Exploring the History of Welsh Slate at the National Slate Museum
The National Slate Museum offers a fascinating insight into the history and heritage of Wales’ slate industry, one of the most influential chapters in the cultural and industrial story of North Wales. Located in Llanberis, approximately 16 miles from Hendre Rhys Gethin, it makes a compelling destination for visitors to Betws-y-Coed who are interested in heritage, industry and traditional crafts.
The museum is set in the heart of an original slate quarry and workshop site, providing visitors with an authentic setting to explore how slate was quarried, processed and used across the world. The buildings and machinery here retain a strong sense of the past, offering a vivid picture of life in the slate industry and the communities that grew around it.
Inside the museum, exhibits include traditional workshops, tools and working machinery. Demonstrations help bring the story to life, with expert interpreters showing traditional skills such as splitting, dressing and shaping slate. Audio and visual displays supplement the object collections, helping visitors understand the scale and significance of slate production in Wales. This blend of artefacts and interpretation makes the museum accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The outdoor setting is also part of the experience. The museum sits within a broader landscape of quarries and industrial remains, with paths that allow you to explore the wider site and see first-hand how slate was extracted from the hillsides. The backdrop of Snowdonia (Eryri) contributes to the sense of place, with rugged mountain silhouettes contrasting with the industrial heritage below.
In addition to the permanent displays, the National Slate Museum hosts temporary exhibitions, events and workshops throughout the year. These often focus on aspects of traditional Welsh culture, industrial history, and the evolving role of craft in contemporary life.
Nearby Llanberis also offers additional points of interest, including lakeside walks, cafés and the opportunity to explore other heritage attractions. Visitors can combine a visit to the National Slate Museum with a scenic drive around Llyn Padarn or a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a full day of exploration.
Whether you enjoy social history, industrial heritage or simply exploring a unique part of Wales’ past, the National Slate Museum provides a rich and informative experience that complements the natural beauty of Snowdonia (Eryri) and the wider North Wales region.
