Explore Llanberis in 48 hours: An Active Weekend Getaway

Wondering how to start filling your 48 hours in Llanberis? We’ve created a pick-and-mix style itinerary to help tick off all the best activities Llanberis has to offer.

Dolbadarn Castle

Our very own Royal Victoria Hotel is uniquely situated at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), providing the perfect base for your two-day adventure. Continue reading if you want to make the most out of your stay:

SATURDAY

Breakfast: Served from 7:00am - 9:30am (Monday – Saturday), fuel up for the day with a delicious hot and cold buffet breakfast served in our Padarn Restaurant.

Dolbadarn Castle: Situated within the grounds of our hotel and roughly a 10-minute walk from your room is Dolbadarn Castle. Built by the legendary Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, this fascinating relic dates back to the 13th century and is considered to be one of the finest of Welsh native castles due to its simplicity and endurance.

National Slate Museum: After a 5-minute drive, or 15-minute walk, you can get to the National Slate Museum, sitting beneath the towering slate mountains. This living working museum offers a unique opportunity to glimpse into the lives of the 3,000 slate workers and their families who were once employed at the facility. Explore the Victorian workshops that once serviced and maintained the enormous Dinorwig slate quarry above and grab lunch at the on-site café.

Scenic driving routes: As you are navigating your way around this beautiful part of the world, try to tick off some of its famous driving passes. If you’d like more information on the Llanberis Pass/Pen Y Pass, Nant Ffrancon, and Sychnant Pass, or any other suggestions, check out our Snowdonia’s Scenic Driving Routes blog.

Llanberis Bike Hire: After a 5-minute drive, or 15-minute walk, you can collect bikes from Llanberis Bike Hire and go for a spin around one of their suggested routes. Whether you want to cycle along Llyn Padarn or the disused railway path that leads from Caernarfon to Bryncir, the team can recommend a bike and route that suits you.

Llanberis Lake Railway: If bike riding doesn’t suit you, the Llanberis Lake Railway (Rheilffordd Llyn Padarn) is a great way to see the sights. Hauled by a vintage steam engine rescued from the nearby Dinorwic slate quarries, the journey runs from Gilfach Ddu, taking you past Llanberis’ twin lakes, through Padarn Country Park and along the shores of Lake Padarn to Penllyn. The return journey is around five miles and takes about 1 hour. Dinner at our Padarn Restaurant: Named in honour of Llanberis's iconic lake, the Padarn Restaurant overlooks the hotel gardens with distant views of its namesake. Earning an AA Rosette award in 2023 for culinary excellence, our chefs showcase the best Welsh produce. A seasonal menu can be found on our dining page, reservations only.

Our very own Royal Victoria Hotel is uniquely situated at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), providing the perfect base for your two-day adventure. Continue reading if you want to make the most out of your stay:

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SUNDAY

Breakfast: On Sundays we serve breakfast from 7:00am - 10:00am, offering a slightly longer lie-in if needed.

Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon: Now you’re familiar with the area, it’s time to reach the summit. Whether you want to travel by train or foot, the options sit just a stone’s throw from the Royal Victoria Hotel. Read more about the various routes here.

Snowdon Mountain Railway: The Snowdon Mountain Railway is one of the oldest rail operators in the world. Running from the Llanberis Railway Station, just a 4-minute walk from our hotel, it was established in the late 1800s. While some locomotives have been modernised to diesel engines, others maintain a traditional steam engine.

Climb the mountain and soak up the scenery from the comfort of your carriage, enjoying the same stunning views you would find on foot. A return journey takes approximately two and a half hours and includes a 30-minute stop at the summit.

Llanberis Path: Beginning from our quaint village of Llanberis, the Llanberis Path hugs a gradual ridge for a nine-mile round trip. Offering a spectacularly unspoiled view of the mountain’s landscape, this is undoubtedly the easiest and most popular walking route to the summit. Allow 5 to 8 hours to complete this journey.

Ceunant Mawr Waterfall: If you haven’t soaked in enough scenery, make your way to the Ceunant Mawr Waterfall. The half-mile walk from our hotel is clearly signposted and offers gorgeous views across Lake Padarn. This hidden gem boasts a magnificent two-tier cascade that plummets over 30 metres into a deep pool surrounded by thickly wooded forest.

Dinner at our Eryri Bar and Lounge: Open daily for food and drinks, this vibrant heart of our hotel guarantees a warm Welsh welcome after a day of mountain climbing. A seasonal menu can be found on our dining page, no reservation necessary.

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Ready for your adventure?

Book your stay at The Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis today: https://bit.ly/Book-Your-Room-Royal-Victoria