DEPARTING FROM

  • Durham,
  • Darlington,
  • Northallerton,
  • Thirsk,
  • York,
  • Wakefield Kirkgate,
  • Mirfield,
  • Hebden Bridge,
  • Todmorden,
  • Rochdale

‘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 stepped footbridge. It is not possible to transfer between our train and the Ffestiniog Railway in a wheelchair.

Statesman Rail | Snowdonia Statesman - Wednesday 8 October 2025

JOURNEY

DESTINATIONS

Statesman Rail | Travel on a Luxury Train to Betws-y-Coed

Betws-y-Coed

Welcome – “Croeso!” – to Betws-y-Coed, the gateway to Snowdonia / Eryri. This magical setting has a distinctly Alpine feel enhanced by the dense Gwydyr Forest surrounding the village and visitors come here all year round to explore all that North Wales has to offer! Enjoy locally sourced and award-winning food and drink in the diverse range of cafés, bistros, restaurants, and pubs. Browse the independent shops retailing in crafts, clothing, gifts, and local homemade produce. Visit the shops and art galleries displaying talented Welsh artists. Breathe the fresh air; enjoy walking one of the many trails around the village and perhaps visit the breath-taking Swallow Falls or Conwy Valley Railway Museum.

Statesman Rail | Travel on a Luxury Train to Blaenau Ffestiniog

Blaenau Ffestiniog

Nestled in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, the small town of Blaenau Ffestiniog is rich with industrial heritage, especially with its history of Welsh slate mining. Offering dramatic landscapes, and a unique character that draws visitors seeking adventure and history. It is also primarily these days the terminus for the world famous Ffestiniog Railway, being the purpose for our visit there on this particular occasion.

JOURNEY

ITINERARY

- 10/09/2025

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 170 passengers so early booking is essential.

Supplement: £35

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

CLASSES OF TRAVEL

Statesman Rail | Pullman Dining

Pullman Dining    

FROM £425

Seating at a private guaranteed window table for two is available at a supplement of £50 per person or £125 per person at a ‘superior‘ private guaranteed window table for two  

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 £220 is applicable for this seating type View Seating Plans

Seating is arranged 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 a 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.

Statesman Rail | First Class

First Class   (non-dining) 

FROM £220

Seating at a private guaranteed window table for two is available at a supplement of £50 per person or £125 per person at a ‘superior‘ private guaranteed window table for two  

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 £120 is applicable for this seating type View Seating Plans

Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 with wide seats and panoramic windows and includes complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks, accompanied with a morning glass of Bucks Fizz and afternoon glass of sparkling wine. You may bring on board your own picnic hamper and drinks for consumption during the journey.

TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Durham 05.10 23.40
Darlington 05.40 23.15
Northallerton 06.05 22.55
Thirsk 06.15 22.45
York 06.45 22.20
Wakefield Kirkgate 07.45 21.20
Mirfield 08.05 21.00
Hebden Bridge 08.35 20.30
Todmorden 08.45 20.15
Rochdale 09.00 20.00
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Betws-y-Coed 12.20 16.30
Blaenau Ffestiniog 12.55 16.00

PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

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