Railtrail Annual Brochure 2021

®

Q U A L I T Y E S C O R T E D H O L I D A Y S B Y T R A I N

During the Covid-19 Pandemic Railtrail have: Continued to put people before profit Refunded payments when a tour was cancelled Put back the balance of payment deadline dates Kept Customer Care phone lines open Provided outstanding Customer Service (see back cover) Offered 2021 tours at 2020 prices for a limited period BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE, BOOK RAILTRAIL TOURS 3 3 3 3 3 3

T o u r i n g t h e UK & O v e r s e a s b y R a i l

BIG ON QUALITY, SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE.

2021 A year to look forward to. 2020 (my 40th Anniversary Year of organising rail holidays) started wonderfully as by the end of February all records were being broken for advance bookings. Subsequently it became a Spring and Summer whereby we have been tested to the limits of understanding and endurance. As each tour has been cancelled all clients have received the offer of full refunds within a matter of days of their tour being cancelled. Additionally, as you can see from our tick box on our front cover we have implemented schemes that put our customers firmly at the forefront of our thoughts. It is an old saying but when times are difficult the cream really does rise to the top. Our Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award is based on verified genuine reviews by our clients which is a reward in itself, please read some of our recent reviews on the back cover. Pleasingly for us, this has been reflected in the faith our clients have in Railtrail Tours as they have immediately used part of their refund to book onto 2021 departures of their cancelled tours. Therefore, we have taken the unprecedented step of creating this special 2021 brochure of tours earlier than usual, as they have only limited availability left and we do not want you to miss out on the opportunity of travelling with us next year. In the first pages of this brochure you will read of what makes Railtrail special, including the unique way in which we reward our loyal clients including … • High-street style ‘Railtrail Rewards’ loyalty points scheme Here at Railtrail we have … Put People Before Profit.

• Recommendation Rewards Scheme • Frequent Traveller Rewards Club The common theme being … Railtrail Rewards you for your custom!

However, the best reason of all for choosing Railtrail Tours is Quality and I trust that you will find the quality of this Tours Programme, our friendly and experienced Tour Managers, and our superb Customer Care are all second to none. As a final reward five of our most popular tours in this brochure have had their 2020 prices frozen for 2021 departures.

Finally, may I ask on behalf of all the team here at Railtrail Tours for your support in voting for us in the British Travel Awards. Details of how to vote are on page 4 and all voters are entered into a special draw with numerous great prizes, it could mean both you and Railtrail can end an awful year as winners! Thank You. Take care and we hope to have the pleasure of your company soon.

1 ST CLASS

Kind Regards,

I

L

A

T

R

R

A

I

L

41 YEARS

Dave Felstead Owner & Managing Director

Registering Your Email address – Please help us to help you We can assure you that we have never sold/shared client’s information to/with any other company and never will. May we please ask that you register your email address with us. You will be amongst the first to receive our tour news, special offers and incentives that shortage of time and high cost normally preclude us from sending in the traditional post. It also allows us to immediately email you your booking confirmation, and when departure time nears enables us to get your tour itinerary to you speedily and safely. You will also be ‘in the hat’ and may be the lucky winner of our monthly email database draw for £100 of Railtrail vouchers. To register please view www.railtrail.co.uk click on ‘Email Promo’ and enter your details including your email address. It will only take a minute. Thank you .

2

FRONT COVER MAIN PICTURE: Landwasser Viaduct © Shutterstock

DEPARTURES 2021 England, Ireland, Scot land & Wales

DEPARTURES 2021 Wor ldwide and Cont inental Europe

Page

Page

6 & 7

Grand Tour by Rail – Derry to Kerry

42 & 43

Colorado Steam Spectacular

NEW TOUR

8 & 9

Grand Tour by Rail – Wales Coast to Coast

44 & 45

Australia Steam on Five Gauges

10 & 11

Grand Tour by Rail – Land’s End to John O’Groats

46 & 47

Grand Tour by Rail - The Transpyrenean

12 & 13

Grand Tour by Rail – Six Wonders of the Waterways

48

The Rhine in Flames

2021AT 2020 PRICES

14

The Cream of Cornish Coasts & Country

49

Rhine Rail & Ale Trail

NEW TOUR

15

Springtime Gardens of Cornwall

50

Rhine Valley Railways More Inclusive

16 & 17

Jersey, Guernsey, Herm & Sark

51

Germany’s Hanseatic Heritage

2021AT 2020 PRICES

18

Steam & Sail in the Elegant English Riviera

52

Harz Mountains Steam - The Jewel of Germany

19

Dorset Coast & Isle of Wight Steam

53

Amsterdam, Tulips, Cheese and Steam

20

Shipshape & Bristol Fashion

54

Swiss Glacier Express & The Bernina

2021AT 2020 PRICES

21

Cotswold & Swindon Steam Explorer

55

The Big Five versus The Stoosbahn

22

North Norfolk Coast, the Broads & Steam

56

Swiss Mountain Steam

23

Roses Battle by Steam plus Settle & Carlisle Line

57

Switzerland’s Steam-Powered Six

2021AT 2020 PRICES

24

Treasures of the Peak District

25

Canals, Steam & Historic Chester

2021AT 2020 PRICES

26

Isle of Man Explorer

Extra Benefits Rewarding your Loyalty The vast majority of our customers are either repeat bookings or recommendations and should you recommend Railtrail to someone not already on our database, then when they travel on their first tour YOUR Railtrail Rewards Loyalty account will be credited with the value of £25 per person booked if it was a UK tour, £50 per person booked if European / Grand tour, or £100 per person if they travelled on a Worldwide tour. Railtrail Frequent Traveller Club The Railtrail Frequent Traveller Club rewards the loyalty of our most frequent travellers. Once you have travelled with us a minimum of 5 times you automatically become a member of a select club that receive special fare offers and free tour upgrades and gifts including a quality pin badge to wear with pride. The more you travel the higher the reward for bronze, silver and gold members. Focus On Steam For details of all our steam tours please visit www.railtrail.co.uk and click on Steam Enthusiasts Calendar where all of our current steam tours are listed. New Tours To receive details of all new tours as soon as they are organised please visit www.railtrail.co.uk and click on Email Promo on the main menu bar and enter your details.

27

Lake District & Cumbrian Mountains Explorer

28

Step Back in Tyne – Discover the North East

29

Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail

30 & 31

Queen of Scots

32

Highland Adventure

33

Springtime Highlander

34

Summer Highlander

NEW TOUR

35

Highland Rail Voyager

36

Orkney & Shetland Explorer

37

Romantic Highlander

38 & 39

Hebridean Islands Discovery

40

Wonderful Wales

41

Heart of Wales Steam & the Brecon Beacons

Railtrail Rewards Loyalty We genuinely feel that our tours, staff and service are the best and that is why our clients choose Railtrail Tours for their holiday. In addition to this however, once you have travelled with Railtrail, we reward your loyalty via our ‘Railtrail Rewards’ Loyalty Points scheme. For every pound spent you will receive Loyalty Rewards Points on return from your holiday, which can then be used as a discount on future bookings. Loyalty Points remain valid for 3 years after your return from your holiday. The more loyalty points you earn, the greater the discount you will receive on your next tour – no other escorted rail holiday company operates such a scheme.

Main picture: Mam Tor, The Peak District © Shutterstock

3

BRITISH TRAVEL AWARDS 2020… VOTE FOR RAILTRAIL! Railtrail Tours is a long-standing family firmwith a great reputation for quality rail holidays, and we are delighted to announce that we have been nominated for the British Travel Awards 2020 in the category of Best Rail Holiday Company (small company) in our 40th anniversary year. The British Travel Awards are recognised by consumers as the “symbol of excellence” in travel and tourism and we are facing some fierce competition. Voting started on the 6th September and continues until 22nd November . The British Travel Awards are voted for by members of the public and for you to vote for us would mean a huge amount to all the team and be just the boost needed for us to start 2021 on a positive high! WE NEED YOU... Please get voting on our website and wish us luck. It will only take a minute and we would be hugely grateful, for your help THANK YOU .

What makes

different?

Office Team Railtrail We are proud of our independent status and it is perhaps opportune to open our office doors a little wider than usual to give you re-assurance that ‘Big is not always Best’ and that here at Railtrail we put ‘Quality over Quantity’ when creating tours which ensures we do not overstretch our resources. Where financial security is concerned your money is always fully protected and you can book knowing your holiday is in safe hands, as we uniquely secure your money in a Trust Account until after you return from your holiday tour. Our Founder & Managing Director still heads the company, and as Vice-Chairman of the Association of European Rail Agents (AERA) is also at the forefront of what’s happening on today’s European railways. The family connection also includes Julie Ratcliffe (nee Felstead) who along with Gemma forms our Customer Care team who are normally the first voices you hear when telephoning Railtrail. Dave’s son, Paul Felstead, has joined the company in a senior Operations role after a long career in the RAF and is waiting in the wings to fly the company flag.

Our Fab 5 ‘Design to Delivery’ Team – Margo, Lisa, Kathy, Carla and Kate - have over 100 years’ experience in the Tours & Travel industry. Our resident ‘rail enthusiast’ is Henry who in addition to working in our rail ticketing section also acts as Tour Manager on some of our heritage and steam tours where his passion, particularly in the steam domain, is a font of all knowledge to the benefit of clients. Our husband and wife team, Mark and Rachel Dickin, have for some years been an essential backbone of the company with Mark keeping our website up to date and his wife Rachel is possibly the most popular member of the team as she is in charge of finance, and pays the salaries! This excellent team has been expanded with the arrival of Michelle joining our Design to Delivery team, and Summer who enhances our social media activities. Please visit our website, where you might also like to register your email address to receive a weekly email of further Railtrail news and new tours. However, we would be nothing without our actual public face – our brilliant Tour Managers...

Your Railtrail Tour Manager Every Railtrail tour is escorted by one of our team of caring and experienced Tour Managers. We are a family business and so we have hand-picked people to look after our customers who share our values. They are a very well-travelled bunch of people, with the most experienced having over 100 tours under their belt! Your Railtrail Tour Manager is there to make sure things run like clockwork. They have the experience and knowledge to make your travel arrangements straightforward and your holiday as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Plus they are great company too!

4

What can you expect from your Railtrail holiday?

Beautiful Britain by Train Explore superb scenery, experience excellent food, stay in quality hotels, visit stunning destinations. A great way to holiday and marvellous value for money. Your Railtrail UK Tour Fare is inclusive of: ★ ★ Your choice of standard or First Class rail travel to and from the Tour Base ★ ★ Half-board accommodation with private facilities at quality hotels ★ ★ All the excursions and attractions featured in your tour ★ ★ Services of an experienced Railtrail Tours tour manager Treat yourself to a little extra luxury and relaxation - choose our First Class rail option. Explore Europe by Train Extraordinary short breaks and tours featuring amazing railway journeys to wonderful destinations to suit all tastes. Our Classic European Tours depart from London St Pancras International where you will be met by your Tour Manager at Searcy’s champagne bar, London St Pancras station with a welcome complimentary drink and snack before boarding your high-speed Eurostar train to the continent. Each tour describes all the included rail travel and excursions, plus your quality hotel accommodation and meals as stated. You may choose to include the extra comfort of the exclusive carriages and refreshments of Eurostar Standard Premier train travel, plus First Class travel for the onward great continental railway journey to the country of For clients wishing to travel independently to join the tour of their choice we offer flexible joining point fares for all tours including the option to join & leave at the tour hotel(s). Included Meals Many tours in this brochure include some light refreshments during the day, whilst on a few continental tours based in beautiful destinations we leave the occasional evening free to give you an opportunity to experience the ambience and dine at leisure in a restaurant of your choice. To avoid any confusion every tour in this brochure summarises the included meals in the fares table and we also include at the end of each day description a simple code that states what meals are included on that particular day. The meals included are: B=Breakfast, L=Light lunch, LR=Light refreshments, D=Dinner. Your Mobility Holidays by train require a reasonable level of physical fitness. Our only wish is for you to enjoy your holiday and it is for this reason that we have to be sure that the tour you have selected is suitable for you. As part of the booking process you are required to comply with a few mobility questions and we ask for your co-operation in answering these. A note about Luggage We do include hotel porterage whenever we can, however carrying luggage is the customer’s responsibility, including onto or off a train. We would recommend a modest sized suitcase with wheels and a retractable handle and a small piece of hand baggage per person. your holiday destination. Worldwide Tours After meeting your Tour Manager at our chosen flight Check-in desk and passing through customs control we have quality relaxation time with complimentary snack and drink. Tour Base Fares Option

Inclusive Rail fares Railtrail’s British tours are unique in that, as described opposite, we offer tour fares inclusive of rail travel from any station in the UK, along with seat reservations (where applicable) as part of the tour package. Should you miss your specified train, or a connecting train, your ticket is still valid on the next service. All we ask is that you telephone either the office during office hours, or your Tour Manager outside of office hours, to let us know of your hic-cup in your journey and we will then take control leaving you free to relax and enjoy the remainder of your journey. Please ensure when booking your tour that you give us the mobile phone number that you will be carrying with you on the day so that we can help you and maintain contact with you until you meet up with your Tour Manager. For each UK tour we publish a Fares Table showing not only the fare for those wishing to join at the tour base but also fares offering your choice of First Class (where available) or Standard Class rail travel from every UK mainland rail station. Departure stations are grouped into regions, as in the example below:

Look down the table for the region from which you wish to travel , The amounts shown alongside are the per person (sharing a twin/ double room). i f ich you wish to travel. The mounts shown alongside re the tou fare er ers (sharing a twin/ double room) including rail travel from and to your home station.

Tour fare travelling First Class* rail from Home station to Tour Base & return

Tour fare travelling Standard Class* rail from Home station to Tour Base & return

* Please note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class only, so First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of journeys. On certain high-season departures we apply a Departure Supplement to the fare due to higher hotel or travel costs.

FARE REGION

FIRST STANDARD

London: Paddington Greater London South of England

£485 £489 £505 £545 £539 £505 £539 £595 £645 £625 £485 £559 £675

£455 £459 £469 £495 £469 £469 £455 £495 £519 £509 £455 £485

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland £549 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at hotel £409

If you have a National Railcard the fares table also shows a nominal amount that you can deduct from the tour fare shown.

Alternatively, you may select the Tour Base fare as shown to “Join and Leave” at the tour hotel(s).

Our Concierge Luggage Service Did you know that it is possible to arrange to have your luggage collected in advance from your home and delivered to your UK or European tour hotel, leaving you free to enjoy your holiday by train even more? Using Railtrail’s luggage service allows you to travel light on the first and last days of your holiday. And this special concierge service may not cost as much as you would imagine. Contact us for further details.

5

G rand T ours by R ail – D erry to K erry

Here is our recreation of Palin’s second ‘Great Railway Journey’ from ‘Derry to Kerry’! Experience the fabulous line from Coleraine to Londonderry and the scenic East Coast Line from Dublin to Wexford, enjoy the contrasts of Belfast, Dublin, Waterford and Tralee, and wonder at the natural beauty of the Causeway Coast and the Ring of Kerry, all rounded off with a final shindig in Dublin. Cead Mile Failte!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 Customers booking our rail-inclusive package will begin their holiday with the ‘Burns Country Line’ through Galloway to our hotel for one night, the North West Castle Hotel in Stranraer . (D) DAY 2 Our morning ferry crosses from nearby Cairnryan to Belfast Port. A local coach awaits our arrival for the transfer to Belfast itself, where we visit the popular Titanic Experience . The world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction is housed at the spot where it all began. We then continue to the unspoilt Antrim coast and our hotel for three nights, the Londonderry Arms in the seaside village of Carnlough. (B,D) ★ ★ Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway, a unique natural phenomenon ★ ★ Arrive at the Causeway aboard the Bushmills Railway ★ ★ Taste Bushmills Whiskey at the distillery ★ ★ Experience Northern Ireland’s great scenic rail journey ★ ★ Tour the walls of Derry-Londonderry ★ ★ Visit the Titanic Experience in Belfast ★ ★ Sightsee in Dublin’s fair city ★ ★ Take in the Irish Republic’s most scenic railway along the East Coast ★ ★ Learn about Ireland’s emigrant history at Dunbrody Emigrant Ship Museum ★ ★ Explore Waterford and visit the famous Waterford Crystal ★ ★ Trundle through the Suir Valley on the heritage Suir Valley Railway ★ ★ Enjoy the fabulous views of the Ring of Kerry ★ ★ Let your hair down with a final night’s dinner and Irish Show in Dublin ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to/from the mainland ports (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Standard Class rail travel in Ireland ★ ★ Ferries and coach travel, as described ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £1849

Wonderful Coastal Rail Journey

© Shutterstock

DAY 3 Transferring to Ballymoney, we join arguably the most scenic stretch of railway on the island of Ireland . From Coleraine the line runs alongside the River Bann before passing through Castlerock and Downhill tunnels, the longest in Ireland. From the seaside village of Castlerock we pass Binevenagh Mountain, the track running alongside the golden sands of Benone Strand, with views of unspoilt beaches and rolling waves from the Atlantic Ocean. Arriving in Derry-Londonderry , we enjoy a guided walk on the city walls of Ireland’s only completely walled city, before retracing our tracks to Ballymoney. (B,D) DAY 4 Today we head along the Antrim coastline to Bushmills . Here we board the Giant’s Causeway & Bushmills Railway , a railway built to the Irish narrow gauge of three feet and running for two miles along the track of the former Giant’s Causeway Tram. At the Giant’s Causeway we visit the Visitor Centre walk the short distance to the stones. Returning to Bushmills, we visit the Bushmills Distillery for a tasting of their malts. (B,D) DAY 5 Transferring to Ballymena, our train takes us through Antrim to Belfast. Changing trains, we continue southwards, with the Mountains of Mourne in the distance, crossing into the Irish Republic. From Drogheda to Dublin the railway skirts a pretty coastline of beaches and harbours . In Dublin we stay for two nights at the Academy Plaza Hotel. (B,D)

DAY 6 Today we are free to explore Dublin at leisure with our hop-on, hop-off bus ticket which will take us around the main sites of Ireland’s capital independently. Be sure to visit Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle and enjoy a pint of the black stuff at thriving Temple Bar. (B,D) DAY 7 Leaving Dublin behind, for a few days at least, the most scenic rail journey in the Republic awaits. Heading round Dublin Bay, the coastline really opens out at Killiney Bay and the tracks follow the coastline down through Bray and Greystones to Wicklow, before moving inland through County Wexford. A coach awaits in Wexford to transport us to Waterford, via New Ross , which was the ancestral home of the Kennedys. Here we visit the Dunbrody Emigrant Ship & Museum , exploring Ireland’s history of emigration, before continuing to Waterford for two nights at Treacy’s Hotel. (B,D)

Dunbrody Emigrant Ship Museum

Blowing Waterford Crystal

Titanic Experience, Belfast

© Shutterstock

© Shutterstock

© Shutterstock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

6

Bushmills Whiskey Distillery

© Shutterstock

DAY 8 A factory tour of Waterford Crystal showcases the different skills that go into creating their world-famous product, including glass blowing, cutting, sculpting, moulding and engraving. Today also features a heritage rail excursion through the beautiful Suir Valley on the diesel-hauled narrow-gauge Waterford & Suir Valley Railway . (B,D) DAY 9 Rejoining the Irish rail system, we depart Waterford and travel across Ireland’s beautiful green landscapes. We are not a long way from Tipperary when we change at Limerick Junction, joining a train through County Kerry destined for Michael Palin’s final destination, Tralee . Here we stay for two nights at Benners Hotel. (B,D) DAY 10 A scenic guided tour of the Ring of Kerry takes us through an untouched landscape of rolling hills, fishing villages and tranquil lakes on the dramatically scenic Kerry coastline. Our route passes charming towns, such as Killorglin, Waterville and Kenmare, before spending a little free time in Killarney , sitting at the foot of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. (B,D) DAY 11 Departing Tralee, we cross Ireland from coast to coast, arriving back in Dublin for a final free afternoon’s sightseeing and a final night at the Academy Plaza Hotel. We bid farewell to the Emerald Isle with a final

Giant’s Causeway

12 DAYS

© Shutterstock

dinner and a rousing send-off of live Irish music and dancing . (B,D) DAY 12 We transfer to Dublin Port for the sea crossing to Holyhead, from where the trains await to transport you home. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 23 September 2021

FARES

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England

FIRST STANDARD

£2205 £2205 £2245 £2259 £2209 £2109 £2075

£2025 £2039 £2055 £2069 £2039 £1969 £1959 £1929 £1925 £1925 £1989 £1955 £1905 £1849 £385

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Ring of Kerry Coastline

N/A N/A

© Shutterstock

£2009 £2135 £2065

HOTELS

North West Castle, Stranraer This comfortable 3-star hotel in Stranraer town centre has been family owned for more than fifty years. ‘The Castle’ was formerly the home of Sir John Ross, an Arctic explorer, who discovered the ice bound trading route now known as the ‘North West Passage’. The hotel offers 72 bedrooms, Regency dining room, Alpine Restaurant and leisure facilities including swimming pool. Londonderry Arms, Carnlough Nestled in the picturesque harbour village of Carnlough, the hotel was built in 1847 as a coaching inn and offers old world charm. The 3-star hotel was once owned by Sir Winston Churchill and has now been run by the same family for over 70 years. The hotel has just 35 bedrooms, a traditional bar, restaurant and lounge with antique furniture and open fire. Academy Plaza Hotel, Dublin A 3-star city centre hotel is ideally located just off Upper O’Connell Street on Findlater Place right in the heart of Dublin City within walking distance of Temple Bar, Trinity College, St Stephen’s Green and many other famous landmarks. The hotel has a stylish bar and restaurant. Treacy’s Hotel, Waterford Treacy’s Hotel is a family-run 3-star hotel overlooking the River Suir in the heart of Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city. The has a great traditional Irish bar called Timbertoes, restaurant and leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool.

Scotland

N/A

Join Stranraer & Leave Holyhead Single Room Supplement

11 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail, ferry & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage

Live Irish Music in Dublin

© Shutterstock © Wiki

Ha’Penny Bridge, Dublin

© Shuttersock

Benners Hotel, Tralee The 3-star Benners is a family run hotel located in the heart of Tralee, a Medieval Town and the Capital of the Kingdom of Kerry. This charming hotel has been welcoming visitors for over 200 years and offers bar, restaurant, café and courtyard garden.

Dublin

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

7

G rand T ours by R ail – W ales C oast

Another unique Grand Tour by Rail, visiting some of our best loved hotels, crossing Wales from coast to coast. From our bases in Carmarthen, Llandrindod, and Llandudno we tick off more steam and heritage railways than you could imagine, plus we bask in the wonderful scenery of the valleys, mountains, and coasts.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 We arrive in Carmarthen and walk to the short distance to the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, our base for the next three nights. (D) DAY 2 Our second day is spent exploring the scenic coastline by coach in a region known as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park , including a visit to cathedral city of St David’s , the smallest city in the UK and the resting place of St David, for which the city is bestowed the title of ecclesiastical capital of Wales. (B,D) DAY 2 Today we travel to train to the picturesque seaside resort of Tenby and have a free day to admire fantastic views of Caldey Island, stroll around the pretty cobbled streets or simply enjoy the beach and harbour area. (B,D) ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Explore the Pembrokeshire Coast & St David’s ★ ★ Enjoy a day in beautiful Tenby ★ ★ Visit the Teifi and Gwili Railways ★ ★ Travel along the picturesque Heart of Wales Line & Cambrian Line ★ ★ Experience the Talyllyn Railway, the mother of all preserved lines ★ ★ Steam on the Vale of Rheidol Railway – one of the Great Little Trains of Wales ★ ★ Marvel at reservoirs and mountains on the Brecon Mountain Railway ★ ★ Visit the Bala Lake Railway ★ ★ Enjoy the fabulous Llangollen Railway ★ ★ Explore Snowdonia on the Welsh Highland Railway, world famous Ffestiniog Railway and picturesque Llanberis Lake Railway ★ ★ Spectacular Snowdon Mountain Railway ★ ★ Conwy Valley Line scenic train journey ★ ★ Great Orme Mountain tram ride ★ ★ Stay in some of our most popular hotels Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £1645

Tenby Harbour

© Visit Wales

DAY 4 No fewer than three interesting and contrasting railway experiences await us today, as we visit the Teifi Railway , a small narrow-gauge railway built by volunteers along a former Great Western Railway branch line. Afterwards, we sample the extended Gwili Railway , running for four miles through unspoilt countryside. Finally, transferring to Llandeilo, we join the Heart of Wales Line , one of Britain’s prettiest rural routes, travelling through tranquil scenery en route to Llandrindod Wells for our four nights stay at the Hotel Metropole. (B,D) DAY 5 A short transfer to Devil’s Bridge allows us to join the Vale of Rheidol Railway , one of the Great Little Trains of Wales. Running to the Cambrian coast, see the countryside change as we travel through rugged mountain scenery, woodland and wide open fields to Aberystwyth , where there is free time to take lunch before our return journey. (B,D)

DAY 6 Today we depart Llandrindod by coach to Newtown, sampling the Cambrian Line , a different route to coastal Cardigan Bay for a journey special to anyone with an interest in railway heritage. The Talyllyn Railway runs for seven miles from Tywyn to Nant Gwernol through the Fathew Valley, passing Dolgoch Falls. Opened in 1865 to carry slate, the railway fell on hard times in

Talyllyn Railway

© Talyllyn Railway

St. David’s

Llangollen Railway

© Shutterstock

© AdobeStock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

8

to C oast

Great Orme Tramway

© Ffestioniog & WHR © BMR © Shutterstock

Snowdon Mountain Railway

© SMR

12 DAYS

DAY 11 Heading into Snowdonia, we take a steam train ride on the Llanberis Lake Railway followed, after a relaxing break, by a journey on the amazing Snowdon Mountain Railway . After enjoying this kaleidoscope of vistas, we return through the National Park and Conwy Valley to Llandudno. (B,D) DAY 12 A reluctant farewell to Llandudno and the lovely Empire Hotel sees us make our way to the station for our journeys homeward. (B) **Please note that we have based this itinerary on this year’s timetables for the many heritage railways featured. Where possible the excursions will be steam, although occasionally we may book diesel trains instead if steam trains are not in operation. We may have to juggle one or two of the days to make the itinerary work with the heritage railways once their timetables are announced.

Bala Lake Railway

DEPARTS

Thursday 30 September 2021

the early 1950s. A team of pioneering enthusiasts took over the running of the line and built the world’s first preserved railway . (B,D) DAY 7 Our adventure continues to Pant for a journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway . Formerly part of the Brecon & Merthyr Railway, the line passes the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir on its way to Torpantau, high in the Brecon Beacons. (B,D) DAY 8 Crossing Wales northwards by coach, we call in at the Bala Lake Railway and the Llangollen Railway on our way to Llandudno where we stay for four nights at the superbly traditional Empire Hotel. (B,D) DAY 9 Our leisurely first day on the North Wales Coast includes a ride on the vintage tramcar to the summit of the Great Orme , offering magnificent views across the Irish Sea. We can enjoy free time to visit pier, shops, beautiful beach, and attractions. (B,D) DAY 10 Take traditional great railway journeys as we head along the beautiful Conwy Valley Line to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here we board our narrow-gauge steam train on the world famous Ffestiniog Railway to travel to Porthmadog . After some free time, our journey continues on the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarvon from where we transfer back to Llandudno. (B,D)

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST STANDARD

London Paddington (Return Euston) Greater London South of England

£1,855

£1,769

£1,879 £1,905 £1,915 £1,945 £1,805 £1,755

£1,779 £1,799 £1,799 £1,779 £1,745 £1,719 £1,775 £1,815 £1,739 £1,729 £1,725

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

N/A N/A

£1,825

N/A N/A

The Empire Hotel, Llandudno Faithful to its Victorian character, all rooms are furnished with antiques and beds with down bedding - and have private bathroom, TV, DVD player, safe, refrigerator, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and tea/coffee making facilities. The award-winning Watkins and Co. restaurant offers the finest local produce; a creative chef, elegant surroundings and friendly service all combine to ensure a memorable experience. The hotel has an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and small outdoor heated pool. Scotland ******* £20 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £1665 Single Room Supplement £250 *******Customers in Scotland – please call us for advice. Carmarthen is difficult to reach in a day from some parts of Scotland. We would rather look into this in detail for you before accepting a booking that the UK rail system cannot facilitate. But please do call us! 11 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager *******

Gwilli Steam Railway

HOTELS

The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Carmarthen This traditional 3-star hotel is located on the outskirts of Carmarthen, just a short walk from the railway station, castle and town centre. The comfortable bedrooms are equipped with TV, hairdryer & tea/ coffee making facilities. There is a light and spacious restaurant, traditional pub-style bar, lounge and outside terrace. There is also a sauna and small gymnasium. The Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells Situated in the spa town of Llandrindod Wells, the 4-star Metropole Hotel is a great base for exploring the varied attractions of the Heart of Wales. The hotel is also a great place to relax, as its Victorian style conservatory houses an 18 metre pool, thermal suites, Jacuzzi, and gymnasium.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

9

G rand T ours by R ail – L and ’ s E nd to

Travel coast to coast from Land’s End to John O’Groats, including many of Britain’s great scenic rail journeys along the way. Explore England, Scotland & Wales on a one off, once in a lifetime, grand rail tour of mainland Britain!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 We arrive in Cornwall in Falmouth for three nights at the fabulous Royal Duchy Hotel. Here we check in and relax ahead of dinner together. (D) DAY 2 We begin our excursions by travelling through charming, un-spoilt Cape Cornwall en route to Land’s End , the westernmost point of Cornwall and England. Our round trip then continues, calling in at the lovely fishing village of Mousehole , before returning to Falmouth. (B,D) DAY 3 A leisurely day allows you to relax in Falmouth. (B,D) DAY 4 We head to Falmouth station which marks the beginning of our adventure northwards. Travelling in the class of your choice once we reach the main line, we cross through Cornwall into Devon , cruising by rail alongside the famous sea wall at Dawlish . Heading through the Southwest, we travel through the beautiful Heartland of England changing trains at Birmingham New Street. At Chester we make our way to the lovely Queen Hotel where we will be based for three nights. (B,D) ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Hotel Porterage ★ ★ Relax in Falmouth, Cornwall ★ ★ Visit Land’s End & Cape Cornwall ★ ★ Marvel at the Welsh Highland Railway & the Ffestiniog Railway ★ ★ Enjoy the Llangollen Steam Railway & a Canal Cruise ★ ★ Unwind in the heart of the Scottish Highlands at Bridge of Orchy ★ ★ Steam across Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train ★ ★ Take in the lovely scenery through the Great Glen alongside Loch Ness ★ ★ Stay at the original Railtrail hotel, the Palace in Inverness ★ ★ Enjoy Dave’s original ‘Great Railway Journey’ on the Kyle Line ★ ★ Touch the top of the country at John O’Groats Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £2339

Lands End, Cornwall

© Helen Hotson/AdobeStock

DAY 6 We make the short journey by road to the Llangollen Canal , where we take a breathtaking aerial cruise across one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Canals’ , the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct . Crossing 126 ft above the River Dee, it is the highest and longest aqueduct in Britain and a World Heritage site. We continue to Llangollen for a little free time to look around the delightful town before a heritage diesel train ride along the beautiful Dee Valley. (B,D)

Dawlish Sea Wall

© Shutterstock

DAY 5 Our coach transfers us along the North Wales Coast to Caernarvon , where we board the magnificent Welsh Highland Railway for a steam hauled rail journey climbing into Snowdonia, twisting around forests to Beddgelert and through the much treasured beauty of the Aberglaslyn Pass . At Porthmadog we enjoy some free time for lunch before we embark on the Ffestiniog Railway for a narrow gauge steam adventure , climbing inland to the unique landscape of Blaenau Ffestiniog. (B,D)

Llangollen – Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

©Visit Wales

Mousehole, Cornwall

Ffestinniog Railway

© David Chandler

© Adam Gibbard

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

10

J ohn O’G roats

Welsh Highland Railway

© WHR

DAY 7 Our journey north continues in the class of your choice via the West Coast Mainline into Glasgow. Here we continue in Standard Class on the first section of the West Highland Line , dubbed one of the world’s greatest railway journeys. The first part of the rail journey is dominated by wonderful watery landscapes, as we skirt the Firth of Clyde, Loch Long and Loch Lomond , before climbing into the western Highlands to Bridge of Orchy , where we spend two nights at the beautifully renovated Bridge of Orchy Hotel. (B,D) DAY 8 We transfer to Fort William to join the famous ‘Harry Potter’ Jacobite steam train to Mallaig. Glenfinnan Viaduct , Bonnie Prince Charlie’s monument and Loch Shiel are viewed before bursting out onto the Atlantic coastline of golden white sands with distant views of Rhum and Eigg. Enjoy time in Mallaig with views across the sea to Skye . (B,D) DAY 9 Leaving Bridge of Orchy behind, we transfer through the dramatic Great Glen , alongside serene Loch Ness , on our way to Inverness for a three night stay at the Palace Hotel. (B,D) DAY 10 The original of Sir Michael Palin’s Great Railway Journeys of the World, the Kyle Line to Kyle of Lochalsh , awaits today. Another journey of a lifetime, the Kyle Line connects Scotland coast to coast across great mountain plateaux before the wonderful coastline emerges, with Skye’s brooding Cuillin Mountains in the distance. (B,D)

Jacobite Steam Train Crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct

© West Coast Trains

12 DAYS

DAY 11 Our final excursion completes a wonderful coast to coast odyssey, travelling northwards through stunning coastal Sutherland and into Caithness for a visit to John O’Groats , the furthest inhabited place on mainland Britain from Land’s End, which lies some 876 miles away. Today we also visit a traditional Highlands distillery before returning by road to Inverness to reflect on a tour crossing three countries between the two farthest points, with a host of new and exciting experiences in between. (B,D) DAY 12 Our Railtrail grand tour concludes as we make our homeward journeys, our cameras filled with coast to coast adventures. (B)

DEPARTS

Thursday 9 September 2021

FARES

FARE REGION

FIRST STANDARD

London: Out Paddington Return King’s Cross

£2685 £2699 £2735 £2729 £2805 £2749 £2729 £2735 £2725 £2725 £2835 £2755 £2719

£2469 £2479 £2495 £2535 £2475 £2499 £2475 £2479 £2479 £2475 £2509 £2495

Greater London South of England

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

Scotland £2475 £10 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £2349 Single Room Supplement £585

First Class Supplement (for rail during the tour where first class seating is available)

£139

11 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel Porterage Bridge of Orchy Hotel Situated on the West Highland Way, overlooked by mighty Beinn Dorain mountain, the recently renovated Bridge of Orchy Hotel occupies a position of remote, untouched beauty. Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness Overlooking the River Ness, a short stroll from the city centre, this superior quality, traditional Scottish hotel has well appointed bedrooms all en-suite with hospitality tray, TV and free WiFi. Leisure facilities include indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and beauty salon.

The Kyle Line

© Shutterstock

HOTELS

Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth Set on landscaped grounds beside the sea, this chic 4-star hotel was built in 1893, one of Falmouth’s first hotels. The en-suite rooms here all feature free Wi-Fi and flat- screen TVs. You may wish to unwind in the hotels indoor heated pool or sauna. Queen Hotel, Chester We have booked the Executive Rooms in this centrally located hotel. Located directly opposite the railway station, the Queen Hotel is characterised by its elegance and Victorian heritage. The en-suite executive bedrooms offer free WiFi, flat screen TVs, tea/coffee making facilities and bottled water.

John O’Groats

© Shutterstock © AdobeStock

Kyle of Lochalsh

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

11

G rand T ours by R ail – S ix W onders of

There are said to be ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’ and on this great railway holiday we visit six! Our Railtrail grand tour begins at the very heart of the industrial revolution at a hotel within the Ironbridge World Heritage site, then explores the masterpieces of Victorian engineering with boat trips and steam trains galore.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 For those booking rail travel with us, we arrive in Telford for the transfer to our hotel for two nights, the Best Western Valley Hotel, a Georgian listed building with a riverside setting within the Ironbridge UNESCO World Heritage site . After an orientation walk with a local guide we enjoy our first dinner together. (D) DAY 2 Continuing our tour of Ironbridge, we visit Blists Hill, a recreated Victorian town and time capsule of a bygone age. We follow this with a steam excursion journey on the Severn Valley Railway . Preservation of this historic full-size standard gauge line began in 1965 and we take the scenic 16 mile rail route closely following the River Severn from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster. (B,D) DAY 3 Departing Telford by train, we arrive in Chester where our hotel is the lovely Queen Hotel, convenient for the railway station. We take an afternoon stroll along the ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Begin our tour at a hotel within the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage site ★ ★ Visit Blists Hill Victorian Village and tour Ironbridge ★ ★ Steam on the Severn Valley Railway ★ ★ Get to know Chester on a River Dee cruise ★ ★ Anderton Boat Lift, marvel of Victorian engineering ★ ★ Masterpiece of the canals, breathtaking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct ★ ★ Llangollen Steam Railway nostalgia ★ ★ Cruise along the Manchester Ship Canal, viewing Barton Swing Aqueduct ★ ★ Steam excursion on the East Lancashire Railway ★ ★ Visit Burnley Weavers’ Triangle and walk part of Burnley Embankment ★ ★ Boat trip into Standedge Tunnel, the longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel in Britain ★ ★ Steam on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway ★ ★ Visit Saltaire, another UNESCO World Heritage site ★ ★ Walk the canal lock staircase at Bingley Five Rise Locks Also included in your Tour Fare:

Fares From £1275

Ironbridge Gorge

© Shutterstock

ancient City Walls to the Dee for a river cruise and charming views of the town from the water, returning through Chester’s attractive city centre. (B,D) DAY 4 We coach across the border to the Llangollen Canal for a breathtaking aerial cruise across the first of our ‘Six Wonders’, the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct . Crossing 126ft above the River Dee, it is the highest and longest aqueduct in Britain and a World Heritage site. We continue by road to Llangollen with time to look around the delightful town before a thrilling return steam train ride along the beautiful Dee Valley to Corwen . (B,D) DAY 5 The second of our ‘Six Wonders’ is the Anderton Boat Lift where after taking refreshments we trace the history of canal carrying and engineering, taking the boat trip to descend the lift and cruising the River Weaver . We than make our way to Bury for a steam journey on the East Lancashire Railway , alongside the River Irwell. (B,D)

DAY 6 This morning we join one of the scheduled Mersey Ferries Manchester Ship Canal cruises , the mighty waterway that brought ocean-going freighters from around the world into the heart of the city. The route passes lofty railway flyover bridges, locks and swing bridges on a breathtaking scale, as well as the third of our ‘Six Wonders’, the Barton Swing Aqueduct . After this, we make our way to the Best Western Oaks Hotel in Burnley for one night. (B,D)

Barton Swing Aquaduct

© Shutterstock © Shutterstock

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Llangollen

© Visit Wales

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

12

the W aterways

Anderton Boat Lift

© Shutterstock © Shutterstock

East Lancs Railway

© ELR

10 DAYS

DAY 9 Our busy final rail excursion heads first by train to Keighley for a steam ride through Brontë Country on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. Our return is punctuated at Bingley for a towpath walk along our sixth wonder, Bingley’s Five Rise Locks . Finally, we enjoy some free time at UNESCO World Heritage living Victorian village, Saltaire , where Salt’s Mill houses exhibitions from local artist, David Hockney before our farewell dinner at the hotel. (B,D) DAY 10 Bid farewell to Bradford as we make our way homeward. (B)

DEPARTS

Saturday 5 June 2021 Saturday 18 September 2021

FARES

Blists Hill Victorian Town

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England

FIRST STANDARD

© Shutterstock

£1469 £1485 £1525 £1545 £1519 £1455 £1349

£1379 £1389 £1409 £1419 £1405 £1369 £1325 £1355 £1415 £1339 £1369 £1365

DAY 7 This morning we visit the Weavers’ Triangle , situated on the Leeds Liverpool Canal where many buildings from the cotton industry remain. Our local guide escorts us along the towpath to walk part of Burnley Embankment , the fourth of our ‘Six Wonders’, which carries the canal 60 feet above the town centre. Our train from Burnley Manchester Road transports us across the Pennines from Lancashire to Yorkshire and a great railway hotel, Bradford’s Midland. (B,D) DAY 8 From Bradford we make the short train journey to Huddersfield, whose iconic station boasts a classical façade, flanked by two grand former booking offices of rival railway companies (now both pubs). Outside the station, a statue of Huddersfield’s most famous son, Harold Wilson, looks onto the George Hotel, the birthplace of Rugby League. Changing trains, we climb into the Pennines to Marsden , where a short walk along the towpath brings us to Standedge Tunnels and a boat trip into our fifth wonder, the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in Britain. (B,D)

East Anglia South West

Heart of England

Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales

N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Queen Hotel, Chester Situated in the heart of Chester, directly opposite the railway station, the Queen Hotel is characterised by its elegance and Victorian heritage. The en-suite bedrooms offer modern facilities including direct-dial telephone, TV, tea/coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features delightful Italian gardens, bar and restaurant. Midland Hotel, Bradford Built between 1885 and 1890 by the Midland Railway Company, the Midland Hotel was a showpiece for the railway company’s northern operations, and is of particular architectural interest, with some of the finest Victorian interiors in the city. Today sees a hotel that has undergone a transformation, with investment to all areas of the building, restoring it to its original greatness. £1399 £15 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotels £1290 Single Room Supplement £285 9 nights’ bed, breakfast & Table d’hôte evening meal Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions and admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Scotland £1505

Standedge Tunnel

© STVCCRT

HOTELS

Best Western Valley Hotel, Ironbridge A country house hotel situated in the heart of Ironbridge, providing a perfect base for visiting the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. With a Riverside setting and breathtaking views of the surrounding parkland, the hotel is a charming 44 bedroom Georgian listed building. Best Western Oaks Hotel The Oaks Hotel in Burnley is set in relaxing grounds and a tranquil environment. It was once the private home of a wealthy local merchant and has been sympathetically restored to preserve the grandeur of a bygone era. Both the restaurant and bar are in the ‘old house’ and are perfect examples of how heritage can blend seamlessly with contemporary style with grand ornate ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Severn Valley Railway

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

13

Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker