It’s no secret that I love the Amgueddfa Lechi Cymru (National Slate Museum) in Llanberis. It’s such an amazing place! Right at the foot of Snowdon and on the shores of Padarn Lake, it cannot be beat on a sunny day!
Our most recent visit was during half term when they had the model railway exhibition on. I parked up at the village side of the lake and took a trip on Rheilffordd Llyn Padarn over to the Slate Museum.
Model Railway Exhibition
During our visit there was all sorts of things to keep little ones (and older ones) entertained. There were a number of exhibitors showing off their model railways. I’ve always been fascinated by model railways. It must’ve been growing up in the shadow of Ffestiniog Railway that did it! There was one exhibit there which was a mini slate quarry. Absolutely loved it!
Outside there was two mini train rides for the kids. One diesel engine and one steam engine. The girls particularly loved the steam engine because it was so fast! I had a nice chat with the staff – everyone is so friendly there.
Not only that but the slate museum’s trains were out in show including Una who is usually parked up in one of the sheds. It was nice to see her enjoying the sunshine.
In one of the old workshops Caernarfon Archery had setup an archery area. My girls were too young to have a go but they were overjoyed by the sweets on offer. Again, lovely friendly people!
Play Area
The girls loved playing at the play area and spent ages climbing on the mini monkey bars and sliding down the slide. They also had a go at the zipwire and loved it! Proper good fun! Some other children joined us and we had a great conversation about who was better – Sonic or Mario? In the end we decided that Pokemon was better than both!*
* I must admit that I don’t actually believe this statement… Sonic wins hands down.
Fron Haul
I was happy sitting in the sun outside the quarrymen cottages aka From Haul. It was almost like being at home since those houses are from my home town. Each stone was painstakingly numbered and catalogued before being taken down stone by stone and rebuilt at the slate museum. There’s a video at the last cottage detailing the process. In the video you also see sole of the Fron Haul residents speaking about their lives in the houses. There’s a photo of my aunt and her family with one of the residents in the video.
Arts and Crafts
What I also love about the Amgueddfa Lechi is that during school holidays they have slate crafts for the kids. During our Halloween visit and our most recent visit they had some arts and crafts at the workshop. For £1 you can decorate your own slate – pens, stickers and the slate are provided. If you’re visiting this summer then be sure to visit and take part in the Summer of Slate!
What I’m basically saying is that the Amgueddfa Lechi Cymru (National Slate Museum) is a top day out! One of my favourite places to visit. But do you know what the best bit is? It’s FREE!!
