Did you know that for somewhere with a modest population of
1,954 residents, Llanberis is jam-packed with an array of
attractions, eateries and leisure activities?
For such a small village, it has a surprising amount to offer
which makes it one of the best locations for a family holiday.
Let's make our way from the bottom to the top.
The High Street
On the doorstep you have a selection of cafes and shops -
Llanberis being famous for its endless walks and outstanding views,
the High Street has row after row of facilities to fuel your
adventures and to treat yourself.
One of the most popular cafes is Pete's Eats
that is renowned for it's all day breakfast. You will often see a
group of cyclists, walkers or climbers taking a pit-stop here to
enjoy the mammoth 'Extra Large Breakfast' - large enough to fill a
grown man for a week! 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. One of my personal favorites is the Honey Farm and winery that sells every type of
jam, marmalade, chutney, mead and fudge imaginable as well as
Traditional Welsh love spoons and homemade scarves. Just next door
is The Heights, the 'go-to' pub among all the
locals. What better way is there to end your stroll than to sit
outside with a pint watching the world go by?
Attractions and activities
Parallel to the high street is Llyn Padarn, a lake stretching two
miles long. Around the lake you have a fantastic 2-3 hour walk
stopping at the historic Welsh
Slate Museum (free entry) where you can admire the old
Victorian workshops and listen in on talks and demonstrations for a
better insight into quarrymen's life. If this takes your fancy you
must make a detour to the Old Quarry Hospital 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 - the views across the lake to Snowdon are good from
here too.
If however, you would prefer to be on the lake than around it,
Surflines 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. If you're feeling
brave, why not go for a swim in the lake? You certainly wouldn't be
the first!
Llyn Padarn is central to many other superb attractions too,
including:
Llanberis Falls - Also known as Ceunant
Mawr Waterfall, translating as the waterfall of the great ravine,
is set a few hundred metres from the town centre. This waterfall
plunges over a hundred feet into a gorge in two stages, broken by a
deep, rocky pool. Definitely worth a visit to truly appreciate
nature at it's finest as the water plummets down, rattling your
ears with the crashing sound of water rushing and feeling the spray
on your face as it hits the rocks.
Electric Mountain - Electric Mountain is First
Hydro Company's Visitor Centre in Llanberis and is the starting
point of the tour of Dinorwig Power Station. The power station
itself is located 750 meters inside the mountain Eilidir Fawr
surrounded by 16km of underground tunnels. 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 'The Den' and
'Genius Corner' and also hire rooms for parties, meetings and
everything in between!
Llanberis Lake Railway - This train journey is
an hour long return ride led by a vintage train engine that travels
five miles around Llyn Padarn. Ride along and you will get to see
Dolbadarn Castle and Llanberis' twin lakes, with the chance to stop
at Cei Llydan for a picnic at the water's edge too.
Dolbadarn Castle - This is a 13th century
castle built by Welsh Prince Llywleyn ap Iorwerth. Llywelyn
imprisoned his older brother Owain ap Gruffydd for 20 years on the
upper floor of the castle during the 1250's. 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.
Above: My very own painting of
Dolbadarn Castle!
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. If adrenaline is what you're after, Gaia
Adventures 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. This has got to be one of the
best ways to embrace the rural landscape of Snowdonia - try our 'Bed on the Edge' for a sleep you won't
forget!
The 'high point' of your holiday
This brings us to the grand finale - the highest mountain in Wales
and England reaching 1,085 meters above sea level. Annual sporting
events such as the famous Three Peaks Challenge and The Slateman
Triathlon attracts swarms of people from all around to the
village at the foot of Snowdon. This creates a fun, bustling
atmosphere during the summer. With six different routes up Snowdon
the walk can be completed by novice or experienced walkers. If,
like me, 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 ending at Hafod Eryri - Snowdon Summit Visitor Centre.
Here you can sit staring at the panoramic view with a cuppa in hand
and learn all about the legendary land that is Snowdonia National
Park.
Where to Stay
We have a range of self-catering cottages in and around Llanberis,
all within close range of Bangor and Caernarfon. Feel free to call
for a chat with any of us from the Menai Team to book a fun-filled
getaway.