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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

South Wales by Steam

Six-day escorted rail tour of South Wales from Swansea on heritage steam trains

Illustration of South Wales by Steam

Great Rail Journeys operates this six-day escorted tour of South Wales, departing from and returning to Swansea. You stay five nights at a three-star hotel in Swansea, giving you a stable base while a Tour Manager guides your group through the region's heritage railways and coastal towns. The heart of the tour is two heritage steam railway journeys: the Brecon Mountain Railway, which climbs through the Brecon Beacons alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir, and the Gwili Steam Railway, which winds beside the River Gwili past Gwili Falls. Beyond the railways, days include visits to St David's cathedral, the Gower Peninsula, and the seaside town of Tenby, plus a free day to explore Swansea's museums or venture independently. All accommodation, meals, rail travel, and coach transfers are included, making this suitable for travellers who prefer a guided, structured itinerary with comfort and company.

Price history

Across 3 checks, this price has held at £549 every time.

£5494 Jul24 Aug

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

What to know before you look closer

  • The group size reaches up to 40 travellers
  • Day 3 is unguided; exploration of Swansea museums and the Dylan Thomas Centre is at your own pace
  • The Gwili Steam Railway sometimes operates by diesel rather than steam on certain departures

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Swansea

    A warm welcome to South Wales in Swansea

    Our holiday begins at our hotel in Swansea, where we meet our Tour Manager and group of fellow travellers, checking in to our hotel for the next five nights. After settling in, you're at leisure to start exploring before dinner with the rest of your group this evening.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Swansea

    The stunning Brecon Mountain Railway, exploring ancient traditions in St Fagans National History Museum

    This morning, we are introduced to the beautiful countryside of South Wales on the Brecon Mountain Railway. A coach transfers us to the village of Pant to board the heritage railway for a round trip through dramatic landscapes and alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir, climbing to the summit at Torpantau. Back in Pant, we board the coach to St Fagans to explore the National History Museum, set on the grounds of St Fagans Castle and Gardens.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Swansea

    A free day to explore Swansea or beyond

    Today is at leisure to discover Swansea at your own pace, including the Swansea Museum, the National Waterfront Museum, the Dylan Thomas Centre, or the Clyne Gardens.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Swansea

    The picturesque Gwili Steam Railway and renowned Mumbles

    After breakfast, we transfer to Abergwili Junction for a journey on the Gwili Steam Railway, a heritage line beside the River Gwili, including a 'Welsh Elevenses'. We continue by coach to the Gower Peninsula's coastline and the seaside town of Mumbles.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Swansea

    A trip to idyllic St Davids and the historic seaside town of Tenby

    This morning we visit the tiny city of St David's, including its 12th-century cathedral. This afternoon, our coach takes us to the seaside town of Tenby with time to explore at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6

    Homeward bound

    Our South Wales holiday draws to a close this morning. After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to our Tour Manager, fellow travellers and new friends.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Brecon Mountain Railway steam locomotive climbs through leafy countryside and alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir, reaching the summit of the original line through the Brecon Beacons
  • Day 4The Gwili Steam Railway round trip runs beside the River Gwili past rocky outcrops and Gwili Falls, with traditional Welsh cakes and tea served aboard
  • Day 5Visit to St David's, Britain's smallest city, includes the 12th-century sandstone cathedral that has been a pilgrimage site for centuries

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights’ 3-star accommodation in Swansea
  • Standard Class rail travel - all rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • A superb choice of excursions including heritage rail journeys

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel on the Brecon Mountain Railway and Gwili Steam Railway, plus all coach transfers, are included in the package price
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager throughout the six days. However, Day 3 is free time for independent exploration of Swansea
What is the accommodation?
Five nights in a three-star hotel in Swansea, your base for the entire tour
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner are included each day of the tour
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included; you must arrange these separately

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