The Welsh Highland Railway (Welsh: Rheilffordd Eryri) — the UK's longest heritage railway, a 25-mile (40km) narrow-gauge steam train line that departs from beside the medieval Caernarfon Castle, crosses the heart of Snowdonia National Park (Eryri), passes through the fairy-tale village of Beddgelert and the spectacular Aberglaslyn Gorge, and arrives at Porthmadog Harbour. The line uses giant Beyer-Garratt steam locomotives imported from South Africa — the most powerful steam locomotives ever built for 2-foot narrow-gauge railways. When they whistle through the gorge, smoke curling among the oak trees, you'll feel transported back to the golden age of Victorian railways. This is an epic slow journey from castle to harbour.
From the thousand-year-old stone walls of Caernarfon Castle to the salty sea breeze of Porthmadog Harbour, from the mighty whistle of the Beyer-Garratt steam locomotive to the murmuring waters of the Aberglaslyn Gorge — 25 miles of track stringing together Wales' most magnificent landscapes
Depart from Caernarfon station in the early morning — this modern station built in 2019 sits right next to the UNESCO World Heritage Caernarfon Castle. Board a wooden carriage handcrafted by the Ffestiniog Railway workshops, with a panoramic skylight overhead, and ahead looms the dark green, 80-tonne Beyer-Garratt NG/G16 steam locomotive — the most powerful steam locomotive ever built for 2-foot gauge, originally from South Africa, fully overhauled and reborn. The train slowly pulls out of the station, crossing the pastoral Traeth Mawr floodplain, passing the Dinas locomotive sheds (glimpse locomotives undergoing restoration), and arriving at Waunfawr station — with its community-tended flower beds and a welcoming country pub. Continuing to Rhyd Ddu station, the north face of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) suddenly appears outside the window — this is the starting point for the Rhyd Ddu Path up Snowdon. The train then runs along the shore of Llyn Cwellyn, the lake surface reflecting peaks and sky in a breathtaking mirror. By afternoon, you arrive at Beddgelert — a fairy-tale village haunted by the legend of Gelert, with a 1.5-hour stop to stroll along the river, visit Gelert's Grave, and sample award-winning Glaslyn Ices handmade gelato. The return or onward journey takes you through the most spectacular section of the entire line — the Aberglaslyn Gorge — as the train ducks through three rock tunnels and threads along a narrow ledge hanging above the river, with the Glaslyn River roaring below. Finally, you arrive at Porthmadog Harbour station, where the line meets the Ffestiniog Railway, ending the day's journey at Spooner's Café.
An Italian restaurant situated above Caernarfon Castle overlooking the Menai Strait, acclaimed as one of the best Italian restaurants in North Wales. Signature handmade pasta (Tagliatelle al Ragù) features slow-cooked Welsh beef for 6 hours, served with homemade Tuscan-style bread. Seafood pasta uses locally caught cod and mussels. Summer dining on the terrace faces the outline of Anglesey across the water. Budget £15-25 per person.
The iconic dessert shop of Beddgelert village, one of Wales' oldest independent gelato makers, multiple award winner. All ice cream is handmade on site, flavours changing with the seasons — summer features Welsh lavender honey, raspberry white chocolate; winter offers hot chocolate hazelnut and gingerbread spice. The classic "Snowdonia Sunset" layered ice cream (strawberry + vanilla + blackcurrant) is a must-try. Also available at the station kiosk for a quick treat while waiting for the train. Budget £3-8 per person.
The highest-rated restaurant in Beddgelert (TripAdvisor 4.7/5, 1300+ reviews), specialising in French-style fine cuisine. Signature Magret de Canard (duck breast) uses local Welsh duck with cherry sauce, crispy skin and pink interior; Welsh Lamb Rack is served with rosemary roasted vegetables and mint sauce. The menu changes seasonally, all ingredients sourced locally. Small and intimate space — advance booking recommended. Budget £18-30 per person.
The flagship bar of Porthmadog's award-winning craft brewery Purple Moose (acquired 2017). Purple Moose was founded in 2005 and its Snowdonia Ale won the CAMRA "Champion Beer of Britain" gold award. The bar serves the full range of their draught beers (cask, keg, bottled), with signature dishes including Welsh beef pie (with Caerphilly cheese crust), beer-braised pork belly, and creative Purple Moose Twist dishes infused with their own beers. The Sunday Roast is highly acclaimed. Budget £12-22 per person.