National Slate Museum

*** If you require a Sunday or Monday booking, or a larger capacity minibus for your group, please get in touch directly *** Immerse yourself in Welsh culture, heritage, and history on an unforgettable sightseeing day trip. Visit numerous attractions in the area including Snowdonia National Park, Caernarfon Castle, and Conwy Town and Castle all from the comfort of a minibus.   Start your day with a drive on the Great Orme Road, with spectacular views of cliffs, wildlife, and the Irish Sea and Anglesey. Your first stop may just be the highlight of your day: take a tour of the ancient Conwy Town and Castle. Walk the castle walls, stroll along the Conwy estuary, see some old Tudor houses, and take in traditional Welsh art and craft shops. In town, you’ll also see the finest surviving townhouse of the Elizabethan era to be found anywhere in Britain, as well as Great Britain’s smallest house and the world's first suspension bridge built in 1819. Drive along the beautiful north wales coastline before heading into the mountains. Visit the fierce fire breathing Welsh dragon guarding the Snowdonia National Park and Welsh from invaders, hidden within the trees Then, drive into the glacial Nant Ffrancon Pass and Roman Road, and Ogwen Valley in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, where you’ll take in views of the lakes, mountain villages, and the towering Snowdonia mountain range. Stop at Llyn Ogwen and learn the history of a fascinating find on the shores of the lakes from the 5th century. Soak up the 360° panoramic and spectacular view of Snowdonia Viewpoint. Possibly the finest view in Wales. Here, your guide will share with you some local history, Welsh myths, and legends along the way, including a drive down the famous Pen Y Pass. Breath-taking Llanberis and Padarn Park National Slate Museum is tlhe unch stop and is set within some of the most spectacular scenery in North Wales . Slate industry was one of the main economic motors of Wales. Step back in time and immerse yourself in a variety of talks and demonstrations to give you a real insight into the hardships of past quarry life. Admire the spectacular setting of Dolbadarn Castle ruins through the forest to the gateway of Snowdonia to learn about its fascinating past. Finally, visit Caernarfon Village and Castle. Take a walk around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading back to the starting point.

Day 1: You leave Manchester and head straight for the border of Wales. Your first stop of the day is Conwy. This little town deserves to win awards for most picture-perfect harbour town. There’s a castle perched by the sea, the ‘world’s smallest house’, and lots of little restaurants boasting the best fish and chips. After you’ve soaked up the sea air, you cross the world’s first modern day suspension bridge across the Menai Straits and onto Anglesey Island. Prior to its construction, cattle farmers would have to persuade their herd to swim across the Menai Straits on their way to market. We head for the most westerly point of North Wales to marvel at the South Stack Lighthouse, sea cliffs, and nature reserve. But that’s not all. You stop in the lovely seaside town of Beaumaris, and also visit the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll for a quick photo stop. Then you travel back over the bridge and along the coastline to Llandudno, your overnight stop. Day 2: This morning when you head off, your first stop is to Betws-y-Coed. This beautiful little village is known as the gateway to Snowdonia National Park. Next, sit back and watch Snowdonia’s mountains fly by as you continue onto Harlech Castle. This is one of our favourite castles in the whole of the UK. It boasts epic sea views and an amazingly war-torn history that involves a lot of dynamite. You then venture to one of the most charming and unique villages in Wales, Portmeirion. This town is the brainchild of Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis. He wanted to demonstrate how a naturally beautiful location could be developed without spoiling it. The result is a stunning piece of the Mediterranean transported into North Wales. You have free time here to explore and grab a bite to eat. You head back to Llandudno for the evening. Day 3: After breakfast, your first stop is to the Llanberis Slate Museum*. The history of the second largest slate mine on the planet will stay in your memory for a long time. For your lunch stop today, we head to Llangollen. Situated along the River Dee, this little town will steal your heart. Next you’re off to one of England’s most historic towns, Chester. There’s a lot to do here, but we’d advise you just head to the Cathedral, you could spend a whole week in this fine building and not get bored. You arrive back in Manchester in the early evening.

This is a Rail Tour from London. Begin your day at London's Euston Station and hop on a train to Manchester Piccadilly. Gaze out the window as you pass through the calming English countryside with its rolling hills and bucolic landscapes. Upon arrival in Manchester meet your local guide to start your small group tour to North Wales. Leaving the city behind head towards majestic Snowdonia National Park, where we will explore some of the most incredible scenery and heritage that Wales has to offer. Your first stop is the picturesque seaside town of Conwy, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Dominating the town’s skyline is the imposing Conwy Castle, a 13th-century fortress built by Edward I, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the castle, Conwy is home to the historic Town Walls, offering visitors a scenic walkway around the town. As you wander the charming narrow streets, you'll discover traditional buildings like Plas Mawr, a stunning Elizabethan townhouse that stands as one of the finest examples of its kind. Conwy’s blend of rich history, scenic views, and vibrant atmosphere makes it a favourite destination for visitors from around the world. Leaving Conwy, the tour then ventures into the heart of Snowdonia National Park, where you will experience the breathtaking beauty of North Wales. The park’s dramatic landscapes, with towering peaks, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes, provide ample opportunities for photo stops and moments to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Next, you’ll visit the formidable Caernarfon Castle, another impressive medieval fortress constructed by Edward I. Steeped in history, this iconic castle has played a significant role in Welsh and British history, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts. From legendary battles to royal investitures Caernarfon brings the glorious history of the country to life. The final stop is the charming village of Betws-y-Coed, nestled in the heart of Snowdonia. Once a pilgrimage site, the village later became a haven for artists and writers, drawn by the enchanting scenery. Today, Betws-y-Coed offers a perfect spot to relax and explore at your leisure, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of the national park. With its combination of historical landmarks, stunning landscapes, and cultural richness, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through the wonders of North Wales. Optional Upgrade: Travel in First Class First Class travel includes complimentary food and drink served to your seat, roomier seats with a guaranteed table and access to the First Class lounge for pre-departure comfort. Operates 1 April - 30 November: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

We will pick you up at either one of two locations where the ferries drop you. 1. Holyhead Seaport, 2. Holyhead Marina. Please remember to state which pick up you require On route we drive over the world famous Menai Suspension Bridge. Designed to carry road traffic between the island of Anglesey and the mainland of Wales. The bridge was the biggest in the world of its time and was completed in 1826 and is a Grade I listed structure Take a walk round this world heritage site. After all these years Caernarfon’s immense strength remains undimmed - a brute of a fortress. History comes alive at Caernarfon in so many ways – along the lofty wall walks, beneath the twin-towered gatehouse, the walk town’s narrow and colorful streets and stylishly redeveloped waterfront of the Menai. See some of the most spectacular scenery in North Wales at Padarn Lake, Dolbadarn Castle and beyond to Snowdon. Occupying a lofty, spectacular spot overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn, native-built Dolbadarn Castle was once a vital link in the defenses of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. Constructed by Llywelyn the Great in the late 12th century Visit the National Slate Museum next. The slate industry was one of the main economic motors of Wales. Step back in time and immerse yourself in a variety of talks and demonstrations to give you real insight into the hardships of past quarry life. The pass at its highest point is the location of towering hills and foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Dramatically falling into the valley below, and winding roads meander and skirt their way through the craggy cliffs. We stop at the famous Snowdon viewpoint to take some photos and stand in awe of the panoramic 360 views of the horseshoe and surroundings of the beautiful Nant Gwynant pass and lakes within the valley. Discover the dramatic and beautifully captivating Swallow Falls. This cascading waterfall is where the water from the mountains comes bellowing down and where force meets beauty in this idyllic setting which can be viewed on 3 levels. (small entrance fee). We drive though the picturesque village of betws Y Coed en-route to LLanrwst. We stop off at the majestic location of Tu-Hwnt-I'r Bont, the second most photographed and painted image in Snowdonia! Set next to river with the iconic bridge. This location at various times throughout the year is quite simply stunning. Amble the ancient and medieval castle town of Conwy to view the castle’s domineering and towering walls, whose magnificent towers stand tall over the beautiful estuary. Also visit the famous and worlds first ever built suspension bridge in 1819.(main castle entry additional) Enjoy the return scenic drive along the North Wales coast hugging the coastline and seeing its lovely beaches and mountainous shores. The iconic welsh village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll-llantysiliogogogoch, once being the village with the longest name in the world. We return to port for your departure

This self-drive road trip route covers destination information for 16 towns and villages. This suggested route covers 105 miles (170 km) across the North Wales Coast—from Anglesey to the Clwydian Mountain Range. HOW IT WORKS This online guidebook is designed to take the guesswork out of planning your multi-destination trip. No need for endless internet searches—everything you need is in one place, carefully curated with recommendations and helpful links to dive deeper into each destination. Pick and choose from a variety of ideas, including top attractions, hidden gems, and unique experiences and customise your journey to suit your needs. Tailor the itinerary to fit your schedule, with flexible options ranging from 3 to 14 nights. Get started today with instant access (choose the nearest date as with 1 year’s access, there’s no need to wait until your travel date). Use on smartphone, tablet, or desktop. ........................................................................................................................................................ WHAT’S INCLUDED: Plan your road trip tracing the stunning North Coast of Wales. Discover historic sites, stunning beaches and beautiful coast on this flexible route of 105 miles (170 km) / 16 locations. Choose your own itinerary and time frame. As an example: Use the guidebook to choose how to spend your time, example: • Anglesey: Spend time uncovering enchanting Anglesey, offering rugged coastlines, and historic sites like ancient ruins and picturesque lighthouses. • Menai Strait: Admire the sweeping vista and explore the hub of Bangor. • Iconic Castles: Enjoy a day or two discovering a handful of North Wales' castles and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. • Beach Days: Delight in traditional Victorian beach resorts, with piers and attractions, such as Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and Rhyl. • Wales Coastal Path: Stretch your legs and discover breathtaking views on this trail. • Border Towns: Discover vibrant and cultural border towns, like Llangollen, Mold and Wrexham bustling with markets, heritage railways, and more. • Mini-themed routes: Pick from a choice of several mini-themed routes within the larger route, such as adventure, heritage and maritime loop. • Enjoy North Wales' best beaches and heritage railways. • Includes an overnight stays map for locating accommodation or campsites on the route. HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go

*** If you require a Sunday or Monday booking, or a larger capacity minibus for your group, please get in touch directly *** Discover the history and heritage of Wales on this day tour. Together with an expert guide, spend the day exploring the locations that made this country what it is today. Visit Bodnant Garden, Snowdonia National Park, waterfalls, castles, and more. Start at the jewel of the Welsh seaside resorts and see the beautiful bay of Llandudno and its Victorian heritage of architecture. Drive the Great Orme Road, the longest of its kind in the UK, in search of the world-famous Kashmiri goats. Marvel at the showcase of spectacular cliffs, wildlife, and elevated views out to the Irish Sea and Anglesey. Head to the ancient medieval castle town of Conwy to view the castle’s domineering and towering walls, whose magnificent towers stand tall over the beautiful estuary. Marvel at Great Britain’s smallest house, a little gem set upon the bank of the estuary and built into the castle walls. With arms outstretched, you can touch either side. Walk across the historic worlds first suspension bridge built in 1819 Visit the world-famous Bodnant botanical gardens, the UK's regular award winner with intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces, and verdant woodland. Reconnect with nature as you explore the 80 acres of formal hillside terraces, riverside dells, woods, and meadows. A gardener’s dream and a lovers’ paradise, there are many things to love at the Bodnant Garden. Later, visit the unrivaled awe-inspiring Snowdonia National Park and its spectacular rugged landscaped driving routes. Stop at viewpoints, witnessing great lakes such as Mymbyr, Gwynant, and Padarn. Spot glacial valleys, rivers, Mount Snowdon where we stop at the 360 panoramic viewport and other surrounding summits. Drive down spectacular route of Pen-y-Pass, one of Wales’ most spectacular drives. Visit the National Slate Museum next. The slate industry was one of the main economic motors of Wales. Step back in time and immerse yourself in a variety of talks and demonstrations to give you real insight into the hardships of past quarry life. Stop at the village of Llanberis and Padarn County Park, set within some of the most spectacular scenery in North Wales. Venture to the spectacular setting of the Dolbadarn Castle ruins through the forest to the gateway of Snowdonia to learn about its fascinating past. Visit the dramatic location of menai bridge and and stunning location along the straights. Finish the day with a pleasant scenic drive along the coastline returning to Llandudno