Glamping in North Wales – The Slate Caverns

Glamping in North Wales

Last weekend we were lucky enough to try out the new glamping lodges at the Slate Caverns in North Wales. If you are thinking of heading to Lllechwedd Slate Caverns any time soon, you are in for a real treat.

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Llechwedd Slate Caverns

Situated in the heart of Snowdonia National Park on the outskirts of Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llechwedd Slate Caverns is a fantastic attraction that transports you back in time to learn about the region’s slate mining. Mining was a way of life that defined generations of families, and at its peak, the slate industry in Wales employed an army of 17,000 men.

Llechwedd glamping lodges

There are six safari lodges, four of which sleep five and two sleep four. The lodges are positioned high up on the hillside offering spectacular views of the rugged landscape.

The glamping lodges are out of this world, and in all honesty one of the nicest glamping lodges we have come across so far. On arrival it instantly has that ‘wow factor’. The lodges combine the traditional look of a safari tent, with the warmth of a log cabin. Internally, the lodges have a real contemporary and modern design.

Llechwedd glamping lodges are beautifully designed. Walking through our lodge we couldn’t help but admire the wood floors, beautiful  bunkbeds, and soft furnishings. Each lodge is fully equipped with a bathroom with a sink, shower and toilet. Towels are provided. Our lodge had a double bed and a bunk bed – bedding is provided, and the travel cot was available on request.

The kitchen facilities were perfect, with a sink and draining board, fridge and microwave. There is also a BBQ out on the decking. Everything that you need is supplied for your stay, so you don’t need to worry about remembering to bring all of the extras…. mugs, glasses, plates and cutlery  – it is all there and waiting for you on arrival. Washing up liquid, and tea towels are also provided.

The wood burning stove. I have no other words to describe it other than ‘love’. There is something special about coming in from an Autumn day out, kicking off the boots, throwing on the PJs and hearing the crackles from a wood burning stove. It also means that glamping is also possible out of season and just as much fun during the cooler months.

Outside the lodge there is a seating area and a BBQ. It was a lovely Autumn evening and we sat outside  and admired those incredible views of the hills, valley and old quarry as the day came to a close.

Are Llechwedd slate caverns family friendly?

We went glamping with our 7, 4 and 2 year old. The glamping lodges are suitable for families, and travel cots are available on request (*). There is also electric in the lodges and a woodburning stove for added warmth. We were also provided with a fire guard for safety.

The lodges are high up on the hillside, so I would recommend a baby carrier for the younger members of the family. The lodges are within walking distance from the main facilities, cafe, restaurant and tours.

The glamping lodges are situated on an old quarry site on a steep hillside. Our children loved the glamping site, you will need to supervise children at all times and it may be tricky to navigate that hillside with a stroller.  There is a vehicle available to take you to and from the lodges – just ask at the reception.

Llechwedd Slate Caverns facilities

Food and Drink

There is a great choice for food and drink at the Slate caverns. Choose from oven fired pizza at the Emporium, or sample a refreshment at the Quarryman’s Tavern. There is a cafe for hot and cold drinks, cooked breakfast, burgers, pastries, cakes, sandwiches and a host of other options. The cafe also sources local produce which I loved.

The Slate Caverns Gift shop

There is a gift shop on site where you can purchase a number of Welsh products, locals beers and spirits, Llechwedd Cavern Cheddar and slate products, as well as other fine gifts.

Slate engraving centre and craft shop

We could not visit the Slate Caverns without popping into the workshop and purchasing a slate door sign for our home. Beautiful made to order items, ordered and delivered to your home address.

Tours at the Slate Caverns

There are some great activities onsite – choose from the LLechwedd Deep Mine Tour, The Quarry Explorer,  Walk in the Footsteps Tour, and the Zip world. We experienced the Deep Mine Tour and I can honestly say it was a fabulous 1hr 15 minutes. The tour saw us travel 500ft underground and step back 160 years to learn about the work of the miners. I will be honest, I was a little anxious about taking three little ones deep underground – for any of you who knows my toddler, you will know that keeping still is not on his agenda. Rich our tour guide was absolutely fantastic, he put us all at ease, and he kept the kids entertained throughout the tour.  I was surprised by how much they took in and how much they remembered. I still can’t believe that kids as young as eight worked in the mines for up to 12 hour days in semi darkness…I will share more on our tour soon, but I can highly recommend the Llechwedd Deep Mine Tour for all of the family.

Playpark

Just outside the emporium cafe there is an outdoor play area, where we were able to sit outside in the late Autumn sunshine and enjoy a coffee and a hot chocolate whilst the children let off a little of their energy.

Parking

Parking is free at the slate caverns and there are reserved spaces for the glampers. It does mean you leave your car in the car park but there is a vehicle available at reception to take you and your belongings to your lodge – located high up on the hillside overlooking the valleys, mountains and quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Glamping at the Slate Caverns – our thoughts

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A post shared by Katy (@otisandus.blog) on Sep 25, 2018 at 10:48pm PDT

We had the most wonderful weekend glamping at Llechwedd slate caverns. The glamping lodges are beautiful and I can understand why they have been awarded a Gold star by Visit Wales. Each lodge is equipped with everything you need from comfortable beds, soft throws and blankets, and kitchen equipment with the added bonus of electric, water, and and well…. that wonderful wood burner.

What I loved the most is that the lodges offer a wonderful and unique experience just a stones throw from an abundance of impressive and memorable attractions that kept all  of my family entertained. The coffee and hot chocolate is pretty special too, although I missed out on the pizza….. any excuse to return 😉

For more information head over to the Slate Caverns online

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Find out how we got on glamping in North Wales at Surf Snowdonia

Disclosure – We were invited to the Slate Caverns for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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**All photographs copyright – Katy Stern. Otis and Us Travel Blog**