Marvellous, Undiscovered Wales | railtour travel blog

Thanks to its mild climate, Wales is home to exotic plants as well as ancient, towering trees. Visitors can look forward to historic castle gardens, magnificent estates with beautifully designed terraced gardens, enchanting woodland parks and expansive landscaped grounds. Highlights include Bodnant Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in Great Britain; the National Botanic Garden of Wales with its striking modern glasshouse architecture and the elegant Dyffryn Gardens near Cardiff. Designed around 1906 by the renowned garden architect Thomas Mawson, they surround an imposing Edwardian-style mansion.

Ynys Môn in Welsh, lies off the north‑west coast of Wales and captivates visitors with its unspoilt nature, tranquil beaches and rich cultural heritage. Coastal paths wind along rugged cliffs, while small villages and towns such as Beaumaris and Llangefni preserve strong Welsh traditions. Historic sites, prehistoric monuments and wide‑open landscapes shape the character of the island. Anglesey is ideal for those seeking a slower pace and wishing to experience Wales at its calm, authentic best.

Portmeirion is one of the most unusual places in Wales. This colourful village on the coast of North Wales was designed in an Italianate style by architect Sir Clough Williams‑Ellis from the 1920s onwards, and blends surprisingly harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Terraces, staircases, columns, gardens and playful architecture create an almost Mediterranean atmosphere – with views of the sea, woodland and mountains. Visitors can stay overnight in the individually designed buildings and enjoy the village in complete tranquillity once the gates have closed. Portmeirion brings together lovingly crafted spaces and architectural curiosities with nature – not a conventional place, but a total art of work: poetic, inspiring and utterly unique.

It is arguably the most romantic railway line in Great Britain. At an unhurried pace, the train winds its way through gentle rolling hills, past small villages and across wide open valleys. The combination of train travel and walking is particularly appealing: many of the stops are located directly on walking routes. This allows individual sections to be explored on foot before continuing the journey comfortably by rail. An ideal way to experience rural Wales slowly and in depth.

The three routes of the Wales Way connect the country’s most striking landscapes. Whether along the west coast, through the mountainous heartland from north to south, or following the north coast, each route tells its own story. They lead through national parks, past castles, into small towns and through impressive natural scenery. The Wales Way is perfectly suited to individual round trips and invites travellers to discover Wales in their own way.

The university town of Aberystwyth, one of the largest towns in Mid Wales, forms the cultural centre of the region. It is home to the National Library of Wales with its changing exhibitions, as well as the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, one of the country’s most important cultural institutions. In the town centre, attractive boutiques, small independent shops and antique stores invite visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll. A splendid view over the town and coastline can be enjoyed from Constitution Hill (130 m) at the northern end of the promenade. Those wishing to explore the surrounding area can take the historic Vale of Rheidol Railway through green valleys to the spectacular Devil’s Bridge – one of the most beautiful railway journeys in Wales.