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Valleys and Railways of Mid Wales

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4.2 stars(109 reviews)
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Explore the very heart of the renowned Welsh countryside

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20222023
5 days Not yet on sale

2023 Tour code: MWS23

About the tour

From picturesque coastline to rolling hills, explore the very heart of the renowned Welsh countryside on this holiday. Enjoy classic heritage railway journeys, a private tour with a ranger in the Welsh Lake District, and walk in Royal footsteps as you try your hand at the Welsh language at Aberystwyth University.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Llandrindod Wells

We meet in Llandrindod Wells at the Metropole Hotel and Spa, our home for four nights.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - The Rheilfford Talyllyn Railway

We board the steam-hauled Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway to Tywyn. Tucked away in the wildflower meadows of southern Snowdonia, the beautiful Talyllyn Railway paints its merry red trail over the bridges and through the forests of North Wales. Originally opened in 1865, the seven-mile journey takes us past waterfalls and streams and through the delightful Merioneth mountains. Enjoy some free time in Tywyn. You could visit the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum or the Awdry Study, a partial reconstruction of Reverend Wilbert Awdry's study, author of the much-loved Thomas the Tank Engine books and an early volunteer on the Talyllyn Railway.

*Steam-hauled where possible

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Elan Valley, the Vale of Rheidol Railway and Aberystwyth

We head into Elan Valley, an area known as the 'Welsh Lake District' that's home to a scattering of man-made lakes connected by six dams. The most impressive, Craig Goch, boasts elegantly curved walls and a series of narrow arches. We enjoy a guided tour with a local ranger, discovering the stunning architecture. We continue to Devil's Bridge, where we join the steam-hauled Vale of Rheidol Railway for a journey through the valleys to Aberystwyth. We transfer to the university for an insight into Welsh heritage, with an 'Introduction to Welsh Language' lesson. Aberystwyth University is the perfect place to learn about the language; it's the school where Prince Charles studied Welsh, with his time here featured in Netflix's The Crown. You enjoy a little free time in Aberystwyth; perhaps take a stroll down the traditional seafront.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Powis Castle and Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway

We discover medieval Powis Castle and its attractive formal gardens. The castle dates back to the 13th century and its gardens are a paradise steeped in history. Afterwards, we travel by coach to Welshpool, where we board the steam-hauled Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway for a journey through the heart of Wales. Making its way through the wild countryside, a canvas of deep forests and impressive mountains, the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway first opened in 1903. Its route from Welshpool to Llanfair is one of the British Isles' most historic rail journeys, with the charming old carriages and green steam engine recalling the halcyon days of train travel. Back at our hotel, we're joined by a local choir who provide entertainment during dinner.

*Steam-hauled where possible

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Home

After breakfast, our holiday concludes and you're free to depart. 

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour features the same excursions, they may not necessarily be in the order listed above.

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.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Metropole Hotel Llandrindod Wells

Metropole Hotel Llandrindod Wells

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Trains

Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway
Vale of Rheidol Railway
Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

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Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 109 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (47)
  2. 4 stars
    (44)
  3. 3 stars
    (15)
  4. 2 stars
    (3)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Ken

5 stars

Submitted 28/Sep

I've already reviewed this holiday, thank you

Collected by Trustpilot

jane

4 stars

Submitted 23/Sep

too long in travelling to and fro not enough train time

Collected by Trustpilot

David

5 stars

Submitted 23/Sep

A well constructed short break in an attractive location, enhanced by the professionalism of our Tour Manager, Sharon Skeet. Overall, a very enjoyable five days.

Collected by Trustpilot

Warner

5 stars

Submitted 18/Sep

Most enjoyable holiday, great train journeys, interesting visits, super countryside, excellent hotel where we were based for the holiday, excellent tour manager.

Collected by Trustpilot

Mrs Williams

5 stars

Submitted 7/Aug

Interesting and attractive destinations and very beautiful scenery. The train journeys were a pleasure. The Metropole was ideally situated and a very comfortable base. Thank you.

Collected by Trustpilot

MR C NEAL

3 stars

Submitted 6/Aug

Disappointed in the hotel - food average, room dated with no air-conditioning. Also on trips timings not worked out well so a lot of hanging around.

Collected by Trustpilot

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