Where Can I Get To?

There are so many enjoyable places in Wales that you can reach by public transport that it’s hard to know where to start. Here are some suggestions. Most are just a short walk from a train station, coach or bus stop. Remember, this is just a start: Tourist Information Centres can give you more ideas.

Resorts and Beaches

You want beaches? We have them, many with Blue Flags. There are resorts such as Llandudno, Aberystwyth , Barmouth, and Tenby. The Lleyn Peninsula offers coves, nooks and crannies. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and Gower Peninsula (www. countrygoer.org/wales) provide walks, wildlife, cliffs and small beaches galore.

Castles and Historic Buildings

CADW (www.cadw.wales.gov.uk) looks after many historic buildings such as the castles at Criccieth, Harlech, Caernarfon, Conwy, and, in the South, Chepstow and Pembroke. Tintern Abbey, Tredegar House Newport, Cardiff Castle and Museum of Welsh Life at Cardiff, are not to be missed. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (access via Ruabon station) is a stunning tribute to the skill and enterprise of the Industrial Revolution.

Llandaff and Brecon Cathedrals are two of our many historic churches. There are many chapels, too! Portmeirion provides a taste of the Mediterranean (and recalls The Prisoner!). The National Trust (www. nationaltrust.org.uk) looks after its castles, houses, and many important stretches of coastline.

Tourist Railways

So many to choose from, combining rail interest and great scenery. The location of the lines are shown on the map, and include the Welsh Highland Railway and Ffestiniog, Talyllyn, Llangollen (accessed via Ruabon station), the Vale of Rheidol at Aberystwyth, and the Gwili, near Carmarthen.

National Parks, Hills and Mountains

Wales has three designated National Parks. The Brecon Beacons National Park (www. breconbeacons.org) is an area of rolling mountains and vast open spaces. The Pembrokeshire Coastal National park (www.pcnpa.org.uk) is Britain’s only coastal National Park and shows the Welsh coastline at its very best. Snowdonia National Park
(www.snowdonia-npa.gov.uk) covers some of the most dramatic landscape – and its highest peak can be accessed by train!

We are a country of hills, mountains and valleys. As well as the National Parks there are so many places to find quiet seclusion and inspiringly stunning views.

The South Wales valleys, once mined for their coal, are returning to their natural beauty and very easily accessed from Cardiff. The Cambrian Mountains form the very spine of Wales from Machynlleth to Llandovery.

Gardens and Other Attractions

Bodnant Gardens near Eglwysbach, Llechwedd Slate Mine, Blaenau Ffestiniog, The National Waterfront Museum, Swansea, St.Deiniols Museum, Hawarden. The National Botanic Garden of Wales and Aberglasney Gardens, both near Carmarthen.

Towns and Cities

Caerdydd - Canolfan siopa newydd sy’n baradwys i siopwyr, Canolfan diwylliannol a chartref Llywodraeth y Cynulliad; Abertawe - yr ail ddinas - a chanolfannau masnachol llewyrchus yn Wrecsam. Mae’n werth ymweld â threfi llai hefyd, fel Caerfyrddin - y mynediad i Gerddi Cymru; Aberhonddu, cartref yr Ŵyl Jazz enwog, a Llandudno.

Activities

Whether you are a seasoned long distance walker, or looking for a short stroll, there are many walking routes in Wales easily accessible by public transport. There are self guided routes from many points along the Cambrian and Heart of Wales lines, and the Pembrokeshore Coastal Path attracts visitors all year round. Offa’s Dyke and Glyndwr’s Way take you the length of the country (www.nationaltrail.co.uk). Wales also attracts many bird watchers and offers fine golf courses, and attractive places to fish.