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Daily Mirror
21 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Stunning Welsh railway journey named among best attractions on the planet
This scenic railway journey through the Cambrian Mountains has been named in the top ten percent of attractions worldwide in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards A breathtaking railway journey in Wales has been hailed as one of the world's top tourist attractions. The Vale of Rheidol Railway in Ceredigion has earned global acclaim, landing a spot in the top ten percent of attractions worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, which are entirely based on visitor reviews and ratings over a 12-month period. The scenic trip begins at Aberystwyth and takes passengers deep into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, ending at the iconic Devil's Bridge. This Welsh gem is actually three bridges built atop each other, towering over the Mynach and Rheidol streams. The railway itself boasts a rich history, having been in operation for over 120 years since its opening in 1902. Initially built to serve local communities and transport goods like lead and timber, it now enjoys a reputation as one of the most picturesque railway journeys for all ages, reports Wales Online. Meanwhile, a warning has been issued to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain. The line spans a modest 12 miles and it takes about an hour to reach Devil's Bridge. Once there, you can enjoy a snack or a hearty meal and a pint at the Hafod Hotel, which offers stunning views of the valley below from its seating area. Visitors can then embark on two different walks: a brief stroll beneath the bridges offering the chance to witness the cascading water up close, and a lengthier, more challenging trek deep into the Rheidol gorge where spectacular views of the 300ft Mynach waterfalls await. The Travellers' Choice Awards rely on authentic feedback, with only a limited number of attractions earning this prestigious recognition annually. "Being recognised by the people who travel with us is what means the most," said Llyr ap Iolo, general manager of the Vale of Rheidol Railway. "Whether it's their first visit or their fiftieth, we aim to make the experience special every time. This award reflects the hard work and passion of our staff and volunteers, and we are proud to share it with them." The Vale of Rheidol Railway boasts an exceptionally impressive TripAdvisor rating of 4.6 out of five stars, based on nearly 1,400 reviews. One traveller declared he was "absolutely amazed at how good it is", whilst another described it as a "lovely experience with incredible views". A recent visitor penned: "Absolutely wonderful experience on this railway. We paid a little extra to travel first class and it was well worth it. Travelling in a 1920s cabin was so nostalgic and humbling. The station was immaculate in every way. Even the WCs were immensely clean. The pride the staff took in every aspect of the train itself was clear to see - even the chimney on the engine was gleaming." Another visitor gushed: "A brilliant afternoon spent on this quaint steam train. From start to finish, spectacular views. Devil'ls Bridge was excellent along with the Devil's Punch bowl. The museum entry which comes with the train tickets was very good. A must do activity if you're in Aberystwyth."
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Wales Online
Railway journey in Wales named among best attractions in the world
Railway journey in Wales named among best attractions in the world The Vale of Rheidol Railway in mid Wales continues to wow passengers with its 'incredible views' and the service provided by staff and volunteers All aboard the Vale of Rheidol Railway in mid Wales (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) A stunning Welsh railway journey has been named among the world's best tourist attractions. The Vale of Rheidol Railway in Ceredigion has just received global recognition by being officially been named in the top 10% of attractions worldwide in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards. The awards are based entirely on reviews and ratings submitted by visitors on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period. The journey itself starts at Aberystwyth and takes you deep into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, reaching its destination at one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the whole of Wales, Devil's Bridge, which is actually three bridges, built on top of each other, standing high above the rushing Mynach and Rheidol streams. The railway itself has been operating for 123 years having first opened in 1902 when it was built to serve local communities and to transport goods including lead and timber. However, today it has forged a reputation as one of the most scenic railway journeys anywhere for people of all ages to enjoy, as we at Wales Online found out last year. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Some of the views are simply breathtaking (Image: Media Wales) The line itself only measures around 12 miles and it takes roughly an hour to reach Devil's Bridge, where you can enjoy a snack or a nice meal and a pint at the Hafod Hotel, which has a seating area overlooking the majestic valley below. You can then enjoy two walks: a short walk underneath the bridges which provides an opportunity to get up-close to the rushing water, and a longer and more difficult stroll deep down into the Rheidol gorge where you can enjoy views of the 300ft Mynach waterfalls. Article continues below The Travellers' Choice Awards are based on verified feedback and only a select number of experiences earn such recognition each year. Your destination at Devil's Bridge (Image: Media Wales) 'Being recognised by the people who travel with us is what means the most,' said Llyr ap Iolo, general manager of the Vale of Rheidol Railway. 'Whether it's their first visit or their fiftieth, we aim to make the experience special every time. This award reflects the hard work and passion of our staff and volunteers, and we are proud to share it with them.' The Vale of Rheidol Railway has an incredibly high rating on Tripadvisor - 4.6 out of five based on almost 1,400 reviews. One passenger said he was 'absolutely amazed at how good it is', while another said it was a 'lovely experience with incredible views'. The railway also offers Polar Express rides in the build up to Christmas (Image: Angharad Bache) Article continues below One recent reviewer wrote: 'Absolutely wonderful experience on this railway. We paid a little extra to travel first class and it was well worth it. Travelling in a 1920s cabin was so nostalgic and humbling. The station was immaculate in every way. Even the WCs were immensely clean. The pride the staff took in every aspect of the train itself was clear to see - even the chimney on the engine was gleaming.' Another wrote: 'A brilliant afternoon spent on this quaint steam train. From start to finish, spectacular views. Devil'ls Bridge was excellent along with the Devil's Punch bowl. The museum entry which comes with the train tickets was very good. A must do activity if you're in Aberystwyth.'
