Wife and I will visit North Wales next March without a car. We would like to visit: Conwy, Llangollen and, maybe, Caernafon. We would prefer to stay In Conwy and visit the other two by tour or bus. Any thoughts??
Posted by
Washington DC
27111 posts
Only that it can certainly be done in the summer--I visited all those spots from Chester, though not on the same day. I don't know that the scenic narrow-gauge trains I enjoyed (see Rick's guide book) will be running in March, but the rest of my transportation should still be available.
Conwy is picturesque but very small. I felt like I walked every street within the walls in less than 2 hours. It's not the sort of place I would choose to spend the night (and certainly not multiple nights), but many would disagree.
Posted by
2405 posts
This is the best site on which to find bus services in Wales - though it also shows train services:>https://www.traveline.cymru
www.traveline.info is useful when not in Wales - though it can also show some Welsh services.
www.nationalrail.co.uk is the best site for finding train services in Britain. (Pre book specific trains for longer distance services such as London (Euston) to Chester & north Wales. Fares are loaded about 11 weeks ahead).
Manchester is the nearest airport to north Wales with trans-Atlantic flights. See www.skyscanner.net
Rail map > http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/static/images/structure/css/nationalrailnetworkmap.pdf
I would consider staying 1 night in Chester.https://www.visitcheshire.com/chester
You can also reach Bodnant Gardens by local bus. (Not much will be out in flower in March. They are best in May).
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodnant-garden
These narrow gauge steam railways will take you through scenic areas:>https://www.festrail.co.uk
(Check that they are running in March. Porthmadog makes a good base for these railways - though you can reach the Ffestiniog via the normal railway to Bleanau Ffestiniog from Llandudno Junction (near Conwy).
The normal railway that goes along the coast via Porthmadog also is very scenic- in both directions but especially southwards. (You can’t open the windows to take photos).http://www.walesonrails.com
Posted by
5 posts
We stayed at Gwynfryn B&B in Conwy and recommend it very highly. Great rooms and the most hospitable hosts in all our travels. Trains are a little limited in North Wales but lots of places are within reach. Llandudno and Caernarfon are possible choices. Caernarfon Castle is great.