With the February half-term break just around the corner, families across the UK are turning their thoughts to planning a memorable staycation. The short school holiday presents a perfect opportunity to explore closer to home, avoiding crowds and often enjoying milder seasonal weather.
Wales by Rail: A Top UK Experience
In a major endorsement for Welsh tourism, the global culture guide Time Out has named exploring Wales by train as one of the top three experiences to have in the UK in 2026. This recognition highlights the country's stunning landscapes and accessible travel options, putting a Celtic adventure firmly on the map for domestic travellers.
The great news for budget-conscious families is that this experience doesn't require a huge financial outlay. The key is the Explore Wales Pass, which provides unlimited train travel across Wales for four days within an eight-day period. It costs £149 for adults and £74.50 for children. The pass also includes unlimited bus travel across all eight days, offering exceptional flexibility for exploring both cities and countryside.
Endless Welsh Adventures Await
The possibilities for a Welsh half-term are virtually limitless. For those seeking coastal beauty, Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire is frequently praised for its Caribbean-esque views. History buffs can delve into a land of castles, while fans of the hit series Gavin and Stacey can take a 25-minute train ride from Cardiff to Barry Island to visit famous filming locations like the Pleasure Park and Marco's Cafe.
Train travel itself becomes part of the attraction. The Chester to Llandudno journey was recently rated the third most scenic train ride in the UK for under £10. This coastal route departs from Chester's historic centre, traces the North Wales shoreline, and concludes in the elegant Victorian resort of Llandudno, with its iconic pier and the Great Orme headland.
Other must-see destinations easily reached by rail include the capital, Cardiff, where a boat trip across Cardiff Bay is essential, and the unique, Italianate village of Portmeirion in North Wales. The travel experts at Time Out suggest using the pass to reach the mesmerising Isle of Anglesey or the culturally rich town of Machynlleth.
Making the Most of Your Pass
Time Out's travel team notes the pass's versatility: "Obviously, there are hundreds of different ways you could use the pass. You may want to stay within one particular region or use it to travel as far and wide as you can." They suggest a sample itinerary: a 20-minute train ride from Cardiff Central to Caerphilly to see its famous castle, then heading north to explore Machynlleth.
For visitors in August, the pass provides a perfect route to Pembrokeshire to celebrate the 850th anniversary of the National Eisteddfod, a major week-long festival of Welsh culture, language, music, and art.
The Explore Wales Pass can be purchased directly from the Transport for Wales (TfW) website, via their app, at station ticket offices, or from a conductor on board a train. With an affordable ticket in hand, a memorable half-term adventure across the dramatic landscapes of Wales is firmly on track.
