Join us on a trip of a lifetime combining steam travel in atmospheric vintage carriages with beautiful countryside, fascinating destinations, lovely hotels, great food and wine – and above all – the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed and stress-free holiday.
As with all our holidays, this tour is designed to remove the pressure of planning an itinerary or worrying about driving. We’ve got it all covered – we’ve chosen the best routes and locations, we’ve researched the best hotels and must-see excursions, and we’ll organise your luggage and transfers so you can relax and savour every moment.
The Welsh Dragon holiday will traverse all the most beautiful lines of Wales. You will have four nights and five days to discover the natural beauty of Snowdonia and Wales along with the chance to explore the internationally famous Italianate village of Portmeirion, visit beautiful houses and gardens or indulge your passion for steam with visits to the many great little railways of North Wales.
Fill in the form at the bottom of this page to receive an email quote for your holiday.
Sunday 15th – Thursday 19th September 2024
Highlights
- Journey over Barmouth Bridge and The Cambrian Coast
- The North Wales Coast
- The Heart of Wales Line
Day 1 – Sunday 15th September – London to Snowdonia via Shrewsbury and the Cambrian Coast
Our holiday will start from London Paddington, steam hauled across the country to Shrewsbury. We pause here to say farewell to our steam locomotive, rostered to be 46100 Royal Scot, before resuming our journey diesel-hauled along one of the most beautiful journeys in Britain – the stunning Cambrian Coast Line. We travel up through the mountains of mid-Wales before we descend to the West side of the country to Machynlleth, shortly before we reach the coastline of the Irish Sea. For the rest of our journey we are never more than a short distance from the sea as we climb up and down cliffs – a dramatic backdrop for those enjoying their evening meal. We then cross the world famous two-mile-long Barmouth Bridge past the ancient capital of Wales, Harlech, and turn west towards the LLeyn peninsular before arriving at Porthmadog and Pwlhelli as the sun sets. From here, passengers will be transferred to hotels in Snowdonia, where they will stay for three nights.
Pullman Dining guests will have the opportunity to stay in the enchanting Italianate style Portmeirion Village. First Class passengers will stay at the stunning Chateau Rhianfa and Premium Standard guests will stay at the Grade I listed Bulkeley Hotel at Beaumaris.
Day 2 – In Snowdonia
Passengers have two days to marvel at Snowdonia’s towering peaks and breath-taking valleys, discover the rich heritage of the region or embark on a journey along some of the most famous little railways in the world.
On our first full day in North Wales, guests can choose between soaking up the scenery on the railway journey of a lifetime to the summit of Snowdon, or uncovering the chequered history of Penrhyn Castle & Gardens.
The majestic journey to the rooftop of Wales aboard new period style carriages will pass spectacular waterfalls on its way to the mountain peak. At 1085m, it dominates the landscape of Snowdonia National Park and, on a clear day, offers views as far as Ireland. Guests can also choose to visit the nearby Llanberis Lake Railway.
Penrhyn is a fantasy castle with luxurious interiors, a walled garden, Railway Museum and acres of parkland. It’s crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture as well as an outstanding collection of paintings.
Day 3 – In Snowdonia
The second day in North Wales offers a new pair of equally exciting options for guests, who may choose from a journey on the superlative Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog Railways, or a visit to the imposing Caernarfon Castle followed by a guided tour of Portmeirion Village.
The UK’s longest heritage railway, the Welsh Highland Railway carves through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass and past picture-postcard villages. Passengers will also have a chance to visit the Ffestiniog Railway, the world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway where 150-year old locomotives are still in use. Caernarfon Castle is recognised as one of the greatest buildings of the middle ages, with it’s commanding prescence and strategic location. guests will have time to explore the mostly intact structure and the town before travelling to the stunning Italianate village of Portmeirion. Inspired by the fishing village of Portofino on the Italian coast, the village is made up of around 50 buildings and is surrounded by almost 70 acres of sub-tropical woodland.
Day 4 – Wednesday 18th September – North Wales to Cardiff
After breakfast in your hotels, you will be transferred to Bangor or Llandudno Junction to meet our train. We then set off, steam hauled, likely to be the iconic 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, along the stunning North Wales Coast Line, offering views to Snowdonia to the South and sandy beaches to the North. We cross back into England at Chester and south to Crewe. At Crewe we have a short stop to wave farewell to our steam locomotive and welcome the diesel locomotive which will join us for the next stretch of the journey.
Resuming our journey, we head south back through Shrewsbury and join the spectacular Heart of Wales Line, rarely used for passenger charters. Curving through dramatic scenery of mountains, forests, wild rivers, green meadows and pretty towns and villages, the railway crosses two impressive viaducts at Knucklas and Cynghordy. We’ll reach passenger stops in South Wales in the evening before terminating at Cardiff Central.
Pullman Dining guests will stay at the New House Country Hotel. First Class passengers will stay at Parkgate Hotel or similar and Premium Standard passengers will stay at a centrally-located Premier Inn or similar.
Day 5 – Thursday 19th September – Cardiff to London
After a relaxing morning in our hotels in South Wales, we set off steam hauled, rostered to be with 34046 Braunton, on our final adventure. The return journey is a truly a feast for the eyes as we steam westwards along the Severn Shores Line, with breath-taking views of the estuary. Winding our way past Chepstow Castle, beguilingly stretched along a limestone cliff, we’ll pass into the magical Cotswolds. From here, we continue along the Thames Valley back to the capital, returning just after rush hour.
For more information, or to book, please call the Reservations Office on 01483 209888. Alternatively, fill in the form below to register your interest in the trip, and a member of the booking team will reply with your holiday quote.
Ready to book? You can book online using the link below.
Choose a Class of Travel
With three options to choose from, you can find a package which best suits you. Transfers, a tour manager and luggage porterage is included with all holiday packages, you can relax and savour every moment.
Premium Standard
from £995
Allocated seating around tables for four in our beautifully restored 1950s Buffet Car.
Complimentary tea and coffee
4 nights’ accommodation in three star hotels or similar
First Class
from £1,450
Comfortable and spacious seating among well-appointed interiors, and attentive service creates a sophisticated ambiance.
Complimentary tea, coffee and light snacks on board
Welcome glass of Bucks Fizz each travel day
A light evening meal in the hotel on the first night and an evening meal in the hotel on day three.
4 nights’ accommodation in four star hotels or similar
Evening access to the luxurious Mt Helicon Bar Car with lounge style seating, to mingle with travel companions and indulge in an evening drink
Pullman Dining
from £2,750
A sumptuous culinary experience aboard lovingly restored vintage carriages, adorned with polished brass and fine woodwork.
Champagne and wine alongside a multi-course ‘carte de jour’ on days 1, 4 and 5, accompanied by a cheese course and petit fours (when time allows)
An evening meal in the hotel on days 2 and 3
4 nights’ accommodation in exclusive four or five star accommodation
Anytime access to the luxurious Mt Helicon Bar Car with lounge style seating, to mingle with travel companions and indulge in a drink whilst soaking up the views
Payment terms: 50% deposit payable upon booking; Final balance due 1st June 2024
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