Dominated by the grandeur of the Snowdon Massif, Llanberis is flanked by two lakes, Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris and is one of the most popular mountain tourist centres in the Snowdonia National Park. In fact, Llanberis is something of a mecca for walkers and climbers, being the starting point for the ascent of Snowdon – the highest mountain in England and Wales. The ascent can be made either by train via the Snowdon Mountain Railway, or on foot along one of the many routes to the summit. Each year, major racing events attract thousands to the area: The fast Snowdon Race to the summit, held in July every year, a triathlon known as the world’s toughest, and The Snowdonia Marathon, held in October – a gruelling 26-mile course that starts and finishes in Llanberis, circumnavigating the Snowdon Massif. The area is also popular for mountain biking, open water swimming and stand up paddle boarding. Within Llanberis itself there are excellent places to eat and drink and a great choice of shopping. Just 7 miles from Llanberis on the coast is Caernarfon with its magnificent castle and town walls and close by are National Trust properties at Penrhyn, Plas Newydd and Bodnant Gardens.
