Paddleboarding on Llyn Padarn with Snowdon in the background
Photo : Tim Snow

Llanberis

Llanberis is one of the many jewels in the crown of Snowdonia. Not only does it lie at the foot of mount Snowdon, but its immediate surrounding area offers so much to see and do like walking, Paddleboarding, cycling and even scuba diving. And we haven’t even mentioned its stunning mountain views!

Llanberis Village

The small village of Llanberis is a fantastic hub for staying in Snowdonia, it is surrounded by mountains on three sides. The village of Llanberis and surrounding area offers so much to do, from beautiful lakeside walks to ancient castles and even a train ride to the highest mountain in Wales and England.

If you love climbing or hill walking then Llanberis base for you, because your surrounded by them.

Train going up Snowdon in the summer

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Mount Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and England (1085 meters). If you’re looking for amazing views of North Wales and Anglesey then you’ve just found a great way to get them.

The Snowdon Mountain Railway was started in December 1894 with 150 men with picks, shovels and dynamite and finished in February 1896, just fourteen months later after laying eight kilometres of track up the mountain.

This amazing little train ride is one of the top tourist attractions in North Wales with jaw dropping views on clear days.

For more information on this amazing train ride please contact Snowdonia Mountain Railway on 01286 870 223

Paddleboarding on Llyn Padarn with Snowdon in background

Llyn Padarn

The beautiful Llyn Padarn lake a glacially formed lake and approximately 2 miles long. The lake is very popular with Paddleboarding, Canoeing and swimming.

Llyn Padarn is one of the largest natural lakes in Wales and is an example of a moraine dammed lake and at its south-eastern end it is linked to the neighbouring Llyn Peris. It flows into the Afon Seiont and eventually passes Caernarfon Castle and enters the Menai Strait.

Llyn Padarn is a great place for Paddleboarding, Canoeing and even Windsurfing when conditions are right. When the weather is good the views of Snowdon and surrounding mountains are second to none.

Dolbadarn Castle in Llanberis

Dolbadarn Castle

Dolbadarn Castle is a fortification built by the Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great during the early 13th century.

This beautiful little castle is a great attraction, almost surrounded by ancient woodland and with some amazing views across to the Padarn Country park and down Llyn Padarn towards Anglesey. Entry to the castle is FREE which makes it another great attraction for families.

The castle was important both militarily and as a symbol of Llywelyn’s power and authority. Situated at the base of the Llanberis Pass on the A4086

Vivian Quarry and pool at the Padarn Country Park in Llanberis

Padarn Country Park

The Padarn Country Park is the former home to the Dinorwic slate quarry. As well as the National Slate Museum you can see many of the working on the hillside which were used to transport the slate down the hillside, where it would be shipped all over the world.

The Country Park has many routes for walking and cycling and it is possible to see the old Quarry hospital, with many of the original items like beds and medical equipment on display.

Vivian Diving Centre

Vivian Diving Centre

Llanberis is also very fortunate to have its own diving centre. Divers are allowed to Scuba dive in the former Vivian quarry which over the years has flooded.

The former quarry has a maximum depth of 19.5 meters, so is ideal for training new beginners. There is also a platform which can be used to enter the quarry.

The Vivian Diving Centre, at the entrance to the flooded quarry, will take your fee for using the pool and can refill your tanks with air and various supplies.

Llanberis lake railway

Llanberis Lake Railway

Llanberis lake railway is another of North Wales beautiful attractions with stunning views.

The ride a 5 mile return trip and takes in the breath taking scenery of Llyn Padarn and surrounding mountains including Snowdon if the weather is clear.

This beautiful lakeside railway joins the 1845 slate railway route to run along the shores of Llyn Padarn lake.

All advertised trains are scheduled to be hauled by one of their vintage steam engines which was rescued from the nearby Dinorwic slate quarries and then lovingly restored.

Other Welsh Castle to Visit