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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 07 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: David Atkinson

Based in the former Llechwedd Quarry, one of the key slate-mining sites of Wales’ industrial revolution, this Zip World site really makes the most of its lunar-style landscape with activities for families and adrenaline junkies alike.

It’s home to five experiences, including two popular all-weather underground adventures: Bounce Below is a series of giant underground trampolines; and ‘Caverns’, a brilliant 3-hour underground via Ferrata course with swings, rope bridges, tightropes and more.

The big draw, though, is Titan 2, the first four-person zipline in Europe; now part of tour and double-zip experience descending from the heights of the area’s manmade mountains. Takes 90 minutes. Ages 7+.

For the less adrenaline, more culturally-inclined, the fascinating ‘Deep Mine Tour’ delves back in history to recreate the conditions for 19th century miners working on the Llechwedd mine’s 16 underground levels.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £25
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 7+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The three Zip World sites are all located within roughly a 20-mile radius (with a new, fourth site located in South Wales).

Zip World Slate Caverns is located near Blaenau Ffestiniog and just off the A470 through the Conwy Valley. It’s primarily a driving destination for independent visitors.

It’s advisable to book in advance and the booking fee is cheaper for tickets booked online (as opposed to by phone).

Remember to wear suitable clothing for an outdoors setting.

When to do it

This is a year-round, all-weather experience. Expect busy periods and queues during school holidays, and always check the Ride Status page before setting out.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Plas Weunydd

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

A boutique property with a real sense of history, it offers a stylish, central base to explore both the industrial heritage and the ever-expanding adrenaline activities of the region. It sits amid Wales’ latest UNESCO site.

Official star rating:

Olif Guesthouse

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[13.3 miles]

Homely, cosy and fuelled by local produce, Olif is a rare find in an area besieged by coach trippers come high summer. Adults only.

Official star rating:

Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[21.7 miles]

Stylish stays and sea salt treatments are de rigueur at this contemporary hotel, located within the grounds of Adventure Parc Snowdonia. Families and surf dues will feel equally at home with activities aplenty on the doorstep.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Snowdonia National Park

Wales, United Kingdom (UK)

Snowdonia’s national park is the rural heartland of North Wales — think mountains, glacial valleys, and sparkling waterfalls. But there’s also plenty here for families, history buffs and Sunday strollers.

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Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Ffestiniog Railway

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[6.3 miles]

The world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway offers the chance to travel deep into Wales’ most spectacular mountainscapes.

Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 1-3 hours

Welsh Highland Railway

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[15.9 miles]

Rail buffs, wannabe train drivers and anyone who appreciates spectacular scenery will love this gloriously scenic route through the landscape of the Snowdonia National Park.

Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 2+ hours

National Slate Museum

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[17.5 miles]

This industrial-heritage museum celebrates the international significance of Welsh slate in ‘roofing the 19th century world’. There are plenty of hands-on exhibitions for families and history buffs alike, plus regular talks and workshops.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Walk to Swallow Falls

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[12.5 miles]

A 2-mile walk through the forest to this cascading falls is the most popular day-walk trail in the region, moderately strenuous but accessible by all.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 1.5-2.5 hours

Portmeirion
Experience

Portmeirion

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[14.6 miles]

The fairy-tale village, located outside Porthmadog, was the labour-of-love lifework of the architect Clough Williams-Ellis. His visionary collection of Italianate-style buildings makes for an eccentric family day out. Join free daily walking tours.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >

Zip World Fforest

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[14.7 miles]

This woodland adventure park, located outside Betws-y-Coed, is a great family day out with six action-packed options suitable for all ages. It’s a good starting point for families not yet ready for ultimate adrenaline thrills.

Best for ages: 3+ | £25

Harlech Castle
Experience

Harlech Castle

Snowdonia National Park, Wales, United Kingdom (UK)[19.7 miles]

Picture-postcard Harlech is most fairytale of the four castles, its imposing towers set atop a 200ft rocky outcrop overlooking the Cambrian coastline. An exhibition in the visitor centre explores the story of the castle’s military history.

Best for ages: 4+ | £8

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Overview >