| llage of Llanberis has always been popular with | | | | The 800-acre nature reserve is home to two Sites |
| climbers and walkers for its proximity to Snowdon. | | | | of Special Scientific Interest - Coed Dinorwig |
| You'll see this reflected in the number of outdoor | | | | Woodlands and Padarn Lake - and there are five |
| shops in the village - when you visit Llanberis you'll | | | | themed nature and heritage trails to follow, as well as |
| never have an excuse for being ill-equipped for the | | | | extreme sports including rock climbing, orienteering, |
| landscape! | | | | scuba diving, rowing, canoeing and sailing. |
| But Llanberis isn't just for outdoor adventurers; | | | | 6. Explore an ancient castle |
| there's a wealth of things to see and do in Llanberis | | | | Dolbadarn Castle was the stronghold of Llywelyn the |
| that are great fun for the whole family. | | | | Great, Prince of Wales from 1201 until 1240. The |
| Here are our top ten things to do in Llanberis. | | | | masonry of Dolbadarn Castle is considered among |
| 1. Ride a steam railway | | | | the finest of the remaining Welsh castles, and |
| Take a trip on the narrow gauge Llanberis Lake | | | | Dolbadarn's round tower - the first in an independent |
| Railway, taking in the village, Dolbadarn Castle, the | | | | Welsh castle - still stands today, although most of |
| Padarn Country Park and the shores of Llyn Padarn. | | | | the other buildings have been reduced to faint traces |
| Enjoy breathtaking views of Snowdon, and have a | | | | over the centuries. Atmospherically set in the lakes |
| lakeside picnic at Cei Llydan. The vintage steam | | | | and mountains of Llanberis, Dolbadarn Castle is a |
| engines which pull the trains were rescued from the | | | | must-see when you visit Snowdonia. |
| nearby Dinorwic slate quarries. | | | | 7. Go boating |
| 2. Climb some trees | | | | Motorised craft aren't allowed on Llyn Padarn Lake, |
| At Ropes and Ladders, set in the beautiful woodland | | | | but you're welcome to bring your canoe or sailboat |
| of Padarn Country Park, you can enjoy a thrilling | | | | for a day of watery fun. You'll need a launching |
| treetop adventure. Climb, leap, swing and zip your | | | | permit, which you can get from the park wardens or |
| way through the trees while enjoying spectacular | | | | from the information kiosk at Gilfach Ddu. If you |
| views of Snowdonia's lakes and mountains. Each | | | | don't have your own canoe or boat you can still |
| group of visitors is accompanied by an instructor, and | | | | enjoy a trip on the lake, on the Snowdon Star |
| there's a children's course suitable for children aged 4 | | | | cruiser. |
| to 8 years. | | | | 8. Get some retail therapy |
| 3. Learn about Snowdonia's slate heritage | | | | There are some excellent shops in Llanberis. As well |
| Visit The National Slate Museum in the Victorian | | | | as the many outdoor shops selling everything you'll |
| workshops of the old Dinorwig Quarry and learn | | | | need for climbing, walking and camping, Llanberis is |
| about slate quarrying in Snowdonia. Tour the | | | | home to some excellent gift and craft shops. Look |
| workshops and buildings, hear the story of slate, and | | | | out for the craft outlets and workshops at Padarn |
| watch demonstrations of slate-splitting. Visit the old | | | | Country Park, selling locally-crafted pottery and slate |
| quarrymen's cottages and learn about all the dramas, | | | | goods. |
| suffering and community of a quarryman's life. This is | | | | 9. Visit the Quarry Hospital Museum |
| a unique opportunity to learn about Snowdonia's | | | | An attraction with a difference, the Quarry Hospital |
| industrial heritage, and a fascinating day out for the | | | | Museum at Padarn Country Park gives a tantalising |
| whole family. | | | | glimpse of the horrors that could befall 19th century |
| 4. Explore inside a mountain | | | | quarrymen. Features a restored ward, operating |
| Electric Mountain is the visitor centre of the First | | | | theatre, mortuary and gruesome Victorian medical |
| Hydro Power Station in Llanberis. Entry to the visitor | | | | instruments. |
| centre, with its gift shop and cafe, is free; but for a | | | | 10. Go up Snowdon |
| very reasonable fee you can take a bus tour through | | | | No visit to Llanberis would be complete without a trip |
| the inside of ancient Elidir Mountain and see the | | | | up Snowdon. There are several routes to the |
| power station's massive pumps and turbines at work. | | | | summit, where you can celebrate your ascent with a |
| The tour includes an underground film show explaining | | | | cup of tea at the new Hafod Eryri visitor centre. If |
| the building and commissioning of the power station. | | | | you're feeling brave you can walk it in a couple of |
| 5. Take a walk in the park | | | | hours. But if you want to get to Snowdon's summit |
| Padarn Country Park is set in some of Snowdonia's | | | | the easy way, there are regular trains from Llanberis |
| most spectacular scenery and is open all year round. | | | | Station on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. |