Save your pennies with a brilliant offer from Transport for Wales: kids travel free on trains! Children aged 11-15 can hop aboard for free during off-peak times when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, and under 11s travel free at any time. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore Wales without worrying about the cost of travel and you can start your journey from a selection of English stations, such as Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Chester.
Combine this with YHA’s collection of hostels in stunning locations across Wales and you’ve got the recipe for a memorable family adventure. From hostels perched next to mountains to those nestled by serene lakes or in the heart of bustling cities, there’s a destination for everyone.
Forget the backseat squabbles, endless toilet stops, or wrong turns. Instead, relish quality family time while watching the Welsh countryside roll by your train window.
Read on to discover the best hostels in Wales that are easily reached by train …
YHA Borth
For opening patterns and availability, find out more here.
Situated in the charming coastal village of Borth, this hostel is just yards away from a popular Blue Flag beach. Boasting rooms with views of either the sea or mountains, it’s the perfect spot for family holidays. Spend the day on Ceredigion’s longest sandy beach, explore rock pools, and enjoy golden sunsets over Cardigan Bay. The old fishing village makes this a delightful seaside escape.
Public transport – Use the Cambrian Line to Borth Railway Station. It’s around a 10-minute walk from Borth Railway Station.
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YHA Conwy
For opening patterns and availability, find out more here.
Elevated on a hill outside the historic walls of Conwy, enjoy panoramic views of the delightful little town, its castle, and the surrounding mountains and valleys from YHA Conwy. Stroll the narrow, cobbled streets of one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval towns, and don’t miss the UNESCO and Grade I listed Conwy Castle, build by Edward I. For an exciting day out, venture to nearby Eryri (Snowdonia) or the seaside town of Llandudno.
Public transport – Use the North Wales South Wales Service or North Wales Coast Line, to Conwy Railway Station. It’s around a 15-minute walk from Conwy Railway Station to YHA Conwy.
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YHA Manorbier
For opening patterns and availability, find out more here.
Set in the lovely seaside village of Manorbier, this hostel is close to sandy coves perfect for surfing and rock pooling. Overlooked by the medieval Manorbier Castle in its commanding position, the area offers a blend of history and adventure. Hike the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path for stunning views or stroll to the nearby harbour town of Tenby, famous for its mosaic of colourful townhouses.
Public transport – Use the West Wales Line to Manorbier Railway Station. It’s around a 55-minute walk from Manorbier Railway Station.
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Hostels worth the short bus ride after a train…
YHA Brecon Beacons
For opening patterns and availability, find out more here.
Set in a cosy 19th-century farmhouse, this hostel is a dream base for exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park with access to brilliant walking routes and picture-perfect views of the surrounding countryside. Hike up Pen-y-Fan, the park’s highest peak, or take in the rolling green ridges and valleys. Steeped in history, the Brecon Beacons take their name from mountaintop fires lit to warn of impending invasions.
Public transport – Use the South Wales Valleys Line to Merthyr Tydfil Railway Station. Then hop on the T4 TrawsCymru towards Builth Wells and get off at Llwyn y Celyn bus stop. It’s around a three-minute walk to YHA Brecon Beacons.
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YHA Broad Haven
For opening patterns and availability, find out more here.
Only a stone’s throw away from Broad Haven’s Blue Flag beach, this nautical-themed hostel is perfect for a family seaside getaway. In the summer, spend sunny days exploring limestone sea caves, playing cricket or boules on the beach, or simply relaxing by the waves. In this quaint Pembrokeshire village, family fun and breathtaking scenery come hand in hand, with vast lily ponds and golden sands.
Public transport – Use the Marches Line to Haverfordwest Railway Station. Then hop on the 311 bus towards Broad Haven and get off at Sandyke Lane bus stop. It’s around a six-minute walk to YHA Broad Haven.
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YHA Idwal Cottage
For opening patterns and availability, find out more here.
YHA’s longest-standing hostel in Eryri (Snowdonia) is unbeatable for a mixture of history and exploration. Nestled among gorgeous valleys and mountains, it’s ideal for activity breaks like hiking, scrambling and climbing. Embrace a digital detox with your family and enjoy exploring the national park’s modern attractions, from zip lines over slate quarries to underground trampolines.
Public transport – Use the Conwy Valley Line to Betws-y-Coed Railway Station. Then hop on the T10 bus towards Bangor and get off at Pont Pen-Y-Benglog bus stop. It’s around a one-minute walk to YHA Idwal Cottage.
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YHA St David’s
For opening patterns and availability, find out more here.
Whether walking along the cliffs or visiting charming pubs and gift shops, St Davids offers something for everyone. Located on the St Davids peninsula, this hostel is a gateway to Pembrokeshire’s dramatic coastline. Thrillseekers can try coasteering, bodyboarding, or kayaking, while history lovers can explore the ‘drunken’ 6th-century cathedral in Britain’s smallest city by population, due to the way its floors slope from an earthquake in 1248.
Public transport – Use the Marches Line to Fishguard & Goodwick Railway Station. Then hop on the T11 TrawsCymru bus towards Haverfordwest and get off at New Street Playground bus stop. It’s around a 50-minute walk to YHA St Davids.
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