Holiday cottages near steam trains

Full steam ahead! Steam trains….We know that many of our visitors are drawn to the highly evocative experience of exploring our landscapes by heritage railway, and who can blame them? 

The nostalgic aroma of coal steam, comfortable plush carriages, and the gentle chuff of the engine as it puffs its way along the line make a day out on a steam train one of life’s great pleasures.  

Steam trains and stunning landscapes are a match made in heaven. Which might explain why we have so many fantastic heritage railways on our doorstep. North Wales is a brilliant place to enjoy the pleasure of travelling by steam. A day out on the railways is the perfect rainy day activity – always a good one to have up your sleeve!

In Eryri (Snowdonia) alone, we have a whopping nine great railways to visit. Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid / Lake Bala), Corris (Dulas Valley), Fairbourne (Barmouth), Ffestiniog (Porthmadog), Llanberis Lake (Llanberis), Llangollen (Llangollen), Snowdon (Llanberis), Talyllyn (Tywyn / Towyn), Welsh Highland Railway (Caernarfon) and the The Vale of Rheidiol Railway (Aberystwyth). What a fantastic way to explore the region.

Jumping on one of our steam trains is a brilliant way to travel between some of the region’s prettiest towns and villages, and through what we reckon are some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Plan your journey by visiting the Great Little Trains of Wales.

Best of all, when everyone in your party is travelling as a passenger, no one has the burden of driving! Everyone can sit back, relax, and simply enjoy the pleasure and experience of being there.

Sound like something you’d like to do next time you’re in North Wales? We have plenty of holiday cottages which are close to heritage railways. Take a look at our top picks below.

Rhiwgoch for the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

This beautiful Welsh farmhouse comes with a hot tub, huge mountain views and a steam train running through the garden. That’s right, we said a steam train running through the garden. Rhiwgoch is a solid, handsome, stone-and-slate Welsh farmhouse which has been recently – and beautifully – renovated. Sleeps 7 + cot. 

Penffrwd-Fach for The Vale of Rheidiol Railway

A fabulous home from home, Penffrwd-Fach is a is a dog friendly, spacious, two bedroom cottage on the banks of Afon Rheidiol and less than ten miles from Aberystwyth. With two bedrooms sleeping five, this beautiful property is ideal for a family or group of friends wishing to explore the stunning landscapes of the area and be at one with nature. The lovingly renovated barn conversion features a two storey extension accessed through a glass atrium. The merging of the traditional and modern styles, using natural materials including local stone and wood works beautifully, and for the environmentally conscious, this carbon neutral property features solar panels, a heat exchanger and electric vehicle charging station.

Plas Bryn Hir for the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

From its slightly elevated perch less than half a mile from the beach, this large country manor house comes with dreamy sea views. It’s a fantastic little spot. The house is just a short walk from the beautiful seaside town of Criccieth with its medieval castle, browsable boutiques, and big sandy beaches. Sleeps 13.

Bryn Hynod for the Bala Railway

A beautiful barn with incredible views across Llyn Tegid / Lake Bala on the outskirts of Bala. The elevated hillside position on a working farm provides privacy in a quiet setting, where guests can relax in this stunning converted 400 year old barn packed full of original features. Sleeps 6. 

Bron Eifion for the Welsh Highland Railway

With views over Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon and the Welsh Highland Railway, Bron-Eifion is the quintessential cosy cottage. Located right at the foot of Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa, the cottage shares the valley with the Welsh Highland Steam Railway as it pushes its way from Beddgelert to the south up to Rhyd Ddu station and then on to Caernarfon in the north. Sleeps 5.

Eiddior for the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

The location of this beautiful rural barn conversion is pretty hard to beat. Tucked away in the peaceful Llŷn countryside, yet easily accessible from the main Caernarfon to Porthmadog highway. It is the perfect luxurious escape for anyone in search of a restorative North Wales getaway. Sleeps up to 7. 

Brynhoreb for the Talyllyn, Fairbourne and Corris Railways

This quirky chapel conversion in the beautiful Dysynni Valley comes with a mighty mountain backdrop and is close to the seaside at Tywyn. Located in the quiet hamlet of Bryncrug, Brynhoreb offers bright, welcoming accommodation, with plenty of room for a decent sized holiday gang. It is ideally placed for exploring the mountains and coast of stunning southern Snowdonia. Sleeps 7.

Perthi Uchaf for Llanberis Lake and Snowdon Railways

You’ll find this gorgeous farmhouse at the foot of Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon, just outside of Llanberis.  A substantial detached property set within 3 acres of land, it has been beautifully renovated. The large Aga and inglenook fireplace will ensure you always get a warm welcome. The perfect base to explore this mountainous region of North Wales. Sleeps 6.