luxury train journeys uk wales

Sheenco Travel

Wales Luxury Train Journeys

Journey through wales by luxury train.

To enjoy luxury train travel through Wales you will need to opt for an 8 night tour of Britain on Scotland’s luxury touring train.

You may also like to consider a Chauffeur Driven Vacation in Wales or indeed one of our Wales Castle Tours – both of these would be customized to suit your personal preferences.

For your Wales Group Tour rent the train exclusively and create your own individualized itinerary.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Boat of Garten

Depart Edinburgh and as you travel the Highland Line to Aviemore enjoy afternoon tea while you take in the views. Arrive in the tranquil village of Boat of Garten where cocktails will be served on board followed by an informal dinner.

Day 2: Boat of Garten to Dundee

Enjoy a jam packed day of touring today as you visit Rothiemurchus Estate where you will have the opportunity to try your hand at Clay Pigeon Shooting. Then it’s on to Culloden Battlefield followed by a visit to Strathisla Distillery. Back on board a formal dinner will be followed by entertainment in the observation car.

Day 3: Dundee to Llandudno

Travel south into England and visit Chester where you will be treated to a private tour of the Cathedral. As the train crosses in to Wales, enjoy an informal dinner. After dinner enjoy a visit to Gwydir Castle in the Vale of Conwy.

Day 4: Llandudno to Hereford

Day 5: Hereford to Peterborough

This morning wake to the gentle rocking of the train and enjoy breakfast on the move as your travel south to Bath where you will have some time to explore the World Heritage-listed city. After a guided tour of the Roman Baths return to the train for lunch and take some time to relax as you travel to Oxford. This evening  dinner will take place at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, one of the UK’s finest country house hotels. Back on board relax with an after-dinner drink as the train travels on to it’s overnight berth at Peterborough.

Day 6: Peterborough to Scarborough

Take some time this morning to explore Cambridge and visit world renowned Corpus Christi college. Your tour will view medieval and Renaissance manuscripts in the Parker library. After lunch enjoy a relaxing punt on the River Cam before returning to your luxury train for dinner and overnight in Scarborough.

Day 4: Scarborough to Alnwick

Enjoy breakfast on the move this morning as the train travels from Scarborough to York where you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the city and a visit to York Minster. Back on board, travel up through Northumberland into Alnmouth where you will be treated to a private viewing of Alnwick Castle followed by a celebratory farewell dinner.

Day 5: Home

Breakfast is served as the train travels back to Edinburgh to your journeys end.

All luxury Train Journeys in Wales include daily meals, drinks, excursions and guides on scheduled tours.

Send Me Info

• Testimonials
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

How would you like to tour Wales?

Welcome Aboard

British Pullman

Timeless travel across great britain, expect luxury, glamour and a dash of adventure on an unforgettable trip through the british countryside.

Restored to their former glory, British Pullman's carriages are as famous today as in the heyday of train travel. Whether you prefer afternoon tea or the sparkle of a festive lunch in the most splendid company — there's a journey for everyone. Whichever you choose, we guarantee that you'll be whisked back to a more elegant era.

British Cuisine With a Twist

View dining

Revel in Luxury Seating

View carriages

Whisked Away in the Country

View journeys

Explore in Depth

See more ideas and articles from Belmond

Reimagining A British Icon with Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson is one of the most pioneering directors working today. Now, fans of the director’s distinctive style can embark on a new cinematic adventure about a vintage train carriage.

Dead on Time: A New Murder Mystery

One train. Five courses. Ten suspects. Dead on Time, a brand new immersive murder mystery experience on board a historic 1920s train, sets off from London for a wildly entertaining, irresistibly vintage whodunnit…

Just The Ticket

Luxury train travel is often wistfully remembered as a bygone era, immortalised on the silver screen. Rediscover some of the most memorable portrayals of train travel in cinema, then get ready to plan your own dream trip to relive the romance of the rails.

Destination Guide

Explore Britain by Rail

The romance of rail travel is encapsulated by Belmond British Pullman. Everything comes easily on this luxurious journey, from the beautiful views to the incredible food served onboard. The experience of sipping champagne as you glide through the British countryside in our sumptuous carriages is, quite simply, divine.

Privacy in Motion

Luxury travel by train and boat enjoys a starry legacy—recalling cinematic glamour, overflowing bubbles and peerless hedonism. From elegant private coupés aboard a 1920s carriage to spacious cabins on elegant river barges, which exclusive adventure will you choose?

Homegrown Heritage

Stepping aboard Belmond British Pullman offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the golden age of travel. We’re determined to deliver authentic adventures.

The Very Best of British

“It is forever true that the Golden Age is not behind us, but before us." It’s a line that perfectly captures the experience of traveling on Belmond British Pullman

The Rise of Trainspotting

With trainspotting yet another trend that reinvents the humdrum hobby, is embracing the individuality of our quirky personal passions the key to joy?

Our Journeys

Celebrations, britain's most luxurious train.

Experience luxury rail travel at its very best aboard the Northern Belle train

Limited to 150 passengers Gatsby Gala Dinner London | Fri 28th Jun Our Most Anticipated Journey of the Year!

Settle to Carlisle Steam Top 10 Journeys In The World Book Now

In partnership with Krug we introduce another class of travel →

Browse more

Caviar, Champagne and much more!

To celebrate our fantastic recognition from Condé Nast Traveller magazine, we are enhancing our guest experience at no additional cost with the inclusion of a Champagne reception, Caviar and Blinis , upgraded Sommelier's choice wine, Port with the cheese board and Fortnum & Mason tea . We've also brought back Champagne Afternoon Tea which includes a bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne per couple.

Give The Gift of Luxury Train Travel

Delight friends or loved ones with a unique and unforgettable experience on board the Northern Belle, where they can immerse themselves in opulence while traversing breathtaking landscapes. Whether it's a romantic escapade or a thoughtful gesture, Northern Belle gift cards offer a remarkable journey that will be treasured for years to come.

Image for illustration purposes only

Condé Nast Traveller

Readers’ choice awards 2023.

The Northern Belle has been voted one of "the best train trips in the world" by readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller magazine for the second year in a row.

The magazine said: "It’s all about the food – and the scenery. The meal services are exquisite, offering fine dining crafted mostly from UK suppliers so you can enjoy classic British fare as the heaths, meadows and dales roll on by."

The epitome of luxury & elegance

Our mission is simple; to exceed our guests' expectations. We are constantly striving to improve the experience, make special memories for our passengers and operate the most luxurious train.

Experience luxury rail travel at its finest

Beyond the world of ordinary first-class there has been an almost secret world. Since the dawn of railways there has existed a world of private luxury trains and only a handful remain. The Northern Belle is one such Train, and the most luxurious, carefully restored to its former glory by the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. Welcome to our world.

News, Views & Offers

Our mission is simple; to exceed our guests' expectations. We are constantly striving to improve the experience, make special memories for our passengers & operate the most luxurious train.

Read our fabulous reviews

5 out of 5 stars

We were greeted by the most friendly and amazing smile, from the moment we got on board, the staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction, the welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff made the day very pleasant. The menu offered a delightful array of dishes, each expertly crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every bite was a culinary delight. My dining experience was truly exceptional. and I can’t wait to return. The luxurious train, coupled with exceptional service, made our day truly memorable Highly recommended!

Absolutely fantastic this Christmas trip is a must the best experience you can give someone the staff are absolutely lovely the food amazing could not fault this at all.

The Christmas Festive Lunch journey from Liverpool to Holyhead was great. We were in the Glamis carriage and the decor was lovely. The food was delicious and the porn star martini was very good. We were serenaded by songs and there was also a magician going from table to table. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.

I was very thankful that we had Del in our carriage who was very helpful. As we no longer spring chickens. He kindly helped us out of and back into the carriage. A big thank you. I hope the managers will thank him from us. Someone who is that willing and helpful should be utilised to the fullest extent. Great team member

First trip in 4 years and just as good as ever, if not better - superb, friendly attentive service attending to our every need in that wonderful atmosphere only found on the Northern Belle and the entertainment too from the singing duo and magician at the table. All four of us had a great day out from Carlisle to Dundee - topped off by a tour of Glamis Castle.

Went on a circuit of Cumbria on 23rd September. Was originally meant to include a return leg through the Dales on the Settle-Carlisle line, but had to be changed due to engineering works on the line. For us, the alternative route down the coast was even better and so we were very happy with the change. Throughout the whole journey, the attentive staff were outstanding and the food and drink were to genuine fine dining standards. The carriage was beautifully presented. Yes, it is expensive, but you don't mind if the experience exceeds all expectations as this one did. Strongly recommended.

Fabulous excursion from Darlington to Edinburgh made an excellent experience by being hauled by Flying Scotsman to mark its Centenary. Absolutely faultless service, food, and organisation. The preparation and presentation of the carriage (Duart) was superb and was regularly maintained throughout the return journey. Nothing was too much trouble for the hardworking staff who cannot be praised highly enough. Main meal of beef was cooked to perfection and melted in the mouth. Absolutely recommended to anyone. A wonderful day.

We did the Flying Scotsman centenary special journey - from York to Edinburgh. What a wonderful day! The superb, efficient team worked hard to make our day memorable. The luxurious carriages and excellent food and beverages added to the glamour of the day. I’d recommend one of the Northern Belle journeys to anyone wanting this kind of special day out.

What an absolutely wonderful experience. A perfect day with friends spent being served outstanding food and drink by kind, attentive staff whilst relaxing in luxurious surroundings. The whole experience ran like clockwork and will be fondly remembered.

Our hosts Emma and Assam worked very hard in hot conditions to make this a memorable experience. The carriage was comfortable, despite the heat, and the food service for our champagne afternoon tea was excellent. We made our way across Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk and the food and drink kept flowing and filled the time well. This is a great experience and one we would look to do again and would recommended anyone looking to do an afternoon tea for a special occasion to look at this as it is so different from the norm.

We travelled the Liverpool-Edinburgh route of the Northern Belle as part of a birthday present. We were in the Harlech carriage and attended by Barry, Lily and Del. The overall experience was already good in our view but the staff made it perfect, very attentive, chatty and also helpful with whatever we needed. The job they do is difficult, trying to provide a luxury experience for their guests while being bounced about a railway track, but they did it professionally! not once moaning or groaning about it. Had a superb day, the staff were polite and couldn't do enough and we thoroughly enjoyed it! so thank you guys, you are a credit to the company!

Excellent customer service these days is a luxury, and Northern Belle have this down to a fine art. From the beautifully decorated immaculate carriages, fantastic food with accompanying drinks to the attention to detail, the whole day was a wonderful experience for my family and I.

An amazing day of luxury and wonderful service and who doesnt want to go to Devon in a day! This was a day of pure pampering thanks to Anwyn, Phil and Lucy who looked after us on the Belvoir carriage of the Northern Belle. They really were fantastic. Make sure you have dieted for a few days as the food really is amazing and keeps in coming! The service from all three in beautiful surroundings really did make this a special experience and the added bonus was 24 degrees sunshine in Devon. Included was the Dart Valley steam train and ferry tickets to Dartmouth and a lovely afternoon strolling by the river and a glass of wine before we headed back to the Nothern Belle for the journey home. Most people were celebrating an anniversary or birthday so a lovely atmosphere on the train. Worth every penny and 5 star review fully deserved.

12/8/23 My husband & I travelled on the NB I can’t Thank the ladies enough for their hospitality & generosity on the beautiful, colourful & Very comfortable Chatsworth. The food was endless & the presentation was mouth watering. Tremendous charisma & presence from anwen. What a chatty, friendly, kind & approachable host. Always smiling. Really made us feel relaxed & at ease. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed being passengers in luxury. It was lovely spending the day in trustworthy hands. All the staff work so hard to accommodate for the train. It’s remarkable. Thank you for a special memorable day

As a birthday gift from my employers my daughter and I had a trip from Edinburgh to Dumfries House (which included a guided tour), brunch. and champagne reception with a 5 course dinner on the way home. A full day from 9:20 in the morning to arriving back in Edinburgh after 10p.m. and the most wonderful experience from start to finish. You feel very special sitting in the beautiful surroundings (the Alnwick carriage), amazing food, lovely staff and not forgetting the on board entertainment. For anyone wanting to experience something special I would highly recommend the Northern Belle and look forward to doing it again in the future.

What an amazing experience. The train was fabulous and the staff made it their misdion to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves. Cannot fault the food or the staff. If you want to spoil yourself you must do this trip.

From the moment we got to Durham train station the service on the Northern Belle was fantastic. The staff attention to detail was great. The food was incredible and Glamis Castle was lovely place to visit. I would like to thank the staff to allow me to see their kitchen and talk to the chef. I can't recommend this more highly then say it was worth very penny!

We travelled on The Northern Belle from Cardiff to Truro on 3/6/23. From the minute you board right throughout your journey, you are treated to the luxury of the train. The seats are armchairs, the crockery and glasses are quality and the food is absolutely outstanding. Barry and his team were friendly and professional. We had both musicians and a magician to entertain us. This is our second trip aboard The Northern Belle and certainly hope it’s not the last.

Latest news

Vote to Make Northern Belle #1 🚂

Exclusive Instagram Giveaway

New *Official* Instagram Account

Flying Scotsman Steam Special 2023

Your experience on this site will be improved by allowing cookies.

Welcome to Railtrail Tours A family firm with an ethos of honesty and integrity. Our passion for delivering quality escorted holidays by rail at great value fares along with consistently excellent customer service has stood us in good stead for over 40 years. Big on Quality, Small Enough to Care

01538 382323 Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm

• Bristol & Bath
• Channel Islands
• Dorset & Isle Of Wight
• Isle of Man
• Isle of Scilly
• Lake District
• Northern Ireland
• Oxfordshire
• Peak District
• Staffordshire & Midlands
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• New Zealand
• UK & Ireland
• Tour Calendar
• Late Availability
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Booking Conditions
• Tour Fares Explained
• Tour Descriptions
• An Introduction to Railtrail
• The History of Railtrail
• Meet the Team
• Financial Protection
• Railtrail Rewards
• Railtrail Tour Films
• Request a Brochure

Charming seaside and rugged beauty, scenic branch and heritage lines, slate hills, lakes and majestic Mount Snowdon - all possible by train thanks to the Welsh pioneers of railway preservation.

South Wales is a beautiful part of the UK awaiting exploration. With our great value tour, based in the heart of the Welsh capital, visitors can experience every unique feature it has to offer from rides on the Brecon Mountain Railway and Forest of Dean Railways, to sightseeing at the Royal Mint and Rhondda Heritage Park, or even a visit to an award-winning Welsh distillery.

Featuring two of the 'Seven Wonders of the Canals', this active tour based in historic Chester offers exciting heritage from Roman times to the golden industrial age of waterways and railways.

Our summertime tour based in historic Chester includes visits to some of the finest gardens in Cheshire, The Wirral, and the Welsh Borders. Bursting with an abundance of colourful floral displays and impressive historic houses plus a relaxing river cruise and nostalgic steam train journey.

Rail holiday to explore the six wonders of the waterways Take a unique rail journey with Railtrail's Grand Tours. Explore Six Wonders of the Waterways including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Anderton boatlift, Ironbridge Gorge and more!

Introducing four great preserved steam railways and a scenic mainline on one great rail holiday based in the Heart of Wales spa town of Llandrindod Wells. View coastlines, valleys, reservoirs, and mountains from your window on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, the Heart of Wales Line, the Brecon Mountain Railway and, last but not least, the Talyllyn, the world’s first ever preserved railway.

Steaming through Snowdonia on the new 'wonder of the world' - the Welsh Highland line is just one of many great rail journeys taking you from glorious sea at Llandudno to the peak of Mount Snowdon.

Travel coast to coast from Land's End to John O'Groats, including many of Britain's great scenic rail journeys along the way. Explore England, Scotland & Wales on a one off, once in a lifetime, grand rail tour of mainland Britain!

Another unique Grand Tour by Rail, visiting some of our best loved hotels, crossing Wales from coast to coast. From our bases in Carmarthen, Llandrindod, and Llandudno we tick off more steam and heritage railways than you could imagine, plus we bask in the wonderful scenery of the valleys, mountains, and coasts.

Steam through Snowdonia on this fantastic tour in wonderful Wales. Experience nostalgic steam journeys including the spectacular Snowdon Mountain Railway, journey on the beautiful Conwy Valley Line, enjoy a magnificent tram ride, and visit the beautiful Bodnant Garden. Discover the heritage, history, and beauty of Wales.

Discover Wales on this great value tour based in the fantastic city of Cardiff. Enjoy nostalgic steam journeys on the Brecon Mountain Railway and Forest of Dean Railway, experience fascinating guided tours at the Royal Mint Experience and Rhondda Heritage Park, and visit St Fagans Museum. Indulge in a whisky tasting at an award-winning Welsh distillery plus enjoy free time to explore Cardiff and Chepstow.

UK, Euro & Worldwide 2024

Award Winning rail holidays in the UK, Europe & Worldwide, departing in 2024

Availability Search

Keyword search.

• Privacy Policy GDPR
• Cookie Policy
• Terms of Use
• Railtrail Site Map

This website uses cookies to store information. By continuing to browse the website without changing your settings you are agreeing to their use. For more information view our cookie policy .

• Advertise with Us
• Owner Login
• Guest Login

Discover Wales by Rail: Scenic Train Journeys and Heritage Routes

Activities , Adventure , Our Wales | 0 comments

Wales is bursting with stunning train journeys and heritage routes that will leave you in awe. Get ready for an adventure as we uncover hidden gems and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this incredible country.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Prepare for an epic ride on the legendary Snowdon Mountain Railway. Imagine chugging up the mountainside, passing enchanting waterfalls and jaw-dropping views. As you reach the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, get ready to be blown away by the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park.

Heart of Wales Line

Calling all nature lovers! The Heart of Wales Line is a must for you. Picture rolling hills, lush valleys, and charming little towns that will steal your heart. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems like the dramatic ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle.

Cambrian Coast Line

This train ride follows the stunning shores of Cardigan Bay, taking you through sandy beaches, charming fishing villages, and breathtaking cliffs. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins and seals along the way.

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways

Wind your way through the magical Snowdonia National Park, passing cute villages, lush forests, and serene lakes. And guess what? You can even extend your adventure by connecting to the Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon to Porthmadog.

Conwy Valley Line

If medieval castles and stunning river views are your thing, then the Conwy Valley Line will sweep you off your feet. This train journey offers jaw-dropping glimpses of Snowdonia and the Conwy River. As you glide along, take a moment to marvel at the majestic Conwy Castle.

Brecon Mountain Railway

Picture yourself aboard a charming steam train, chugging through the picturesque Brecon Beacons National Park. Rolling hills, dramatic valleys, and peaceful reservoirs will be your backdrop as you enjoy the soothing rhythm of the steam engine.

These train rides offer a unique and captivating way to explore the beauty of Wales. So, sit back, relax, and let the railways guide you through the wonders of this incredible country.

Our Wales: DYW on the Road

Portmeirion, Snowdonia and Steam Train Tour

Quality custom designed tours, professionally trained tour guide, spacious executive touring vehicles, “enjoy touring without the crowds”.

What's on the Touring Route

The welsh highland railway.

Take a ride on one of the ‘Great Little Steam Trains of Wales’! The journey takes you along the most scenic sections of the track in Wales, past the foot of Mount Snowdon. Note: Train schedules don’t always operate every day, so we will work with you to help design the best possible options. There is an alternative track and line operating with the Ffestiniog Railway. *Train ticket Payable. Train tickets must be booked and reserved in advance.

Criccieth Castle

Portmeirion

There is an option to stop for lunch on site. Portmeirion offer a special arrangement with complimentary tickets to enter the village when you take a 2 course lunch at Castell Deudraeth (not including sandwiches or light bites). Lunch must be pre-booked and confirmed in advance. Entry can only be used after lunch has been taken. T&C’s apply.

The most scenic road in Wales

Mount Snowdon View

Llanberis Mountain Pass

Blade of the Giants

The Secret View – Farewell View of Snowdonia

Tour Enhancement

This tour can be custom designed to include the snowdon mountain railway.

Customer Tour Testimonial

Portmerion, Snowdonia and Steam Train Tour

Interested in Booking this Tour?

All our tours are custom designed and operate on a private basis.

With each private custom tour that we design, there is a number of factors that affect the overall tour price:

• The dates that you choose
• Your chosen location to start and end the tour
• The number of passengers in your party
• The tour duration that you choose

NOT FOUND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?

It’s your very own private tour and we can custom design a tour itinerary to suit what you want to do and see.  Our flexibility in designing a tailor made tour means you have the flexibility to make changes to any of our tour examples.  So take something out or add something more appealing to your desires, or alternatively, add an element from another tour and combine it to create your perfect touring day.

All you have to do is ask and if it is possible, then it will be our pleasure to accommodate your wishes.

Professional, Reliable and Award Winning Tours

• Terms & Conditions of Booking
• Website Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Contact / Enquiry

Checking out of our site already?

Did you know boutique tours of wales operates one of the very 'best rated' private tour experiences in britain.

Don't let someone else beat you to our availability!

Related Content

Multiple scenic journeys by steam trains, train travel options, travel between south wales and the cambrian coast, travel between the cambrian coast and north wales coast, with dogs and bikes, child tickets, when making multiple day trips, the ffestiniog round robin ticket, to wales by train, please support showmethejourney.

How To Explore Wales by Train

All that's good to know about seeing the best of beautiful Wales by train, including how kids aged 15 and under can travel for free!

Why you should do this

Wales is blessed with a fantastic landscape and dramatic coastline and very few areas of the principality are flat and unmemorable, hence the plethora of scenic rail journeys, including: Welshpool ↔ Aberystwyth Machynlleth ↔ Pwlhelli Rhyl ↔ Holyhead Swansea ↔ Carmarthen Llanelli ↔ Craven Arms. Llandudno Junction ↔ Blaenau Ffestiniog

The Welsh railway network is much sparser than it had been in its heyday, but most of the longer-distance routes have endured and virtually all of them are wonderfully beautiful! So exploring lovely Wales by train is a fabulous means of accessing the best of this country, while appreciating some fantastic scenery.

The gaps in the rail network are filled by bus routes, so a car is most definitely not an essential requirement for seeing the best of Wales, whether you want to travel around the country by train , or take multiple day trips from one holiday location .

Plus there is an aspect to enjoying Wales by train that is wonderfully unique and wholly delightful. When I was a small child my grandmother gave my mum a holiday souvenir of a tea towel (a dish towel) emblazoned with images of the Great Little Trains Of Wales , with their utterly charming steam engines. Few objects that came into the family home fired up my imagination as much as this did and thankfully, not only are all of those railways still waiting to be explored, there has also been the thrilling more recent addition of the Welsh Highland Railway .

And by happy accident, the majority of these miniature steam railways can still be accessed by main line trains. The opportunity to travel by them hugely enhances a holiday in north-west Wales, which is where the gorgeous Snowdonia national park also happens to be located!

There are two great options of exploring the best of Wales by train:

(1) Travelling around the country by using an Explore Wales pass . As can be seen below, the pass tends to be better value for money compared to tickets for this travel idea.

(2) Using one location as a base for taking multiple fabulous day trips by train (and bus) As will be seen below, booking tickets tends to be better value than the pass when using one base location, even when taking multiple day trips.

The two plus points of taking this day trip approach are;

• avoiding having to make multiple transfers to overnight accommodation, and
• the freedom to react to the weather.

Rainy days and beautiful train journeys is a set of circumstances best avoided and Welsh weather is unpredictable.

But if you use a base location, you’ll be unfortunate for every day of your stay to be washed out, so you can then target the finer days for making the particularly scenic journeys.

Good to know

The Welsh Rail Network Explained

Some of those miniature steam railways also plug gaps in the network of the remaining mainline railways, so they make it easier to travel around Wales by train.

The existing Welsh rail network is reminiscent of a reversed letter E. The north and south of Wales are linked by a railway to the east, which mainly runs through England, and from it there are THREE main routes which head west into Wales:

(1) Along the North Wales Coast Line to Holyhead via Bangor. (2) Across mid-Wales to Aberystwyth and Pwhelli by the Cambrian Coast Railway with its fantastic sea views.

(3) Through the south of Wales to Pembrokeshire; take a train west of Swansea and you’ll experience a lovely journey.

Though at the western extremities of those routes, there isn’t a railway line which traverses the west of Wales to connect them, but there are easy alternatives available to taking main line trains.

The end of the Cambrian Coast Line is connected to the railways of South Wales, by the T1 bus line/route . It still provides a regular link between along the route of the long-closed railway between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen.

There are three options for travelling between the North Wales Coast Line and the Cambrian Coast Line:

(1) Taking a mainline train between Llandudno or Llandudno Junction station and Blaenau Ffestiniog, then connecting there a ride to or from Porthmadog on the beautiful Ffestiniog Railway

There is also a junction station at Minffordd, which avoids the need to walk across Porthmadog town centre between its two stations. Though single (one-way) journey tickets for the journey on the Ffestiniog Railway cannot be booked online, but can be arranged by calling the Booking Office; 01766 516024. Some trains can also sell out in advance, so booking ahead is highly recommended!

(2) Taking the frequent 5C bus route/line between Bangor (which has a station on the North Wales coast line) and Caernarfon and then travelling between Caernarfon and Porthmadog on the West Highland Railway .

(3) Taking the T2 bus route direct between Bangor and Porthmadog.

An adult can take up to two dogs with them on any conventional mainline train in Wales and they don't need tickets. They can also ride on many of the Great Little Trains Of Wales but when travelling on these they will likely need special tickets - so don't assume you can hop on board with a dog.

Some of those steam railways, including the Ffestiniog , the Vale Of Rheidol and the Welsh Highland also enable bicycles to be conveyed in vans on the train. Those spaces cannot be reserved in advance, so are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

This policy of bikes being taken on the trains if space is still available, also typically applies to the mainline trains operated by Transport For Wales. Though on some busy services Transport For Wales requests that bike spaces be reserved in advance - though it doesn't stipulate what these departures and routes are, so it best to call 0333 3211 202 to check what you need to do. If they are available, reservations are free of charge.

Tickets or Rail Passes

An Explore Wales pass costs £104 for adults and £52 for children (aged 5 to 15) - and there is a discounted price of £68.60 for those who will be travelling with these railcards: 16-25, Two Together, Disabled Persons or Senior. Note that these railcards can cost less than the discounted price, so a combination of pass + railcard is the way to go if you meet the railcard criteria.

The core benefit of the Explore Wales is that it allows the freedom to hop on and off any train operated by Transport For Wales, on any 4 days during an 8 day period – so you won’t have to take the train on every day of your holiday.

The pass can also be used on the railway route through England via Shrewsbury and Hereford, which connects North Wales to South Wales It can also be used to hop and off most buses in Wales, including many of the services which plug the gaps in the Welsh rail network. If you follow either of the suggested around Wales itineraries, the Explore Wales Pass will be a money saver against the costs of buying train tickets at the standard prices.

On the suggested looping itinerary you’ll likely save just under £40 compared to the total non-discounted train ticket costs on the four days that you’ll be using the pass. While you’ll save at least £15 against the cost of the standard train tickets on the suggested circular itinerary - and you’ll also be able to use the pass on the buses between Caernarfon and Bangor and between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen.

The typical pricing policy used by Transport For Wales contributes to the Explore Wales pass being cheaper than standard train tickets for the suggested around Wales itineraries. Because on the TFW (Transport For Wales) trains, single journey tickets are comparatively expensive, as it doesn’t offer discounted Advance tickets for single journeys solely within Wales - though Day Return tickets tend to be only a few £s more expensive than Single tickets.

Even though there is no need to book online to save money, it is an option , and enables travel with tickets downloaded to a phone. Though if you won't be buying online it's a very good idea to look up train times and plan a journey before heading to the station.

Transport For Wales offers better ticketing terms when travelling with children in comparison to most of the other train operating companies in Britain. Because at Off-Peak times (see below), when accompanied by a fare paying adult (aged 16 and over) those aged 15 and under can travel for free! Those aged 10 and under can travel for free at any time! The usual 'rule' in Britain is that only those aged four and under can travel at no charge.

The core term for this offer is that a maximum of two 'children' can accompany each fare paying 'adult'. Those aged 5 to 15 will need a ticket(s) but there will be no charge for them, they can be obtained from staffed ticket offices, or from the conductors on the trains

The 'peak' travel times when the offer doesn't apply to those aged 11 to 15 are on Monday to Friday only before 09:30 and between the hours of 16:00 and 18:30. So the offer applies at any time on weekends; and on national holidays when 'peak' travel times aren't applied.

The offer does not apply when travelling by Avanti West Coast trains on the north Wales route, or on GWR trains in south Wales.

The price of the Explore Wales pass for those aged 5 to 15 is discounted by 50%.

For day trips on Transport For Wales trains , the Day Return tickets tickets can be comparatively good value, because they won’t cost much more than the price of single tickets. As a result the rail passes won’t be such good value when multiple taking day trips by train from the suggested locations .

The price of an Explore North and Mid-Wales pass is £69, but for example, even when making the four longest suggested journeys from Machynlleth - 2 x trips to Porthmadog and the trips to Barmouth and Aberystwyth, the total costs of the four Day Return tickets will be approximately £50.

This Explore North and Mid-Wales pass also won’t be value for money for the suggested day trips from Bangor and from Llandudno . Though a contributory factor is that only certain bus companies accept the rail passes and among those on which it’s not valid, are the operators of the bus routes to and from Llanberis and of the T2 route between Caernarfon and Porthmadog.

Though when making the suggested return journeys between Bangor and Porthmadog , or between Llandudno and Caernarfon , it’s worth to checking to see whether a North Wales Rover/Ranger ticket will be a money saver. This rover/ranger ticket uses a zone system, the more zones you travel through the higher the price, and if you use an all zone North Wales Rover/Ranger ticket, you can obtain a 20% discount on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.

OR if what appeals to you most is a combination of: 1 - a journey from England on the North Wales line to Llandudno Junction, 2 - heading to Blaenau Ffestiniog on the Conwy Valley Railway , 3 - a journey on the Ffestiniog Railway to Porthmadog, 4 - taking the Cambrian Line back to England,

then it’s worth considering whether a Ffestiniog Round Robin ticket would suit you better.

Direct trains from England travel along the three main east<>west routes across Wales, not all station calls have been included in the summaries below:

1: to the North Wales Coast

Chester station is the rail gateway to North Wales and it is served by trains from and to:

• Leeds, on a route which also calls at; Bradford, Manchester Victoria and Warrington Bank Quay - where connections are available with trains to and from Preston, Lancaster, Oxenholme-The Lake District, Penrith North Lakes, Carlisle, Edinburgh and Glasgow
• Manchester Piccadilly via Stockport
• Liverpool (from all city centre stations)
• London Euston via Stafford and Crewe - with up up to 5 x trains per day continuing beyond Chester to and from Holyhead, with station calls in Flint, Prestatyn, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno Junction and Bangor There are also trains at least every other hour on these two routes:
• Manchester Airport - Manchester Piccadilly - Warrington Bank Quay - Chester ↔ Flint - Prestatyn - Rhyl - Abergele + Pensarn - Colwyn Bay - Llandudno Junction - Degany - Llandudno (not Sundays)
• Birmingham Airport - Birmingham New Street - Wolverhampton - Shrewsbury - Wrexham - Chester ↔ Flint - Prestatyn - Rhyl - Abergele + Pensarn - Colwyn Bay - Llandudno Junction - Conwy - Penmaenmawr - Llanfairfechan - Bangor and all stations to Holyhead Also on Monday to Friday there is 1 x daily train which takes a Manchester Airport - Manchester Piccadilly (09:44) - Warrington Bank Quay - Chester ↔ Prestatyn - Rhyl - Colwyn Bay - Llandudno Junction - Bangor - Holyhead route.

2: to the Cambrian Coast

Every other hour daily there are trains which take a Birmingham Airport - Birmingham New Street - Wolverhampton - Shrewsbury ↔ Welshpool - Machynlleth route. At Machynlleth the train is divided or joined, with one part travelling on to/from Aberystwyth - and the other travelling to and from Pwllheli with calls in Aberdovey, Tywyn, Fairbourne, Barmouth, Harlech, Minffordd, Porthmadog and Criccieth.

There are also additional trains which travel between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth and between Machynlleth and Pwllheli

Shrewsbury has hourly direct trains from Manchester

3: to Pembrokeshire

Swansea is the gateway to Pembrokeshire by train, with services which cross the county on routes to/from Fishguard and Milford Haven via Haverfordwest; and to/from Pembroke Dock via Tenby These trains all also call in Carmarthen and Llanelli - and both of these towns have direct trains, which travel beyond Swansea on two routes, to and from:

• London Paddington via Reading, Swindon, Bristol Parkway and Cardiff
• Manchester via Crewe, Shrewsbury and Hereford Both of these services also call in Cardiff and Swansea.

There are also additional trains which take a Cardiff ↔ Llanelli and Carmarthen route. Cardiff is also served by trains which travel to and from Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cheltenham, Exeter, Gloucester, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Southampton and stations in Cornwall.

There are also up to four x trains per day in each direction on the Heart of Wales Line which links Shrewsbury with Llandrindod Wells, Llanelli and Swansea.

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help. We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.

Instead of advertising or paywalls, your financial support will make a positive difference to delivering an enhanced service, as there’s a lot of ideas which we want to make happen.

So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please go here to say thank you .

Simon Harper

I wanted to share my passion for train travel and explain how anyone can take the fantastic journeys I have taken.

This is one of more than 100 train travel guides available on ShowMeTheJourney , which will make it easier to take the train journeys you want or need to make. As always, all images were captured on trips taken by ShowMeTheJourney.

Help keep us advertising and paywall free!

This second version of ShowMeTheJourney is exciting and new, so we are genuinely thrilled that you are here and reading this, but we also need your help.

We’re striving not to let anything get in the way of providing the most useful service possible, hence a facility has been set up with DonorBox which can be used to support the running costs and make improvements.

So if you have found the info provided here to be useful, please consider saying thank you.

• Europe by Train
• Journey Guides
• Rail Stations
• Trip Planning
• Travel Articles
• Tips from 100s of journeys
• How to take a night train
• Good to know about daytime trains
• Travelling with Children
• Taking Bikes on Trains
• Travelling with Luggage
• Taking dogs on trains
• Common benefits of first class travel
• Journeys with multiple connections
• Money saving advice
• The best permanent deals and offers
• Intro to seat reservations
• Step-by-step booking guides
• InterRail/Eurail
• Access over 500 rail holidays
• Save 5% on more than 30 Swiss rail holidays
• Book a range of Swiss rail passes
• Buy Half Fare Cards for Switzerland
• Book train tickets with Trainline
• Book rail holidays worldwide with Bookmundi

DISCOVER OUR

Full day journeys.

Our day trips are the ideal full-day adventure. Our destinations include some Britain’s most loved national treasures, Areas of Outstanding National Beauty, ancient Cathedral cities, maritime favourites, Celtic adventures, and medieval wonders.

East Anglia to Chatsworth, Crich & Barrow Hill

London to Chester

London to Chatsworth, Crich & Barrow Hill Beer Festival

Windsor to Norwich & Bressingham Steam & Gardens

London to Paignton & Kingswear via Dawlish

Haywards Heath & Three Bridges to Oxford

London to Exeter

Southend to Chester

London & Chiltern Hills to Bath

CALL: +44 20 3640 8887

Steam Train Experience

The very best UK Steam Train Trips

A steam train experience like no other, our steam train trips take passengers onboard beautifully restored, authentic 1920's and 1930's luxury trains across the UK. Departing from London and major cities across the midlands and North of England, our steam train experiences take passengers back to Golden Age of travel when steam travel was at its most popular. With authentic and beautifully restored carriages, a steam train trip with us will leave with you memories you'll cherish forever. A highlight of our steam train experiences is the Settle & Carlisle at Leisure onboard the Northern Belle and hauled by the Princess Elizabeth. Taking passengers through the Lakes & Dales, this is a truly special journey with royal connections. Other highlights include the Golden Age of Travel by Steam onboard the British Pullman , sister to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express . All of our steam train experiences include at least one multiple-course meal prepared fresh onboard by talented chefs. All trips are round-trips and last anywhere between five hours and a full-day. Steam trips with excursions include both a brunch on the outward journey and a four-course dinner on the return journey with around three to four hours time at leisure at the destination outlined in the itinerary.

Timings are provisional and subject to network rail confirmation 7 days prior to departure.

Contact us, we're here to assist

Call us on 020 3640 8887 or email us below

Why choose LuxuryTrainTickets.com

Price match, book with a deposit, complimentary concierge, human customer services, no hidden costs, journeys worldwide.