Luxury Glamping in Snowdonia at The Slate Caverns

When my adventure loving friend came to visit me in the UK we decided to take a short trip to Wales for the ultimate girls adventure weekend. We had both heard that the world’s fastest zip line was in Wales so of course this just had to be the location of our adventure weekend. Luckily for us there was luxury glamping in Snowdonia too good to pass up!

 

Getting to The Slate Caverns

We took a bus from London to Cardiff where we rented a car to go the rest of the way. The drive was just over 3 hours and it was a great way to see more of Wales. The views we were treated to were simply spectacular.

The Slate Caverns have free parking on site so we simply had to park up and head inside to check in. From there the staff will drive you up the hill to the glamping site as only their cars are allowed up there.

Tip: Buy any food you want before checking in so you don’t have to walk it up the hill. Just a quick 10 minute drive away in Blaenau Ffestiniog you’ll find a Co-op where you can get food or drinks.

You can also get to The Slate Caverns by train. Blaenau Ffestiniog station is just a 10 minute taxi ride away.

 

The Lodges

There are six luxury lodges at The Slate Caverns that sleep four or five people. I’ve gone glamping a few times and this was definitely the most glamorous glamping tent I’ve ever stayed in. In fact, their glampsite was awarded the prestigious Gold Star award from Visit Wales and it’s not hard to see why!

Situated on a steep hillside overlooking the moorland, valleys and historic quarries, you’ll feel isolated from the world while being treated to incredible views. I loved watching the sky change colour during the sunset.

As we saw our lodge we were both instantly impressed. The lodges are made with insulated wooden walls and solid wooden floors so they are sturdy enough to handle even the Welsh winters. Best part though is that they have a fabric roof so you can still hear the sounds of the wind and rain which make you feel like you’re sleeping outside.

 

Inside The Lodges

Inside we had everything we needed for a luxury glamping trip. We had a very comfortable king size bed as well as 2 comfortable bunk beds. What I liked about them was they had been decorated to look homely instead of just being basic.

What I was also impressed by was the cosy wood burner inside our lodge. Normally you don’t get something to keep you warm when you go glamping but The Slate Caverns proving once again they are the best luxury glamping option in Snowdonia. Inside you get a bucket of wood and kindling and more can be purchased from the gift shop on site.

Although keep in mind if you’re coming in the winter months like we did, you’ll probably want to bring bed socks, warm pjs and a hot water bottle for extra heat. North Wales can get a little cold in the winter!

If you’re coming glamping in Snowdonia you’re probably looking for an adventure packed trip just like we were. For a lot of people this means you’ll want to bring a lot of equipment too. GoPros for capturing zip lines, cameras for hiking shots, phones for Instagram and a laptop to back it all up. While glamping at the Slate Caverns you’ll have plenty of plug sockets to charge up all your items.

 

The Bathroom Situation

While I’ve come to love glamping, the bathroom situation has never been my favourite part of the experience. However, that changed while staying at The Slate Cavern. Every time I go glamping the shower experience hasn’t been great. It hasn’t always been bad, just never good. When I was glamping in India I had to have cold showers!

But glamping in Snowdonia was a completely different experience. Not only was the shower in our lodge, it was an electric shower good enough to be in any home. It was exactly what you want when on an adventure trip. Plus there was also a flushable toilet, towel rack, extra towels and local toiletries from Cole & Co Welsh.

 

Where to Eat

The lodges are well equipped for cooking and each come with their own bbq if you want to get into the camping spirit. Although for us lighting a bbq in the middle of October turned out to be much more difficult than we expected. Determined to be strong, independent women we kept trying but sadly failed each time. I guess I didn’t spend long enough in the scouts!

Thankfully there are other options. Inside each lodge is equipped with a microwave. A great backup if like us you can’t get the grill lit. There is also a fridge to store food so you don’t have to go shopping each day. Plus the kitchenette area has been stocked with plates, glasses and cooking utensils so you’ll have everything you need to cook for yourself.

Don’t feel like cooking? Not a problem! On site you’ll find the Llechwedd Cafe and Emporium Cafe serving breakfast and lunch made from locally sourced ingredients. For breakfast treat yourself to a cooked Welsh breakfast and for lunch a home cooked pizza. Plus they have plenty of homemade cakes to tempt you.

After a day of adventure you’ll be happy to know there is the Quarryman’s Tavern on site. A great place to go to for dinner or a cheeky pint. Serving local beers, ciders and spirits it would be rude not to visit. That’s my excuse anyway!

 

Things To Do On Site

One of the best reasons for staying at the Slate Cavern Glamping site is that you’re just a stone throw away from some of the best adventure activities in Wales. 

 

Zip World Bounce Below

For me, the best thing to do at The Slate Caverns is Zip World’s Bounce Below. This enormous underground net adventure is the perfect place to let out your inner child. Bounce Below has 6 nets spread across different levels. Some are a little more hidden away which gives you the perfect excuse to explore the area.

 

Deep Mine Tour

Also on site at The Slate Caverns is the LLechwedd Deep Mine Tour. You’ll head 500 feet underground in Britain’s steepest cable railway and the clock will turn back 160 years. With props, light projections and special effects, you really get a taste of what life in the mines would have been like.

 

Zip World Titan

Also part of the Zip World family is Titan, Europe’s largest zip zone. Sitting down you’ll fly across 3 exhilarating zip lines while soaking up fantastic views of the quarry. Although it’s worth noting that during the winter months only 2 of the zip lines will be open.

Read Also: 30 Amazing Zip Lines Around the World

 

Zip World Caverns

If you’re looking for a challenge you might want to take on the Zip World Caverns. Here you’ll fly, climb and traverse your way around a unique underground course in the slate mine. With zip lines, rope bridges and monkey bars are you brave enough to take on the Caverns? Don’t worry if you’re not feeling strong enough for the monkey bars there is an alternative route!

 

 

Are The Slate Caverns Dog Friendly?

If you like to travel with your furry friends you’re in luck as The Slate Caverns are dog friendly. Two of the six glamping lodges are dog friendly and on site at The Slate Caverns there is a doggy day care service.

 

Key Information:

• Address: The Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, LL41 3NB
• Prices start from £120 per lodge
• The Slate Caverns is dog friendly
• On site parking is free
• Welsh speaking staff available
• Welsh Slate Cavern Aged Cheddar is available in the gift shop
• The Snowdonia Pass can save you up to 20% off local attractions/food

 

 

Please note that while I was a guest of Snowdonia Attractions and Zip World, the reviews and experiences written about in this post are 100% genuine. I value you guys too much to lie to you. This blog would be nothing without you and your continued support!

 

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