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Wales Online
7 days ago
- Wales Online
Four-day rail pass takes you all around Wales and ultimate route you can go on
Four-day rail pass takes you all around Wales and ultimate route you can go on A lot of us might have been travelling around Wales all wrong. This is how to get it absolutely on the money Wales has some stunning railway stations like this one in Blaenau Ffestiniog (Image: Getty ) We all know Wales isn't short of pretty places to visit. But finding the time to visit them, and explore those hidden gems you've had written in your notes app for months, can be tricky to get round to. As well as that trying to get to all the best ones at once by doing some mammoth drives around the country might not be your idea of a dream holiday. But it turns out lots of us might have been travelling around Wales wrong because there might actually be a better way. With the four-day Explore Wales rail pass, you can cover a lot – beaches, mountains, and castles – without needing a car, a bus, or a stressful amount of train ticket screenshots saved on your phone. It costs £149 for an adult and £74.50 for a child but there are reduced rates if you have a railcard. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . You can buy an Explore Wales Pass from the Transport for Wales app and website, and at any of their stations and ticket offices or from the conductor on the train. You'll need to have the app to activate the ticket on your phone. The best thing about it is that it takes you all around Wales so you can pick and choose which places you go to. But if you're looking for a pre-planned route we've come up with one which takes you from the capital to the southwest coast, through mid Wales, and up to the far edge of Anglesey before looping back to Cardiff so you can do a massive chunk of the country (and see some of its most striking spots) all in one go – and watching the scenery flash by is all part of the experience. Day one: Cardiff to Tenby Crackwell Street is part of the clifftop streets that boast the pretty, painted, mostly Georgian townhouses in Tenby (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) Article continues below Start from Cardiff Central and head west to Pembrey and Burry Port (about an hour and 25 minutes). It's a small station but there's a beach nearby if you fancy stretching your legs or just seeing the sea early in the day before heading to your main destination. From there hop back on and head to Tenby (around one hour 10 minutes via Carmarthen and Whitland), which has previously been ranked highly as one of the best seaside towns to visit in the UK. With its four stunning beaches just a short stroll from the lively town centre, quaint cobbled streets that could rival those in Italy or the French Riviera, and a collection of eye-catching, brightly-coloured houses it's hardly surprising. This charming harbour town has always been a draw for those looking for a seaside holiday with local hotspots often bustling with customers lining up during peak times. Day two: Tenby to Aberystwyth Head north to Fishguard and Goodwick (about one hour 46 minutes). This is a beautiful line winding past fields and the stunning coastline. After a short stop in Fishguard, and maybe some fish and chips, you'll double back through Carmarthen and Swansea then across to Aberystwyth via the Cambrian Line. It's a bit of a stretch as it's just over three hours altogether but the changing views more than make up for it with rivers, hills, and plenty of relaxation. Aberystwyth is known as the 'culture capital' of Wales (Image:) Once you get to Aberystwyth you're kind of spoilt for choice as this is somewhere that's been highlighted for being somewhere that kind of ticks all your boxes. There's loads to do and tick off if you want to plan ahead but it's also a stunning location just to meander around without really knowing where you're going. Aberystwyth Castle is one of the most standout features or you could just enjoy the beach and pier – or pretend you've gone back in time and take a ride on the Vale of Rheidol Railway. Day three: Aberystwyth to Holyhead This is the big travel day as you'll be heading towards Holyhead (a four-and-a-half-hour journey from Aberystwyth) but as most routes swap in Bangor you'll get to tick off another incredible Welsh city. From there you can get a train and stay on all the way to Holyhead right on the edge of beautiful Anglesey. It's a long ride, but definitely not a dull one, and you'll get to pass Llanfairpwll and finally over the Menai Strait. An aerial shot of the ancient Beaumaris castle (Image: iStock / Getty Images Plus ) Once you're in Holyhead you can pretty much walk straight out onto harbour views and make your way to wherever you fancy heading on the island. Beaumaris is a stunning spot and there's also the Anglesey Sea Zoo, Plas Newydd House and Gardens, and the colourful town of Amlwch if you wanted to tick off some popular activities. Day four: Holyhead to Cardiff Time to head back. The return trip takes about four and a half hours if you wanted to go for a direct train. But if you fancy breaking the day up there's always the option to get out a couple of times if you're using the day pass and then hop back on a later train to Cardiff if you've still got enough energy to see a few more sights. Llanfairfechan's promenade and beach is a popular spot (Image: Visit Wales ) Article continues below Llanfairfechan is on the way back and is a small town with a long stretching beach where you can enjoy the view of various mountains nearby and in the distance as it's so close to Eryri and is well worth a stop. Also on route is the gorgeous market town of Abergavenny. This might be the perfect place to grab some dinner before getting back to Cardiff as there are loads of cute shops and restaurants and it's got a traditional feel which makes it an attractive spot for tourists to head to.
Wales Online
12-07-2025
- Wales Online
I stayed at one of the most luxurious apartments in Wales with the best sea view
I stayed at one of the most luxurious apartments in Wales with the best sea view A hidden gem in the heart of one of Wales' most wonderful coastal towns that's the best I've ever seen - pop inside and have a look Mesmerising - the sea view from the French doors, not me (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) There's a hidden gem in one of Wales' most popular places to stay that is so breathtaking not just in its location but with the luxury that it offers that when we turned up to stay we really did not want to leave. If you tell people you're going to spend a night away in Pembrokeshire they usually visualise a pretty little cottage, a character-packed hotel, or a historic property but our place to spend a night was none of these and, in my opinion, it was better. Think Tenby and you probably think of the painted predominantly Georgian houses that line the clifftop roads. But our place to call home was an apartment that has gone from dated and drab to the most luxurious apartment I have ever experienced with incredible views from all the main windows but also a range of tech to keep the teenagers happy and clever, inspiring, and beautiful interiors to keep me enthralled. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: Incredible transformation of dated Tenby flat in a clifftop building into a luxury apartment with the best sea views YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Inside Martin Roberts' huge Welsh pub renovation project as he addresses lap dancing club rumours Gunfort Mansion above Tenby's South Beach that's hiding a gem of a property inside (Image: Item 2 Ltd ) Article continues below Well, of course, every frontline property in Tenby has a magnificent view but at Min Y Mor the owners who spent years creating this wonderful apartment have maximised its position above South Beach with window seats, a Juliet balcony, and a designer chair nestled within the bay of one of the two bedrooms that has a direct and uninterrupted view of St Catherine's Island and fort. The kitchen diner continues the contemporary design but with a coastal influence via the bespoke boardwalk-style units (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) But before we opened the apartment's front door and the air was filled with a chorus of excitement we had to find it. On the second floor of the Victorian Grade II-listed Gunfort Mansion the front door of the building was tucked away to the side of the property. Once inside a climb to the second floor was totally worth it as Min Y Mor is waiting to mesmerise you. Step inside and the apartment welcomed us with a whitewashed and contemporary interior design. The bay window in the lounge and principal bedroom both have window seats to enjoy the view over Tenby's South Beach (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) But this is not some cold and clinical interior design – there's texture and use of a range of natural materials to ensure the spaces are visually inviting yet keeping the décor neutral perfectly frames the multiple views out of the bay windows and French doors of the stunning blue ocean and nature's own artwork of wispy clouds dancing across the huge sky. Look in the other direction to admire St Catherine's Island (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) The day was a hot one so we opened the French doors and the sound of the waves became the backdrop of our stay and the window seats were all utilised for gazing out across this landmark coastal landscape. The apartment has a way of helping you to quickly relax as you're a five-minute walk from the centre of Tenby and the steps down to South Beach are literally opposite the front door. But being this high up from the throng of people below and so connected to the views at each window you feel like you are in the view, in the water, floating through the sky. Two rooms have been made one broken-plan space with the most of the dividing wall gone (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) There are many clever features to discover in this amazing apartment – the copper bath lit from below, the circular bookshelf embedded into the wall, the bunkbeds also hiding within a wall that includes a secret door up to a mezzanine. But it was the cinema screen and access to multiple streaming channels including Disney+ and Amazon Prime that mesmerised the younger generation (and yes okay, me too). There was good free wifi too which made everyone happy. The cinema screen TV and all the streaming services were a big hit (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) Cleverly hidden behind a piece of wall art that slowly slides open, the screen impressed everyone and Peaky Blinders and The Mandalorian looked even more incredible in this mini home cinema while relaxing on the oversized curved sofa. At some point I wandered off to the second bedroom with a glass of wine and sat in the designer 'saddle' chair with footstool in the bay window and watched the tide slowly meander up the beach and people strolling around St Catherine's Island. The welcome basket of local produce left by the owners came with me and was a delightful companion. The designer chair in the bay of bedroom two has an amazing view of Castle Beach and St Catherine's Island (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) When I surfaced from my surprise kip in the chair, the result of an afternoon glass of wine, the surround sound system had been discovered and Dua Lipa was serenading us from every angle while we made plans to go out to get a fish and chip takeaway dinner. The kitchen is well-equipped but with only 24 hours to enjoy our trip to Tenby it felt almost like the law that we had to try out the town's fish and chips, eating it at the dining table. The view from the open French doors in the kitchen diner was special too (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) The kitchen diner area is another thoughtful use of space and design. The kitchen is bespoke and handmade and not sleek and shiny but more in keeping with the apartment's location. It's made from wood that has been whitewashed to give it a slightly sun-kissed and weathered look it blends into the overall design and yet stands its ground as a point of interest. Fish and chips takeaway dinner with a duet of views as a welcome guest (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) Dining chairs can take up a lot of space so to combat this two seats out of the size were built into the end of the kitchen units and work surface – genius. It's hard to describe just how relaxing and memorable it was eating as a family with the French doors open and the sound of the waves and the view of the ocean a welcome extra guest at the table as the sunlight began to fade into night. Clever way to share light between two internal spaces and yet keep privacy (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) More genius ideas to make a smaller space work well was found in the shower room – with space tight in the room that used to be a corridor the shower was a Jack and Jill shower in the middle of the room, with extra light brought into the space by high-level slatted internal windows in the dividing wall with the principal bedroom. Maybe the feature, other than the magnificent dual-aspect views and the mega TV, that impressed the most was the copper bath, lit from below and the main statement piece in the principal bedroom en suite. For more property, renovation, and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here. The bath was a thing of beauty (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) Both bathroom facilities were fascinatingly-designed spaces – dark colours, a mix of functional and also mood lighting, and key tactile features such as exposed brick walls, which was such a visual contrast to the white and contemporary living and sleeping areas. Lighting is always key to a successful interior design and as the evening crept in it was obvious that the family had thought about the ambience of the apartment during the dark hours when renovating this property. Fluffy cloud statement light in the lounge became very atmospheric at night (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) Hidden LED lighting and spots highlighted artwork and sculptures and statement ceiling pendants in the kitchen and bedrooms added pools of soft light. The statement overhead light in the living room was a thing of beauty – like a cloud floating below the ceiling in the day, concealing bulbs within its fluffy folds, and glowing like a dusky sunset in the night. Integrated into the wall, the bookcase was an inventive feature (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) One inventive design idea that I am definitely pinching and taking home with me is placing a mirrored coffee table under an expensive statement light – you get then two statement lights and don't have to look up to admire it. Principal bedroom had sliding doors to save space but frosted as the genius way to keep privacy but share light into the darker en suite behind it (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) So bedtime was upon us and the very comfortable beds, crisp white sheets, and soft pillows made drifting off to sleep an absolute dream. The apartment hasn't always looked like this slice of luxury – although much-loved when the owners inherited it the flat was a maze of smaller rooms with dated décor. The kitchen and living room have been connected via the open archway to create the broken-plan kitchen lounge diner which also means both spaces can enjoy a triple view of the sea, sky, and beach. All the beds were super-comfortable and the white cotton linen made them feel very luxurious (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) The bedrooms and bathrooms are unrecognisable and the clever use of space has added the extra shower room and an extra bedroom with bunkbeds – find out the renovation story and see the before and after renovation transformation photos here. The family had a vision of how they wanted to do a high-end, carefully considered full renovation of the flat, with the sea views at the core of the plan, to produce the designer apartment of their dreams and I would say they have definitely achieved that. Ship cabin-style bunkbeds built into the wall next to the kitchen would be a child's dream sleeping space (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) It is so obvious that this makeover into a luxury apartment has taken time, thought, and a significant budget but to create a contemporary space (and one that is mainly white which was a worry at the beginning of our stay because I am so clumsy) and make it welcoming too is a talent and Min Y Mor is a masterclass of remodelling and interior ideas that can inspire anyone who comes to stay – if they can ever take their eyes of the amazing sea views. To fit an extra shower room inside the space that used to be a corridor it was designed with a Jack and Jill shower in the middle and two entrances (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) Outside Gunfort Mansion looks drab next to its colourful neighbours having not been lavished with a standout shade that Tenby has become known for – it still wears its coat of grey rendering. However the owners of Min Y Mor say the building, of which the family's flat is leasehold, is soon to get an upgrade on its external and community areas such as stairs and corridors. Min Y Mor can be booked via Puffin Cottage Holidays so you can try it out yourself and one thing is for sure – I will be going back to stay again and will count the days until I do. Article continues below Find your own luxury apartment or renovation property here:
Wales Online
22-06-2025
- Wales Online
I went to one of Wales' most famous places for the first time and had to retrain my way of thinking
I went to one of Wales' most famous places for the first time and had to retrain my way of thinking Is a visit to Tenby as memorable as people say it is - and for the right reasons? At last I made it to Tenby (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) Whenever travel around Wales comes up in conversation with friends and I comment that I've never been to Tenby the reaction is always the same - disbelief, so one sunny day I packed our bags and we headed off to spend 24 hours in the seaside town that everyone seems to love, to find out why. My first worry was parking. I'm a bit paranoid about it and I'd heard it can be a challenge, and as the forecast was for glorious sunshine so I knew it would be busy, even though it was June and not even a school holiday. So it was up early, much to the annoyance of the family and, after some research, we headed for the Five Arches pay and display car park. It was 8.30am and there were still many spaces to choose from and luckily the car park had a machine because I hate using an app - so many car park companies, so many apps, so much phone storage wasted and patchy network coverage. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: I was offered a day out anywhere in Wales and there was only one place I wanted to be YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: A massive disused tunnel that has been shut for decades is a step away from re-opening The cost was £15 for 24 hours which was fine for us as that was going to be the length of our stay but if you're staying in the town for longer then a number of car parks offer a weekly ticket that you can book in advance. Article continues below Due to the early, and maybe unnecessary, early start and to avoid anyone getting 'hangry', we headed off to the town's main street to find somewhere for breakfast. Sadly, although there were a number of lovely looking establishments like Harbwr Tap & Kitchen and Tudor Mount Gastrobar, nothing appeared open yet. Thank goodness then for Caffi Llew, I think that is what it was called, where we had a full English breakfast that was a good size and tasty and, rather bizarrely but in a good way, included chips. Our incredible apartment called Min Y Mor had multiple sea views over South Beach and St Catherine's Island (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) We then headed back to the car park to take our stuff to the apartment, which surely has one of the best views in the town of South Beach and St Catherine's Island. Available through Puffin Cottages Holidays, we were totally smitten by the property, which is hiding within the historic building called Gunfort Mansion. Despite the temptation of a nap enjoying the surround sound speakers or sprawling on the massive sofa for a rest, we headed out to explore. Lots of pretty little lanes to discover - this is Cob Lane (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) You have to navigate around people who stop suddenly to admire the view or take a photograph, but the pace of people generally that day was slow; a holiday vibe. I had to retrain my way of thinking from living my whole life in a busy and crowded city, and always being 10 minutes late, to just 'strolling' and 'pottering' around the pretty little streets hiding off the main high street. And it is worth strolling as there is much to discover and admire. It's a classic shot - taken from the end of the harbour wall (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) Of course, I've seen photos of Tenby and the famous view of the pretty painted facades of the predominantly Georgian townhouses that line the street that meanders down to the harbour. First stop was this famous road called Crackwell Street to take some property photos and explore Harbour Beach. The route from the apartment took us down the cute and character packed Tor Lane and then Cob Lane. This pretty lane is where little cottages keep the colourful façade trend going when maybe their grand Georgian neighbours grab all the attention, but they are equally as delightful. Crackwell Street is part of the cliff-top streets that boast the pretty, painted, mostly Georgian townhouses (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) As the sun broke through the clouds and then burnt through them to reveal a huge blue sky over what looked like a crystal clear sea it was easy to see why the town can effortlessly enchant people - it's packed with character and unique buildings, tiny hidden lanes and friendly locals. There are plenty of shops in the town to spend a whole day browsing and we enjoyed a few quick visits to Tenby Book Shop, and for the cool people in the group (clearly not me) there was Walk on Water and Underground Surf and Skate, as well as sweet shops and ice cream parlours. There are national brands such as White Stuff, Boots and Greggs, a range of banks and the occasional gallery such as Llewellyn's. Then we discovered Sergeant's Lane, which was such a wonderful surprise - a narrow and atmospheric cobbled lane linking the town's centre to the harbour that is thought to date back to medieval times. Sergeant's Lane was a wonderful surprise (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) The surprise of finding the micro brewery called HARBWR Tenby Harbour Brewery and Taproom along the alley was memorable and the lane was packed with people enjoying a drink or food in the sunshine, or just meandering down the cobbles, soaking up the ambience. The 'sunniest beer garden in Tenby' at the Harbwr Brewery Tap & Kitchen, off Sergeant's Lane (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) No trip to Tenby would be complete without enjoying an ice cream and we thoroughly enjoyed a tub, on advice from the friendly lady behind the counter at Tenby Harbour Snack Bar, as they are harder for gulls to grab and easier to hang on to. It was 24 hours to enjoy my stay but there was one 'must do' thing on the list (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) We sat by St Julian's Chapel, located by the beach and next to the much photographed 'big blue house that literally sits on the sand. It was built as a centre for the fishermen of the town but is now a number of holiday lets, find out more about the building and see inside one of the apartments when it was for sale in 2021 here. Surely everyone everyone recognises 'the big blue house' on Harbour Beach? (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) We briefly visited the cosy cove that is Harbour Beach and contemplated a climb up Castle Hill to visit the castle ruin, the Prince Albert memorial, and admire the views from the headland but were decided to head back into town. Alternatively, with the tide out, we could have visited St Catherine's Island and explored the fort that crowns the summit, being careful not to get cut off when the tide comes in, or taking a boat trip to Caldy Island a bit further out to sea and to the south of the town and potentially spotted a few dolphins playing in the warmer summer water. Both islands can be visited during the summer months by foot or by a boat to Caldy that you can only book on the day, but we were conflicted, and as time was moving on we decided to wander back into town and on the way came across the Tudor Merchant's House. Tudor Merchant's House in Tenby is not the oldest building in Tenby, but it is the oldest house still standing in the town (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) Owned by the National Trust I was excited to visit, not so much the younger members of the group, so we decided to split up. During the spring and summer it is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - it was Wednesday. So we continued, together, past the Plantagenet House Restaurant, thought to date back to the 10th century in parts, which comes highly recommended by a friend but will have to be a destination next time we visit. At the top of Quay Hill we encountered some of Tenby's not so welcoming residents - a gang of gulls. They swooped down outside The Lifeboat Inn and cheekily pinched food off a plate, as well as breaking a few glasses, and startled one poor lady who was sitting at the table. Find out more about that here. Don't ever let gulls put you off eating alfresco (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) We strolled back to the apartment, I'd got the hang of strolling by then, intent on a long walk along South Beach but I had demonstrated a rookie error - I hadn't checked the tide times and it was fully in and lapping against the rocks below, so there was no sand to actually walk along. For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here The cinema-sized, huge screen and the availability of Netflix and Disney+ plus a very comfortable sofa at the apartment meant I lost everyone for two hours, so I ended up sitting in an armchair in a bay window with a perfect view of St Catherine's Island and Fort with a glass of wine, so no hardship there. Not checking the tide times meant no stroll on South Beach, but the view from the apartment was just as good (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) As the ice cream box was ticked, we decided to get takeaway fish and chips to get that 'must do in Tenby' done - and it was more budget friendly than dining out. However, for an evening meal out I was surprised at how many choices were available, from classic pub grub to more sophisticated cuisine at Umi, from cocktails and live music as well as food at The Cove and glanced inside Twelve and Upper Mews Burger & Bar as we passed by earlier - they're on the list for a return visit. Fish and chip dinner from one of the town's takeaways with a duet of sea views in the background (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) We bought our fish and chip (and battered sausage and chip) dinner from 'Tenby's Traditional Fish & Chips' and it was delicious, eating it back at the apartment with the French doors wide open and the sound of the sea as our perfect soundscape. One tip I would pass on is to be mindful of when the takeaways close - it can be as early as 7.30pm - it's not Cardiff's chippy alley! There was so much more to do and see in Tenby that we were sad to only have 24 hours to enjoy the unique atmosphere that drifts through the attractive, historic streets that include a link to King Henry V's escape to France before returning and marching to the Battle of Bosworth to defeat King Richard III and claim the crown. It gives us an easy excuse to return to Tenby now that we had a feel for the town and more context for successfully mixing relaxing with exploring. In the school summer holidays and on weekends I imagine Tenby gets very crowded but on a sunny Wednesday in June it was perfect (Image: Alex Ridout, Media Wales ) The next morning we awoke early to a storm and heavy rain attacking the windows. The sound of seagulls chatting and children's laughter from the beach was replaced by the roar of waves crashing on the rocks below and an ominous sounding wind howling down the totally deserted streets. As we ran to the car and got soaked in the torrential rain I still decided that Tenby is just as wonderful in a storm as it is in blazing sunshine - we will return, whatever the weather. Article continues below
