The Branch Line Society, in partnership with 125 Group and Railadventure, have announced the ‘Welsh Dragon’ railtour, set to take place on Saturday, May 3 2026.

Headed for Llandudno’s annual Transport Festival, the tour will operate a HST formation (2+7) from London Euston, boarding at Euston, Watford Junction, Milton Keynes Central, and Nuneaton.

Passengers will arrive in Llandudno around midday, where they can spend the afternoon enjoying the seaside or visiting the town’s annual transport festival.

Those keen to stay on board can opt for an extended journey to Holyhead, marking a rare return for HSTs to the Anglesey port after more than two decades.

This optional leg includes a run along the scenic coastline, crossing the iconic Britannia Bridge and passing historic Conwy Castle, with the full out-and-back trip taking roughly four hours.

The train is expected to leave Llandudno in the early evening, returning to London Euston later that night.

The HST will be formed of both First Class and Standard Class seating, with a buffet counter in Coach F and a selection of merchandise available from 125 Group in Coach C.

Exact timings are to be confirmed with Network Rail closer to May; however, the estimated timings are as follows:

Outbound – London Euston (09:00), Watford Junction (09:20), Milton Keynes Central (09:40), Nuneaton (10:15), Llandudno (12:00), Llandudno Junction (TBC), Holyhead (TBC / leg stretch).

Return – Llandudno Junction (TBC), Llandudno (18:00), Crewe (19:30), Nuneaton (20:15), Milton Keynes Central (20:50), Watford Junction (21:30), London Euston (22:18).

Ticket Prices:

To Llandudno,

First Class, Non-Dining (guaranteed table for two) £119.00

First Class, Non-Dining £99.00

Standard Class £73.00

To Holyhead

First Class, Non-Dining (guaranteed table for two) £139.00

First Class, Non-Dining £119.00

Standard Class £89.00

 Passengers under 18 see a £15.00 reduction in fares.