05/04/24

Llanberis & The Royal Victoria Hotel

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Discover the charm of travelling by coach and rail in one seamless experience. We are pleased to offer space on our 5-day tour, Great Little Trains of Wales (6th May and 5th August), accommodated at the 3* Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis, perfect for railway enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 

 

This is one of our most popular hotels in Wales, and it's easy to see why - the Royal Victoria offers a superb location with splendid views of Snowdonia's mountains and lakes set in 30 acres of mature Victorian gardens and woodland. The hotel was built in 1828 by architect James Burton and is filled with charming period features, antique furnishings and a breathtaking Grade II listed marble staircase with 22ft mirror, which leads to a welcoming Piano Lounge and Bar. Offering a warm and genuine welcome to its guests, the hotel offers beautiful gardens with lovely views in addition to the stylish restaurant, and elegant lounge. There are many attractions and walks close by. 

 

This tour includes four spectacular railway journeys, including Llanberis Lake Railway. This little steam engine takes you on a five-mile return journey alongside Lake Padarn, right in the heart of Snowdonia. The journey enjoys views of the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle, across possibly Britain's shortest river and past Llanberis' twin lakes. From Llanberis the train runs non-stop through the Padarn Country Park, joining the 1845 slate railway route to run along the shores of Lake Padarn to Penllyn, and giving stunning views of Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales. There's a short stop at Cei Llydan, a beautifully tranquil place that's ideal for a lakeside picnic, and at Gilfach Ddu, where you can visit the National Slate Museum, watch the driver stoking the fire, the engine taking water, or spend some time in the gift shop & cafe. The five mile return trip takes around 60 minutes, and all trains are scheduled to be hauled by one of the vintage steam engines rescued from the nearby Dinorwic slate quarries and lovingly restored.

 

Another included railway journey is the Snowdon Mountain Railway, offering an awe-inspiring journey to the Summit of Snowdon. A 30 minute stopover at the summit allows you to browse the gift shop, enjoy a snack from the Summit Café, and take in the views across to Ireland. You can even purchase a postcard from the Summit of Snowdon, and send it from the Summit post box!

 

Jackie in our reservations team recently enjoyed a familiarisation trip to this area and shares some of the highlights of her trip.

 

She said: "The Royal Victoria Hotel is set in an elevated position above town and adjacent to the start point and café of the Snowdon Mountain Railway. There is an easy stroll into town through the hotel gardens which offer lake views. Lovely spot for a drink in the summer months. The food at the hotel was very good indeed and bar drinks reasonably priced. On the Llanberis Lake Railway, I loved watching the wild goats along the line, grazing or running beside the train, and the café and Slate Mine Visitor Centre were excellent."

 

We are delighted to offer three dates for this popular coach holiday in 2025, which will go on sale later this year.