Wales by train
Wales is famous for its snowcapped mountains, lush valleys and remote, rugged coastline so you’d be forgiven for assuming that you’d need a car on holiday. In fact taking the train is perfect for the responsible traveller looking for a simple, relaxing way to get there and around, a world away from traffic jams. 
We’ve teamed up with Arriva Trains Wales with a special ‘Wales by train’ holiday collection to show you just how accessible this stunning country can be. Time to say "Bore Da!" (Good morning) to Wales and get your holiday rolling! The Arriva Trains Wales network covers the length and breadth of the country so you can reach everything from Blue Flag beaches to the National Parks and rural villages. Brecon Beacons National Park sits in the heartlands of Wales, accessible from Abergavenny or Newport train stations.
These rolling hills are perfect horse-riding and cycling country and excellent for bird-watching. You can also kayak down the river Usk, try your hand at gliding. If cycling’s your thing, you can test out the Welsh cycle network routes from Gobowen Station, or for some really challenging hikes, the awesome mountains of Snowdonia can be reached via the train at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Porthmadog, Bangor and many others.
Families will enjoy the botanic gardens near Carmarthen or the Anglesey Sea Zoo, within a short walk from Llanfairpwllgwyngyll station. Kids can travel back in time at the Bank Holiday Victorian Extravaganza with helter-skelters, carousels and steam engines - minutes from Llandudno station. Keeping to the railroad theme, the heritage narrow gauge steam trains near Welshpool station means you can chug-chug along some of Wales' most scenic valleys with a sense of old-time adventure.
Before you travel we’d definitely recommend checking out the Arriva Trains Wales website - you can book your train tickets, check train times, and even look up local events and attractions. Check out their ‘Flexi-passes’ which give unlimited access to most local public transport routes, perfect for the responsible explorer.
We’re also obviously impressed with their "travel greener" commitments. You can even calculate your carbon emissions online depending on the journey you make.
Here are our favourite holidays and places to stay in Wales, all accessible by train.
By the sea...
From Newport train station you' re a short step away from this luxury lighthouse B&B. With modern en-suite rooms, glorious sea views, it's a hit with romancing couples. Pamper yourself with a massage, or soak in the hot tub in the roof garden. Pitch a tent, rent a chalet or a caravan at this Aberystwyth camping and caravan park. Easily reachable from Borth train station the site is near the beach and ideal for bird-watching and outdoorsy activities such as horse-riding and river or sea fishing. The line towards Haverfordwest swings by the Pembrokeshire coastline, a great place to try your hand at some adventure activities or even spotting some Atlantic grey seals!
Our Pembrokeshire Activity Weekender injects as much adrenaline and outdoorsy fun as possible into a three-day break. Cliff-jumping, surfing, kayaking and mountain-biking are just some of the activities you can take part in, with base camp in a 5-star eco-lodge in the crook of a rolling valley.
If you prefer to enjoy the sights of the coastline from the sea, book our sea-kayaking holiday. Itineraries will take you along sandy shores, under waterfalls and into secret, hidden coves and caves. Spot porpoise and dolphins and the array of sea-birds who nest on Grassholm Island. And situated on Britain's only coastal National Park this luxury Eco-Lodge, also reachable from Haverfordwest station, is only ten minutes from secluded beaches. Staff are on hand to help organise all kinds of activities or you can simply relax in the lounge and bar or enjoy a barbecue in the garden with other guests.
Up in the mountains...
We have several charming properties on Snowdonia, easily reachable from Bangor Railway Station. This rural Llanberis property between the Snowdonia mountains and the Anglesey coast offers both B&B or self-catering accommodation. Sitting within walking distance of beaches and stunning nature reserves you can also indulge in relaxing therapies and spiritual retreats. Guided walks to mystical sites are also offered. This 200-year old stone cottage, self-catering for 4-5 people, overlooks Lake Padarn where guests can relax by a roaring log fire in the evenings. Mountain walks, abseiling and watersports are all easily accessible as well as the medieval castles at Caernarvon and Beaumaris. Why not try your hand at horseriding or fishing nearby?
You can reach this award-winning guesthouse from both Bangor and Porthmadog train stations and is ideal for those passionate about Welsh culture and language as well as walking, climbing and biking. Dine alfresco on local farm produce or enjoy a tipple of Penderyn Welsh Single Malt by the open fire in the library before retiring to your cosy bed.
Take the train to Blaenau Ffestiniog in the heart of the Snowdonia mountains and you could stay in this tranquil B&B. It’s a perfect base to visit the nearby slate mines or catch a steam train to picturesque towns.
The rolling hills... If your first love is walking take the train to Harlech and go on a self-guided walking tour of the Rhinogs, a spectacular landscape in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park where you'll encounter sand dunes, grasslands, streams, lakes and the enchanting Ysgethin valley.
From one National Park to another, the Brecon Beacons is another walker’s paradise, reachable via the train to Abergavenny. The Brecon Beacons B&B is an ideal base hikers and bikers with lots to keep them occupied from ancient Roman pathways to the famous Taff Trail.
For adventurous and hardcore bikers, these mountain-biking holidays in the Brecon Beacons or Afan provide the perfect mix of adrenaline, stunning views and fresh mountain air. Sail through forests, along hilltop passes and around the Talybont reservoir staying in a cosy converted barn or an all-comfort B&B.
Down in the valleys... Stop at Machynlleth Railway Station and you could be staying in a tipi or yurt in the Dyfi Forest. Set in a huge organic farm, you'll feel like a king stretched out before your own personal chimnea fire.
Hop off at Carmarthen Railway Station for a quiet getaway in this pretty, white stone cottage in a wooded valley of northern Carmarthenshire. Take time out to relax or come along to the arts and environmental workshops on site. The seclusion, natural surroundings and cosiness of this farmhouse building makes it popular with artists and writers.
Alternatively, get off at Knucklas Railway Station and stay in a restored 400-year old mill in Powys on the Welsh border. Enjoy locally-sourced foods in the sunny conservatory and bring your watercolours or yoga mat - there's a fully equipped, sun-lit studio on the premises!
And finally the Borders...
We also have a trio of great places to stay in Herefordshire all in the vicinity of Hereford train station. This manor house self-catering accommodation also offers vegan and vegetarian cooking using products form the organic garden and boasts delicious Japanese food as a treat specially cooked by native Japanese host Ritsuko. Visit Leominster or Hereford, take a nap in the organic garden or enjoy tennis in the garden court. Try this 1725 restored farmhouse B&B, with en-suite rooms and an intimate dining-room. Set in the quaint village of Hoarwith near Ross-on-Wye, there is excellent golf nearby, walking, cycling and plenty of bridle paths for riders.
Finally, why not spend a few nights in this timber-framed period farmstay cottage and B&B barely a mile from a major nature trust reserve and gazing over the Black Mountains. Your hosts cater for "slow food" fans and can even arrange for cookery courses in the local area. Take a guided tour round the orchards or sample a lively crafts fair at the Black and White Tudor village trail.
Take a look at our great range of Welsh holidays by train Find train timetable and fare information