With mountains, countryside, rivers and the coastline all around you, it’s no surprise that much of your time in Snowdonia is spent exploring the Great Outdoors, but what can you do here when it rains? Well, the good news is, rain doesn’t stop play!
If getting soggy isn’t your cup of tea, there are many excellent all-weather attractions across the region suitable for all ages and tastes. In this week’s blog, we’ve selected our top ten favourite rainy days out.
1. Piggery Pottery, Llanberis
Perfect for all ages and budgets, the Piggery Pottery gives you a chance to create a super special souvenir or a unique gift for a loved one. You can even try your hand at throwing pots! Prices start at £2.50 for a cute DIY piggy bank and it’s a lovely, creative way to spend a rainy day near the hotel.
2. Electric Mountain, Llanberis
Set against the beautiful backdrop of towering mountains, the Electric Mountain visitor centre is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon. Have a bite to eat in the cafe or mooch around the gift shop before heading 750m into the Elidir Mountain where you will see how the gargantuan Dinorwig Power Station transforms all that Welsh rain into electricity. It’s a fascinating day out and, only a few minutes walk from the hotel, not to be missed!
3. National Slate Museum, Llanberis
Located on the shores of Llyn Padarn, a ten minute scenic walk from the hotel, the National Slate Museum tells the story of the slate industry in North Wales. Once the biggest single export in the region, North Walian slate literally roofed the world and was exported across the globe by boat from nearby Caernarfon and Bangor. Visit the museum for a hands-on encounter and experience the workshops and buildings exactly as they were in the quarry’s heyday.
4. Conwy Valley Railway Museum, Betws-y-Coed
Hop in the car and head to Betws if you have a train fanatic in the family. First, hoods up to brave the rain for a short journey on the miniature railway that runs near the main line (a thrilling moment if the ‘big’ train pulls up alongside!) and around landscaped gardens. Afterwards, head inside the museum where you can operate model trains at the touch of a button and browse railway memorabilia.
5. Go Below, Betws-y-Coed
Create your own legends at the ultimate underground adventure centre – Go Below. Forget the rain above and try your hand or test your mettle ziplining through caverns, boating across an underground lake, traversing over an abyss or abseiling to the deepest point in the UK. Rain or shine? Absolutely zero daylight is needed to get the full experience here!
6. Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog
The slate caverns in Blaenau offer a choice of three fascinating tours, but on a rainy day, we recommend heading 500 feet underground and doing the Deep Mine Tour. Here, technology and history join to take you back more than 160 years, to meet the men and boys who worked the mines for 12 hours a day, 6 days a week.
Please note: for winter 2017 the mine train will be undergoing essential maintenance and will be replaced by Winter Walking Tours.
7. Penrhyn Castle, Bangor
Beautiful in sun or rain, this 18th century castle, now managed by the National Trust is like something straight out of a fairytale. Stay dry and explore the gloriously restored rooms then enjoy a bite to eat in the delightful tearooms. If there’s a break in the weather, head outdoors to follow miles of walking trails or explore the exotic jungle-esque bog garden.
8. Pili Palas, Menai Bridge
This nature centre on the island of Anglesey whisks you away from the rain in Wales and transports you thousands of miles away to the tropics. Get up close and personal to beautiful butterflies or, if you’re feeling brave, cockroaches and giant snails. If cuddly animals are more your thing, head to the farm barn!
9. Anglesey Sea Zoo, Brynsiencyn
Another fascinating wildlife attraction on Anglesey, this marine aquarium works tirelessly to protect British marine life, including eels, seahorses, lobsters, octopus and even sharks! It runs several breeding programmes for rare and endangered sea life. You’ll find out about some of the weird and wonderful creatures living off our coasts.
10. King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Machynlleth
With 2017 being the Year of Legends, what better place to visit than a place inspired by the Welsh tales of our legendary King Arthur? The labyrinth is a unique underground riverboat tour, taking visitors back to the magical dark ages, where tales of fiery dragons, colossal giants and fierce battles take centre stage. Situated deep beneath the mountains of Snowdonia, it’s the perfect place to spend a dark, dreary day!
So there you have it; contrary to popular belief you absolutely do not need the ‘right’ weather to enjoy a great day out in Snowdonia. Rain or shine, we have it covered!