Wales is a country known for its rugged coastline, mountainous national parks, distinctive language and Celtic culture. Cardiff, the capital, is a refined coastal city with a nightlife scene and a medieval castle with ornate Gothic Revival interiors. To the south, Gower Peninsula, with beaches at Swansea and Rhossili bays offer good surfing and other water sports.
Take the train
How about a family train trip?
As well as the 14 narrow-gauge and steam railways in Wales, the National Rail network comes up trumps with three of the UK’s prettiest rail routes. The Cambrian Line’s stretch along Cardigan Bay is a beauty, and they’ve thoughtfully provided lot of extras for family travellers, like MP3 audio guides, between-station walks, and links with the narrow-gauge trains that steam inland from the coast. The Heart of Wales Line runs for 121 lovely miles between Swansea and Shrewsbury, while the Conwy Valley line treks from Llandudno through Betws-y-Coed into the slate-mining heart of Snowdonia (www.greatlittletrainsofwales.co.uk).
The Cambrian Lines
The Cambrian Lines comprise the 'Main Line' from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and the 'Coast Line' from Machynlleth to Pwllheli – have helped open up Mid Wales to the rest of the world and tourism. .
The Cambrian Main Line travels through some of the most varied and beautiful scenery in the country while the Cambrian Coast Line provides one of the most stunningly attractive coastal rail journeys anywhere in the UK.
The Heart of Wales Line runs for 121 lovely miles between Swansea and Shrewsbury through rugged beauty, tranquil villages and picturesque Victorian spa towns that are dotted along one of the most scenic lines in the United Kingdom. A feast of panoramic views includes the beautiful Loughor estuary near Llanelli, the meandering river Tywi between Llandeilo and Llandovery, red kite in the skies above the Eppynt hills near Llanwrtyd Wells, the Radnor Forest between Llandrindod Wells and Knighton, and the remote borderlands of the English Marches. The impressive viaducts at Cynghordy and Knucklas are 2 of the 7 bridges crossed on a journey that also includes 6 tunnels.
Conwy Valley line
The Conwy Valley Line runs between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog through some of Wales' wildest and most beautiful scenery.
Take the train to the busy market town of Llanrwst, or experience quality shopping at Betws-y-Coed, visit the fine 12th century castle at Dolwyddelan, at Blaenau Ffestiniog and visit Llechwedd Slate Caverns, the spectacular underground world of the Victorian slate miner.
You can also have a chance to explore the area on foot using one of the many walks from local stations.
