On day 2 (Christmas Eve), journey along Conwy Bay into Snowdonia National Park, beginning in the walled town of Conwy. Stroll past the quay and merchants’ houses, and pause to admire Conwy Castle — one of Edward I’s great fortresses and part of a UNESCO-listed ensemble — and the elegant Telford suspension bridge. There’s time to browse snug cafés and pause for photos and reflection by the estuary.

Continue through pine-clad hills to Betws-y-Coed, a slate-and-stone village where rivers braid beneath old stone bridges. Visit the 14th-century St Michael’s Church, explore artisan shops, or follow the sound of the Afon Llugwy rushing through the woods. The scenery and villages together trace centuries of Welsh life, from medieval strongholds to mountain communities shaped by water and woodlands.

On day 3, stay cosy by the sea as the hotel hosts a leisurely celebration. After breakfast, gather for a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, served with warm hospitality and views of Llandudno Bay. The afternoon is yours to relax, chat with fellow travellers, or watch the tide curl along the promenade before an evening light buffet.

British seaside hotels have long marked Christmas with convivial dining and gentle entertainment. Between courses, enjoy after-dinner tea and coffee and a slice of Christmas cake, and soak up the festive atmosphere that makes a winter stay at the Welsh coast feel both time-honoured and restorative.

On day 4 (Boxing Day), travel to Chester, a compact city rich in layers of history. Wander past black-and-white timber-framed buildings and climb to the double-decker Rows, where medieval walkways host boutiques and cafés. See the ornate Eastgate Clock, view the Roman Amphitheatre remains, and, time permitting, walk a stretch of the city walls that ring the historic centre.

Once Roman Deva, Chester’s sandstone streets reveal centuries of trade, worship and defense, from the cathedral precincts to merchants’ houses. Explore at your own pace — browse independent shops, pause for coffee, and photograph the half-timbered gables — before returning to the coast with a fuller sense of the region’s Roman and medieval heritage.

Each evening, unwind at the hotel with light entertainment in the elegant Grand Ballroom. Expect sociable performances such as live music, quizzes or dance-friendly tunes — a relaxed way to round off dinner with friends old and new, complemented by after-dinner tea and coffee.

Set beside the promenade, the ballroom channels the poise of Llandudno’s Victorian heyday. Between numbers, look out to the bay’s night lights and enjoy a free evening that balances conviviality with coastal calm — including on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Late on day 2 (Christmas Eve), join fellow travellers to attend Midnight Mass at a local church in Llandudno, where candles glow and voices sing carols by candlelight. Share in the community’s quiet anticipation as bells ring out and the liturgy ushers in Christmas.

Return to the hotel for mulled wine and mince pies, a warming capstone to a reflective evening. This is an optional experience at additional cost and bookable on tour; your Tour Manager will confirm timings and arrangements. It’s a gentle, authentic way to experience Welsh Christmas customs within the town’s Victorian seaside setting.

Christmas in Llandudno, Chester & Snowdonia

After joining the coach, we make our way to our hotel and check in.

Christmas in Llandudno, Chester & Snowdonia

On our full-day excursion, we depart for the medieval walled town of Conwy, home to the imposing Conwy Castle, considered to be among the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. The town is also home to a quaint harbour, traditional pubs, snug cafés, the revolutionary Telford suspension bridge and Drew Pritchard Antiques (of TV’s Salvage Hunters fame)! Next stop is the charming and delightful village of Betws-y-Coed. Set in a beautiful valley in Snowdonia Forest Park, there is much to see, including the old 14th-century church of St Michael’s, which is one of the oldest in Wales, and the main street with its numerous shops and quaint places of interest. Later on, there is the option to attend Midnight Mass for those who wish to join, with mulled wine and mince pies on our return.

Christmas in Llandudno, Chester & Snowdonia

Christmas Day is a lovely day of leisure at our hotel, including a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings followed by Christmas cake, tea and coffee. A light buffet dinner is served in the evening.

Christmas in Llandudno, Chester & Snowdonia

On Boxing Day, we head to the delightful city of Chester, where the fascinating sights span the centuries. Wander through the streets of black and white timber-framed buildings and double-height shops or visit the remains of the city’s Roman Amphitheatre. As well as an abundance of historical attractions, Chester also has a thriving shopping centre with a host of cafés, restaurants and pubs to tempt you.

Christmas in Llandudno, Chester & Snowdonia

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head for home.

On day 1, settle into the Grand Hotel’s Victorian seafront setting and meet your Tour Manager over a convivial welcome drink. Get a clear outline of timings for the Snowdonia and Chester excursions, dining arrangements, and practical tips for making the most of Llandudno’s sweeping promenade and Victorian pier.

Framed by the Great and Little Orme headlands, Llandudno grew as a refined 19th-century resort, and you’ll feel that heritage in the hotel’s ballroom and bay views. After check-in, take time to enjoy a free evening by the sea or unwind in the lounge before tomorrow’s exploration.