A Spring Break in Beautiful Beaumaris, Anglesey

Itinerary

Day 1, Welsh Highlands Railway from Porthmadog to Caernarfon

Experience one of the world’s great railway journeys that takes us through some of the most beautiful areas of Snowdonia on the Welsh Highland Railway.

Travelling from Portmadog to Caernarfon, our journey will take us through the Snowdonia National Park, past the foot of Snowdon and the beautiful village of Beddgelert, before travelling the length of the beautiful Aberglaslyn Pass which was voted the most beautiful spot in the UK by members of the National Trust.

Day 2, A flexible day, choose from a day in Beaumaris, or visit Plas Cadnant Gardens or take the coach to RSPB South Stack Cliff Reserve

Option 1, A day in Beaumaris

Take it easy, make the most of the hotel location and facilities and maybe indulge in a treatment, see availability here. Explore the town of Beaumaris. The high-street has many curiosity shops and interesting boutiques and Beaumaris Castle is yards from the hotel. On the seafront enjoy a stroll with spectacular views. If you are feeling adventurous, and the weather allows, you can book an excursion from the Pier along the Menai Straits to Puffin Island.

Option 2, Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

After a leisurely breakfast we depart for the short journey to Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, which are opening an hour earlier just for us. Coffee with a freshly baked Welsh Cake will be served on arrival. You have the option to join a garden tour at 12.00 or to explore the gardens independently.

In 1996, the present owner bought the 200 acre Plas Cadnant Estate and work began on the restoration of the historic garden and grounds. Since then large parts of the gardens have undergone a spectacular transformation and have been restored to their former glory. The hidden world of this award-winning garden overlooking the Menai Straits on the Isle of Anglesey is one of North Wales’ best kept secrets.

It is 25 years since restoration first began. Three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with curving walls and pool, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and river, and an upper woodland garden with stone outcrops and the remains of a 19c. folly.

Option 3, Coach to the RSPB South Stack Cliff Reserve

Coach drop off and pick up only. If an independent visit to South Stacks Cliffs RSPB is more you thing you can enjoy a 3 hour visit to this reserve where rolling heathland and farmland meet rugged and rocky sea cliffs. There are spectacular views out to sea from Ellin’s Tower. The cliffs are a vital breeding ground for Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins in spring. Look out for rare Choughs – crows with red beaks and legs – which can be seen swooping along the cliffs all year round.

After a walk through blooming heather, relax in the café and enjoy a taste of Anglesey. Follow the link above for information regarding accessibility, facilities and café at the reserve.

Day 3, Either Bodnant Garden or coach to Llandudno

Option1, Bodnant Garden, National Trust

Enjoy another leisurely breakfast before we board the coach for the short drive to the Grade 1 listed Bodnant Gardens, set in Snowdonia’s foothills, with its intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland.

Created over 150 years with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield. With its hillside setting the garden’s 80 acres drop dramatically from manicured lawns and grand Italianate terraces to shrub-filled glades and into awe-inspiring dells of water gardens and towering trees.

When you need some refreshments visit the Pavilion or Magnolia tea-rooms offering a menu of hot and cold light bites, lunches, cakes, bakes and drinks. Leave time to visit the Bodnant Garden Centre, Bodnant Art Gallery & Craft Centre selling an excellent range of plants and a diverse range of gifts, books.

Images of Bodnant Garden are courtesy of the National Trust

Option 2, Coach to Llandudno where you will have 3 hours to explore independently.

Booking your place

Two people sharing a twin or double room is £592 per person + £60 supplement for sole occupancy of a double room.

Discounts

Day 2 – £20 if you are NOT going to Plas Cadnant

Day 3 – £16 for NT & RHS members at Bodnant Garden and those going to Llandudno

£100 non-refundable deposit is payable on booking. Full payment is due 10 weeks before departure.

Travel arrangements

Departing Shrewsbury 09.30 Tuesday 29 April and arriving back in Shrewsbury at 17.00 on Thursday 01 May 2025. All timings are provisional and will be confirmed 7-days before travel and are dependent upon traffic on the day.

And finally…

You are strongly advised to take out your own travel insurance to cover you for any emergency or cancellation or loss of luggage etc.

We have an ‘All Weather Policy’ which means the tour will go ahead come rain or shine unless the Met Office announces it is unsafe to travel. You are advised to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

Please look at the Hotel Information and Mobility & Accessibility sections further down this for information on venues.

The Bulkeley Hotel

The Bulkeley Hotel, Bulkeley Hotel, Castle St, Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, LL58 8AW.

This is one of our favourite character hotels. Built in 1832 this historic hotel has panoramic views of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia Mountain Range and retains the period charm of a bygone era.

The Bulkeley is situated on one side in the heart of Beaumaris’ bustling high-street abound with curiosity shops, interesting boutiques and a variety of eateries, just yards from Beaumaris Castle and other historic attractions. On the other side, guests enjoy spectacular views directly opposite the beach and Pier providing boat excursions along the Menai Straits to Puffin Island.

An Art Studio, Gallery and Gift Emporium within the hotel showcases arts and crafts created by talented local artists and artisans, and guests can enjoy being pampered in the hotel’s Beauty Salon.

Accessibility & Mobility Information

Follow the links for each destination for information on accessibility and mobility options.

Plas Cadnant Garden scroll down the page and select ‘Access Statement’ on the right hand menu. Download the PDF, titled ‘Access Statement’ for lots of detailed descriptions and images.

Bodnant Garden scroll down the page and select the ‘Accessibility’ tab. Also, download the PDF titled, Bodnant Garden Access Statement 2024 for lots more detail.

RSPB South Stacks Cliff Reserve provides details of what is available on the site. Click through on the ‘What’s Here?’ link for more details.

A Spring Break in Beautiful Beaumaris, Anglesey

Tour Information

This tour opens for bookings in September. To be the first to hear complete the Express your Interest form and we will be in touch next month.

Chase away those winter blues with a bracing spring break in Wales offering a flexible itinerary.

Itinerary

Beautiful Coastal Location

Itinerary

Day 1, Welsh Highlands Railway from Porthmadog to Caernarfon

Day 2, A flexible day, choose from a day in Beaumaris, or visit Plas Cadnant Gardens or take the coach to RSPB South Stack Cliff Reserve

Day 3, Either Bodnant Garden or coach to Llandudno

Booking your place