The Llanberis Lake Railway

The Llanberis Lake Railway is a narrow gauge return journey around the edge of Lake Padarn, pulled by vintage steam engines retrieved (and reconditioned) from Dinorwic slate quarries. The 5 mile journey (not including stops) will be around 60 minutes, so generally even younger kids can go the distance and enjoy the day.

You'll pass the Dolbadarn Castle and the Twin Lakes, plus it runs through Padarn Country Park and offers outstanding views of Snowdon. Fairy-tale fare for kids who can sit still!

The journey stops at Cei Llydan picnic spot and again at The Slate Museum at Gilfach Ddu, where you can either look around the museum or watch the driver putting water into the engine and stoking the fire, depending on your family level of Trainspotter! The gift shop and cafe are also here so you may want to split forces if you're in need of coffee.

There is wheelchair access available on the ride but spaces for this are limited so book ahead in this instance. There are loos but they're not on site, they're next door at the edge of the Country Park, but they do include a disabled access toilet as well.

Once you're done here there's actually a surprising amount to do in the area (check the listings!) including boat trips and rowing boat hire on the main lake. So there are loads of ways to extend your day without having to travel much further afield.