Attractions in and around the village

While the mountain railway is the most well-known, a shorter (and much cheaper) train ride is the Llanberis Lake Railway which begins near the new bus stop just opposite the mountain railway station. This used to take finished slates all the way to Port Dinorwig (now known by its original name of Y Felinheli). Now it takes you just along the shore of the lake (Llyn Padarn) and gives you some beautiful views of the Snowdon massif. You can combine this trip with a walk through the woods if you like, or you can take a separate walk all the way round the lake (about 5 miles). There is a good movie about the slate and the country park. There is also general info about the Park on the BBC website.
Also accessed from the country park is the famous Llanberis Lake Steamer - the only Lake passenger steamer in Wales. The steamer operates every day from May to October, giving 45-minute tours of Llyn Padarn for the modest price of £4.00 for adults and £2.50 for under-15s (2004 prices). Telephone 07974 716418 (daytime) or 01248 671156 (evenings);
In the excellent and free National Slate Museum of Wales in the Country Park just 600 metres away you can see the largest working waterwheel in mainland Britain - and quite a sight it is - as well as demonstrations of working the slate, a terrace of slate-workers cottages furnished in the authentic original furniture, the pattern shed, foundry, and lots else including a very good Welsh cafe;
Another excellent trip within easy walking distance is the 'Electric Mountain Tour' which takes you into the heart of the mountain 'Elidir Fawr' where Dinorwig pumped storage power station was built in the 1980s - a fascinating guided tour, this. They have a really good website here.
If you would like a little more exercise, take one of the many walks around the Padarn Country Park itself to explore the industrial archeology and the natural woodlands (including our famous herd of wild goats). .Click here to see a movie about the museum and Llanberis
You can even do the circular walk round Llyn Padarn - beautiful woodlands, gorgeous lake, views of Snowdon, and cups of tea at the woodland centre of Cwm Derwen
The Llanberis waterfalls are only a short walk from Plas Coch. It is possible to view them from the Snowdon Railway as it goes past, but they are well worth examining at closer range. Just ask when you get to Plas Coch and we can direct you exactly, or see a preview of them here.
Another short walk, which you could combine with the waterfall walk, is to climb up the turret of Dolbadarn castle and see one of Prince Llewelyn's strongholds. (Most castles in Wales were built by Edward King of England to subdue the Welsh, but this is one of the few which are true native medieval Welsh ones). For more information about Dolbadarn, along with links to other Welsh castle sites, click here.
A short (but quite steep) walk up the beginning of the Llanberis path towards Snowdon takes you to Pen y Ceunant Isaf a beautifully restored 18th century cottage where you can have tea, coffee and cold drinks, and where Steffan gives free guided tours of the cottage.

Attractions in and around the village itself