Scenic Railways of North Wales
Scenic Railways of North Wales
Scenic Railways of North Wales
5 Days Starting and ending in Caernarfon, UK
Visiting: Caernarfon, Welsh Highland Railway, Caernarfon Station, Blaenau Station (Ffestiniog Railway), Blaenau Ffestiniog, Snowdonia National Park, Caernarfon Castle, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, National Trust - Conwy Suspension Bridge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BSRW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Physical rating:
Low, Gentle
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
When the extension of the Welsh Highland Railway from Rhyd-Ddu to Porthmadog was completed it became possible to travel by narrow-gauge railway all the way from Caernarfon to Blaenau-Ffestiniog, a journey of some 40 miles, hauled by the most powerful 2-foot gauge steam locomotives in the world. We start under the walls of an ancient castle, run past streams, lakes and woodlands, swing around tight curves and hug the side of the magnificent Aberglaslyn Pass on the way to Porthmadog. There we join up with the historic Ffestiniog Railway and its famously scenic route up to the dramatic slate quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog. There are two more wonderfully scenic train journeys to enjoy in this steam-filled tour, a short but atmospheric run along the Dee Valley from Llangollen and a leisurely puff to the top of Snowdon to the newly rebuilt summit restaurant with its breathtaking views. Rail travel between London and North Wales is included, letting the train take the strain and providing a modern day contrast with these venerable steam engines.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Caernarfon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon
Meals Included: Dinner
Travel independently to our comfortable accommodation at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon. Dating back to the 18th century and frequented by Queen Victoria, the Celtic Royal Hotel is a historic hostelry which today provides comfortable and spacious accommodation in contemporary style. All rooms have private bathrooms and the hotels also boasts a 16-metre swimming pool with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Check-in is available from 3.00pm.
Day 2
Location: Welsh Highland Railway, Caernarfon Station, Blaenau Station (Ffestiniog Railway), Blaenau Ffestiniog, Snowdonia National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast we will transfer the short distance to the station in Caernarfon, the starting point for our journey on the Welsh Highland Railway. The most powerful 2' gauge steam locomotives in the world takes us through the fabulous scenery of the Snowdonia National Park, snaking around seemingly impossible bends, up hard gradients and around the foothills of Snowdon to arrive at Rhyd Ddu, about 12 miles from Caernarfon and high up in the Snowdonian mountains. As the line ‘zig-zags’ down the steep hillside new and unexpected vistas of the surrounding mountains are revealed at every turn. We continue on the recently completed section that will take us all the way through to Porthmadog.
After a break here we continue our narrow-gauge journey on the Ffestiniog Railway, the oldest independent railway company in the World, founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832. The railway was built as a gravity and horse drawn line to transport slate from the quarries in the mountains around Blaenau Ffestiniog. As the slate industry flourished, so did the railway, which was extremely successful and introduced many innovative engineering solutions to cope with the rapid increase in output from the quarries and in the number of passengers it carried. Following a decline in the slate industry the railway closed for a period after the second world war but fortunately was taken over by a group of enthusiasts and is now one of Wales’ top tourist attractions. The little narrow-gauge steam engines have great character and are perfectly suited to the task of hauling their trains of colourfully liveried carriages through the peaceful Welsh countryside.
We alight at the terminus in Blaenau Ffestiniog and return to our hotel by coach, travelling via the Snowdonia National Park
Day 3
Location: Snowdonia National Park, Caernarfon Castle
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we return to the heart of Snowdownia and a unique railway journey up the slopes of Snowdon itself, the highest mountain in England and Wales (1085m). Since 1896, visitors from around the world have travelled on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, appreciating the truly spectacular views they have experienced while claiming the ascent of Snowdon as a lifetime adventure. As the train climbs through the atmospheric landscape of Snowdon (at a stately 5 mile per hour) we will absorb ourselves in the rich myth, legend and history Snowdonia has to offer. Based on Victorian engineering Snowdon Mountain Railway is the only public rack and pinion railway in the United Kingdom and a true majestic mountain adventure. Arriving at the summit there will be an opportunity for refreshments in the critically-acclaimed new café and visitor centre which in 2009 replaced the building previously described by Prince Charles as the ‘highest slum in Wales’
After our round trip there will be an opportunity for lunch at Llanberis (not included). In the afternoon we will return to Caernarfon where the remainder of the afternoon is free to explore our host town. Recommended is a visit to the impressive Caernarfon Castle (entrance not included), where in 1969 HRH Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales on a specially created dais of Welsh slate which remains in situ.
Day 4
Location: Colwyn Bay, Snowdonia National Park, Conwy, National Trust - Conwy Suspension Bridge
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we travel to Colwyn Bay where we visit Bodnant Garden situated above the River Conwy spanning some 80 acres looking across the valley towards Snowdonia. The garden has two parts – the upper garden around Bodnant Hall, which consists of the terraced gardens and informal lawns, and the lower garden – known as the “Dell”, formed by the River Hiraethlyn and containing the wild garden. Bodnant has a range of beautiful plants from all over the world, particularly China, North America, Europe and Japan, which are suited to the Welsh climate and soil. Care has been taken to ensure that they enhance each other and contribute to the general beauty of the garden throughout the seasons. At certain times of year if you are very lucky, you are able to see the stunning Laburnum arch in bloom, which has graced many a postcard and calendar.
This afternoon we make our way to the walled market town of Conwy to visit Aberconwy House, one of the oldest datable medieval merchant houses in Wales. We will see furnished rooms and enjoy an audio-visual presentation which shows the daily life from different periods in its history.
After our visit there will be some free time in Conwy, an opportunity perhaps to walk the famous Conwy Suspension Bridge and visit the Toll House and garden, where you will discover how a husband and wife team kept the Thomas Telford’s bridge open every day of the year and during their time as keepers created a vegetable garden and sold any surplus food to people crossing the bridge (entrance to the Toll House is included with Aberconwy).
Day 5
Location: Caernarfon
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast the group will disperse and travel home independently.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Services of a professional tour manager
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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Meals - as per the itinerary
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Train travel
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
Reviews of this Operator
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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