Ffestiniog Travel

Ffestiniog Travel's roots lie in North Wales and as a sister company to the world famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways we are perfectly placed to offer short-breaks to this beautiful north west corner of Wales and provide an opportunity to experience its many steam railway gems.  Below are just a few options.

Christmas Specials

Aboard the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway Santa TrainsChristmas

These trains are fun for adults and children alike. Santa and his elves pass through the train giving out presents to the children during the journey - with plenty of laughter and jokes along the way! At Tan-y-Bwlch or Waunfawr, there will be a chance to stretch your legs and take photographs with Santa and his helpers. We can't promise snow on the ground, but we're keeping our fingers crossed! Adults enjoy a glass of sherry and a mince pie on the ride back.

Trains will depart from Porthmadog at 11:00am and 14:15pm on 15th/16th and 22nd/23rd December, and from Caernarfon at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 14:30pm on 8th/9th, 15th/16th and 22nd/23rd December.

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 newly extended section of 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.

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 newly-extended 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.

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 miniature 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.

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.