Call to book01904 521 936
Tour Search
#Favourites

Valleys and Railways of Mid Wales

Save
4.3 stars(121 reviews)
Gallery

Explore the very heart of the renowned Welsh countryside

5 days From £595 £545 per person
Last-Minute Savings

Various savings on last minute UK holidays, for selected bookings made within 110 days of departure date.

View terms and conditions

2023 Tour code: MWS23

About the tour

From picturesque coastline to rolling hills, explore the heart of the beautiful 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

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Llandrindod Wells

We meet in Llandrindod Wells at the Metropole Hotel and Spa, where we stay 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 a cheerful red trail over the bridges and through the forests of North Wales. Originally opened in 1865, the seven-mile journey takes us past waterfalls, streams and the delightful Merioneth mountains. Enjoy some free time in Tywyn. You could visit the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum. Or maybe see the Awdry Study, a partial reconstruction of Reverend Wilbert Awdry's study, author of the much-loved Thomas the Tank Engine, and a 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' where several man-made lakes are connected by six dams. The most impressive, Craig Goch, is built in the Birmingham Baroque style, with 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 scenic journey through the Welsh 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, and 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 the 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 ladies' 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

View hotel

Trains

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

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

UK Rail Connections
Upgrade to a Superior Room

Reviews

4.3 stars4.3 / 5 · 121 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (53)
  2. 4 stars
    (50)
  3. 3 stars
    (15)
  4. 2 stars
    (3)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

R Cook

5 stars

Submitted 31/May

Excellent short holiday packed with really enjoyable activities and events. First class organisation, arrangements and accommodation. Thoroughly recommended.

Collected by Trustpilot

J Newland

5 stars

Submitted 18/May

Interesting trip, with steam-driven small gauge railways; visits to Elan Valley & Powis Castle highlights.

Collected by Trustpilot

janet harrison-lee

5 stars

Submitted 12/May

The Mid Wales Valleys and Railways trip was thrilling, exciting and three days of constant activity ending the day with a delicious 3 course meal in comfortable surroundings.

Collected by Trustpilot

T Hutchinson

4 stars

Submitted 12/May

Packed programme of visits to narrow gauge railways, NT property, Elan Dam and Welsh Lesson. One day too packed.

Collected by Trustpilot

D Randall

5 stars

Submitted 10/May

More coach travel than rail travel, but rail journeys were superb

Collected by Trustpilot

Graham Bessant

5 stars

Submitted 5/May

A very enjoyable and interesting trip, the itinerary was very full with good accommodation.

Collected by Trustpilot

Show 6 more reviews
UK by Rail 2023

UK by Rail 2023

Your guide to our 2023 UK rail holidays.

Download brochure

Tailor made for you

Customise this tour with Great Rail Journeys Independent

TailormadeEnquire
Related inspiration from our journey blog