Royals and Rail: UK Train Journeys Fit for a King
28/04/2023 · By Ian Holt
Embark on UK train journeys fit for a king with Royals and Rail by Great Rail Journeys. Experience amazing regal travels all over the British Isles.
Read moreSave up to £200pp on British Isles 2026 holidays, when you book by 31st October 2025.
On this nostalgic escape, ride on celebrated railways, visit ancient castles and discover the beautiful gardens of north Wales.
Journey through stunning scenery on the Ffestiniog Railway, the world's oldest independent line, and ascend Snowdon's summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Step into the unique village of Portmeirion, whose design was inspired by the Italian Riviera, and explore Caernarfon Castle, where knights once roamed and battles raged.
Prepare to be swept away by the majestic mountains, sparkling lakes and lush green valleys of north Wales.
Unforgettable experiences
What’s included on the tour?
Itinerary
Your holiday begins in the 'Queen of Welsh Resorts', Llandudno, where the Tour Manager meets us at the hotel, whose owners pride themselves on attention to detail and high levels of service and comfort. Nestled on the rugged north coast of Wales, with a backdrop of Snowdonia National Park, this is an ideal base for exploring.
Once you have arrived and settled in, you may wish to get to know our new surroundings while wandering the waterfront or strolling past the town's Victorian buildings.
This evening, we are served a four-course dinner in the hotel's award-winning restaurant, an ideal start to your holiday.
Additional information
Hotel
More information on the different trains that are used on this tour.
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.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway opened in April 1896 and is a narrow gauge rack and pinion railway, which carries its passengers 4.7 miles (7.6km) up the highest mountain in England and Wales.
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.
Enhance your holiday
Upgrade to a Superior room from £95 per person (twin occupancy)
We can book UK rail tickets to and from your local station to Llandudno. Please call us to discuss your requirements.
Reviews
4.5 / 5 · 563 reviews
Grover, Janet
Submitted 29/Sep
Well organised and informative trip
Collected by Trustpilot
Mr Glyn Cobley
Submitted 27/Sep
Good value or money
Collected by Trustpilot
Jenny Richardson
Submitted 26/Sep
The organised trips to the three castles were very informative. The train trips were also very interesting.
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Margaret Powell
Submitted 26/Sep
The holiday was great and well organised.
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mac
Submitted 29/Aug
The itinerary was interesting and not too rushed, the tour manager was very competeng.The hotel food at breakfast and dinner was excellent as was the service.Thefurnishigs inthe twin bedroom were somewhat shabby but the eds were comfortable and room and bathroom were spotless. It was a very warm week so without aircon the room was too hot at night but the hotel is old and traditional so that could beexcused
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Sylvia Emmott
Submitted 27/Aug
A great holiday. Itinerary was excellent and the staff at the hotel were very helpful.
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