"Winner of every major tourism award!"
Having won every major tourism award, Llechwedd Slate Caverns, at Blaenau Ffestiniog, offer a great day out, wet or fine. Two very different underground rides are available into vast subterranean workings dating back to William IV, and there are numerous free surface attractions.
Surrounded by the rugged splendour of Snowdonia National Park, Llechwedd Slate Caverns pioneered the presentataion of the unique heritage of the Welsh slate communities and is now the home of Slate Heritage International. Six million visitors have taken the Llechwedd Slate Trail, including six members of the Royal Family and the Crown Prince of Japan.
This is no dead museum but a vibrant centre, created and run by the families whose ancestors made the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog to provide roofs for every continent. The inventive genius of Llechwedd devised much of the patented machinery that enabled other slate centres to join the rush to house Europe's industrial revolution. Specimens of these inventions are included among the surface displays.
However, it is the unique rides into the slate underworld, using techniques described in the Bible, that visitors want to experience at Llechwedd. The Deep Mine tour begins on Britain's steepest passenger railway (1 in 1.8). Alighting at the bottom, visitors meet the ghost of a Victorian mining apprentice who ages as he guides them through ten sound and light sequences, unfolding his changing social conditions. One of the highlights is a picturesque lake 450 feet beneath the surface, which has been used for two Holywood film productions.
 The other ride is aboard the Miners' Tramway, dating from 1846, which remains at one level to explore vast man-made chambers where mining skills are demonstrated. Above the 25 miles of tunnels and cathedral-like caverns the Victorian Village offers a full range of catering, including a pub, and there are several gift shops using re-minted Victorian coins, available at The Old Bank.
One of the most interesting buildings in the village square is the cottage where the famous Blind Harpist of Llechwedd was born and died. He was the teacher of some of Wales' most famous harpists, and his old home has retained its character.
Open 10am daily (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day). Last Trains into mines: 5.15pm, March to September; 4.15pm October to February. Full range of catering facilities, including a Victorian Pub.
Telephone: 01766 830306, Fax 01766 831260. For off-peak discounts phone Freephone 0800 252914.
Ready-while-you-wait slate name and number plates are available at the craft shop.
Associated Features
April Fools Day; Take Your Pick!
Spring Calendar
Festival Time
Star Quality
Living History!
Playgrounds of Penrhyn
Llanerchaeron Emerges from its Slumbers
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