{"id":714,"date":"2022-10-20T14:21:36","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T13:21:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/menai.cottage-search.com\/blog\/2019\/04\/16\/llanberis\/"},"modified":"2023-07-25T15:19:44","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T14:19:44","slug":"llanberis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.menaiholidays.co.uk\/blog\/llanberis\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Things to do in Llanberis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Llanberis, known as the <\/strong>Gateway to Snowdon<\/em><\/strong>, is a magnet for adventure lovers near and far.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

With its idyllic lakeside location at the foot of Mount Snowdon, it\u2019s not hard to see why Llanberis<\/a> is so popular for families, couples and solo travelers.<\/p>\n

Heading to North Wales? Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Llanberis\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Llanberis<\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

For somewhere with a modest population of fewer than 2,000 residents, this mountain village is jam-packed with an array of attractions and adventure activities.<\/p>\n

There are plenty of things to do in Llanberis to keep you entertained for days!<\/p>\n

For such a small village, it has a surprising amount to offer which makes it one of the most popular locations in North Wales<\/a>. Explore Padarn Country Park, visit the National Slate Museum or head to the summit of Wales’s highest mountain.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the very best things to do in Llanberis.<\/p>\n

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Things to do in Llanberis<\/h2>\n

1. Llanberis Lake (Llyn Padarn)<\/h3>\n

\"llyn<\/p>\n

Llyn Padarn, a magnificent lake stretching two miles long, is one of the most beautiful spots in Wales<\/a>. Llyn Padarn is the perfect place for a scenic circular walk or a morning spent kayaking on its peaceful waters.<\/p>\n

Discover the delights of this Snowdonia lake<\/a> with a fantastic 2-3 hour circular walk, stopping at the historic Welsh Slate Museum.<\/p>\n

If however, you would prefer to be on the lake than around it, Snowdonia Watersports<\/a> is the place for you. On offer is a 2-hour, half-day or full-day action-packed session of kayaking, coasteering or paddle boarding to name a few activities.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re feeling brave, why not go for a swim in the lake? You certainly wouldn\u2019t be the first!<\/p>\n

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2. Llanberis Lake Railway<\/h3>\n

\"Locomotive<\/p>\n

The Llanberis Lake Railway<\/a> takes you on a five-mile return journey alongside Llyn Padarn.<\/p>\n

Ride along on this hour-long adventure and you will get to see Dolbadarn Castle, Padarn Country Park and Llanberis\u2019 twin lakes, with the chance to stop at Cei Llydan for a picnic at the water\u2019s edge too.<\/p>\n

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3. Mount Snowdon via the Llanberis Path<\/h3>\n

\"Views<\/p>\n

This brings us to the main event \u2013 the highest mountain in Wales and England reaching 1,085 meters above sea level. Snowdon is one of the most famous mountains in the UK.<\/p>\n

With six different routes up Snowdon<\/a>, the walk can be completed by novice or experienced walkers. The Llanberis Path is the longest and most gradual route to the summit, making it a popular choice for those visiting Llanberis for the first time.<\/p>\n

If like some of us, you want to enjoy the views without all the hard work, you will be glad to know that you can skip straight to the summit (most part of the year) on the Snowdon Mountain Railway<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Annual sporting events such as the iconic Three Peaks Challenge<\/a> and The Slateman Triathlon<\/a> attract swarms of people from all around to the village at the foot of Snowdon. This creates a fun, bustling atmosphere during the summer months.<\/p>\n

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4. National Slate Museum<\/h3>\n

\"Free<\/p>\n

The Welsh National Slate Museum<\/a> is one of our favourite free things to do in North Wales<\/a> and a great rainy-day activity in Snowdonia<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Located alongside Llyn Padarn the museum is shadowed by the towering slate mountains of Snowdonia<\/a>. From here you can admire the old Victorian workshops and listen in on talks and demonstrations for a better insight into quarrymen\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

If this takes your fancy you must make a detour to the Old Quarry Hospital<\/a> and squirm at the sight of the aged medical equipment used to treat injured quarrymen, including amputation tools. Just follow the footpath from the Slate Museum \u2013 the views across the lake to Snowdon are great from here too.<\/p>\n

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5. Llanberis High Street<\/h3>\n

\"Cars<\/p>\n

The High Street is home to charming cafes, rustic pubs and independent shops waiting to be explored. Famous for its endless walks and outstanding views, Llanberis has everything you need to fuel your adventures and to treat yourself.<\/p>\n

One of the most popular cafes is Pete\u2019s Eats<\/a>, which is renowned for its all-day breakfast. You will often see a group of cyclists, walkers or climbers taking a pit stop here to enjoy the mammoth \u2018Extra Large Breakfast\u2019 \u2013 large enough to fill a grown man for a week!<\/p>\n

Continue down the High Street lined with a variety of shops and you can treat yourself to some top-of-the-range sports gear from the Joe Brown shop or perhaps a memoir of your trip.<\/p>\n

One of our personal favourites is the Snowdon Honey Farm and winery<\/a> that sells every type of jam, marmalade, chutney, mead and fudge imaginable, as well as Traditional Welsh love spoons and homemade scarves<\/p>\n

Just next door is The Heights<\/a>, the \u2018go-to\u2019 pub among all the locals. What better way to end your stroll than to sit outside with a pint watching the world go by?<\/p>\n

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6. Dolbadarn Castle<\/h3>\n

\"Castle<\/p>\n

This is a 13th-century castle built by Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth.<\/p>\n

Llywelyn imprisoned his older brother Owain ap Gruffydd for 20 years on the upper floor of the castle during the 1250s.<\/p>\n

The castle remained active until nearly 1300, but in 1282 the castle was seized by the English Army, only to be abandoned two years later. This is a stunning, historical site overlooking the lake right next to a wonderful walk through the forest.<\/p>\n

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7. Go Bouldering<\/h3>\n

\"Young<\/p>\n

Beyond Dolbadarn Castle, heading towards Pen-Y-Pass (Snowdon mountain pass) the ground is scattered with huge boulders and rocks where many keen climbers go to tackle the rock faces and go weaseling or bouldering.<\/p>\n

If adrenaline is what you\u2019re after, Gaia Adventures<\/a> is the answer. This group of professionals can help improve your mountain climbing skills, take you out on day courses or guide you on a cliff camping trip.<\/p>\n

This has got to be one of the best ways to embrace the rural landscape of Snowdonia. Check out more bouldering spots in our guide to climbing in North Wales<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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8. Electric Mountain Llanberis<\/h3>\n

\"View<\/p>\n

Electric Mountain<\/a> is First Hydro Company\u2019s Visitor Centre in Llanberis and is the starting point of the tour of the Dinorwig Power Station.<\/p>\n

The power station itself is located 750 meters inside the mountain Eilidir Fawr surrounded by 16km of underground tunnels.<\/p>\n

In the centre you can learn about the inner workings of Electric Mountain, grab a bite to eat, visit the gift shop, entertain the children in \u2018The Den\u2019 and \u2018Genius Corner\u2019 and also hire rooms for parties, meetings and everything in between!<\/p>\n

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9. Llanberis Falls (Ceunant Mawr)<\/h3>\n

\"Ceunant<\/p>\n

Also known as Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, translating as the waterfall of the great ravine, Llanberis Falls are set a few hundred metres from the village centre.<\/p>\n

This waterfall plunges over a hundred feet into a gorge in two stages, broken by a deep, rocky pool.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s definitely worth a visit to truly appreciate nature at its finest as the water plummets down, rattling your ears with the crashing sound of water and feeling the spray on your face as it hits the rocks.<\/p>\n

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Visiting Llanberis<\/h2>\n

Where is Llanberis?<\/h3>\n

Llanberis is a village in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. Located on the southern bank of Llyn Padarn, at the foot of Mount Snowdon, Llanberis is just 5 miles southwest of Bethesda.<\/p>\n