Harlech and Snowdonia

Grab a torch and helmet and descend Jacob's Ladder on a self-guided tour of the Llanfair Slate Caverns in Harlech. The slate in this mine, which is found in veins between layers of ancient Pre-Cambrian rocks, is among the oldest in the world. As you emerge from the caverns, you'll get a breathtaking view of Cardigan Bay, from the Preseli mountains in the south to the Llŷn peninsula. Given Wales' rich mining history, this activity is a great way of learning more about the country's fascinating past. For more information, you can visit the website here.
Opening times: Monday to Sunday 10am - 5pm

Next stop - Snowdonia! After driving for approximately one hour, you'll reach Llanberis. You can leave your car at the pay and display car park here before continuing the rest of your journey on foot. You'll be enjoying a picnic lunch in the great outdoors this afternoon, so we'd recommend making a quick pit stop at one of the nearby shops en route. For example, there's a Tesco Superstore (South Rd, Caernarfon LL55 2YG), a Co-op Food (Station Rd, Llanrug, Caernarfon LL55 4AG) or a One Stop mini market (High St, Llanberis, Caernarfon LL55 4SU).

Time for a picnic lunch beside the ancient stone walls of Dolbadarn Castle, overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn on the edge of the Snowdonia border. This striking, rugged castle is said to date back to the 13th century, yet still remains in solid condition today. For more information about Dolbadarn Castle, visit the official website here.

Embark on a once in lifetime adventure on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. You'll travel on a steam train through the stunning natural landscapes and mountain ranges of Snowdonia National Park, journeying to Clogwyn (which is ¾ distance to the summit of Snowdon, where the open mountainside offers spectacular views to the valleys below and the Snowdonia mountain range). The journey time to Clogwyn is approximately 45 minutes and passengers have a 30 minute stop-over at this unsheltered station to take in the views and fresh mountain air. The round trip to Clogwyn and back is approximately 2 hours in total, which includes the 30 minute stop-over. Booking in advance is recommended, so head to the website to secure your seat on the train.
Service times: Diesel departures leave Llanberis Station daily (weather conditions permitting) from the 14th April until the end of October every 30 minutes from 9am, subject to passenger demand.
Steam departures run from the 3rd June until the 11th September three times a day from 10:30am (also weather conditions permitting).

Round off this afternoon's activities with a short walk to Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, otherwise known as Llanberis Falls. Ceunant Mawr, which translates to 'the waterfall of the great ravine', plunges over a hundred feet into a spectacular gorge below. It's arguably one of the most impressive waterfalls in Wales, so certainly not one to miss!

As the day draws to a close, it's time to head back to the car park and begin the journey to your hotel.

Tonight you'll both dine and stay at George III Hotel in Penmaenpool, which is set on the banks of the Mawddach Estuary on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. The main hotel was built back in 1650 and was once a ships chandlers serving the flourishing boat building industry. In the early 1890s, it was then converted to a hotel and refurbished to an incredibly high standard. Here, you can choose from six luxurious en-suite bedrooms or one of the luxurious lodges.