Wales by rail – From Denmark to dragon legends

Train from Manchester to Llandudno, approximately 2 hours. The route travels through the green landscapes and small villages of northern Wales before arriving in the charming coastal town of Llandudno.

Experience and atmosphere:
Arrival in Llandudno, beautifully located between two sandy beaches and known for its elegant Victorian charm.

In the evening, you can stroll along the iconic seafront promenade, where colourful Victorian hotels line the coast and the scent of saltwater and traditional fish and chips fills the air.

Enjoy views of Great Orme, the sea, and the classic seaside cabins. The atmosphere is peaceful and cosy, especially at sunset

This stage of the journey is one of the absolute highlights: you leave Caernarfon and board the historic Welsh Highland Railway, a heritage steam train travelling through the heart of Snowdonia. Along the route, you experience dramatic mountain scenery, forests, rivers, and small Welsh villages surrounded by green hills.

Transport and experience:

• Journey on the Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon to Porthmadog (approximately 4 hours including stops and breaks)
• The train is a classic narrow-gauge steam railway with vintage carriages, wooden seating, and large windows ideal for enjoying the scenery
• The route passes through mountain valleys, lakes, forests, and peaceful countryside where sheep graze along the hillsides and the scent of steam and coal fills the air
• Along the way, there are opportunities for short stops in small villages and photo breaks at scenic viewpoints

With Porthmadog as your base, you now have two nights and a full day to explore both the charming harbour town and the iconic Ffestiniog Railway, which travels deep into the heart of Snowdonia. Here, Welsh railway nostalgia combines with spectacular nature and authentic small-town charm.

Character and atmosphere of the town:

Porthmadog is a classic Welsh harbour town where the scent of saltwater, the sound of seagulls, and views of the surrounding mountains create a peaceful atmosphere. Although small, the town offers cosy pubs, cafes, independent shops, and a charming waterfront filled with local character.

In the evening, both locals and travellers gather along the harbour while the sun sets behind the mountains, colouring the sky in warm golden tones.

Today, you leave the charming harbour town of Porthmadog and travel south through the scenic landscapes of Wales to Aberystwyth – a classic university and seaside town located along the Irish Sea. The journey offers beautiful views and a peaceful transition from the mountains of northern Wales to the coastal scenery further south.

Transport and practical information:

• Train from Porthmadog to Aberystwyth, usually with a connection in Machynlleth
• Travel time approximately 3–4 hours, depending on the connection
• Along the route, you pass green valleys, small villages, and panoramic landscapes with views of both mountains and coastline

With Aberystwyth as your base, you now have two nights and a full day to experience this classic Welsh seaside town and enjoy an unforgettable excursion on the Vale of Rheidol Railway. Here, Victorian coastal charm combines with university life and the wild green landscapes of Wales.

Character and atmosphere of the town:

Aberystwyth features a wide seafront promenade lined with colourful houses, a historic Victorian pier, and a lively atmosphere, especially in the evening when students and locals gather along the coast.

The town centre offers small independent shops, cosy cafes, bookshops, and traditional pubs where you can enjoy local beer and classic Welsh dishes.

Throughout the town, you can feel the relaxed seaside atmosphere where life moves at a slower pace and the sea is always close by.

Today, you leave the Welsh coastline and travel east into the English border region. The train journey from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury is a classic British rail experience, where the landscape gradually changes from coastal scenery and rolling hills to green meadows, rivers, and small English villages.

Transport and practical information:

• Direct train from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury, approximately 2.5 hours travel time
• Along the way, you pass scenic Welsh landscapes, rivers, and open countryside before arriving in the historic English town