Days out with Kids in Gwynedd

Discover the famous welsh tradition of slate mining dating from 1846 at this great tourist attraction. There are two main attractions:-

The Miners’ Tramway Tour
Ride into a network of spectacular man-made chambers. This is a guided tour and at various points you will alight to learn of the skills needed to extract slate – and to experience for yourself the sights and sounds of late nineteenth century mining conditions.

The Deep Mine Tour
Descend into the Deep Mine and be guided on foot via ten ‘sound and light’ sequences. Experience the unforgettable beauty of the underground lake - as the story of the slate miner’s life unfolds.

On the surface, many other attractions complete an enjoyable day out.

UKClimbing.com offers a comprehensive list of local climbing centres throughout the UK.

Web: www.ukclimbing.com/databases/listings/clubs.html

Inigo Jones was established in 1861. Today the company prefabricates architectural monumental and craft items from natural welsh slate. Owing to popular demand the slate works are open to the public for a self-guided tour that includes an introductory video, taped commentary on a walkman as well as an historical letter cutting and calligraphy exhibition.

Web: www.inigojones.co.uk

A comprehensive, easy to use web site where you will find information on museums and galleries throughout Wales.

Web: www.nmgw.ac.uk

Padarn Country Park set amongst the dramatic scenery of Snowdonia is an ideal place to sample what the countryside can offer. A great day out with numerous attractions from fishing to the quarry hospital museum and much more.

The Sygun Copper Mine is an award winning family attraction situated in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. There are winding tunnels and large, colourful chambers, magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations and copper ore veins that contain traces of gold, silver and other precious metals. Our self-guided audiovisual tours allow you to explore the old workings on foot, in complete safety.

Electric Mountain is First Hydro\'s Visitors Centre in Llanberis, close to the shores of Llyn Padarn and set against a magnificent backdrop of towering mountains and breathtaking scenery. Here, visitors of all ages can discover the amazing powers of hydro-electricity in an exciting, interactive and educational environment.

Web: www.fhc.co.uk/electric_mountain.htm

Penrhyn Castle is an extravagant example of early 19th century neo-Norman architecture. Among its fascinating features are a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria and a spectacular Grand Staircase. The castle boasts one of the best art collections in Wales, paintings include Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Canaletto.

rhyn’s 45 acres of grounds include parkland, wooded walks and a Victorian walled garden with many exotic trees and shrubs. The gardens offer stunning views of Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. The stable block, houses two railway museums, doll museum, two exhibition galleries and shop.

The village of Portmeirion stands on a rugged clifftop on its own private peninsula overlooking Cardigan Bay on the coast of Snowdonia. It is surrounded by acres of sub-tropical woodlands and miles of sandy beaches.

Portmeirion was built from 1925 to 1976 by visionary Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who wanted to prove that development need not mean defilement. All the cottages in the village are let as rooms and suites as part of the Hotel Portmeirion or as self-catering cottages sleeping up to 8 people. The village has several cafes and eight different shops.

Many know Portmeirion as the location for Patrick McGoohan's classic "The Prisoner" television series. It is also known for the Portmeirion Pottery, designed by Clough's daughter Susan Williams-Ellis. A new contemporary styled brasserie opened at Castell Deudraeth in 2001.

Portmeirion is signposted from the A487 at Minffordd midway between Penrhyndeudraeth and Porthmadog.

Web: www.portmeirion-village.com

The National Cycle Network is 5000 miles of safe, signed, attractive cycle routes, open and mapped in June 2000. It is made up of traffic-free sections and traffic-calmed road and minor roads, running right through urban centres and reaching all parts of the UK.

Sustrans is the charity co-ordinating the project and will continue to work with local authorities to expand the Network to a target of 10,000 miles by 2005.

For more information on the National Cycle Network and Sustrans and a copy of their free catalogue of maps, information sheets and technical publications please call the number above or visit their website.

E-Mail: info@nationalcyclenetwork.org.uk

Talyllyn Railway is an historic narrow-gauge steam railway, set in the beautiful Mid-Wales countryside. Running from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, the line passes the delightful Dolgoch Falls and there are excellent forest walks at Nant Gwernol. A great day out for the whole family.