Summer is finally over and the darkness is setting in, which makes going outside seem impossible. According to the Met Office, on average it rains 145 days of the year in Wales, so when it comes to going out for the day, you tend to be prepared for a sudden downpour.
Dylan Nicholas, Media Relations Manager at Transport for Wales said: “While a rainy day tempts many to stay indoors, Wales is packed with incredible indoor destinations, from national libraries and historic Victorian markets, museums and galleries. Jumping on a train or bus makes exploring easy, taking you right to the heart of the action without the hassle of driving in the rain or searching for parking.”
Dylan shares his top places to visit in well-known towns in Wales which are all easily accessible from the train station, to make sure you stay dry.
Aberystwyth
“For those seeking a culture fix, a visit to the Aberystwyth Arts Centre and its neighbour, the National Library of Wales, is a great plan. The home of the world’s smallest book, the library and the Arts Centre regularly host art exhibitions, events and live performances, from opera to stand-up comedy, every taste is catered for.” says Dylan.
Aberystwyth has a central station as well as direct bus via the T1, T2 and T5 TrawsCymru bus, which allows visitors to access attractions with ease. The Town is also filled with retail shops, restaurants and bars so you can spend the whole day out.
Swansea
Dylan tells us, “Swansea has plenty to see and do, from museums, galleries and the largest indoor market in Wales. The Swansea station is a great central point with most of these attractions being within a 10-minute walk, so you don’t get caught up in the rain for too long.”
The National Waterfront Museum is a short 10-minute walk from the station where you can go and see more than 300 years of Welsh history. With free entry, there are plenty of exhibitions and sites to see for the whole family.
Just a short walk from the station, there is Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, which showcases both historic and contemporary art. “The Art and exhibition spaces are truly amazing, as they are always updating new exhibitions and hosting engaging talks. This is a great place to visit if you are an art lover or not.” he adds.
Dylan shares a great tip to save money on your rainy day activity, “Swansea Plantasia offers 20% off admission when you travel there by train and present a valid same day rail ticket or even a 2 for 1 on Penderyn Swansea Copperworks Distillery tours.”
Cardiff
In the Castle Quarter, you will see Cardiff Market, which is a Victorian indoor market in the heart of Cardiff centre. It offers a variety of independent market stalls, from home-cooked foods to handmade gifts and artwork.
Just a 5-minute walk from Cathays Stadium lies the National Museum, which holds an extensive collection of historical art as well as historical exhibition spaces.
Dylan tells us “The Evolution of Wales exhibition takes visitors on a journey through 4,600 million years of history, from the Big Bang, dinosaurs, and how the land was shaped by volcanic eruptions to the beginning of the modern era. An absolutely breathtaking collection of fossils, film, interactive displays, and light shows. This is a great day out for families and children, especially on those rainy days.”
“If you visit Techniquest and present your same day train ticket or proof of purchase to receive 25% off in our gift shop.”
