of the experience, including us! At Prov, you’ll unlock a 10% discount whilst you’re on the trail.
You’ll also find yourself stopping off in spots you may have never noticed before, quiet gardens, original shopfronts, and even a few surprises tucked away in alleyways. It’s a mix of nostalgia, discovery, and a little bit of silliness, all rolled into one.
The hunt is running from Tuesday to Saturday across the summer from April to November. So, whether you’re here for a day out or have walked down the prom numerous times, Finding Alice is the perfect way to add a bit of magic to your day.
Visit finding-alice.com to find out more.
Some of our favourite things to do in Llandudno
Finding Alice leads us to a range of spots in Llandudno so we asked a few of the Team what they enjoy doing around Llandudno - from walking around the Orme to perusing pop-up super car meets on the prom!
The Finding Alice trail includes numerous fantastic local attractions and businesses, including some of our must-visit recommendations like Mostyn Galeri and Penderyn Distillery.
Sources used in this blog
Lewis Carroll | Biography, Books, Poems, Real Name, Quotes, & Facts | Britannica
Alice in Wonderland: Which places inspired Lewis Carroll's classic? - BBC News
Alice in Wonderland has a strong connection with us here in Llandudno. Alice Liddel was not only the inspiration for the book but the reason that the book was published in the first place. She spent her childhood here near the beach and may have even walked the same paths you have along West Shore. We hope this blog has inspired you to go out and find the clues hidden around Llandudno as well as a little magic in your day!
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