Welsh Scenic Railways 5 Days - George Iv Hotel
- Duration: 5 days
- Board Basis: Half Board
- Tour Ref: D2TALF5367SC
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
Criccieth lies on the South side of the Llyn Peninsula with splendid views over Cardigan Bay. It is home to a medieval castle, built by the Welsh in the mid-thirteenth century but later taken by Edward I who incorporated it into his ring of castles designed to maintain Norman control. It was captured by Owain Glyndwr in the uprising of 1404 and the scorch marks from that battle can still be seen! The castle headland divides the town into two with a pebbly beach to the West and a lovely sheltered mainly sandy beach to the East. Nearby is the village of Llanystumdwy, which boasts a museum devoted to David Lloyd George, the “Welsh Wizard”, whose family once lived in Criccieth. The countryside around Criccieth is breathtaking with fabulous coastal views over Cardigan Bay, awesome mountain scenery in Snowdonia and delightful gardens and castles at every turn.
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Outward Travel
Day 2 - Llanberis Lake Railway & Welsh Slate Museum
The Railway allows us to discover the timeless appeal of the narrow-gauge steam trains and enjoy a leisurely way of savouring the grandeur of Snowdonia./nThe steam engines take us on a five-mile return journey alongside Lake Padarn, past the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle and Llanberis' twin lakes (Fare included). /nThe train runs non-stop through the Padarn Country Park, joining the 1845 slate railway route and giving stunning views of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales./nSited in the former workshops of the Dinorwic Slate Quarry (closed 1969), the museum (free entry) explores the history of mining in Snowdonia./nThere are 3 elements to our visit - an audio-visual presentation, a slate-splitting demonstration, and a look around the restored workers' cottages./nThe museum also has the largest working waterwheel in mainland Britain, and a hydraulic balance incline, used for lifting heavy materials./n
Day 3 - Talyllyn Railway
This historic, steam-operated railway runs for seven and a quarter miles through the beautiful Fathew Valley from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn (Fare included)./nOpened in 1865, the railway once served the workers of Bryn Eglwys slate quarry but today the passenger trains give access to stunning views. /nIn 1953 the railway was filmed by the American producer Carson Davidson. In his film 'Railway with a Heart of Gold'./n
Day 4 - Welsh Highland Railway
Enjoy a journey aboard the Welsh Highland Railway, the UK’s longest heritage railway running from historic Caernarfon to pretty Porthmadog. The route zig-zags through the hills and mountains of Snowdonia National Park and travels over the magnificent Aberglaslyn Pass – voted the most beautiful place in the UK by National Trust members. A truly memorable experience!/n
Day 5 - Return Travel
George IV Hotel
Situated on the High Street in the centre of Criccieth with magnificent views towards the sea and castle from many bedrooms. The George IV is an iconic hotel and a popular choice for coach holidays to Criccieth. The hotel now has 76 bedrooms with central heating and bath or shower and WC (most have bath and shower). All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities, intercom, hair dryer and television with radio channels. Extensive public areas include a delightful intimate bar, attractive large restaurant, entertainment room with additional bar and a cosy lounge.