Blaenau Ffestiniog has recently become a centre for new and exciting activities. Situated right in the very heart of the Snowdonia National Park, with forests, lakes, rivers and mountains all around it people have been coming here for easy access to the park but now there is so much more on offer...
Blaenau Ffestiniog itself is a historic mining town, located in the county of Gwynedd in North Wales. It is not a large place – visitors do not come here with hopes of a busy shopping district and a vibrant nightlife. Instead, it is the perfect destination for a quiet week or two away from the noise and the pollution, the sort of place where you can live a relaxed, carefree life… for a short while, at least!
It’s also becoming increasingly popular among outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers. It is a far cry from what it used to be – formerly known as the slate mining capital of the world, the town has had to adapt considerably since the demise of that particular industry. Instead, you will find exhilarating downhill mountain biking courses and lakes that are perfect for wind surfing.
The Antur Stiniog mountain biking courses have made Blaenau Ffestiniog well-known in the cycling world, and for good reason. The trails range from novice (green rank) to severe (black rank), meaning there is something for all skill levels, and there’s even a mountain biking school nearby, perfect for those who are less confident in their abilities.
There are a great many unusual attractions near to Blaenau Ffestiniog, lots of which are good at getting your adrenaline flowing. The Llechwedd Slate Caverns are an important part of the town’s long history, but if you would rather skip the museum and get a little fun and excitement in your life, they are also home to the one and only Bounce Below.
Bounce Below is a unique attraction: an underground trampoline theme park. The cavern is lit in vibrant, multi-coloured tones, with giant trampoline nets rigged up around the place. These are all linked to each other using tunnels and slides, allowing you to bounce as high as 200 feet from the bottom of the cavern. Words really do it no justice – it’s one of those things that must be experienced.
Also in the area is Zip World Titan. This is run by the same people as Bounce Below, so you know you’re in for a treat. Titan is the largest “zip zone” in Europe – three different zip lines criss-cross the mines, reaching speeds of an exhilarating 70 miles an hour. The only 4-person zip lines in Europe are found here, meaning you don’t have to brave it alone!
A rather more sedate attraction is the Ffestiniog Railway. This heritage railway offers a comfortable and luxurious ride to Porthmadog, taking in all the beautiful natural sights – such as the mountains of Snowdonia – along the way.
Blaenau Ffestiniog is a town like no other. Though rich in history, it offers a varied selection of thoroughly modern attractions, too. If you want to experience its charms for yourself, click here; you can find out all about our accommodation across in and around Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Location
Situated in the middle of Snowdonia you can reach Blaenau Ffestiniog by car on the A470 or by train. The railway station is also the starting point of the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways.
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Bounce Below
A huge cavern lit in spectacular bright colours, completely decked out with giant trampoline nets. It’s the first attraction of its kind on the planet, set in a cavern that is more than twice the area of St Paul’s Cathedral, and is an experience like no other. The trampolines are all inter-linked, with tunnels, walkways and slides, with the highest net allowing you to bounce at almost 200 feet above the cavern floor.
Zip World
Three separate zip wire sites, each of which is home to an entirely unique experience, but the one thing they have in common is that they are all designed to get your adrenaline levels up! The three are as follows: Velocity, Titan and Caverns...
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Yr Wyffa - or Snowdon as it is known in English - is the highest mountain in Wales. It is known as the busiest mountain in Britain, because it is so popular with hikers and climbers.
Blaenau Ffestiniog Cottages
Lovely cottages in and around the historic town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Surrounded by the Snowdonia National Park and close to numerous attractions such as Bounce below, Zip World Titan and Caverns, Ffestiniog Railway and Antur Stiniog.
Cottages in Snowdonia
Choose a cottage in the Snowdonia area for qucik access into the Snowdonia National Park. From remote cottages overlooked by soaring mountains to cottages in small villages you can find the right level of "countryside" for you.
Pet Friendly Cottages
All of these cottages accept pets so all the family can come on holiday together. North Wales is a great place for dogs with plenty of open space if needed. There's no extra charge either!