Where to staycation in Wales

Cast your mind back four years. It’s 2020, the UK has just come out the other side of the first lockdown and things are starting to open back up. For a bit.

For many, the usual summer holiday abroad was off the cards. Cancelled plans, furlough, travel bans and anxiety about access to medical treatment were just some of the reasons many of us chose to holiday at home that year. 

You could be forgiven for thinking that four years later, things would have returned to their pre-pandemic norm. But with the cost-of-living crisis still squeezing bank accounts, the percentage of people choosing staycations over holidays abroad has continued to rise steadily since 2020. 

In fact, when asked how the cost-of-living crisis might impact their plans over the next 12 months, 22 per cent of 18–24 year-olds have said they would choose not to go abroad, and 24 per cent said they would be likely to choose cheaper transport options. 

The cost of living isn’t the only thing grounding young people. They’re also more likely to consider their impact on the environment when it comes to travel, choosing not to fly and opting for more eco-friendly options instead. Enter the svelte, relaxed figure of the staycation. 

Holidays closer to home

And there’s no shortage of beautiful places to visit across the UK, with 28 Unesco World Heritage Sites to be explored across mainland Britain, from Dorset’s Jurassic coast to the Forth Bridge. Wales, a popular destination for staycationers, is home to four of the sites, which are awarded the status for their historical or cultural significance. 

Wales’ varied landscape and rich cultural history makes it an excellent choice for holidaymakers looking for the likes of beach holidays, hiking trips, historical tours or city breaks. And for anyone thinking of ditching the flights and keeping it local, Transport for Wales has you covered. 

Unlock Wales with one ticket

Transport for Wales is now offering unlimited travel over four days with its Rover tickets, or one day with its Ranger tickets. Simply choose which part of the network you want to explore, buy your tickets on the TfW app and hop on and off a TfW train as much as you like with no need to plan ahead.

And with so many of Wales’ most iconic landmarks within easy reach of train stations across the country, there’s no better way to travel than by rail. From castles to the coastline, Transport for Wales will get you there, with six Explore passes to choose from, offering you unlimited travel across the network. 

Discover breathtaking scenery 

If you’re looking for multi-day travel, you can choose from the Explore South Wales, Explore Mid & North Wales or Explore West Wales passes and discover everything Wales has to offer. Each of these is available on the TfW app. 

North Wales is home to some of the country’s most dramatic scenery, from breathtaking mountains to rugged coastline. The Mid & North Wales pass is perfect if you’re looking to explore multiple destinations on your visit. With one ticket you can visit Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbigh, Flintshire, Meirionnydd, Wrexham and Ceredigion.

Transport for Wales’ Explore passes give you the flexibility to take in the scenery right across Wales and the surrounding areas, wherever takes your fancy. 

Immerse yourself in culture

Mid Wales is not only home to some stunning landscapes, with the beautiful scenery of the Elan Valley to explore, but also to some of Wales’ most famous historical sites. Wander the promenade on Aberystwyth seafront or take a stroll through time along some (or all) of the 135 miles of Glyndŵr’s Way and discover a place that’s rich in history. 

South Wales is a vibrant hub of culture and sports, shopping and scenery. And with Transport for Wales’ South Wales Pass you could discover a world of adventures with unlimited travel across the south of the country. Explore the sweeping Wales Coast Path, hike through the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, sit back and relax in the beautiful Wye Valley on the Welsh-English border, or explore the beating heart of Wales’ capital city – all with one ticket. 

If you like the sound of all these destinations then the Explore Wales pass is the one, offering four days unlimited rail travel within an eight-day period. Top tip: with this pass you can even visit some of Wales border towns and cities, including the historic towns of Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Chester. 

Make a day of it

Planning a shorter visit? Transport for Wales has day-trippers covered too, with five Ranger passes to ensure you’re able to make the most out of your time in Wales – whether you’re exploring Cardiff, venturing into the Valleys, cruising the Cambrian coastline or wandering around West Wales. 

Travel without limits

With so much to do and see, it’s no wonder Wales is top of the list for staycationers – and there’s no better way to explore than by rail. Discover everything Wales has to offer with one ticket and unlimited travel for one or four days.

To find out more and buy your pass, search Transport for Wales Rovers and Rangers.

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