Social Break-North Wales: Steam Trains, Snowdon, Portmeirion & A Castle, Visit plus more
Overview
After the Success of our Norfolk Trip Last Year-
We are now taking a nostalgic trip into the rolling mountains and picturesque towns of North Wales, with journeys aboard scenic railways Plus Visits to Caernarfon. Castle & Portmeirion Entrances included for this wonderful 5 night , 6 Day break in the height of Summer so hopefully we can enjoy some lovely sunshine !
Experience the magic of North Wales on this holiday filled with picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and heritage rail journeys.
Staying in the seaside town of Llandudno, this Welsh adventure includes a journey on the Llangollen Steam Railway, exploring the Italian Riviera inspired town of Portmeirion and riding the scenic Ffestiniog Railway.
Drift along the scenic Llangollen Canal by horse-drawn boat, discover the mysteries of Caernarfon Castle, and experience the unique charms of Wales.
Travelling on the Llangollen Steam Railway
Enjoy a steam-hauled journey through the beautiful Welsh countryside on the Llangollen Steam Railway.
The Llangollen Railway is a heritage railway located beside the historic Dee Bridge in Llangollen. Originally opened in 1862, the railway has since been lovingly preserved and offers a journey of 10 miles through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), from Dee Valley all the way to the charming town of Corwen.
Journeying into Snowdonia on the Ffestiniog Railway
Climbing gently through Snowdonia landscapes on the Ffestiniog Railway, admire the mountainous terrains and lush forests of Wales.
The world's only surviving narrow-gauge railway, winds its way from the harbour at Porthmadog to the slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Savour living history, travelling in monogrammed wooden carriages pulled along by 150-year-old steam locomotives as you look out at landscapes little changed for decades, lined with oak forests and majestic mountain scenery.
Taking a horse-drawn boat trip along the Llangollen Canal
Experience a unique horse-drawn boat trip along the Llangollen Canal, relaxing while being pulled in a traditional narrowboat through picturesque scenery.
Entering the wild Welsh countryside on the Welsh Highland Railway
Journey on the Welsh Highland Railway amid scenery of farmland, wild meadows, and Llyn Cwellyn Lake.
We join the Welsh Highland Railway for a wonderful journey by narrow gauge steam train* through the beautiful Snowdonia National Park. The line originally opened to passengers in 1923 but closed in 1937, having never achieved commercial success. From the early 1960s onwards a group of railway enthusiasts have been working to restore the line and in 2003 the 13-mile (20.9km) section from Caernarfon right the way through to Rhyd Ddu was opened for service once again.
Discovering beautiful Portmeirion
Explore Portmeirion, a Welsh village based on an Italian Riviera town, with colourful architecture, serene gardens, and unique charm.
Visiting Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site
We take a guided tour of Caernarfon Castle, built by England’s Edward I, a medieval fortress with a fascinating history.
Includes
- All tour excursions including heritage rail journeys*
- Including a Train trip up Snowdon National Park
- Horse drawn Canal Boat tour
- Entrance to Portmeirion- Italian Styled Village
- Entrance to Caernarfon Castle
- 5 nights’ 3-star accommodation in Central location
- Breakfast and Dinner each day
- All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
- Spice Host & UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- Spice Walks
- Spice Drinks and Lunches meet ups at your own expense
Please Note: the balance due date on this event differs to our standard Overnight Events cancellation policy for Spice Breaks. The balance is due on 15th May 2025 after which we are only able to issue a Spice Credit in accordance with our cancellation policy if we manage to sell all contracted places on.
Guests & Non Members who are new to Spice are welcome to book at a £36 supplement though they may prefer to join to register to book at the member rate .
Please call Tel 020 3 950 7978 to enquire about booking as a guest.
Location & Itinerary
Day 1 - Meeting in the seaside town of Llandudno
Your holiday begins in Llandudno where the Spice Host is ready to greet you and your group at the hotel, which sits directly on the town's central promenade with fantastic views of Llandudno Bay. This is part of a shared group with a Tour Manager
There's time to settle in or to look around the town of Llandudno before tonight's welcome dinner.
Please note, the order of this itinerary and daily excursions may be changed close to the departure date.
Day 2 - The Ffestiniog Railway to Portmeirion
Today starts with an excursion on the Ffestiniog Railway*, a narrow-gauge heritage railway in Snowdonia National Park. Founded in 1832 as a means of transporting slate and miners from the quarries at Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog, Ffestiniog is believed to be the world's oldest independent railway company.
We travel through the scenic Snowdonia National Park to Porthmadog. From here we continue to Portmeirion by coach, set on a private peninsula, this 'folly' is known for its colourful, Italianate architecture that wouldn't look out of place on the sun-soaked Italian coast.
With entrance into the village included, and free time to look around at leisure, you could visit the central piazza, admire the elegant Japanese gardens or wander the unique surroundings. At the end of the afternoon we transfer back to our hotel, with time to relax before dinner.
*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead
Day 3 - A nostalgic journey on the Llangollen Steam Railway
This morning we board the Llangollen Steam Railway* for a return journey through the beautiful Dee Valley from Llangollen to Corwen. The current railway was formed in 1975 by a group of railway enthusiasts, but takes you along a route dating back to the 1800s, which follows the banks of the pretty River Dee on the way to Corwen Station.
After a chance to explore Llangollen over lunchtime, we enjoy something unique at Llangollen Wharf - a horse-drawn boat trip along the Llangollen Canal, experiencing how heavy goods were transported through this peaceful environment well into the 1960s.
A coach takes us back to our hotel in Llandudno where there is time to see more of the town or maybe have a drink in the lounge bar before dinner.
*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.
Day 4 - At leisure in Llandudno
After breakfast, today you are free to explore at your own pace. If you'd like to experience more heritage journeys you could take a ride on the Great Orme cable-hauled tramway for breath-taking views of Snowdonia and Anglesey. Or, you might choose to get to know more of Llandudno, such as the Victorian promenade, the pier with its traditional seaside amusements, or the public gardens.
Within easy access of Llandudno is Conwy, where you could admire the historic town walls and castle. Conwy Castle is one of Wales' four UNESCO-listed fortifications, with massive stone walls, crenelated towers, and panoramic views across Snowdonia to the River Conwy.
You could also visit Plas Mawr, a wonderful Elizabethan townhouse which remains unchanged since the 16th century, or the Great Orme Copper Mines. At the world's largest prehistoric copper mines, it is possible to explore the excavated caverns tunnelled by Bronze Age ancestors around 3,500 years ago.
However you decide to spend the day, dinner is served at the hotel this evening.
Day 5 - Caernarfon Castle, the Welsh Highland Railway
Today's excursion takes us through mountain scenery to the medieval castle of Caernarfon. This is one of King Edward's four castles in Gwynedd listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Here, we are given a guided tour of the impressive Caernarfon Castle, a royal fortress-palace shrouded in mythology.
After our tour and some free time, we head to another place where folk legends are still told. In the village of Beddgelert we board the Welsh Highland Railway, a scenic narrow-gauge railway that snakes through the stunning Snowdonia National Park. The steam locomotives and traditional carriages carry us past idyllic scenes of forests, valleys, and mountains. After a while, the landscape opens up and reveals picturesque lakes, including the renowned Llyn Cwellyn.
On arrival back in Caernarfon, we re-join the coach and return to our hotel in time for a final dinner.
Day 6 - Homeward bound
After a final breakfast at the hotel, your holiday in Wales draws to a close. This nostalgic tour on heritage railways and historic steam trains has taken us into the most scenic regions of North Wales, from the mountains of Snowdonia to the scenic Dee Valley, and from the intriguing town of Portmeiron to the spectacular Caernarfon Castle.
After saying goodbye, you could choose to explore more of this wonderful region on your own before heading homewards.
Mobility information
This trip is classed as Moderate level 2
Here are a descriptions of all the different levels so you can assess if this trip is suitable for you:
Level 1 - Leisurely Tourist
You're someone who savours a leisurely travel experience. You love taking in the sights, sounds, and energy of a new place, but prefer to do so at a relaxed pace. You can easily handle a flight of stairs, get on and off transport while carrying your suitcase, moderate walks of around 15-30 minutes are no problem for you.
Level 2 - Everyday Traveller
You prefer a well-rounded approach to travel that includes both activity and relaxation. You're comfortable walking for 30-45 minutes at a time on various terrains, including cobblestoned streets, straightforward paths, and routes that involve rail changes. However, you also value some downtime to unwind and recharge during your travels.
Level 3 - Comfortable Explorer
You're a traveller who enjoys new experiences and sightseeing. You can handle hills, uneven surfaces, various modes of transportation, and standing for longer periods. You look forward to full days, but also like to make time for rest and relaxation to recharge your batteries.
Level 4 - Active Adventurer
You love staying active and like to explore on your holiday. You're more than capable of handling longer walking tours, standing for extended periods of time, and navigating towns and the countryside. Itineraries could include early starts, late-night experiences, and full days.
Travel & Stay
Kensington Hotel, Llandudno
The Kensington Hotel in Llandudno is a classically styled Victorian, seafront hotel prominently positioned on the central promenade with spectacular views of the Great Orme and Llandudno Bay.
Owned by the Beardmore family for the past 30 years, the hotel is managed by highly experienced staff and caters for both private guests and group parties. Visitors keep coming back year-on-year, appreciative of the top-class hospitality, friendliness, 1st class food and excellent service.
Rooms
All rooms have modern en-suite bathrooms, bedside tables, dressing table with mirror, ample storage and hanging space.
All rooms also have Flat Screen TV, Tea and Coffee facility, Free Wi-Fi Internet.
By Train
Llandudno Station is just a 3 minute walk away
By Car
Free parking is available.
| Type | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| FEMALE Member 5nt Twin Share DBB & Tours | £749.00 | Sold Out |
| Member 5nt Double Share DBB & Tours | £749.00 | Sold Out |
| Member 5nt Twin Share DBB & Tours | £749.00 | Sold Out |
| Member 5nt Single DBB & Tours | £995.00 | Sold Out |
| Member 5nt Double Sole Occ DBB & Tours | £1175.00 | Sold Out |
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Host & Everything Else
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