Wales by Rail – 8 Days

Arriving in Heathrow or Gatwick take a dedicated airport Express rail link in to the city centre before connecting to the national network to make your way to the Welsh Capital. Discover Cardiff from the Edwardian baroque architecture of Cathays park, home to the national museum and gallery of Wales, the Victorian market and shopping arcades or the modern St Davids commercial centre. In the afternoon explore the stunning centrepiece at Cardiff Castle which combines Roman and Norman history with a gloriously lavish Victorian mansion.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Cardiff.
• Highlights: Cardiff City.

DAY TWO – Caerphilly Castle and Cardiff Bay

This morning take the train north to the welsh town of Caerphilly home to a stunning moated 13th century fortress at Caerphilly Castle complete with its famous leaning tower. In the afternoon return to Cardiff and take the short rail trip to the cosmopolitan Cardiff Bay area and Mermaid quay; see the National Assembly for Wales, home of Welsh government, the cultural Millennium Centre, and the Victorian Pierhead building and Norwegian Church both home to arts exhibitions. A stroll along the docks and you’ll find a vibrant restaurant and pub scene.

• Accommodation: in Overnight Cardiff.
• Highlights: Cardiff Bay and Caerphilly Castle.

DAY THREE – Medieval Harbour Town Tenby and the Pembrokeshire Coast

Departing Cardiff, the train will take you to West Wales and the glorious Pembrokeshire town of Tenby. One of Wales’ best kept secrets, Tenby is home to a bustling natural harbour, Norman Castle and city walls, a labyrinth of cobbled streets and flanked by far reaching, sparkling sandy bays. Time-permitting you may continue by rail through more of the Pembrokshire Coast National Park to Pembroke itself to visit Pembrokeshire Castle.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Tenby.
• Journey time: 3 hours 15 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Tenby Town, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Pembroke Castle.

DAY FOUR – The Brecon Beacons, mid Wales and Shrewsbury

Today you’ll embark on a spectacular rail journey through the heart of Wales and the Brecon Beacons National Park passing through quaint Welsh towns such as Llandovery and Llandrindod. Passing through the Marches and crossing the border you’ll arrive in English border town of Shrewsbury a traditional market town of Tudor timberwork buildings as unique red sandstone castle and Shrewsbury Abbey which inspired the stories of Brother Cadfael.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Shrewsbury.
• Distance: Journey time 5 hours and 15 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Brecon Beacons and Shrewsbury.

DAY FIVE – Conwy Castle and Llandudno

Another stunning rail route will take you along the Welsh borders area and then alongth e North Wales coast to the town of Conwy. Another of Wales’ hidden gems the town seems frozen in time with its traditional market square, stunningly preserved medieval town walls and an imposing 13th century fortress. A short rail trip away and you can take a stroll along the promenade of the beautiful Victorian resort town of Llandudno.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Conwy.
• Distance: 2 hours (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Conwy Town, Conwy Castle and Llandudno.

DAY SIX – Conwy Valley Line, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Snowdonia

Today enjoy another rail trip to remember along north Wales’ stunning Conwy Valley line taking you in to the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. You may choose to stop at the village of Llanwryst to visit the beautifully restored Tudor Mansion at Gwydir Castle or the village of Dolwyddelan to hike up to the medieval tower offering spectacular panoramic views over Snowdonia. Arriving in traditional slate quarrying town of Blanau Ffestiniog you may choose to take the narrow guage historic steam train mountain railway winding down the side of the mountain to Porthmadog (please note this is not included in your rail pass). Return to Conwy in the evening.

• Accommodation: Overnight in Conwy.
• Distance: Depending on excursions/ day trips.
• Highlights: Conwy Valley Line, Gwyddir Castle, Dolwyddelan Castle and/ or Blaenau Ffestiniog Mountain Railway.

DAY SEVEN – London City

Finally departing Wales you’ll cross over the border in to England and pass through the historic city of Chester on route back to London. A world away from the remote mountains of North Wales you can enjoy the vibrancy of the city and see some of the renowned sites such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and St Pauls Cathedral.

• Accommodation: Overnight in London.
• Distance: 3 hours and 20 minutes (approx.)*.
• Highlights: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and St Pauls Cathedral.

DAY EIGHT – Return home

With memories of the lush valleys and mountains of Wales in your memory, use you rail pass to transfer back to the airport for your return flight home.