Llechwedd Slate Caverns
The Llechwedd Slate Caverns are in the Snowdonia National Park near Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, Wales. This former slate quarry is now open to the public with various tours highlighting the history of slate mining in the area.
One of the attractions of Llechwedd is its Deep Mine Tour which has the steepest narrow gauge railway in the UK. Visitors take this funicular over 500 feet underground to the disused slate caverns, lakes and hand-carved tunnels.
Another highlight is the Quarry Explorer Tour which heads out to the furthest reaches of the Llechwedd site to explore the history of mining in the area, together with breathtaking views of Snowdonia. The attraction offers visitors an immersive introduction to Welsh mining history via interactive experiences and demonstrations, including amongst its staff locals whose families have a long history with the slate mining industry in the area.
To keep all members of the family happy, Llechwedd Slate Caverns has - slightly bizarrely - also incorporated Mountain biking tracks, Zip-lines and giant underground trampolines to its visitor offer. This includes the longest zip course in Europe.
The quarry in which the slate caverns is located was at its peak in 1884 - producing 23,788 tons of finished slate per year and employing 513 people. The quarry still functions - producing slate on a now more limited scale.
Further reading
Links to external websites are not maintained by Bite Sized Britain. They are provided to give users access to additional information. Bite Sized Britain is not responsible for the content of these external websites.