Rain, Rain, go away

It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring……. So, the rain is back, with a vengeance! News of overnight flooding after torrential rain throughout Wales isn’t exactly the weather news we’d all been hoping for. After the heat-wave of last month, here at the Oakeley Arms Snowdonia Hotel we started to wonder if it would ever rain again; indeed we’d forgotten that rain even existed.

Alas, it’s back – in true British Summer style, and I suppose it is good for the veg patch and the ducks, but not so good for our sunshine monitor. However, a little bit of rain definitely won’t get our hardy Welsh spirits down, and if you’re on holiday in Snowdonia or looking for something to entertain the kids, then here’s our pick of rainy days out in Gwynedd. Raindrops need not fall on your head………

• Sygun Copper Mine, Beddgelert….When you’re ambling about underground you won’t care if it’s rain or shine up top. This award-winning attraction near Beddgelert gives you the chance to take a peek at a Victorian copper mine.
• Penrhyn Castle, Bangor…. Ok, so there are plenty of acres of grounds and gardens to explore should the sun burst through the cloud over the Menai Straits, but there’s also tonnes to see and do in the safety of this 19th century fantasy castle.
• Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog…. Another underground adventure that takes you back in time to the tough life of a nineteenth century slate miner. There’s the deep mine, the tramway and the workshop to explore here.

By Matěj Baťha on Wiki Commons

• King Arthur’s Labyrinth, Corris….Go deeper underground and discover the myths and legends of one of the most famous chaps of British folk-lore. Literally journey into the past, and let the mysterious hooded boatman be your dark guide.
• Ffestiniog Railway, Porthmadog….Ok, so you might not be able to see so much of the spectacular Snowdonia scenery (you can see plenty of that from the Oakeley beer garden when the sun comes out!) but little and large kids will love the adventure of travelling on a historic steam train.

• Trefriw Mill, Conwy….The turbines at this historic mill are hydro-electric, so when the rain’s lashing outside there’ll be plenty of activity inside. You can tour the working mill, the museum and even give hand-weaving a go yourself!
• Nant Gwrtheyrn, Pwllheli….There’s plenty to do at this Welsh language heritage centre; from seeing how nineteenth century quarrymen lived to an exhibition in the heritage centre.

Image by Michaelaw on sxc.hu