Indulge in a mouth watering meal at an award winning restaurant along the North Wales Coastline. Aberconwy Resort & Spa is the proud home of the outstanding Signatures Restaurant. Owned and managed by Executive Chef Jimmy and his, equally talented wife, Louise who is front of house with a smiling face as you enter, Signatures is a jewel in the North Wales crown. It might sound like we are biased here at DE HQ, but if you haven’t tried a meal at Signature’s you need to book now and you will see what we mean!

2016 has been a fantastic year for Signatures Restaurant, winning awards left, right and centre! Below is a list of the awards and accolades that Signatures have gained this year…

• Awarded 2AA Rosettes
• Recommended Restaurant in the Michelin Guide 2017 (again!)
• Jimmy’s creation ‘Study of Peach’ Dessert is featured in the Great British Cook Book
• Winner of the Best Food & Drink Category in the North Wales Tourism Awards
• Named in the Best 50 Restaurants with Wales Online

What an amazing year for the whole Signatures team! They really are like one big family there too, so they will all be so pleased and celebrating for the rest of the year (as well as working hard!). 2017 is kicking off to a great start too, with the local Daily Post conducting a ‘secret taste test’ and the fabulous review due out soon! Having all these awards, recommendations and the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2016, just shows Jimmy and Louise that all their hard work has paid off!

And here’s a few picture’s to get your taste-buds going…

If you live locally why not give them a call on 01492 583513 to book a table and indulge in a mouth watering meal of a lifetime! And if you are considering holiday home ownership along the North Wales Coastline, Aberconwy Resort & Spa offers fantastic scenery, five star leisure facilities and top of the range static homes and lodges to own in Conwy. Call our dedicated and friendly Ownership Team on 01745858010 for more information, or request a brochure here.

An amazing well done to Signatures for all their hard work!

Thinking of popping the question to your better half, but can’t decide where to do it? Well we’re here to help with the top 5 places to propose in the UK. Whilst the UK doesn’t have an Eiffel Tower or a Venice Gondola to speak of, we are a country steeped in culture and romance. Here we have chosen some of what we consider to be the most romantic spots to propose in the UK, including some well known spots as well as some of unique places, helping you find the best place to propose in the UK.

London Eye, London

The London Eye will give you outstanding views of the capital city, booking the ‘Cupid’s Capsule’ package will give you an extra touch of romance and privacy. Included in the package is a bottle of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne and a luxury box of Hotel Chocolat Pink Champagne Truffles, which is served by your very own personal host. You will have a private capsule for 2 for a 30 minute rotation, with stunning views of the city. London Eye staff will always help out in other ways too, on a recent Valentine’s Day, Alice proposed to her partner, Ben, by turning the London Eye into a huge engagement ring! All the lights turning gold and the spotlights on top becoming the solitaire diamond, what a beautiful and unique proposal!

Accommodation Nearby: Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat

Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

A magical island at the far end of Newborough Warren beach in Anglesey, with rolling dunes, large rock outcrops and a mixture of historic buildings to explore, you and your partner can have a fun filled afternoon in a romantic setting. An ideal place for a picnic on a fine day, with stunning views of Snowdonia and the Lleyn Peninsula, your proposal will be extra special! The name Llanddwyn means “The Church of St. Dwynwen”, who is the Welsh patron saint of lovers, making Llanddwyn Island one of the most romantic and best places to propose in the UK.

Accommodation Nearby: Talace Beach Holiday Home Park or New Pines Holiday Home Park

palladian bridge, bath

Located in the beautiful landscaped gardens of Prior Park, which is a hidden gem of peace amongst the bustling city of Bath. This romantic escape boasts magnificent views of the city below, created by philanthropist Ralph Allen to compliment his huge mansion on the Bath skyline, he requested the beautiful bridge build in 1755. The ancient bridge was fully restored in 1995, including the 18th Century graffiti, to create the perfect place for a unique and stunning place to propose to your better half. Bath is one of the most historic and beautiful cities in the UK, the perfect place to propose and celebrate with your partner!

Accommodation Nearby: Bath Mill Lodge Retreat

Lake District, Cumbria

One of the most beautiful places in Great Britain, the best place for a proposal in the UK while being surrounded by breath taking scenery, magical forests, mesmerising sunsets, rolling hills and cosy log cabins. Take a stroll in the nature around you and pick one of the many secluded areas to pop the question, or enjoy a dip in a hot tub at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat, and take the plunge while soaking in hot bubbles and being surrounded by the beautiful Cumbrian scenery. The Lake District is the perfect place for a truly unique proposal, one that you can tailor to you and your partner like no other.

Accommodation Nearby: Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat

Hele Bay, Devon

Fast gaining the reputation as one of the ‘most romantic places in the UK’, Hele Bay in Devon is a stunning location to make a beautiful memory with your loved one. Beach Cove Coastal Retreat has played host to a few wonderful proposals since opening in 2013, located along the Cliffside of Hele Bay and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our quirky accommodation lends itself to the romance of the area. With many of our beach hut accommodations over looking the stunning Hele Bay having hot tubs, you can make your proposal surrounded by hot bubbles with the sound of the waves lapping at the beach.

Accommodation Nearby: Beach Cove Coastal Retreat

So if you’re planning on proposing this year these are our top 5 unique places to propose, but really anywhere you decide to propose will be memorable for you both, but a hot tub never hurts!

Happy Proposals!

Aberconwy Resort & Spa has partnered with Aromatherapy Associates for our Aberconwy Spa treatments! Aberconwy is a complete sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and now with Aberconwy’s Spa offering a brand new brochure, with treatments from the prestigious and delectable Aromatherapy Associates, now is the time to visit! This luxury spa is open to the public and holiday home owners alike.

Having a luxury spa on your doorstep is just one of the benefits of the Aberconwy experience of holiday home ownership. The Aberconwy Spa offers a range of treatments including full body massages, facials and nails treatments; the spa is in a perfect location too, being surrounded by the dramatic Snowdonia Mountain Range as a backdrop, and the Conwy Morfa Beach just a stone’s throw away, all adding to the relaxing feel of the spa.

Offering brand new spa packages, including a 90 minute Essential Package, consisting of a relaxing Jessica Nails treatment, or try a Mum to Be pregnancy pampering package, to help soothe and relax you and the bump! Or opt for the unadulterated relaxation of the Weekday Wind Down package, helping you to leave the stresses of the workday behind and recharge for the remaining days ahead. Many of the spa packages also include use of the relaxation lounge and fantastic leisure facilities, subject to availability at booking.

After your relaxing treatment why not indulge in a delicious meal at Signature’s Restaurant? Winner of 2AA Rosettes, Michelin recommended and winner of many other awards in 2016, there is no other spa in Aberconwy that is home to a five-star rate facility, completely refurbished gym and a multi-award winning restaurant.

The Aberconwy Spa offers luxury Aromatherapy Associates treatments in a beautiful setting, with five star facilities and an award winning restaurant, all for the perfect experience at this indulgent spa in Aberconwy. If you are interested in becoming part of the Aberconwy community why not call our Ownership team on 01745 858010 for more information? Or if you are looking to book a treatment (lucky you!) call reception on 01492 572002.

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat stocks the world class spirits from The Lakes Distillery

The award-winning The Lakes Distillery offers delectable spirits made locally, with Keswick Reach’s own bar stocking all 3 offerings from the world class company.

Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is Darwin Escapes’ brand new location in Cumbria, offering stunning views and luxury accommodation, with outstanding facilities to enjoy on your holiday. Keswick Reach has everything you’ll need for a relaxing Lake District holiday, including a dog wash room for those pesky pups! Take a break from your self catering holiday with a delicious meal at the Copper Fells onsite restaurant, and a quiet drink at the bar, where we stock the local The Lake Distillery offerings, The One Whisky, The Lakes Gin and The Lakes Vodka.

close to keswick reach

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Lakes Distillery (@lakesdistillery) on Jul 22, 2019 at 9:30am PDT

Take a 10 minute trip down the road to The Lakes Distillery itself and experience all that is on offer there, including tastes of the mouth watering spirits locally made. With a 9 million pound development, the distillery opened its doors in 2014 in the heart of the Lake District National Park with the view of producing world class spirits. Since opening, the distillery has become one of Cumbria’s leading and award winning tourist attractions.

Since then they have expanded to The Lakes Gin and The Lakes Vodka, which are lovingly created in hand crafted copper stills. Their next spirit offering, The Lakes Single Malt Whisky, is ‘sleeping in the casks’ until 2018.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Lakes Distillery (@lakesdistillery) on Jul 13, 2019 at 1:10am PDT

The distillery is located in a beautifully renovated 1850s Victorian farm, offering a range of facilities including an interactive tour where you can indulge in a tasting of the delicious spirits. As well as experiencing the working distillery behind the scenes, including exploring the stillrooms, warehouse and tasting room, there is also a luxury gift shop to peruse and purchase a bottle of your favourite spirit. Don’t forget to visit the resident herd of friendly alpacas, ask at the retail shop about taking part in feeding time and walking an alpaca around the distillery’s beautiful scenic grounds.

Book your holiday at Keswick Reach now for a relaxing and informative holiday in the Lake District, and enjoy a day out at the one-of-a-kind The Lakes Distillery

You can find out more about The Lakes Distillery by visiting their website

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa is a five star location nestled in the magical Axe Valley where family fun and relaxation is key…

The perfect place to unwind and have some quality family time in the stunning Axe Valley and Devonshire countryside. With five star facilities at Hawkchurch, including a state of the art gym, refreshing hydrotherapy pool and relaxing treatments available at the Ezina Spa, you feel your stresses slip away.

Although relaxation is key at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa, the Axe Valley is filled with historical and fun places to visit. Venturing out to explore this historic region is an exciting prospect, and here at Darwin Escapes HQ we’ve found three family fun activities in Axe Valley for everyone to enjoy.

axe valley runners

Hawkchurch Resort & Spa offers holiday home ownership, as well as holiday breaks. If you decide to become an owner at our resort then joining the Axe Valley Runners means you will have something to look forward to every weekend! The group used to be known as “the little club with big feet” but since growing to over 200 members they aren’t quite so little, catering to a wide range of abilities, with no-one being left behind and ages ranging from 16 to the over 70’s. You will love having a weekly run with this diverse and friendly group!

axe vale festival

This is Axminster’s very own family friendly festival! Surrounded by the beautiful Axe Valley you can explore the festival at your own pace, with a plethora of exhibitor stands to go through, with 5 main marquee tents including floral, crafts, food hall, vintage, retro and antiques and toys and hobbies!

There are hundreds of trade stands selling everything from garden machinery and kitchen ceramics to local produce and clothes. Watch in wonder at the demonstrations stalls, including a willow artist, chair re-caning, fire and rescue service, a blacksmith, cider making and so much more. Enjoy the wow factor in the entertainment field, which has an exciting programme to thrill everyone, including the Adrenaline Tour performing an awesome show of Quad and Motorcycle stunts, the Rockwood Dogs will amaze with their courage, agility, tricks and comedy routines (plus, awe dogs!) and Adams Axemen who are a performing lumberjack team and love to entertain a crowd! All along with live music from local acts and bands, bouncy castles and kids crafts to keep everyone happy, pop along on the 17th and 18th of June 2017 for this fun family festival in the Axe Valley.

axe valley wildlife park

Although the Axe Valley Wildlife Park is currently closed for renovation it will be re-opened during the February 2017 school half term, ready for you holiday at Hawkchurch Resort & Spa! This is a family friendly zoo that everyone will enjoy, but it is primarily aimed at families with children under 12 years old.

You will get hands on experience at the zoo, with the opportunity at feeding the free range birds, keeper experience days and daily educational talks about various animals, with a full programme of animal handling sessions during the school holidays. As you stroll through the zoo you will see a variety of animals, including zebra, antelopes, small wild cats, wallabies, otters, guinea pigs, flamingos, owls, porcupines, armadillos, various reptiles and plenty of creepy crawlies! There are also plenty of play areas for the children to enjoy and picnic areas dotted around the park too. Alternatively you could grab a slice of cake at Ringo’s Rest Coffee Shop. For owners at Hawkchurch Resort there is Toddler Time during the weekdays, with toys, books and organised activities, giving you something to look forward to with your toddler during your time at your home away from home!

This is just a small example of what you can explore in the Axe Valley, with breath taking scenery and history dating as far back as the doomsday book there is more on offer in East Devon! Book your holiday at Hawkchurch, or if you are looking into holiday home ownership book your park tour now, or contact our Ownership Team on 01745858010 for more information.

Happy Exploring!

Visit The Canterbury Tales Experience and learn all about the fascinating history of the local area, and one of the UK’s literary classics. Our brand new location Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat will be opening its doors in Spring 2017, and The Canterbury Tales is the perfect introduction to the city’s literary history! Visit The Canterbury Tales attraction and enjoy a guided tour through an immersive event where you will enter the site to explore all the sights, smells and sounds of Chaucer’s medieval England. Be one of the first to stay at our luxury new location, Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat and enjoy a introduction to the city like no other at St Margaret’s Church as one of the city’s most loved visitor attractions.

Experience Geoffery Chaucer’s medieval England from his most famous writings The Canterbury Tales recreated at this one-of-a-kind attraction…

who is geoffery chaucer?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Canterbury Tales (@the_canterburytales) on Dec 19, 2018 at 10:56am PST

Chaucer is known as one of the best poets of the Middle Ages, born in London around 1343, this is where The Canterbury Tales attraction begins its tour. Chaucer was from a family of successful merchants meaning he was well educated; being able to read and write during this period was particularly rare. The Royal family of the time were very fond of him, so much so that when Chaucer was captured by the French in 1359, King Edward III paid his ransom. They also implicitly trusted him, so much so that that the King even sent Chaucer on diplomatic missions to France, Genoa and Florence.

It was during these travels that Chaucer was exposed to some of the great authors of the time, he was not a professional writer himself but rather wrote for his own and friends’ pleasure, with his poetry becoming a favourite of the Kings. While working as Controller of Customs and Justice of Peace in 1386, Chaucer began writing his most famous works, The Canterbury Tales, written in a combination of verse and prose the collection of tales tells the story of over 30 pilgrims’ journey to the shrine of St Thomas Beckett. The work is also a comment on society at the time, with his characters offering insights and raising questions about social class, spirituality and religion. Chaucer didn’t follow the norm when penning his works, he wrote in English which was very rare at a time when everything was in French or Latin, the language of the courts, he was thought so highly of that he was actually the first poet to be buried in Westminster Abbey’s Poet’s Corner.

the Canterbury Tales

The Canterbury Tales share the journey of 30 people on a pilgrimage to the shrine of St Thomas Beckett, they engage in a story telling competition, making the tales a collection of 24 stories told as the pilgrims make their journey to Canterbury Cathedral. On your own journey through the attraction you will be immersed in five of Chaucer’s colourful and entertaining tales filled with love, infidelity, intrigue, courtship and death. All of this is brought vividly to life through recreated scenes, costumed guides and fantastic audio guides. Among the tales that you will hear at The Canterbury Tales attraction are The Knights Tale, The Miller’s Tale and The Nun’s Priest’s Tale.

the attraction

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Canterbury Tales (@the_canterburytales) on Jun 11, 2019 at 6:05am PDT

You’ll discover 14th Century England in this immersive recreation of medieval life set in the historic St Margret’s Church nestled in the heart of the city. This is the second oldest attraction in the city behind Canterbury Cathedral. The attraction will give you a unique introduction to Canterbury and its literary connect to Geoffery Chaucer’s famous works.

Since opening its doors in 1988, the attraction has nearly 30 years of heritage and remains a must-see for all ages! The innovative and one-of-a-kind experience lets you explore medieval England through an immersive environment, it is the only tour dedicated to Chaucer and his works. Along with costumed guides taking you through the recreated scenes, there is an amazing array of audio guides voiced by ‘80’s TV stars, including Prunella Scales from Fawlty Towers, and Bernard Cribbons from Doctor Who. You will have a one-of-a-kind experience at The Canterbury Tales attraction, where you will learn all about medieval England and the fantastic writer Chaucer!

Now is the perfect time to start looking at attractions to visit in and around Kent with Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat opening in Spring 2017, and The Canterbury Tales is the ideal attraction for the whole family to giggle and learn!

Explore the historic city of Canterbury from a whole new angle with the award winning Canterbury’s Historic River Tours. Our brand new location Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat is due to open its doors in Spring 2017, the perfect time to explore the stunning local area and one of the most historic cities in the UK. Canterbury’s history surrounds you as you walk around the city, from the ancient architecture to the stunning Cathedral you can see on your wanders. Explore the secret parts of the beautiful city with Canterbury’s Historic River Tours…

Canterbury Historic River Tours is the perfect introduction to the city, with very friendly and professional staff who presents all the historical facts of the passing monuments in an entertaining, light hearted and humorous manner! This unique and fascinating tour will capture the imagination of all ages and will form a part of a great day out, flowing through the heart of the historic city exploring the hidden secrets and seeing the well known sights from a whole new angle. Canterbury Historic River Tours are award winning, with them having been finalists in both the Beautiful South Awards 2015 and 2016 Visit England Awards. They also won the ‘European Unique Tour of the Year 2017’ from the Luxury Travel Guides European Awards, so you know you are definitely in safe hands with these guys!

the history

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Canterbury Historic RiverTours (@canterburyrivertours) on Jul 6, 2019 at 1:10pm PDT

Canterbury was founded and thrived because of the river that flows through the city, the Romans settled because it was where the River Stour forms around a series of islands making it the easiest place to find a crossing for their commute to London. The river has always helped the city prosper, initially as a source of drinking water and providing food, and later the helping provide power for the city’s growing mill and weaving industries. The Canterbury Historic River Tours first departed on 26th March 1932 from the Black Friars Monastery under the name Canterbury Friars Ferry, with the aim of showing visitors and residents the well known beauty spots from a new view, as well as providing a ferry service for locals, which the current tour still does. In 1932 the tours were so popular and much anticipated, that for the first departure local residents and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the event, with the local newspaper covering it also!

the tour

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Canterbury Historic RiverTours (@canterburyrivertours) on May 22, 2019 at 4:59am PDT

This 40 minute guided tour will take you through the city, to Franciscan island which is home a 13th Century Chapel that spans the river and is the oldest Franciscan architecture in the country. As well as seeing places such as the 12th Century Eastbridge Hospital, the Kings Bridge and many medieval industrial buildings, including the Cromwellian iron forge. The tour has been one of the favourite pastimes of visitors to the city for decades, being able to explore the hidden beauty of Canterbury and seeing sights you wouldn’t from the streets, including unique and wonderful sights of the historic Cathedral. The river tour is the perfect way to explore the city away from the hustle and bustle above, and seeing the hidden gems that are only accessible by boat, creating the perfect way for you and your family to enjoy the historic sights.

So why not visit these friendly people, jump in a boat and row on down the river (don’t worry you don’t actually do the rowing) and learn all about this historic city in a brand new way! With Canterbury Reach Lodge Retreat opening its doors in Spring 2017, it is the perfect time to start booking your holiday and spectacular river tour now. Also follow Canterbury Historic River Tours on instagram to keep to date with them, and to see the special sights of Canterbury on their travels.

Happy Boating Ladies & Gents!

Explore Exmoor Zoo and visit some of the most exotic animals in the world at the award winning zoo!

Beach Cove Coastal Retreat is a fantastic getaway for all couples, and exploring Exmoor Zoo will add fun and excitement to your trip. The zoo is home to over 50 exhibits, an integral part of the Europe Breeding Programme and houses exotic, beautiful animals you won’t see at another UK zoo.

Note: Scroll to the bottom for some stunning photos that will make you say ‘awe’ over and over…

the zoo

You wander around the beautiful winding paths, which are lined with shrubs and trees, which provide homes to countless birds and invertebrates, so you can find interesting creatures all over the 12 acres of land on your adventures! The zoo promotes natural husbandry for the park as well as the animals enclosures, that means there are plenty of safe, hidey holes for the animals, and you can glimpse these stunning animals when they are most relaxed. All the staff at the small, family run zoo are passionate, knowledgeable and exceptionally friendly, which means that if you have any questions about a habitat or animal they are always more than happy to help and answer them!

Exmoor Zoo has won Best Small Attraction in Devon, which is a huge achievement for this family run zoo! And while you are wandering around seeing the animals it is easy to see why, there are educational and interactive talks every 30 minutes (and sometimes every 15), with feeding and handling experiences too. These are often the talk of the day as they are filled with fun facts and incredible information!

the animals

The list of animals you can visit at Exmoor Zoo is extensive, including a trio of young female African Wild Dogs that you will spend hours trying to tell apart, the Caracal Cats that are absolutely stunning, make sure to look out for them and their black ‘butterfly wing’ ears! Say hello to Hendrix and Flea, the beautiful Eurosian Wolves, as well as the pretty Manned Wolves and Singing Dogs. Pop along to visit the Meercats everyone’s favourite burrower, the breath-taking Lynx Cats and Cheetahs. And don’t forget one of the most photographed animals at the zoo, the Sand Cats where you will hear “Oh I wish I had one” being uttered, but don’t be deceived by the most adorable of faces, they have sharp teeth and claws! The reptile house is a fun place to visit too, with chameleons, snakes, spiders and even crocodiles among the many residents here.

home of the exmoor beast

The Exmoor Beast is a local legend, born of the wild big cats living in the moors, they can be seen walking in the shadows in the few wild places left. Those who have seen this ‘mythical beast’ say it looks just like a panther, or a black leopard, not unlike Ebony and Zoysa at Exmoor Zoo…

Ebony and Zoysa are two stunning black leopards residing in the Exmoor Beast enclosure, who are an inquisitive pair. They live in a natural enclosure so it may take some work to find them, if it’s sunny you may catch them in the middle of their mid-day nap, or playing with a the trunk of a tree. Although they may look asleep, don’t be fooled, they will perk up at the first sign of any potential meal, or if the occasional visitor attracts their attention… You can witness Ebony and Zoysa’s afternoon feed around 4:15 pm (except on Friday’s) and watch these magical creatures in action.

beautiful images

So on your next stay at the Best in Britain award winning Beach Cove, make sure to visit Exmoor Zoo for some fantastic educational and interactive talks, jaw droppingly beautiful animals and a glimpse at the magical Exmoor Beast!

Happy Adventuring Zoo Goers!

Images provided by Exmoor Zoo

Rookin House offers activities in breath taking Cumbrian surroundings!

Our brand new Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat in Cumbria offers fantastic facilities and outstanding views of the Lake District. Just 8 miles down the road from the town of Keswick is the Rookin House, a place filled with fun and adventure!

what is Rookin House?

An established adventure venue in Cumbria, that is a family owned and run business for over 20 years. Rookin House offers a huge variety of outdoor activities, with something for everyone and all ages. Offering adult activities, children’s activities, family fun, couples adventures, stag and hen party activities, as well as corporate fun days and team building exercises, phew! There will definitely be something for you, even if you want to sit and admire the stunning Cumbrian view, with the Blencathra providing an outstanding Lakeland backdrop.

the activities

Rookin House offers an endless stream of activities, including; air rifles, archery, argo cat rides (which is an amphibious all terrain vehicle for the adventurous out there), both children’s and adult’s assault courses, clay pigeon shooting, paint balling and quad biking. And that’s not even half of what they have on! The activity that grabbed my attention was the fun looking Video Navigate, where someone drives a car with blacked out windows and has to be directed around a course by the rest of their team. This is the ultimate in a communication skills test, I can only imagine how my husband and I would fair in this task!

Have fun in the local area at our brand new luxurious Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat holiday destination!

Happy Adventures Dear Readers!

The Snowdon Mountain Railway will give you the journey of a lifetime to the breathtaking rooftop of North Wales. Our own Talacre Beach Resort is only a short drive away from the Snowdonia Mountain Range, so while you’re on your holiday you can have the trip of a lifetime up in the clouds. And if you are looking for holiday home ownership on the North Wales coastline we have both Talacre Beach and Aberconwy Resort & Spa offering a beautiful haven away from the hustle and bustle. The Snowdonia Mountain Range brings in thousands of visitors every year, and is one of the must see attractions of the region, but you don’t have to walk the world renowned mountain, you catch the Snowdon Railway to the summit.

the history

Spanning three centuries, starting in the late 1800’s, the Snowdon Railway is in a unique position of being very aware of its legacy. The railway celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2016 with a whole host of festivities to celebrate this milestone across both its Traditional Diesel Service and also its Heritage Steam Experience, which includes the Snowdon Lily steam train which was reconstructed from its original 1896 chassis.

The railway has recently built and commissioned new carriages for its ever expanding fleet, so you are sure to have a fantastic trip up the mountain.

the mountain

At 1,085 meters Snowdon dominates the landscape and is a true colossus of a mountain, with its very own place in Welsh legends. Said to be the burial place of the giant ogre Rhita, who was vanquished by none other than King Arthur himself, and some believe that Arthur’s Knights still sleep beneath the stones. The mountain is a fabulous land of fairies, giants and kings, with Welsh Princes holding council here for centuries, the land up the to the summit is dotted with ruins that chronicle the history of long lost communities that lived in the clouds, and keep a special eye out of the stunning Hebran Chapel.

the journey

The train ride to the summit will take around an hour, with a 30 minute stop over at the peak, where you can gaze on at the endless miles at the beautiful North Wales countryside. On the way you will see the breath-taking waterfall of the Afon Hwch plunging into the gorge below, as well as once in a lifetime sights and fantastic panoramic views of the Mountain Range. Once you reach the peak of the highest mountain in Wales, you will gaze at the most stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views the region has to offer.

So my dear readers, what ever time of the year you are visiting, you can jump aboard a beautiful and historic train to reach the peak of one of the most stunning and legendary mountains in the UK. Take that trip into the clouds and marvel at the outstanding beauty surrounding you.

If you are looking to make a booking at the Snowdon Railway during your North Wales Holiday, then you can always make your booking online on their website.