Excursion: Conwy Castle & Bodnant Gardens Departure Date: Sat 20/07/2024 Departs from: Leeds Departure Time (Approximately): 08:30 Return Time (Approximately): 20:45
Excursion Info: Your Journey
Sitting at the mouth of the River Conwy, nestled next to the modern harbour the giant stucture sits majestically and is just waiting to be explored. Giant curtain walls and eight huge round towers give the castle its unique and intimidating presence.
After our trip to the past we bring things right up to date with a visit to the vibrant and beautif Bodnant Gardens. Spanning 80 acres and looking out towards Snowdonia, this garden is designed to flourish throughout the year with a variety of plants and flowers that represent each glorious season.
The journey however is just as important as the destination. In the morning our stewards welcome you aboard the Northern Belle and escort you to your comfortable seat. Elegant tables laid with starched tablecloths, uniquely-branded silverware and highly-polished glasses complement the luxurious carriages.
Fine dining is a highlight of every journey and, once you have settled in, a delicious brunch with a Bellini is served as you travel towards Wales. On the return, a sumptuous five course meal awaits accompanied by fine wine and a glass of sparkling champagne. What a wonderf way to explore the very best of Britain.
BODNANT GARDENS:
Nestling in the Snowdonian foothills of North Wales, Bodnant Garden was forged by the Victorian vision of one extraordinary man, honed by his descendants and is today cherished by visitors the world over.
Established in 1874 by scientist, businessman and politician Henry Pochin, he and his family filled the garden with plants collected by famous global explorers such as Ernest Wilson, George Forrest and Harold Comber.
Cared for by the National Trust since 1949, Bodnant is a garden of firsts – home to the earliest and grandest laburnum arch built in 1880, to Britain’s earliest magnolias introduced from China in the late 1800s and to unique rhododendron hybrids which were born and bred here from the 1920s.
A garden for all seasons
Today it is home to exotic plants from the Blue Poppy of the Himalayas to the Fire Bush of the Andes, as well as five National Collections - of Magnolia, Embothrium, Eucryphia, Rhododendron forrestii and Bodnant Rhododendron Hybrids. It is also boasts Wales’ largest collection of UK Champion Trees, which provide a year-round spectacle.
In spring, enjoy swathes of daffodils, camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons the heady sight and scent of roses, lily ponds, herbaceous beds and buzzing wildflower meadows in summer a kaleidoscope of rich leaf colour in autumn and sparkling, frosted landscapes in winter.
INCLUDED
• Round-trip travel aboard the Northern Belle luxury train
• Welcome drink a sparkling Bellini Cocktail
• Fine-dining
• Delicious three-course brunch on the outward journey
• Morning tea and coffee
• Coach transfers
• Admission into Conwy Castle
• Admission into National Trust Bodnant Gardens
• Champagne reception back on board
• Sumptuous four-course dinner: British seasonal table d'hôte menu including Great British cheese board, biscuits and chutneys
• A bottle of wine per couple
• Tea, coffee and petit fours
Price From (per person): £495.00
Please note that the prices listed are from prices, and may change. All dates are subject to availability. Discounts are available for groups of four or more.
You may share a table with other participants. A guaranteed table for 2 people can sometimes be reserved at an extra cost (generally £150 per couple), please request this in the form opposite.
The train is not suitable for wheelchair users. A wheelchair can be stored on board (if foldable), but can't be used on the train. Please note: Train tickets are dispatched 5-7 days prior to departure.
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