National Slate Museum
A living museum in a historic Victorian slate quarry, showcasing the industry's past and its impact on the community.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for exploring
National Slate Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A living museum in a historic Victorian slate quarry, showcasing the industry's past and its impact on the community.
"Thoroughly surprised to find this museum was a little gem, definitely worth a visit!"
Free Entry!
The National Slate Museum is FREE to enter, making it a budget-friendly gem. :moneywithwings:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Exploring the quarry involves uneven terrain. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinorwig Slate Quarry
Llanberis
Vast Victorian quarry with dramatic landscapes, ruins, and stunning views. A hiker's and photographer's paradise.
Anglesey Barracks Ruins
Dinorwig Slate Quarry
Explore the atmospheric remains of former quarry worker housing, offering a glimpse into past lives.
Llanberis Lake Railway
Llanberis
Scenic narrow-gauge railway built on former slate quarry lines, offering picturesque views of Lake Padarn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Transformation
Explore the Quarry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry!
The National Slate Museum is FREE to enter, making it a budget-friendly gem. :moneywithwings:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Exploring the quarry involves uneven terrain. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Check for Closures
The museum is undergoing a two-year transformation. Always check their official website before visiting. :information_desk:
Photography Paradise
The dramatic landscapes of Dinorwig Quarry are incredible for photos. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry!
The National Slate Museum is FREE to enter, making it a budget-friendly gem. :moneywithwings:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Exploring the quarry involves uneven terrain. Comfortable, supportive footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:
Check for Closures
The museum is undergoing a two-year transformation. Always check their official website before visiting. :information_desk:
Photography Paradise
The dramatic landscapes of Dinorwig Quarry are incredible for photos. Bring your camera! :camerawithflash:
Combine with Hiking
Many visitors combine a visit to the quarry with hiking in the surrounding Snowdonia National Park. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often describe the National Slate Museum as a surprising 'gem,' offering a thoroughly enjoyable and well-presented experience. Highlights include fascinating artifacts, historical insights into slate mining, and engaging demonstrations. Even on a rainy day, it's considered a worthwhile visit for couples and families alike, providing a great couple of hours of learning and exploration.
"We went to the National Slate Museum having no idea what to expect thinking that it might be a boring little trip on a rainy day. However, we were thoroughly surprised to find this museum was a little gem.
There was much to admire, firstly with the ease of accessibility to the facilities and each area of the museum was well presented and enjoyable to view.
There were many interesting artifacts to observe and the history of the slate mining in the area was well documented. Our favourite parts were seeing the mining houses over time (it felt like stepping back in time) and the demonstration of the slate being cut, which was both illuminating and humerous.
Definitely worth a visit, especially on a rainy day!"
Flugette
"Me and my partner loved it, very interesting, and great couple of hours to spend."
Deborah Bryant
"Amazing day out for hiking and exploring but also learning by popping into the old hospital."
Victoria Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Slate Museum is located in Llanberis, Gwynedd, North Wales. It's situated within the Dinorwig Slate Quarry. If you're driving, there's usually parking available nearby. Public transport options might involve buses to Llanberis, from where you can access the quarry and museum area.
While the museum itself is undergoing transformation, parking is generally available in the Llanberis area, especially for accessing the Dinorwig Slate Quarry. It's advisable to check local parking information closer to your visit.
Yes, the Dinorwig Slate Quarry is a vast area that can be explored independently for hiking and photography, even when the museum is closed for refurbishment. 
Many visitors explore the quarry on foot, enjoying hikes and photography. Some use drones for aerial shots, but always check local regulations. +1
Llanberis is accessible by bus, and from there, you can reach the quarry and museum site. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The National Slate Museum is free to enter, making it an excellent value for visitors.
The museum is currently closed for a two-year transformation. It's essential to check their official website for reopening dates and any temporary access to parts of the site.
As the museum is free to enter, advance booking is typically not required. However, for any special events or during peak times once reopened, it's wise to check their website.
Exploring the Dinorwig Slate Quarry itself is generally free, as it's a vast natural and historical landscape. +1
If the museum is closed, you can still explore the incredible Dinorwig Slate Quarry, which offers stunning views and historical remnants.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The museum showcases original artifacts, machines, and the history of slate mining. It features dressed-up quarry cottages and demonstrations of slate cutting.
Yes, the museum has a children's play area and exhibits that can be engaging for younger visitors, explaining the history of work and its effects.
Key highlights include the dramatic quarry landscapes, the Anglesey Barracks ruins, and the opportunity for extensive hiking and photography.
Absolutely! The quarry offers numerous trails and paths for hiking, with breathtaking views. Be prepared for varied terrain. +2
While the museum is closed for refurbishment, the quarry itself can be explored independently. Check for any local guided walking tours that might be available in the Llanberis area.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire quarry offers stunning photographic opportunities, from the vast open spaces to the intricate ruins of the Anglesey Barracks and the workshop areas. +2
Drone usage is popular for capturing aerial views, but always ensure you are aware of and comply with any local drone regulations and guidelines.
Expect dramatic industrial landscapes, historical ruins, expansive mountain views, and unique textures of slate.
Yes, rainy days can add a dramatic atmosphere to the quarry, with mist and moody lighting enhancing the industrial heritage.
Many visitors find elevated points within the quarry offer panoramic views. Exploring different levels and angles will yield the best results. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once the museum reopens, it's expected to offer engaging exhibits and a children's play area, making it a great educational outing. Combining a visit to the quarry with a ride on the nearby Llanberis Lake Railway can also be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
🚶 Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
Many visitors use the quarry as a starting point or a scenic route for longer hikes in the Snowdonia National Park. The unique terrain and historical context add an extra layer of interest to any outdoor adventure. Remember to wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for varied weather conditions.
📸 Photographers
Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for stunning light, or embrace the moody atmosphere of a cloudy or rainy day. Drone photography can provide unique aerial perspectives, but always adhere to local regulations. The sheer visual impact of this former industrial giant is guaranteed to inspire.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Dinorwig Slate Quarry
+1Today, the quarry is a dramatic and evocative landscape, popular for hiking, climbing, and photography. The Welsh National Slate Museum, located within the quarry, aimed to preserve and interpret this rich industrial heritage. Although currently closed for a two-year transformation, its legacy is evident in the preserved buildings and artifacts that tell the story of the slate industry and the community it supported.
+2Visitors can still explore the vast quarry grounds, marveling at the scale of the operations and imagining the lives of the workers. The surrounding area also offers other attractions like the Llanberis Lake Railway, which itself was built on former quarry lines, further connecting you to the region's slate-mining past.
Exploring the Quarry Landscape
Key areas within the quarry include the atmospheric Anglesey Barracks, which were once home to quarry workers, and the old mine workshops, providing a tangible connection to the past. The sheer scale of the quarry is often emphasized by visitors, who describe it as a place of 'decaying beauty' and 'phenomenal views.' It's a place where nature is reclaiming industrial remnants, creating a unique and compelling atmosphere.
+1When exploring, it's crucial to wear appropriate footwear due to the uneven and sometimes steep terrain. Be mindful of your surroundings and stick to marked paths where available. The quarry's dramatic topography makes it a photographer's dream, with opportunities for capturing both grand vistas and intricate details of the industrial heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit