National Slate Museum Llanberis North Wales

What makes us a great choice for education?

The museum is housed in the original 19th century quarry workshops, where it feels as if the workers have just put down their tools and left for the day. 

We have demonstrating craftsmen – you can experience regular slate-splitting shows and see a blacksmith at work in the original forge.   

We have the largest working water wheel in Britain, as well as the only working slate-carrying incline in the UK. 

Accreditation and Awards

We have the LotC Quality Badge. All Learning staff are qualifed teachers.

What is typically included on our school trips?

Groups tend to see the introductory 12 minute film ‘To Steal a Mountain’, then a slate-splitting demonstration, which is suitable for all key stages. They can then spend time exploring the museum independently or book a facilitated session, which can include:

• A guided walk to the nearby Vivian quarry
• Science challenges - problem-solving and team-building activities focused on sustainable energy.   
• Travel through time with a tour of Fron Haul quarrymen’s houses
• Session with actress and storyteller focusing on the Great Strike of 1901 

Group Sizes Catered For

Up to 35 for facilitated sessions, but we can tailor a full day for up to 120, using a carousel approach.

Materials, Resources & Information Provided

There are downloadable resources available on our website e.g. art activities and a booklet on the quarrymen’s houses suitable for KS2, developed by the Learning team.

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

No restrictions for personal school use, but best to check beforehand if filming archive material.

Risk Assessment Details

We provide health and safety information available online for teachers to produce their own risk assessments.

Education Officer Information

Elen Wyn Roberts (Learning Manager)

Elen.Roberts@museumwales.ac.uk

02920573706

Delyth Jones (Administration Officer - bookings)

Delyth.Jones@museumwales.ac.uk

02920573702

Pricing Information

Entry to the museum is free, including demonstrations and self-guided visits. Facilitated sessions for up to 35 pupils e.g. Science workshops cost £60 for one hour and £100 for half day sessions. 

Clothing Requirements

Suitable footwear as many of the paths are uneven. Much of the museum is open-air therefore dress appropriately for the weather.

First Aid Information

There is a designated first-aider onsite, with over a third of the staff trained as first-aiders.

Available Facilities

Facilities available:

Shop (with pocket money gifts available)

Café 

Toilets

Lunch room 

Picnic tables

Free parking for buses

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

Site is mostly accessible to wheelchairs, excepting the pattern loft and the quarrymen’s houses’ bedrooms. There is a lift to the water wheel.

Wheelchair available to borrow.

Hearing loop in shop and film.

Fully accessible toilet.

Opening Hours & Information

Easter to October half-term: 7 days a week, 10am – 5pm

November to Easter: 6 days a week (closed Saturday), 10am – 4pm

Testimonials

‘Thank you for a fantastic day. The pupils gained so much from the experiences. I am sure this will become an annual visit.’

Michelle Hughes, Ysgol San Sior

‘The museum is especially good to show children the science which is around us every day in a real-life setting and puts science activities in context. Seeing the huge water wheel and the incline at work inspired the children to think creatively.’ 

Lynne Hughes-Jones, Ysgol Gwaun Gynfi

‘Absolutely brilliant museum and gives us a glimpse of how industry like this shaped the lives of the people that lived here. Highly recommend.’

Tripadvisor, July 2019

Other Information

The National Slate Museum is located in the heart of Snowdonia, amidst many other attractions and educational venues – it would be possible to combine a visit to the Museum with a visit elsewhere and make a day of it. See https://llanberis.org/ for more information. 

Tripadvisor: 4.5 stars