Departing From
- High Wycombe,
- Princes Risborough,
- Haddenham and Thame Parkway,
- Bicester North,
- Banbury,
- Leamington Spa,
- Coventry,
- Birmingham International
‘The Statesman’ celebrated train heads to North Wales for a journey along the spectacular coast with sweeping sea views and then climbs high into the Snowdonia National Park and up the stunningly beautiful Conwy Valley. There is the option of spending an afternoon break of around 3 hours at the popular tourist centre of Betws-y-Coed or continue to Blaenau Ffestiniog where we have an optional steam excursion on the famous Ffestiniog Railway.
Travelling across the Cheshire plain to Chester and passing the Roman Walls we enter Wales running alongside the Irish Sea on a coastline famed for its beaches and views. At Llandudno Junction the train reverses for the spectacular journey up the beautiful Conwy Valley where a breath-taking range of scenery unfolds, from historic castles through estuary rich in wildlife, to majestic crags with views of tumbling waterfalls.
The high peaks of Snowdonia are on view before our train finally enters the imposing slate landscape of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Mobility
This tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or serious mobility issues as the platforms at some stations are only accessible by a footbridge. It is not possible to transfer between our train and the Ffestiniog Railway in a wheelchair.
Classes of Travel
TRAVEL TIMINGS*
| STATION | DEPARTS | RETURNS |
| High Wycombe | 06.00 | 23.55 |
| Princes Risborough | 06.25 | 23.40 |
| Haddenham and Thame Parkway | 06.40 | 23.25 |
| Bicester North | 06.55 | 23.05 |
| Banbury | 07.15 | 22.30 |
| Leamington Spa | 07.35 | 21.45 |
| Coventry | 08.00 | 21.20 |
| Birmingham International | 08.15 | 21.05 |
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Destination Timings
| STATION | ARRIVES | DEPARTS |
| Blaenau Ffestiniog | 13.00 | 16.00 |
| Betws-y-Coed | 12.30 | 16.30 |
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Journey Itinerary
- 04/09/2024
Ffestiniog Railway
Blaenau Ffestiniog is the terminus of one of the Great Little Trains of Wales – the narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway, built in 1836 to carry slate down to the coast. Our privately chartered steam train will be waiting to take you on a return journey to Tan-y-Bwlch as it twists and turns around the mountainside offering spectacular views. Seating is limited to 150 passengers so early booking is essential.
Supplement: £35 per person
Mobility
This tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or serious mobility issues as the platforms at some stations are only accessible by a footbridge. It is not possible to transfer between our train and the Ffestiniog Railway in a wheelchair.
Supplement: £35
Classes of Travel
Pullman Dining
£395
Seating at a guaranteed window table for two is available at a supplement of £50 per person.
Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an ‘exclusive table for three’ with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £195 is applicable for this seating type.
Seating is in our refurbished Pullman style carriages offering additional legroom, wide seats, and panoramic windows with seating at tables of 4 or 2 laid with crisp linen and fully dressed in fine crockery, fresh flowers, and glassware. The day starts as you settle into your seat with a glass of chilled bucks’ fizz, followed by a full English breakfast and late morning tea/coffee service with pastries prior to the arrival at our destination. Following an afternoon sightseeing break, you will be welcomed aboard by your attentive liveried steward and offered a refreshing glass of chilled champagne and selection of canapes as you relax in anticipation of the gastronomic journey ahead. A sumptuous five course seasonal dinner, created by our Executive Chef, will be served including the Great British cheese board, biscuits, and chutneys – all accompanied by our Sommelier’s choice of a half bottle of wine per person. The memorable journey concludes with a service of coffee and homemade petits fours.
First Class (non-dining)
£195
Seating at a guaranteed window table for two is available at a supplement of £50 per person.
Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an ‘exclusive table for three’ with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £100 is applicable for this seating type.
Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 with additional legroom, wide seats, and panoramic windows. Includes complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks, accompanied with a morning glass of Bucks Fizz and afternoon glass of sparkling wine. There is a buffet bar available for the purchase of light refreshments and you may bring on board your own picnic hamper and drinks for consumption during the journey.
