After a long and very chilly winter we’re really looking forward to the brighter, warmer days ahead. In the last couple of weeks we’ve been delighted to see the first spring flowers poking their heads out in the hotel garden and to hear the sound of lambs bleating across the hills.
Yes, spring is well and truly on the way and that means very soon all the attractions that make Snowdonia an amazing place to visit will be open for business.
Llanberis is one of the best places in North Wales to take a short break - there’s so much to do within a stone’s throw of the hotel you don’t need to go far to enjoy yourself! If you're taking a break here this spring, why not take a look at the variety of attractions on offer right here in Llanberis?
1. Snowdon Mountain Railway
No visit to Llanberis is complete without a trip on the ever-popular Snowdon Mountain Railway. This historic railway has been carrying tourists to the summit for over a century, completing the 5 mile journey to the top of Eyryri / Snowdon - Wales’s highest mountain - 1085 metres above sea level.As the train pulls you gently up the mountain, give a thought to the legends that lie beneath, which include (reputedly) the vanquished ogre Rhita, and the knights of King Arthur, who defeated the ogre in battle.
Weather permitting, the railway will reopen for journeys to Clogwyn Station from the 1st of April 2023. From the 13th of May 2023, the railway will be open to the summit of Eyryri / Snowdon for the first time since COVID hit! You can book ahead by clicking here.
2. Dolbadarn Castle
Possibly the most picturesque castle ever, Dolbadarn Castle is within walking distance of the Royal Victoria Hotel, and its sturdy round tower remains as strong as ever thanks to its thick walls. Situated within the grounds of the hotel, we affectionately think of it as 'our castle'.
Dolbadarn is a true picture-postcard location, usually photographed from its landward side as a silent sentinel watching over the glacial lake of Llyn Padarn. It's a popular spot with newly-weds just married at the hotel and Instagrammers alike.
The lake itself is one of the largest natural bodies of water in Wales, and with its mountainous backdrop the scenery is as stunning as you can expect to find anywhere.
3. Tour the lake
Llyn Padarn's shores are perfect for a gentle walk, and you can complete a lap of the lake in around three hours at normal pace. We think it will probably take longer, however, as there are so many delightful spots to pause and enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley and the mountains beyond. Take your time, it’s not often you witness scenery as stunning as this!
Alternatively, jump aboard the Llanberis Lake Railway, a narrow-gauge steam train route that covers five miles of the shore, taking in views of Electric Mountain, Snowdon and Dolbadarn Castle. The railway is a firm favourite with our younger visitors, which hosts several family-friendly events every year, including an Easter Egg Hunt and a special Father’s Day trip (book to avoid disappointment).
4. Waterfall Walk
Head down from the castle to the Snowdon Mountain Railway station for the start of a walk to Llanberis Falls, which can be seen from the railway viaduct too.
The two-stage falls of Ceunant Mawr are over thirty metres high, and the walk of about a mile and a half is quite gentle, with a clearly signposted footpath.
Enjoy the spectacle of the falls from the designated observation point, before making the return journey back down the hill to Llanberis.
5. National Slate Museum
Open all year round with free entry, the National Slate Museum is housed in the buildings of the Dinorwig Quarry, which closed in 1969, and tells the history of Welsh slate mining.
Step through its doors and you are instantly transported back through time - the interiors of the buildings are laid out as though the workers have just left for the day.
Outside, the landscape is as spectacular as anywhere else in the region, with the quarry and its buildings nestled in the shadow of Elidir Mountain.
STAY WITH US
We are conveniently situated at the foot of Yr Wyddfa in the beautiful village of Llanberis; all of the activities and attractions mentioned above are just a short walk from the hotel. We think the Royal Victoria Hotel is the ideal choice for a stay to explore all that Llanberis and Snowdonia has to offer. At the end of a long day, unwind in one of our beautiful guests rooms and enjoy fine Welsh cuisine in our bar and restaurant. Book your stay today.