South Wales by Steam
South Wales by Steam
South Wales by Steam
6 Days Starting and ending in Swansea
Visiting: Wales
Tour Overview
Discover nostalgic steam trains, rugged National Parks, and ancient castles on a scenic holiday that unveils the very best of South Wales, a place of spectacular rural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - Swansea
Meet at your hotel in Swansea, where you spend five nights. Set
amidst the rolling hills and golden sands of Swansea Bay, the city
is an ideal base for exploring South Wales.
Day 2 - Brecon Mountain Railway
Today, journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway from Pant. This
heritage railway takes you through dramatic landscapes, its vintage
steam locomotive winding through leafy countryside and alongside
the mirror-like waters of the Taf Fechan Reservoir. Climb to the
summit of the original line, Torpantau, nestled high in the Brecon
Beacons, admiring the wild surrounding vistas from the observation
carriages before your return journey. Stop off en route at
Pontsticill. With a little free time here, you could visit the
Lakeside Café or take a scenic walk along the waterfront. Continue
by coach to Caerphilly Castle, a striking medieval fortress and
Britain's second-largest castle after Windsor. Sprawling across 30
acres and surrounded by an artificial lake, the 13th-century ruins
are perhaps best known for the 'Leaning Tower', a tower to the
South East of the castle that leans out over the lake at a jaunty
10-degree angle, beating even the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You have
time to explore the castle and grab lunch in Caerphilly before
returning to the hotel.
Day 3 - Swansea
Enjoy a free day in Swansea. Perhaps gain an insight into the
city's rich cultural history with a visit to the fascinating
Swansea Museum, or step back in time at 1940s Swansea Bay, a museum
that details what life was like here during the Second World War.
You could visit a local café to sample traditional Welsh fare for
lunch. The country is known for its Welsh rarebit, toast topped
with a cheese sauce, often with ale and Worcestershire sauce, and
laverbread, a puréed edible seaweed that's locally known as
'Welshman's caviar'.
Day 4 - Gwili Steam Railway & The Mumbles
Travel to Abergwili Junction for a nostalgic journey on the
Gwili Steam Railway. This preserved heritage line harks back to a
time when life moved at a slower pace, taking you on a round trip
alongside the River Gwili, past rocky outcrops and the cascading
waters of Gwili Falls. As you soak up the scenery, you're treated
to a 'Welsh Elevenses' service, enjoying tea or coffee accompanied
by delicious traditional Welsh cakes. Next, transfer by coach to
the breathtaking Gower Peninsula. This beautiful promontory juts
into the Bristol Channel, creating a seemingly endless stretch of
rugged cliffs, topped by dense woodlands and fringed by sandy
beaches. Such is its scenic allure, the area was designated an Area
of Outstanding Beauty in 1956 - the first place in the UK to
receive the title. You visit the delightfully named The Mumbles, a
pretty little seaside town crowned by a medieval hilltop castle.
The Mumbles epitomises Welsh seaside charm; with some free time
here, maybe visit the historic lighthouse, which was built in 1794,
or take a stroll along the Victorian Pier. For lunch, you could
indulge in some 'fresh off the boat' seafood, followed by an ice
cream from one of the famous Welsh-Italian ice cream parlours.
Day 5 - Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
You're immersed in more of South Wales' stunning scenery today
as you embark on a full-day coach excursion around Pembrokeshire
Coast National Park. Designated a National Park in 1952 due to its
splendid coastline, this area is highly regarded as one of the most
beautiful in the UK. Stop at historic Fishguard, a typical fishing
village split into two parts, Fishguard and Lower Fishguard,
connected by a winding hill. Next, you visit Milford Haven, a
vibrant town situated by one of the world's deepest natural
harbours. Finally, explore the charismatic seaside town of Tenby.
Surrounded by 13th-century walls and known for its sandy shores,
pastel-hued houses, and winding cobbled streets, the town is
steeped in history. Lunch today is delicious local fish and chips,
the perfect accompaniment to a day spent exploring the magnificent
Welsh coast.
Day 6 - Home
After breakfast, you're free to make your way home.
What's Included
-
The services of a professional UK Tour Manager from start to finish
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3* Hotel accommodation
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All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
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Standard Class Rail
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5 nights’ hotel accommodation
Accommodation
- Grand Hotel, Swansea
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