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South Wales Steam Railway Holiday

WR5 - Pontypool and Blaenavon

Welsh Rarebits

A Toasty Summer in Wales

Holiday date: Friday, 23rd August 2024
UK
Wales
5 days for  £1089 per person
£2178 for two people sharing
Single supplement £160
Tour reference: WR5/1

This holiday covers much of the south of Wales and takes us to some lesser-known attractions – hence the rarebits! Based in the heart of the Capital of Wales, railways branch out from the city enhancing our particular brand of touring. Come and explore South Wales with us and we may even treat you to some cheese on toast!

Holiday Highlights

Mountain railways with Brecon and the Pontypool & Blaenavon
Valleys branch lines galore
Discover mining heritage at the Big Pit Museum
A westerly excursion to the Gwili Railway
Island life – the Barry Tourist Railway
Castle, gardens and railway at Margham Park

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 - Friday

We meet at Cardiff Central Station early afternoon and are introduced to the city by way of a guided tour. We also take to the water for a cruise from the vibrant waterfront, up the Taff, to the Castle.

Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Saturday

Our circular day starts by rail to Pontypool and New Inn from where is in a short drive to Blaenavon and two “must-do’s”. Firstly, we discover mining heritage at the excellent Big Pit Museum includingthe opportunity of an underground tour. Our morning dose of steam comes courtesy of the adjacent Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway. Later, we traverse the Heads Of The Valleys Road to the Brecon Mountain Railway. A 90-minute ride, behind steam, in the National Park will make for a memorable afternoon. As evening approaches we’ll enjoy dinner in a local inn before returning to Cardiff by rail.

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 3 - Sunday

A big day out to the west beckons as we stroll to the station and catch a train via Swansea, to Llanelli. Nearby is the emerging Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway – easy for you to say! These friendly folk will entertain us with a rail ride and lunch before we must move on. Our journey on the Gwili Railway will start from Carmarthen Hospital (nothing to do with lunch) at the end of their recent extension. This is a lovely riverside ride behind standard gauge steam. Then, a scenic drive to Treherbert and a train back to Cardiff.

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 4 - Monday

We stay more local today and kick off by rail again to Barry Island to visit the Tourist Railway there. On then, using the southern rail route to Bridgend that passes the airport. Now, our trusty coach transfers us to Margham Country Park for a ride on their railway and a visit to the Turbine House, castle and gardens. Another branch-line takes us home again, from Maesteg.

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner
Day 5 - Tuesday

We’re not done yet! By rail to Ebbw Vale and then a border crossing into England. Our final tourist rail journey is among the leaves at the Forest of Dean Railway. Homeward bound journeys follows from Lydney and Bristol Parkway, as suits.

Meals: Breakfast

Railways

Coming soon!

Our Hotel(s)

4 Star

Leonardo Hotel, Cardiff

This large, comfortable, hotel is ideally situated in the city centre close to Cardiff Queen Street Station. There are many modern hotels in the city but this one is only modern on the inside being a traditional hotel that has been completely, and stylishly, renovated by this reputable hotel group.

Features and Facilities

Free, fast and unlimited WiFi
Flat screen LCD TV with Freeview
Hairdryer
Tea and coffee refreshment dock
Ensuite with complimentary toiletries
Iron & Ironing Board
Full length mirror
Fridge
Work desk
A number of bedrooms suitable for wheelchair access
Accessible toilets in public areas
Lifts available

What's included

Transport

All heritage railway rides
All public transport journeys, in standard class accommodation
Private coach transfers throughout the holiday

Entertainment

All entrances
Detailed itinerary/information pack
Services of courier throughout

Accommodation

Hotel accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis

What's not included

Travel to/from the holiday start point
Personal holiday insurance
Porterage
Lunches
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