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If you haven’t travelled to Wales from Liverpool in a while, now is the time to come. You’re not only in for a treat, but perhaps a few surprises too. Wales is a beautiful, thriving destination, one where you’ll never be short of things to do.
Leave the city behind for a few days and visit some of the best places in Wales by train. In this article, we will share the top destinations the country has to offer and how easy it is to get there.
Why visit Wales from Liverpool?
Liverpool’s a great place to live. It has beautiful architecture, world-class culture, and a brilliant nightlife scene. Sometimes, though, a break is as good as a rest and you feel the need to get away from the noise, hustle, and bustle.
If that sounds like you, then Wales is the ideal getaway destination and it’s right on your doorstep.
Wales is renowned for its characterful landscape, complete with the challenging mountains of Snowdonia and the sandy shores of Sixpenny Beach. This has allowed it to flourish as a prime destination for adventure sports and activities.
But while some may see exciting challenges in this dramatic geography, others can instead enjoy a captivating backdrop for a relaxing staycation.
When you get to Wales, there are plenty of different ways you can spend your trip. With so much to see and do, you can explore ancient castles in the morning and then visit the lively towns and cities in the afternoon.
And when it comes to nightlife, you’ll find yourself in great company. Whether it’s a quiet pint in a cosy pub or a touch of something stronger in a club, a good drink is never far away.
Whatever your interest, from a quiet city break to an all-out outdoor adventure, Wales has something for everyone. And with trains that can get you here in as little as an hour, you can be sure you’ll get the most out of your trip away.
How far is Wales from Liverpool?
Getting to Wales on an Avanti train is quick and easy. The nearest train station to Liverpool is just 28 miles away at Flint south of the Wirral Peninsula. Take a train to Flint to take in the village’s famous castle and coastal path.
In the very southwest of the country, you’ll find the buzzing city of Swansea. We’ll tell you all about Swansea later on in this article.
Where to visit in Wales
Wales is a richly diverse and stunning country, with many towns and cities worth visiting.
For some help choosing one of these destinations, here are our top suggestions for places to visit in Wales, complete with local information and journey details.
Wrexham
Since the takeover of Wrexham AFC by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny in 2021, the town has enjoyed greater recognition and publicity. However, there’s more to the town and the surrounding area than just the football team.
Wrexham is a lively market town with plenty of places to enjoy yourself. You’ll find a great selection of shops in the Eagles Meadow Mall. You can also go to Tŷ Pawb for independent, quirkier retail choices.
Locals rave about the food at The Bank Bar and Bistro, a restaurant with countless positive reviews. It is a testament to the developed and indulgent culinary scene here. But if you’re looking for something a little more casual, you can always expect a warm welcome across the many pubs in Wrexham.
One great reason to catch a train to Wrexham General is to experience Chirk Castle. The building is magnificent as is the 480 acres of gardens and parks that surround it. The nearby Chirk Aqueduct is a marvel of engineering and is situated right on the border between England and Wales.
Colwyn Bay
Colwyn Bay is one of North Wales’s oldest seaside resorts and one of the best places to visit in North Wales.
The beach here is stunning, as is the three-mile-long promenade that runs alongside it. When you walk the distance of the promenade, you get to take in the stunning beauty of the Welsh countryside and coastline.
That’s not the only reason to catch the train to Colwyn Bay, though. Not far away are the stunning nature trails of the eye-catching Pwllycrochan Woods. Lovers of wildlife should also make a beeline for the Welsh Mountain Zoo to see its selection of endangered species.
Colwyn Bay is a beautiful town to look at. We suggest taking the Heritage Trial so you can admire the town’s stunning Victorian architecture and get a sense of the rich history of the area.
Colwyn Bay is home to many festivals and events during the year and there’s a golf course close by, too. Before you get here, make sure you book a table at Michelin-starred Bryn Williams’ Porth Eirias restaurant.
Llandudno
Llandudno is a previous winner of Avanti’s destination of the month for North Wales.
The “Queen of Welsh Resorts” is famous for its sandy beaches, iconic promenade and grand Victorian buildings. If you want time away in an old-fashioned British seaside brimming with activity, come to Llandudno.
You can’t miss the majestic Conwy Castle when you’re in the town. This UNESCO World Heritage site is enormous, an architectural marvel for its time. After you’ve been there, we suggest you take a leisurely stroll around the town by following the well-preserved ancient walls.
One great reason to take a train to Llandudno Junction is to take advantage of the many outdoor activities in the area. Snowdonia National Park is on your doorstep as is the 50-acre Eirias Park with its swimming pool, tennis courts and athletics arena.
There’s always something to do in Llandudno from dining out to taking in eye-opening museums and exhibitions. Be sure to check out the Royal Cambrian Academy for the latest work from new Welsh artists.
We also recommend taking time to pop into some of the wide range of independent retailers in the town too.
Bangor
You should also consider a visit to the bustling university town of Bangor. You'll get to experience all the great things this coastal university town has to offer. As you’d expect from a city with thousands of students in it, there is a first-class pub and bar scene here.
Bangor offers so much more than amazing nightlife, though. The architecture here is stunning, from the amazing castle to the Gothic Cathedral and the opulent Penrhyn Castle close by. What we love about Bangor is how the history of the city is all around you yet the place feels lively, modern and buzzing.
There are some fantastic outdoor spaces around Bangor. For adrenaline junkies, try out the Velocity 2 zipline at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry. Birdwatchers will love the Aberogwen Nature Reserve. Hikers flock to the stunning Snowdonia Slate Trail.
For some peace and quiet, surround yourself with the woodland and exotic plants at Treborth Botanic Garden.
One of Bangor’s claims to fame is that it has the longest High Street in Wales. It’s no surprise that this is a great place for retail therapy. The coastal city has a great restaurant scene with Sheep and Leeks and The Freckled Angel being among the local favourites.
Holyhead
With so much to do in Holyhead, it’s perfect for history lovers and weekends away.
History buffs can immerse themselves in the past by trekking to the ancient Tŷ Mawr Hut Group on Holyhead Mountain. Another place you should take in is the Trefignath Burial Chamber which dates back to Neolithic times.
Many catch the train to Holyhead just to take the stunning coastal walk along Breakwater Country Park. You’ll end up at the RSPB visitor centre in Ellins Tower, famed for its bird-watching vantage points.
To see the full beauty of the island and its relationship with the sea, we suggest you also take a walk along the Anglesey Coastal Path.
When you head back to the centre of town, grab a bite to eat from one of the town’s many highly-regarded restaurants. Check out the amazing views of the sea from the Harbourfront Bistro.
Then take a stroll down the high street to pick up a memento of your visit from one of the many independent retailers.
Cardiff
With direct trains available from Cardiff to Liverpool, it’s never been easier to enjoy yourself in the buzzing capital of Wales.
The “City of Castles” has some of the UK’s most charming streets, a wide range of cultural activities and great nightlife. It even has a beach for those seaside summer visits.
The city is home to iconic buildings like the famous Castle, the Senedd, home of the Welsh Parliament, and the National Museum. Make sure you visit Llandaff Cathedral when you’re here, one of the earliest Christian sites in the UK.
Cardiff is the perfect spot for retail therapy. It has two Victorian arcades and it’s home to Spiller’s Records, the world’s oldest record shop. The city is full of big brands and independent retailers as well as a large indoor market.
If you want entertainment, Cardiff has it in spades. There are plenty of bars and pubs, many of which can be found in the Old Arcade. There’s a wide range of restaurants too ranging from the beloved Mattancherry Canton to the upmarket Silures.
Take time out to visit the 130 acres of Bute Park for a stroll or take a cycle out and ride along the Cardiff Bay Barrage.
Swansea
As the second largest city in Wales, Swansea offers a modern locale that will captivate any visitor.
Swansea has the largest indoor market in the country which opened in 1897. If there’s one reason to catch the train to Swansea, it’s the numerous stalls offering a huge range of delicacies at the market.
But there are many other great reasons to come to Swansea beyond its historic market. The culinary scene will satisfy any stomach, with its locally sourced seafood and Welsh-Italian ice cream. If you want to sample the city’s more unique and inspired offerings, try to get down for the Oystermouth Food Festival held in September.
As a big city, Swansea is not short on shopping opportunities. Check out Oxford Street and the Quadrant Centre in particular. The nightlife here is excellent too, with plenty of choices for pubs, bars, and nightclubs.
To find out more about the city’s history, visit the Swansea Museum. For more on the city’s industry and maritime history, the National Waterfront Museum is a must-see. Art lovers can get their fix at either the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery or the Dylan Thomas Centre.
Close by but away from the city, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the world-famous Gower Peninsula from Rhossili Bay and Three Cliffs Bay. The Swansea Vale Nature Reserve is also certainly worth a visit.
Trains to Wales from Liverpool with Avanti
Travel from Liverpool to Wales by train with Avanti. Get there faster and in comfort as you enjoy the idyllic scenery that will pass by your window.
For cheap train tickets, make sure you book in advance. Better still, buy a Railcard to save up to a third on tickets, including those during Off-Peak hours. Get rewarded for travelling by train with the free Club Avanti card.
For the latest train timetables and great value fares, download the Avanti app.
