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South Wales by Steam

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6 days From £649 £599 per person
4.0 stars(121 reviews)
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Experience the rugged beauty and unique culture of South Wales, with nostalgic trips aboard heritage railways, exploring pretty coastal towns and the picturesque Gower Peninsula

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Save up to £200pp on British Isles 2025 holidays when you book by 31st October 2024.

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Mobility Rating 3

2025 Tour code: 25WSS

About the tour

Join us on this delightful getaway to discover the unspoilt rural beauty and hidden treasures of South Wales - with trips aboard nostalgic steam trains into scenic, rugged landscapes, and exploring charming towns.

From our base in Swansea, we journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway through the wonderful landscapes of the Brecon Beacons, delve into Welsh culture at fascinating museums, and explore the picturesque coastline of the Gower Peninsula.

Unforgettable Experiences

Travelling on the scenic Brecon Mountain Railway
Travelling on the scenic Brecon Mountain Railway
On this journey aboard the Brecon Mountain Railway, we travel beside the stunning Brecon Beacons mountain range.
Journey into the past on the Gwili Steam Railway
Journey into the past on the Gwili Steam Railway
Enjoy a nostalgic trip on the Gwili Steam Railway, a heritage line that winds through the idyllic landscapes of South Wales.
Uncover the treasures of Britain’s smallest city, St David’s
Uncover the treasures of Britain’s smallest city, St David’s
Discover St David’s, the smallest city in Britain named after the patron saint of Wales, and admire its striking cathedral.
Exploring the lovely coastal resort of Tenby, and the characterful town of Mumbles
Exploring the lovely coastal resort of Tenby, and the characterful town of Mumbles
Enjoy excursions with free time to look around at leisure, in the pretty seaside towns of ancient Tenby and Mumbles.
Discovering the unique culture of Wales at St Fagan’s National Museum
Discovering the unique culture of Wales at St Fagan’s National Museum
Explore the living history of Wales at St Fagan’s National Museum of History, walk among fascinating displays and watch craftspeople working on traditional crafts.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – A warm welcome to South Wales in Swansea

Our holiday begins at our hotel in Swansea, where we meet our Tour Manager and group of fellow travellers, checking in to our hotel for the next five nights. After settling in, you're at leisure to start exploring before dinner with the rest of your group this evening. Set amid the rolling hills and golden sands of Swansea Bay, the city is an ideal base for exploring South Wales.

Just a short walk from your hotel is the city centre which has a vibrant atmosphere and historic charm. You could head to the popular Indoor Market, which has over 100 stalls, to sample a variety of local delicacies. Wander past the shops, cafes, and restaurants that line the bustling streets, or maybe enjoy a bracing walk along the seafront.

We meet up again for dinner this evening at our hotel.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – The stunning Brecon Mountain Railway, exploring ancient traditions in St Fagans National History Museum

This morning, we are introduced to the beautiful countryside of South Wales on the Brecon Mountain Railway. A coach transfers us to the village of Pant to board the heritage railway for a round trip. On the journey through dramatic landscapes, the vintage steam locomotive winds through leafy countryside and alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir. The train continues, climbing to the summit of the original line, Torpantau, high in the Brecon Beacons, where we can look out at the wild vistas from the observation carriages.

Back in Pant, we board the coach to St Fagans. The museum stands on the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and Gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth in 1948. With time at leisure, you are free to explore over 2,000 years of Welsh history on display, and see craftspeople demonstrating their skills in this remarkable living museum. There's time to find some lunch independently, before the coach takes us back to the hotel ahead of dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – A free day to explore Swansea or beyond

Today is at leisure to discover Swansea at your own pace. You could find out more about the city's rich cultural history at the fascinating Swansea Museum, or step back to the 1800s at the National Waterfront Museum which celebrates the industrial and maritime history of Wales.

If you're a poetry fan, you could visit the Dylan Thomas Centre which is dedicated to the life and works of the literary giant. Nearby these attractions, the Swansea Bay waterfront has many shops and cafes where you could enjoy lunch and try a traditional Welsh dish like rarebit or laverbread.

Alternatively, you could venture beyond the city centre. The enchanting Clyne Gardens offers a quiet and relaxing day amidst beautiful flora. A collection of magnificent parks, the gardens are blooming with rare and exotic plants - the perfect escape from the city.

This evening we gather back at our hotel for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – The picturesque Gwili Steam Railway and renowned Mumbles

After breakfast, we transfer to Abergwili Junction for a journey on the Gwili Steam Railway*. This preserved heritage line takes us on a round trip beside the River Gwili, passing rocky outcrops and the Gwili Falls. Our group is treated to a 'Welsh Elevenses' - tea or coffee, and traditional Welsh cakes.

We continue by coach to the Gower Peninsula's stunning coastline. This scenic headland juts into the Bristol Channel, creating a stretch of rugged cliffs, woodlands and sandy beaches. In 1956, this was the first place in the UK to receive the title of 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.

Along the coast lies Mumbles, a pretty seaside town with a delightful name. With time here at leisure, you could walk up to the 18th-century Lighthouse, stroll along the Victorian Pier, or visit Oystermouth Castle which sits on a hilltop with fabulous views overlooking the sea.

You could try some 'fresh off the boat' seafood, or an ice cream from one of the Welsh-Italian ice cream parlours. The coach takes us back to our hotel with time to relax before dinner.

*Some departures on this journey will be operated by diesel

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – A trip to idyllic St Davids and the historic seaside town of Tenby

This morning we visit the tiny city of St David's. Named after the patron saint of Wales, this is Britain's smallest city and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Here we visit the city's iconic 12th-century cathedral, built from sandstone and set in a wild and beautiful part of St David's - the site of a church since the 6th century.

This afternoon, our coach takes us to the charismatic seaside town of Tenby where there's time to explore at leisure. Surrounded by 13th-century walls and known for its sandy shores, pastel-hued houses, and winding cobbled streets, the town is steeped in history. You could sample some local fish and chips for lunch, the perfect accompaniment to a day spent exploring the magnificent Welsh coast. Later this afternoon, the coach takes your group back to the hotel in time for dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Homeward bound

Our South Wales holiday draws to a close this morning. After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to our Tour Manager, fellow travellers and new friends.

After checking out, you could make your way home or continue to explore more of wonderful Wales independently. Wherever you head to next, the impressions of this unspoilt region of the British Isles are certain to remain with you.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Hotel

Grand Hotel, Swansea

Grand Hotel, Swansea

View hotel

Trains

Brecon Mountain Railway
Gwili Steam Railway

Reviews

4.0 stars4.0 / 5 · 121 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (40)
  2. 4 stars
    (50)
  3. 3 stars
    (26)
  4. 2 stars
    (3)
  5. 1 star
    (2)

MR MICHAEL NEILAN

4 stars

Submitted 16/Aug

An enjoyable tour but spoilt by too long in the coach avoiding roadworks

Collected by Trustpilot

MRSKATHLEENHOLMES

5 stars

Submitted 15/Aug

The South Wales by Steam was excellent

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Kathleen, Thank you for sharing your experience. That is brilliant to hear! Sophie
Your welcome Sophie, here's to the next trip
2 comments

Collected by Trustpilot

Carolynne Sorrell

4 stars

Submitted 15/Aug

This holiday was good in parts.we needed more help to enjoy St.Fagans and more time at St. David’s.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Carolynne, Thank you for sharing your experience. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed parts of your tour. I will share your feedback regarding St Fagans and St David's with our team, so we can look into this closer for the future. Sophie
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

alan coltman

5 stars

Submitted 15/Aug

Hotel at Swansea was right outside the station, very convenient. Excellent breakfasts, three nice trips out with the group.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Alan, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. Those photos are amazing! It's great to hear that you had such a nice time! Sophie
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

J Hughes

4 stars

Submitted 2/Aug

I enjoyed this holiday,well managed.The hotel was good.

Collected by Trustpilot

Vesna Grgurevic

5 stars

Submitted 1/Aug

Lovely trip with a great tour manager Debs who made the experience much better.

Collected by Trustpilot

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