The Railway Touring Company · Steam rail day trip

The North Wales Coast Express

Steam-hauled day trip from Liverpool to North Wales coast.

Illustration of The North Wales Coast Express

The North Wales Coast Express is a single-day steam train adventure operated by The Railway Touring Company, departing Liverpool Lime Street on a Sunday morning hauled by a vintage steam locomotive from the Carnforth heritage centre. The journey follows the North Wales coast through Chester and past two famous Victorian bridges: Robert Stephenson's Tubular bridge across the Conwy Estuary and the Britannia Bridge onto the Isle of Anglesey. Passengers may alight at the seaside town of Llandudno, the historic city of Bangor, or the port of Holyhead, making this trip flexible for different interests. Along the route, travellers enjoy coastal views across to Anglesey and pass through the ancient city walls at Chester. Three catering tiers suit different appetites, from a simple reserved seat in Standard Class to full dining on board in Premier Dining. This excursion appeals to steam railway enthusiasts, history lovers interested in Victorian engineering, and anyone seeking a relaxed day out by rail without overnight stays or long commitments.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure is listed in the current schedule: July 2026.
  • The itinerary in the pack is truncated and does not specify arrival times or the full route sequence.
  • Passengers must select their destination (Llandudno, Bangor, or Holyhead) when booking; confirm exact alighting details with The Railway Touring Company.

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    The North Wales Coast Express

    Our train leaves Liverpool Lime Street Sunday morning, hauled by a magnificent steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool, and then makes its way through Edge Hill cutting to Broad Green, where we will make a stop to pick up. Next we pick up at Warrington Bank Quay. Running via Frodsham, we reach Chester, where we pick up further passengers. On leaving Chester, we pass through the ancient city walls and cross the River Dee into Wales. We steam alongside the Dee Estuary, with views across to the Wirral Peninsula. We pass through the coastal resorts of Prestatyn, Rhyl, and Colwyn Bay along the delightful Irish Sea coastline. We stop at Llandudno Junction where passengers for Llandudno can take the service train to spend time at this popular seaside resort. From Llandudno Junction, we continue westwards along the North Wales Coast Line, crossing the Conwy estuary on Robert Stephenson's Tubular railway bridge, with Edward 1's castle overlooking the town and bridge. The railway line runs very close to the Irish Sea as we pass through Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan, with magnificent sea views across to the Island of Anglesey. We stop at Bangor station to set down those passengers who may wish to spend time visiting this historic city, with its cathedral and restored pier. Our train crosses the Menai Strait on the Britannia Bridge and enters the Isle of Anglesey. We now run across the Island through Valley to enter the sea port of Holyhead, where there will be time to visit the town or marina whilst our steam locomotive is turned and serviced for the return journey. Our train leaves Holyhead, steam hauled late afternoon, and stops at Bangor and then Llandudno Junction, to pick up passengers who opted for a visit to Llandudno. It continues via Chester and Warrington Bank Quay to Liverpool Lime Street, stopping at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The price covers your seat on the North Wales Coast Express steam train and any catering included in your class tier.
What are the three class options?
Standard Class (120 GBP) provides a reserved seat, usually at a table for four. First Class (225 GBP) adds morning and afternoon tea or coffee with light meals and scones. Premier Dining (335 GBP) includes full English breakfast and a four-course dinner prepared fresh on board and silver-served at your seat.
Where does the train start and end?
The train departs Liverpool Lime Street on Sunday morning, stops at Broad Green, Warrington Bank Quay, and Chester, then continues along the North Wales coast to Llandudno, Bangor, or Holyhead depending on where you choose to alight.
What makes this journey special?
The train is hauled by a steam locomotive from the Carnforth pool and crosses two historic bridges: Robert Stephenson's Tubular railway bridge over the Conwy Estuary and the Britannia Bridge onto the Isle of Anglesey. Passengers enjoy coastal views across to Anglesey through Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan.
When does it run?
Currently scheduled for July 2026. Check The Railway Touring Company for future departure dates.

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