Llandudno, and 'Alice in Wonderland' - attracting American and local visitors.

Wooden sculptures of the Queen of Hearts, Alice, the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter welcome visitors to the 'Alice Trail', along with a flower clock, and band stand.

American-based writer Cathy M. Rubin ( author of 'The Real Alice In Wonderland' book ) visited Llandudno for 'Alice Day' on May 4th 2012. The event celebrated the real Alice's 160th birthday, with Wonderland characters, a parade, and a jam-tart-eating record attempt!

There's even a hotel in Llandudno , where Alice Liddell, the inspiration for the 'Alice' character in the books, stayed in 1861 (and Cathy Rubin stayed in 2012). The census for that year (population 318) shows the Liddell family residing at what is now the St Tudno Hotel - and it is the only remaining Llandudno property with such an illustrious connection.

The owner, Martin Bland, is definitely a fan of 'Alice':

• Clare Bland, Martin's daughter, won the annual Miss Alice in Llandudno competition in 1982;
• Martin is a keen collector of 'Alice' collectibles, including books, photographs, and china, including an 'Alice' first edition book published in 1866, with its original cloth binding and pale blue end papers, and a contemporary inscription dated April, 1866; and a book, signed by Alice Hargreaves ne Liddell in 1934;
• andthe St Tudno Hotel also offers 'Alice Afternoon Tea' - award-winning afternoon teas .

So, if you ever find yourself in Llandudno, be sure to check out the 'Alice Trail' and the wooden 'Alice' statues , pick up an 'Alice' memento at Wonderland , and enjoy a refreshing 'Alice' tea at the St Tudno.

NOTE: Llandudno is a seaside town in north Wales, on the peninsula between the Great Orme and the Little Orme. It has a blue flag beach, donkey rides, Victorian pier, theatre, and funicular tramway, and offers musicals and drama at the modern Venue Cymru.