Scenic journeys to stunning places.
Great days out for our visitors and residents
Swansea is a great city to stay in so why not consider an extended stay and use as a base to explore other parts of southwest Wales?
Residents have many opportunities to get out and explore the area using the train and bus. The train gives an opportunity to discover delightful places in west and mid Wales with a great coastal and countryside views on the way. The bus gets you into the dramatic scenery and attractions of the Brecon Beacons National Park as well as to the local attractions of Gower and the Valleys.
Try these itineraries for a great day out!
Carmarthenshire
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A cultural journey to Dylan Thomas’ Laugharne - Train - Bus
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Swansea or Gowerton
Train to Carmarthen and transfer to the bus service 222 direct to Laugharne. There, see its stately castle, visit Dylan’s boathouse and there are some great places to eat and drink. Laugharne is reputed to be the inspiration for ‘Under Milk Wood’ set in the small town of Llareggub (try reading it backwards!).Visit Website -
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CARMARTHEN: COUNTY TOWN WITH A GREAT HISTORY
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Train from Swansea or Gowerton: www.tfw.wales
Carmarthen’s most famous early residents was Merlin the Magician. The Welsh name Caerfyrddin means Merlin’s Fort and it’s believed the town was named after King Arthur’s wizard. Today it’s a busy market town with lots of historical attractions and great shopping. The town centre is 5-10 minutes’ walk from the train station or there are frequent buses to the bus station.Visit Website -
An exotic journey to the heart of Wales - Train
THE HEART OF WALES

The iconic Heart of Wales Railway connects Swansea to the beautiful countryside of Mid Wales, many fascinating small towns and an amazing 140-mile walking trail: ‘The Heart of Wales Line Trail’ The train service has recently been improved with extra journeys.
Trains from Swansea and Gowerton www.tfw.wales
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LLANDEILO AND DYNEFWR COUNTRY PARK
This bustling town has a number of attractions, independent quality shopping and a range of places to eat and drink. It is a short walk or cycle ride to the beautiful National Trust property of Dinefwr Park and Castle. Llandeilo town centre is 5-10 minutes’ walk from the train station. Dinefwr Park is another 30 minutes’ very attractive and largely level walk.Visit Website -
LLANDOVERY: A FINE GEORGIAN TOWN
Llandovery is an ancient market and drovers town with Georgian architecture and a fascinating history, the area being noted for its Welsh ‘Braveheart’ and the ‘Physicians of Myddfai’. The town has a range of places to eat and drink. Llandovery town centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the train station.Visit Website -
Cynghordy
Next stop on the line after Llandovery is Cynghordy. From here you can walk 1.5 kms to see its spectacular viaduct. A circuitous 10 km walk or so to the west of the railway will get you back to Llandovery for the afternoon train. -
LLANWRTYD WELLS: BRITAIN’S SMALLEST TOWN
Britain’s smallest town of just 850 inhabitants, Llanwrtyd Wells punches above its weight on staging wacky events such as ‘Man v Horse’ and ‘Bog Snorkelling’. It hosts an annual beer festival and has a range of pubs and cafes. Llanwrtyd town centre is 10-15 minutes’ walk from the train station.Details of Events -
THE HEART OF WALES LINE TRAIL
The Heart of Wales Line Trail is a long-distance walk which weaves between stations along the line. Opened in Spring 2019 it passes through Shropshire, Powys, Carmarthenshire, Brecon Beacons National Park, and City of Swansea. It is important to note that the Trail does not go to every station on the line, but some which it does not pass directly can be reached by "station link" paths. We have selected two parts of the trail for their interest and practicality for a day out from Swansea. Be sure to be dressed for walking with strong boots or shoes, and waterproofs.Visit Website -
LLANDRINDOD WELLS: COUNTY TOWN OF POWYS
Llandrindod Wells is a Victorian Spa town and a thriving conference and business meeting destination. It celebrates its heritage with its famous annual Victorian Festival and its past is evident in the grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture. The town houses the National Cycle Museum and above is the Rock Park and nearby Lake, which has its resident ‘monster’, a striking sculpture of a water serpent and leaping carp. It is well provided with accommodation and places to eat and drink. Llandrindod train station is in the centre of the townVisit Website -
KNIGHTON: THE TOWN ON THE DYKE
Knighton is a small market town on the border between Wales and England, a historic town set in the lush rolling country of the Marches. Its Welsh name is ‘Tref-y-Clawdd’, the ‘Town on the Dyke’, home to the Offa’s Dyke Centre, it is the mid-point of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail and lies on the Heart of Wales Line Trail. The town has a wide range of places to eat and drink.Visit Website -
ROUTE 12 LLANDOVERY TO LLANGADOG
his trail of 19 kilometres in length leads from Llandovery station through the town and up on minor roads and footpaths to the attractive village of Myddfai of ‘Physicians’ fame. You can buy refreshments here at the village hall before proceeding along footpaths and minor roads largely downhill to Llangadog village and train station. Steep in parts. Refreshments at Llandovery, Myddfai and Llangadog.Visit Website -
ROUTE 15 AMMANFORD TO PONTARDDULAIS
This trail of 14 kilometres starts at Ammanford station, passes through the town and parallel to the railway as far as Garnswllt, then rises steeply and continuously towards a summit near Pentre’r Castell; from there it follows the St Illtyd’s Way over undulating common before dropping down into Pontarddulais and ends at its train station on the western edge of the town. Refreshments at Ammanford and Pontarddulais only.Visit Website -
BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK: BY BUS
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From Swansea City bus station and Neath train station
One of the most scenic of the network of Traws Cymru routes is the T6 between Swansea, Neath and Brecon. It runs most hours on weekdays and five times a day on Sundays. See where it takes you!Visit Website -
Brecon Beacons National Park - Bus
The T6 bus journey from Swansea and Neath is a scenic delight as it takes you from the coast through the majestic mountain scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Running hourly on weekdays (five per day on Sundays), it offers a choice of departure times and itineraries. We have selected three key places to visit; Dan-yr-Ogof caves, Craig-y-Nos Country Park and Brecon itself, whilst through connecting bus services, it is possible to get to and climb Pen-y-Fan (south Wales’ highest point).
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National Showcaves of Wales
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Dan-yr-Ogof main road stop (5 minutes’ walk)
One of Wales’ most popular attractions, the magnificent show caves, part of a 17kms long cave system, known as Dan yr Ogof. Includes a Dinosaur Park and other attractions.Visit website -
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Craig-y-Nos Country Park
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Craig-y-Nos Castle
Situated in a dramatic and romantic location in the secluded upper Swansea Valley, Craig-y-nos Country Park is a 40-acre Victorian garden with shady woodlands, meadows, ponds, lazy lawns and rushing rivers.Visit Website -
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BRECON: GATEWAY TO THE BEACONS
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Brecon Interchange (close to town centre) connecting buses to Hay on Wye and Storey Arms (for Pen y Fan)
Brecon is a fascinating market town with lots to see and do, including a cathedral, regimental museum and canal basin as well as a wide range of places to eat and drink.Visit Website -
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HENRHYD WATERFALL, COELBREN
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X8 from Neath (connection from Swansea) to Coelbren, 10 minutes’ walk.
This is the waterfall with the highest drop of over 150 feet on a tributary of the river Tawe near to the village of Coelbren. It is also arguably the most attractive of all the waterfalls.Visit Website -
Glorious South Pembrokeshire - Train
There are direct trains from Swansea and Gowerton to South Pembrokeshire and we have selected three places well worth seeing for their beauty and history.
For train times please visit www.tfw.wales.
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Tenby
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5-10 minutes’ walk to town, harbour and beaches. Trains from Swansea or Gowerton www.tfw.wales
This medieval walled town is famous for its amazing golden beaches and historic quayside and town centre, as well as boat trips to Caldey Island owned by a community of Cistercian monks. The town centre and north beach is 5-10 minutes’ walk from the train station.Visit Website -
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Pembroke: A town with great history and a fine castle
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Pembroke: 15 minutes’ walk to castle
This historic town is best noted for its magnificent medieval castle, birthplace of King Henry V11 of England. It’s a bustling place with lots of places to eat and drink. The town centre and castle are 10-15 minutes’ walk from the train station.Visit Website -
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Milford Haven and its fabulous waterfront
Milford Haven, for many years one of Wales’ foremost fishing ports, has been transformed in recent years to include a contemporary and lively waterfront with hotel, restaurants and visitor attractions. The Waterfront is just 5 minutes’ walk from the train station.Visit Website