Portmeirion and Bala Lake Railway
Designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, Portmeirion recreates an Italian village, with a truly Mediterranean feel. There are many unusual and romantically styled buildings and the village was the backdrop for the 1960s TV series ‘The Prisoner’. There is a shop selling the whole range of Portmeirion ware. We also enjoy a return ride on the pleasant narrow-gauge Bala Lake Railway.
Llanberis Lake Railway and Caernarfon
A lovely little railway, with great views of Snowdon. The little steam engines take you on a five-mile return journey alongside Lake Padarn, right in the heart of Snowdonia. The journey takes you past the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle, across possibly Britain's shortest river and past Llanberis' twin lakes. We return to Caernarfon for time to explore the town and maybe visit the mighty castle.
Ffestiniog Railway and Welsh Highland Railway
The Ffestiniog Railway is the world's oldest narrow-gauge railway with almost 200 years of history, taking you on a 13½-mile journey from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The historic train climbs over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round tight bends (even a complete spiral) clinging to the side of the mountain or tunnelling through it. We also take a ride on the Welsh Highland Railway along the recently opened section from Porthmadog all the way to Caernarfon. This steam train ride is truly unforgettable, as the track winds its way ‘coast to coast’ through the beautiful scenery of Snowdonia.