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|  Llanberis Area
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With two lakes surrounded by mountains, a medieval castle and some of North Wales' major attractions, it is easy to understand why Llanberis is regarded as unique. Within this area of outstanding natural beauty is the widest variety of things to do, excellent places to eat and to stay and a choice of shopping. Llanberis is the ideal place to visit at any time of year and there will always be the warmest of welcomes. Croeso.
Walking and climbing have always been popular past-times, however Llanberis now has a growing reputation for all manor of outdoor activities including watersports, pony trekking, cycling, paragliding and diving. Equally Llanberis is gaining an impressive record as the host venue for a calendar of national outdoor events.
Llanberis is an ideal base from which to explore all that Snowdonia and North Wales has to offer to the visitor. This site offers information on what to see and do in Llanberis and the surrounding area, as well as information on shopping, accommodation and places to eat.
There are plenty of camping and caravan sites in Llanberis.
 Electric Mountain
websiteSet against a magnificent backdrop of the towering mountains and the magnificent scenery of Snowdonia, Electric Mountain is First Hydro Company's Visitor centre in Llanberis. Its split level layout contains a gift shop and café and is the starting point for the tour of Dinorwig Power Station. Admission to the visitor centre is free, there is a charge for the hour long tour of Dinorwig Power Station.
 Snowdon Railway
websiteSince 1896, visitors from around the world have travelled on Snowdon Mountain Railway. Trains scale the highest mountain in Wales(1085m) where Snowdon boasts dramatic landscape and scenery. This unique railway is one of the most popular visitor attractions in North Wales and offers great value. The Summit of Snowdon, at 3,560ft (1085m), is the highest mountain in England and Wales. Snowdon Mountain Railway offers a fantastic day out for all of the family. Whilst onsite visitors can watch the free 13 minute production ‘To the Summit of Snowdon’ in our audiovisual theatre. Whilst at Snowdon Mountain Railway you can sample a quality selection of mouth watering snacks from the Llanberis Café and the Taste of Wales outlet.
 Lake Railway
websiteDiscover the timeless appeal of our narrow-gauge steam trains - a more leisurely way to travel and the perfect way to savour the grandeur of Snowdonia. Starting at Gilfach Ddu, the journey takes you past the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle, crossing possibly Britain's shortest river and passing Llanberis' twin lakes as the train negotiates the extension (opened in 2003) to Llanberis village. From here the train runs non-stop through the Padarn Country Park, joining the 1845 slate railway route to run along the shores of Lake Padarn to Penllyn, and giving stunning views of Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales. On its return, the train makes a short stop at Cei Llydan, an ideal place for a lakeside picnic, before arriving back at Gilfach Ddu. Here you can watch the driver stoking the fire, the engine taking water, or spend some time visiting our gift shop and cafe. The five mile return trip takes around 60 minutes, and all advertised trains are scheduled to be hauled by one of our vintage steam engines rescued from the nearby Dinorwic slate quarries. All our trains have wheelchair accommodation, but spaces are limited, so please let us know you are coming. Toilets, including disabled access, are situated nearby in the Country Park.
 High Ropes, Paintball and Outdoor Adventure
websiteGet Wet provide a wide range of Outdoor Activities to suit everyone! Get wet currently has 2 public access high ropes courses and a paintball site! Situated near Bala in North Wales, we offer activities to suit everyone, so whether you are an individual or part of a group we can easily tailor activities to suit your needs. Stag Parties, Hen Parties & Birthday Parties are all catered for at Get Wet. For companies and other groups we also create, run and manage tailor made Team Building Days. You tell us what you want and we'll deliver it! For a flavour of what we offer check out the videos and photos in the gallery and on our blog. Get Wet has also launched their first season of International whitewater rafting, kayaking and trekking holidays! For more information visit our new website Get Wet Expeditions.
 Outdoor Play by the Lake
There is a modern outdoor play area just next to the Electric Mountain Centre in Llanberis
 Padarn Country Park
This wonderful 800-acre Park includes Llyn Padarn Lake, the ancient Coed Dinorwig oak woodland and the Vivian Quarry. Visit the old Quarry Hospital, now a Visitor Centre, and see the restored ward, operating theatre and gruesome implements and other Park related exhibits. (Please note: the Quarry Hospital is presently closed for refurbishment and is planned to reopen later in 2009. Please contact us for further details) Or, explore woodland, lakeside and industrial heritage trails and visit the many other varied attractions on site – there’s loads to do! Ample car parking & facilities on site.
 Your visit to Padarn Country Park puts you amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in North Wales. See the magnificent Vivian Quarry with its deep blue lagoon, once a hive of industrial activity, is now a venue for extreme sports. Slate from the huge Dinorwig Quarry complex is said to have “roofed the world”. Within this 800-acre nature reserve are two Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Coed Dinorwig Woodlands and Padarn Lake, with 5 themed nature & heritage trails of varying length. Enjoy views across Llyn Padarn lake towards Dolbadarn Castle and beyond to Snowdon in all its glory!
Come and discover, romantic old steam trains, a lake cruiser, rock climbing, orienteering, high-level ropes courses, scuba diving, rowing, canoeing & sailing, arts & crafts, the Quarry Hospital, the National Slate Museum and its giant Waterwheel (the largest on mainland Britain), and of course, some delicious light refreshment! Also within the park are the Llanberis Lake Railway, which takes you on a delightful 5 mile return trip along the shore of Llyn Padarn,  and the Snowdon Star, which cruises up and down the lake.
THE PARK GROUNDS ARE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
Padarn Country Park – a unique place to visit and such a lot to do! Park Attractions: Quarry Hospital, Llanberis Lake Railway, National Slate Museum, Ropes & Ladders, Padarn Watersports, Crefft Elidir, Padarn Pottery, Odyn Copr, Fframia, Snowdon Star, Padarn Boats, Vivian Diving. Please contact the other attractions for their individual opening times.
 Slatemine
websiteLlechwedd Slate Caverns is not your average museum! Set in 2000 acres of land above the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog we’re a living, working slate mine that has been active since opening in 1836. We offer 2 very individual and unique underground experiences that take you deep into the mountain to explore the mysterious world of the Victorian slate miner. Believe it or not the temperature underground is a pleasant 54F throughout the year making the caverns ideal for a day out come rain or shine. For more information on the Deep Mine Tour and Miners’ Tramway Tour simply click on the links.
 Welsh Highland Railway
websiteThe Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is a small, friendly railway in Porthmadog where the train ride is just part of the experience.
On the return journey, the train stops at the engine sheds, where there's chance to climb on the engines and find out for yourself how things work. On certain days, have a ride on our new miniature railway. The train ride and shed tour take just under an hour.
If you haven't visited us before, click here to find out what one family thought.
When do trains run?
Trains start running again on Saturday 28th March 2009 and there will be a regular service each day until 1st November, see our timetable for full details. Steam trains will run during most of the school holidays, with heritage diesel engines at other times.
We're also organising a number of special events during 2009, including the Easter Bunnies egg hunt, a Teddy Bears Picnic and a whole summer of steam trains in Porthmadog.
A family ticket costs £15.00 - full fare details are here. Tickets are valid all day, so you can have another ride for free! For a small extra charge, adults can ride in the cab of the engine. How to find us
Porthmadog (WHR) station is at the top of the High Street, close to the mainline railway station. There's plenty of level car parking nearby. Have a look at the map for more details.
Most of the site is level, and there's a wheelchair accessible carriage on every train. Click here for more practical information.
 Children's Softplay at Llanberis
websiteTHE DEN A fantastic new soft play area suitable for children age 12 and under. Café available. Hours of fun! Parties also catered for. Please ring for details on 01286 873050.
 Beacon Climbing Centre - Near LlanberiswebsiteNorth Wales' most popular indoor climbing centre, and one of the UK's best, with over 1,000sqm of top-roping, leading & bouldering. Climbing Instruction from Taster Session to advanced multi-pitch climbing days, the Beacon offer a full range of both indoor & outdoor courses.
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