Slate landscape
Discover the UNESCO awarded slate landscape of North Wales.
People have been quarrying slate in North Wales for over 1,800 years but it was with the dawn of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century that the slate industry really took off making it the dominating industry until the late 19th century. The main quarried sites included Penrhyn Quarry near Bethesda, Dinorwic Quarry near Llanberis, Nantlle Quarry and Blaenau Ffestiniog. On the 28th of July 2021, the slate landscape of North West Wales was awarded the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitor Attractions
While visiting Snowdonia (Eryri) it would be difficult to avoid it’s slate heritage as remnants of the industry are dotted around many of the towns and villages. Whether you’re interested in learning more about it’s rich history or just want some cool adventure shots for your photo collection, there are many sites and attractions based to get immersed in.
National Slate Museum - 14.2 miles/23km from Beddgelert - There is no better place to learn about the history of the slate industry that in the 19th-century workshops of the now disused Dinorwic Quarry, within the Padarn Country Park in Llanberis. This comprehensive museum is dedicated to the preservation and display of relics of the Slate industry in Wales. To plan your visit please visit National Slate Museum | Museum Wales.
Llechwedd - 15.7 miles/25km from Beddgelert - Llechwedd is quarry near the village of Blaenau Ffestiniog that comprises of a few different adventure type attractions for both adults and children including Llechwedd Slate Caverns Deep Mine Tour and Zip World Llechwedd.
Ffestinog Railway -8.3 miles/13km from Beddgelert - The Ffestiniog Railway was originally built to take slate 13 miles (22 km) from the mines of Blaenau Ffestiniog to the port of Porthmadog where it was then transported around the world. It is now popular with tourists as a leisure steam train ride suitable for all the family.
Penrhyn Quarry - 21 miles/33km from Beddgelert - The largest of the North Wales quarries, Penrhyn quarry is now largely disused but is now the home of Zip World Penrhyn Quarry which comprises of many activities suitable for those after something a little more adventures filled.
Penrhyn Castle - 23 miles/37km from Beddgelert - Penrhyn Castle is a National Trust owned country house in the style of a Norman Castle built between 1820 and 1837. With strong links to slavery and to the slate industry it is a fascinating visit for those wishing to learn more about it’s dark past. Visit Penrhyn Castle and Garden | Wales | National Trust for more information about planning your trip.
Snowdonia Slate Trail (Llwybr Llechi Eryri) - The Snowdonia Slate Trail is a long distance footpath running 83 miles (134 km) as a circular route around Northern Snowdonia through the UK`s latest World Heritage Site, starting from Bangor. It passes through the main landscape and heritage sites associated with the slate industry. It can be done as a 7 day hike or as smaller sections. Visit Llwybr Llechi Eryri - Snowdonia Slate Trail for more information.