Llechwedd Slate Caverns.
Explore the mysterious world of the Victorian Slate Miner!
Llechwedd Slate Caverns is not your average museum! Set in 2000 acres of land above the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog we’re a living, working slate mine that has been active since opening in 1836.
We offer 2 very individual and unique underground experiences that take you deep into the mountain to explore the mysterious world of the Victorian slate miner. Believe it or not the temperature underground is a pleasant 54F throughout the year making the caverns ideal for a day out come rain or shine.
The Deep Mine Tour:
Step aboard and journey down into the mountain where the underground world of the slate miner is waiting to be explored.
Meet Sion Dolgarregddu – the ghost of a Victorian miner, and your guide through the Deep Mine. Sion was born in 1844 and was only 12 years old when he came to work at Llechwedd with his father and uncle in the great chambers you’ll see along the way.
As you make your way back to the waiting train be sure to soak up the atmosphere of the spectacular underground lake before travelling back to the surface and daylight!
The Miners' Tramway Tour:
Take a seat and enjoy a ride through tunnels and time into the world of the Victorian Miner, hidden deep in the mountainside.
Imagine entering the mines to begin your working life at only 12 years old with a life expectancy of just 52 years. That’s 40 years working 6 days a week and 12 hours a day by the light of a small candle-if you were able to afford one!
Our guides will take you to various chambers in the oldest part of Llechwedd where you will explore the real working life of the Victorian slate miner. Hear stories of the ‘Caban’ and experience what it was like to see by only the light of a candle in these great, man-made chambers.
Llechwedd Victorian Village:
As well as the 2 underground tours we have a Victorian village where access is absolutely FREE! Why not pop into the Miners' Arms for a refreshing drink and light lunch? The beer garden is ideal for people watching and enjoying the magnificent landscape.
Ffestin's sweet shop is a must for all those with a sweet tooth. From traditional sweets made to Victorian recipes to more modern day favourites, you'll be spoilt for choice!
Visit the village bank and exchange some new money for old. We have our own coins that can be spent anywhere in the village or kept as a souvenir of your visit to Llechwedd.
Explore the village Smithy, Printers, Cobblers and the small house where Dafydd Ellis, the blind harpist once lived.
The Victorian Village is open from March to October and shut during the winter months.
1358 click throughs, 29570 views since 22-Aug-2007
Attraction in Blaenau Ffestiniog Gwynedd
Entrance Charge
- Single Tour: Adults £9.50 Children £7.50 Seniors £8.50
- Both Tours:Adults £15.50 Children £11.50 Seniors £14.00
Opening Times
First tour is at 10.15am. The last tour is at 5.15pm March - Sept and 4.15pm Oct - Feb
Contact Details
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Llechwedd Slate Caverns.Lllechwedd Slate Blaenau Ffestiniog Gwynedd LL41 3NB UKphone: 01766 830 306 fax:
News & Special Offers
A 10% discount is available on a "Family Ticket" on the Combined tour only.
A full timetable will run throughout the February Half Term week.