North Wales, Snowdonia & Steam Engines

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways Mini Break

A 3-night short break will give you plenty of time to enjoy the highlights of the world's oldest narrow gauge railways - Ffestiniog Railway and the Welsh Highland Railway.

From your base at the Royal Sportsman Hotel in Porthmadog you can take a morning train on the Ffestiniog Railway from Porthmadog Harbour Station to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. On the return journey you may wish to leave the train at Tan-y-Bwlch for lunch, and enjoy a walk in the woods, or continue to Porthmadog to explore this bustling harbour town.

On day 2 depart Harbour Station in the opposite direction on the Welsh Highland Railway through the magnificent Snowdonia National Park. Travel through the scenic Aberglaslyn Pass to reach Beddgelert, nestling in the heart of the National Park, before zig-zagging dramatically up the steep hillside to over 650ft along the foothills of Mount Snowdon, and descending to sea level at Caernarfon. You can return directly to Porthmadog after a short 45 minute stop, or stay on and visit the dramatic castle towering over the town.

A deluxe option is available including three dinners in the Royal Sportsman's 2AA Rosette restaurant and an upgrade to reserved 1st class seats on the return journeys on the FR and WHR.

PLEASE NOTE: The railways do not run every day of the year. There is the option to stay at the Travelodge, Tudor Lodge or Hen Fecws. We can also include a visit to Portmeirion, Llechwedd Slate Mines or the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway.

Rail tickets from your home station to Porthmadog can also be arranged.

Welsh Highland Railway and Snowdon Mountain Railway

Enjoy a 3-night break in the Royal Town of Caernarfon. This short-stay includes a trip on the Welsh Highland Railway, travelling along the full length of the line from Caernarfon to Porthmadog and return. There will be time to also enjoy a return journey to the summit of Snowdon on the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

PLEASE NOTE: The railways do not run every date of the year. There is the option to stay at the Premier Inn, Black Boy Inn or Travelodge. There is also the option to upgrade to travel on the steam hauled 'Snowdon Lily' service on the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Rail tickets from your home station to Bangor can also be arranged.

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway Special Event Package

This 2-night break in the harbour town of Porthmadog will focus entirely on the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. Spend a full day at the railway enjoying a return journey on this narrow gauge line and touring its engine sheds. You can arrange for this break to coincide with one of the many special events run by the Porthmadog-based railway such as the spooky goings on at Halloween, or Steam in the Sheds in July. Please ask for details of forthcoming events.

As a special treat for one adult why not book a footplate pass and ride up front with the driver for the whole journey and see how everything works!

Rail tickets from your home station to Porthmadog can also be arranged.

Ffestiniog Railway & Portmeirion Luxury Break

Relax and enjoy a quality stay at the famous Italianate Portmeirion Village, well known as the setting for the TV programme, The Prisoner. The colourful complex is nestled alongside the beautiful North Wales coastline and affords wonderful views. This break includes steam journeys on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways which will deliver stunning views of Snowdonia National Park and the Welsh countryside. We may also be able to provide an expert guide to join you on the railway journeys to provide some interesting, background information on the history of the narrow gauge railways and the local area. Subject to size of private group.

PLEASE NOTE: The railways do not run every day of the year.

Rail tickets from your home station to Minffordd can also be arranged.

Llangollen

This is a 2-night break that will give you a perfect introduction to the area around the vibrant town of Llangollen. Enjoy the simple pleasures of a horse drawn boat trip on the beautiful Llangollen canal, a bygone mode of transport, but the way the horses easily pull the boat through the water is a wonderful experience. Your trip will also include a return journey on the seven and half mile Llangollen Railway, which follows the river Dee to the village of Carrog. Complete your stay with a 2-hour cruise across the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, now a World Heritage Site.

PLEASE NOTE: The Railways and boat trips do not run every day. There is the option to stay at the Wild Pheasant Hotel.

The Gwili Steam Railway & Heart of Wales line

This 3-night mini-break, based in historic Carmarthen town, gives you the opportunity to enjoy the splendour of mid-Wales scenery whilst journeying on the Heart of Wales railway line and experiencing the nostalgic charms of the Gwili Steam Railway – the first standard-gauge preserved railway to operate in South West Wales.

PLEASE NOTE: The railways do not operate every day of the year. There is also the option to stay at The Ivy Bush Royal, The Rose and Crown or The Drovers Arms. Optional day excursion to Tenby or The National Botanical Gardens of Wales can also be included.

Rail tickets from your home station to Carmarthen can also be arranged.

The Talyllyn and Welshpool & Llanfair Railways

This 3-night mini-break centrally based in the market town of Machynlleth gives you the opportunity to sample Welsh culture in the heart of the country, whilst also enjoying journeys on two heritage railway lines in the area. The Talyllyn Railway runs for seven-and-a-quarter miles through beautiful countryside, passing woodland and waterfalls en route. The Welshpool & Llanfair Railway also boasts beautiful scenery and the chance to spot deer, hawks and otters in their natural habitat.

PLEASE NOTE: The railways do not operate every day of the year.

Rail tickets from your home station to Machynlleth can also be arranged.