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Heritage Railway Adventure

An unforgettable journey by road, rail and sea

from £843.50 per person*

Great Little Breaks

Your Great Little eight-day itinerary includes:

  • An 8-day itinerary
  • 7 nights' bed and full English breakfast
  • Glass of Prosecco on arrival to the Ixora Hotel
  • 3 dinners included
  • 2 tickets for Ffestiniog railway adventure
  • Tea and cake at Spooners Cafe
  • 2 tickets for the Severn Valley Railway
  • 2 tickets for the Bournemouth Sea Train Adventure
  • 2 tickets for Exbury Gardens
From £843.50 per person*

or

Call: 01905 793 888

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All our tours are customisable

Our well-travelled team can customise the itineraries to suit you, taking care of all rail tickets, attractions and hotel accommodation arrangements as you need.

Summary:

E mbark on an unforgettable self-drive 8-day journey blending scenic drives with railway experiences. Begin in North Wales, where the mountains of Snowdonia and a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway sets the tone. Continue through the Welsh countryside to Worcestershire for a steam adventure aboard the Severn Valley Railway. Then, head to the south coast where Bournemouth becomes your base for coastal relaxation and a journey by boat and train from Poole to Corfe Castle and back.

heritage rail tour

Day 1:

Scenic Drive to Snowdonia

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  • Hotel: IXORA Hotel and Spa

Begin your adventure with a scenic drive through North Wales, taking in dramatic mountain views and rolling countryside as you head towards the edge of Snowdonia National Park. On arrival at IXORA Snowdonia, you'll be welcomed with a glass of Prosecco to toast the start of your getaway, followed by dinner on your first night.

Day 2:

A Picturesque Day on the Rails

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  • Hotel: IXORA Hotel and Spa
After a hearty breakfast, set off for your first railway adventure. Drive to Blaenau Ffestiniog and board the historic Ffestiniog Railway for a scenic journey to the charming coastal town of Porthmadog. Enjoy time to explore the harbour and local shops before collecting your tea and cake from Spooners Cafe and hopping back aboard for the return ride through the landscapes of Snowdonia, then drive back to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Day 3:

A Delightful Journey to Worcestershire

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  • Hotel: Hogarth's Stone Manor
After checking out, enjoy a leisurely drive through the scenic Welsh countryside, perhaps stopping for lunch in one of the charming market towns along the River Severn. Arrive in Worcestershire and settle in to Hogarth's Stone Manor, where you can unwind with dinner that features locally sourced produce, setting the tone for your next railway adventure.

Day 4:

Step Back in Time on the Severn Valley Railway

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  • Hotel: Hogarth's Stone Manor
When enjoying a scenic steam train journey on the Severn Valley Railway, winding through Worcestershire's countryside, you'll have the chance to explore stops such as the village of Arley and the fascinating locomotive sheds. The nostalgic ride captures the charm of classic rail travel with stunning views at every turn.

Day 5:

From Countryside to Coast

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  • Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel
After a leisurely breakfast at Hogarth's Stone Manor, it's time to head south for the next chapter of your adventure. Take the scenic route and pause for lunch in one of the charming Cotswolds towns or stop by Winchester for a relaxed bite and a wander. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the south coast, arriving in Bournemouth. Check in for your three-night stay at the 4-star Hermitage Hotel with sea views, stylish interiors and dinner in the restaurant after a long day.

Day 6:

A Journey by Sea and Steam

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  • Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel
Begin your day with a trip to Poole, where your Sea Train Adventure sets sail. Cruise along the scenic coastline to the charming seaside town of Swanage, then step aboard the Swanage Railway for a nostalgic ride through the Purbeck countryside to the ruins of Corfe Castle. After time to explore, return by steam and sea, taking in coastal views as you sail back to Poole and round off your day back at the hotel.

Day 7:

Exbury Gardens Exploration

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  • Hotel: The Hermitage Hotel
Spend your day immersed in natural beauty with a visit to Exbury Gardens, a 200-acre garden nestled in the New Forest. Wander through displays of rare plants, woodlands, and riverside walks, all curated by the Rothschild family. Discover hidden corners, bridges, and bursts of colour at every turn. Don't miss the chance to hop aboard the narrow-gauge steam railway, which meanders through the gardens and offers a new perspective. After time to explore, relax and and return to the hotel with memories of a day among the blooms.

Day 8:

Breakfast and Check Out

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Wake up to a final breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading home with fond memories of your heritage rail adventure.

Where you’ll stay:

Set on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, the IXORA Snowdonia offers a stylish base with panoramic views, a serene spa and local cuisine. In the heart of the Worcestershire countryside, Hogarth's Stone Manor blends Tudor charm with modern comfort, surrounded by landscaped gardens and offering local dining. Down on the south coast, The Hermitage Hotel in Bournemouth pairs Victorian character with seaside elegance just steps from the beach.

OR

Call 01905 793 888 to Book

Hotel Details

IXORA Hotel and Spa (Day 1 & 2)Ixora Hotel & Spa is a stylish, contemporary retreat nestled on the edge of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park in North Wales. Offering modern comfort and easy access to breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery, it’s ideal for both leisure and adventure.
  • Accommodation in a double room on days 1 & 2
  • Breakfast daily
  • Dinner on your first night
  • Check-in 3pm / check-out 11am
  • Dinner served 5pm-9pm
  • Free WiFi throughout the hotel
  • 24 hour room service
  • The hotel has a lift
Hogarth's Stone Manor (Day 3 & 4)

Hogarths Stone Manor is a modern luxury in a historic country manor nestled on 27 acres near Kidderminster in Worcestershire, this stylish country house combines characterful architecture with contemporary comforts
  • 2 nights' accommodation in a standard double on days 3 & 4
  • Dinner on your first night
  • Breakfast daily
  • Check-in 3pm / check-out 11am
  • Free on-site parking available for hotel guests
  • Free WiFi available throughout the hotel
  • Dinner is served between 7pm-10pm
  • The hotel does have a lift
The Hermitage Hotel (Day 5,6 & 7)

The Hermitage Hotel & Spa is a stylish 4‑star seafront retreat in Bournemouth, just steps from the beach, pier, and Bournemouth International Centre—ideal for both relaxation and coastal exploration.
  • 3 nights' accomodation in a Classic Double room on days 5, 6 & 7
  • Dinner on your first night
  • Breakfast daily
  • Dinner is served between 6pm-8.45pm
  • Check-in 3pm / check-out 11am
  • Free WiFi
  • Free parking

Why we love this:

  • Ffestiniog Railway: Step aboard one of the world's oldest narrow-gauge railways and journey through the dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia
  • Spooners Cafe: Pause your rail adventure for a comforting treat at Spooners Cafe in Porthmadog. Enjoy tea and cake in a relaxed setting before continuing your journey through the heart of Snowdonia
  • Severn Valley Railway: Experience a nostalgic steam ride through the Worcestershire countryside. Hop off at charming stops like Arley, or visit the locomotice sheds for a look at heritage rail engineering
  • Swanage Railway and Steam Train Adventure: Combine scenic cruising and steam travel as you sail from Poole to Swanage, then ride the rails to Corfe Castle. This coastal journey offers breathtaking views, seaside charm and a dash of history
  • Explore the South Coast: From Bournemouth's golden beaches to quaint coastal villages and boutique shops, enjoy a day at your own pace along one of England's most beautiful shorelines

Good to know:

  • Enjoy complimentary use of the leisure facilities at IXORA Snowdonia, including access to the spa, sauna and relaxation areas
  • Ffestiniog Railway (Blaenau Ffestiniog Station) is around a 30-minute drive from IXORA Snowdonia, with parking available close to the station
  • The Severn Valley Railway (Kidderminster Station) is just a 20-minute drive from Hogarth's Stone Manor with parking available on-site for a stress-free start to your rail journey
  • Poole Quay (Sea Train departure point) is aboout a 25-minute drive from The Hermitage Hotel in Bournemouth, with serveral parking options close to the harbour
  • Corfe Castle can be reached via the Swanage Railway from Swanage Station, part of your Sea Train adventure – no driving required once your boat docks!
  • The New Forest National Park is approximately a 35-minute drive from The Hermitage Hotel, offering scenic walks, wildlife spotting and traditional villages for a day of exploration
  • Whilst staying at The Hermitage Hotel, you can utilise the leisure facilities at The Cumberland, Suncliff and Ocean Beach hotels. It’s the perfect way to get in some self-care during your adventure

Please note:

If you would like to change which day you'd like to visit the included attractions, please detail in the special request box when booking.

This package is non-refundable once booked.

*We advise you to pre-book your dinner reservations with the hotels directly, once your booking has been confirmed, to avoid disappointment.

A final confirmation and all tickets will be sent out to you 7 days prior to arrival.

All tickets have been sourced via a trusted partner of Great Little Breaks.

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