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:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 3,897 reviews
Type
Museum
Website
museum.wales/slateHighlights
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. 💁
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. 💁
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
"The place is very interesting. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming, blacksmith, slate trimmer, guides, shop team all great. It's closing in a couple of weeks for a refurbishment. I'm sure it'll be even better when it reopens. Shop on site sells the usual attraction goodies, cafe sells cafe stuff.
Little kids play area, some quarry cottages all dressed up inside. Lots of original artifacts, machines & history. Great place, get along and enjoy it."
Mark Tighe
"A great place for everyone, especially the youngest, to see and understand the work people had to do and what the effects were. One of the largest slate quarry in the world, which was used by a large part of Europe. Thanks to the people working here, others had a roof over their heads. A lot of rooms showing various stages of production, devices and tools of those times. It is also worth seeing the lines of buildings from 1861 - 1901 - 1969 to compare living standards over a period of over 100 years. A great place for a trip of at least an hour."
Lucca T.
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
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit