Wales Family Travel: Why Bounce Below Blaenau Ffestiniog Is Worth the Hype

I gingerly stepped out onto the springy net. It felt like I was walking on air. Below me, the dim cavern seemed to stretch to the very center of the earth, and I clutched the netting with sticky, sweaty hands. My knees shook, and all I could hear was the shallow rhythm of my own breathing.

Stepping Into the World’s First Subterranean Playground

Meanwhile, Mia and Caius were bouncing across the netting like happy kangaroos, completely unaware of the depth that yawned below. My fear was blindsiding me, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the seemingly bottomless cavern beneath us. Squinting into the darkness, I could just make out the rocky floor. Ok, it wasn’t bottomless, only 180 feet down. Gulp.

Why Bounce Below in Blaenau Ffestiniog Is a Must-Visit Family Attraction

From the moment we first read about Zip World’s Llechwedd caverns, Bounce Below, we knew we had to visit. It was too unique an adventure to miss. Bounce Below is the world’s first subterranean playground and is located in North Wales within the historic Llechwedd Slate Caverns near Blaenau Ffestiniog.

These abandoned slate caverns are 176 years old and twice the size of St Paul’s Cathedral. When Bounce Below first opened in July 2014, it marked a revolutionary new way to explore the underground chamber, and it has been a top North Wales family attraction ever since.

Exploring the Underground Trampoline Park Wales Families Love

Inside, massive bouncy nets are suspended across two vast chambers at three different levels, the highest being 180 feet above the cavern floor. Walkways and slides cleverly link the nets, including a 60-foot slide with a vertical drop. The entire cave is illuminated with technicoloured lights, transforming the Victorian slate mine into a fun and slightly spooky underground playground.

Planning Your Family Visit to Bounce Below

Entry is from £25 per person in 2025, whether adult or child. The minimum age is 7, although Bounce Below offers special sessions for younger kids if you call ahead, usually at the start or end of the day. Since the cavern wasn’t too busy when we arrived, Mia and Caius were allowed to join in despite being on a slightly younger side. Bookings are essential to secure a spot.

We arrived 30 minutes before our booking at Zip World Llechwedd to complete insurance waivers and gear up. The temperature inside the cavern is a steady 8°C all year, so warm clothes are essential. We wore jeans and t-shirts, but there are also swanky red jumpsuits available if your clothing isn’t suitable.

Safety and Gear for North Wales Underground Adventures

We were given sturdy helmets and netted booties to cover our shoes. You are jumping on rope nets, so it’s important to cover your body fully to avoid friction burns. Sneakers are best; open-toed shoes are not allowed.

 

The Exciting Underground Journey to Bounce Below

Once geared up, we took a short ride on the old underground mining train from the entrance to the cavern. The journey lasted about five minutes and transported us 100 feet below the surface. As we disembarked, we passed another massive cavern where a zipline is currently installed, adding another adventurous attraction for the future. Then, we were free to explore.

Bouncing, Sliding, and Exploring With Kids in Wales

The experience lasted around an hour. We bounced, climbed, slid, and explored the three levels of nets. That first step was terrifying, with the cavernous void below looming ominously, but Mia and Caius threw themselves straight into the fun. Mia’s favourite was the top-level slide that connected to the middle level, which then led down to the bottom. Climbing back up was a workout, but she loved every second of it.

Where to Stay in Blaenau Ffestiniog

If you’re planning a family trip to Bounce Below, Blaenau Ffestiniog is well set up for visitors. There are cozy family-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering cottages in town. We stayed in a charming Airbnb within walking distance of restaurants and local shops, which made evenings easy with tired kids.

Getting Around in Blaenau Ffestiniog

Getting around the area is straightforward by car, which is ideal for exploring Snowdonia and North Wales. Public transport options are limited, so a car rental or self-drive trip is highly recommended.

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More things to do in Blaenau Ffestiniog with kids

While you’re in the area, there are plenty of family activities nearby. The Ffestiniog Railway is a must for little train enthusiasts, offering scenic rides through the mountains. Zip World Llechwedd also has other adventures like the Titan zipline and underground trampolines, which older kids will adore.

For a calmer day, you can explore Bala Lake, Llyn Tegid, Snowdonia National Park, and nearby woodland trails that are perfect for a picnic and letting the kids run free. And, of course, Liverpool is just a hop, skip, and a jump. Which is why it was our next destination on our Welsh road trip.

Check out more things to do in Wales with kids here.

Why Bounce Below Is the Ultimate Family Day Out in North Wales

Time passed quickly, and before long, the staff called us out of our subterranean net adventure for the return train journey. By the end, we were exhilarated. Mia and Caius had an absolute ball, and I had faced a fear I didn’t even know I had. They slept like logs that night, full of excitement and adventure.

Bounce Below and Zip World Llechwedd are standouts for family travel in Wales. While it isn’t the cheapest family day out, at £25 per person in 2025, it is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines history, adventure, and pure fun. Where else can you defy gravity in a location that is both dizzyingly high and astonishingly deep at the same time? From the moment you step onto the springy nets to the ride back to the surface, Bounce Below is an unforgettable underground adventure.

I can’t wait till the kids are bigger to hit up the zip world caverns.

Tips for Visiting Bounce Below With Kids in Blaenau Ffestiniog

If you’re planning a North Wales family holiday, add Bounce Below in Blaenau Ffestiniog to your list. This subterranean zip course is a rare adventure that kids and adults alike will remember for years. Wear warm clothes, book ahead, and prepare for an experience that blends history, thrill, and fun. Your family will thank you for it.

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