Shepherd's huts near Llanberis

Only Llanberis can claim to be the gateway to Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest peak in Wales and England. Therefore very popular, the village adeptly manages visitor volumes with ample diversions, including the ascent of Snowdon by trail or railway (of course) but also the outstanding mountain country beyond. Discover the region’s slate quarrying heritage or the mysteries of the Dinorwig Power Station via world-class attractions, take strolls alongside Llanberis’ own lake, Llyn Padarn, or climb to a mighty ruined castle. Many of the available Llanberis camping pitches can be found southwest of the village.

Did we mention that Llanberis is near Wales’ highest mountain? The town is the classic mountain base camp for Snowdon—and ideal for those who want to take things slow and steady on their way up and down. The Llanberis Path is the easiest route up the mountain—but it isn't actually easy. You’ll still be making your way up to a height of 1,085 metres and covering nine miles, but, as that distance is the longest of any of the main routes, it means the ascent is slower and less severe. Even still, staying in Llanberis means you also have the option to sit back and take the easy way up on the scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway.

The mountain railway is not the only one in the area—this is Wales after all—so for a scenic route along Llanberis’ Lake Padarn, jump aboard the Lake Railway. It’s not only a nice way to see some views and keep any kids with a train obsession happy, but it also showcases some of the Llanberis’ other attractions. It passes the 13th-century ruins of Dolbadarn Castle and makes a stop close to the National Slate Museum at the disused Dinorwig Quarry, which closed in 1969. Since 1984, the electricity industry has also hidden itself away underground here. An Electric Mountain visitor centre explains how hydroelectric power is generated. Meanwhile, the closest place to visit both an intact castle and the coast is just eight miles north of Llanberis at Caernarfon.