The Cambrian Railways Partnership has launched two new initiatives which promise to offer ideas, inspiration, information and discounts to visitors to parts of Mid and North West Wales.

Available from staffed stations on the Cambrian Line, across many Tourist Information Centres across the region and online, the two new brochures are squarely aimed at families wanting to come on holidays or short breaks to the area without breaking the bank.

Wales on Rails is the first in a new series of brochures which provide simple holiday ideas for visitors wanting to take a short break by train to mid Wales, and focuses on the towns of Machynlleth, Aberystwyth and Aberdyfi.

"This brochure is basically answering a problem that we've had for a while. There's simply too much to promote in one go around here!" said Rhydian Mason, Development Officer for the Cambrian Railways Partnership.

"What we've therefore done is to break it all down into types of things that people can do, and also broken down all the various types of people. This first leaflet therefore looks at the typical family with 2.4 children, and offers ideas on how to give the kids a memorable break by train, without spending a fortune.

"It's been written in a nice simple style, and we've resisted the temptation to overload it with too much information. Anyone picking this leaflet up will know instantly what it's about, and we're confident it will provide lots of inspiration and also plenty of incentive to leave the car at home and take the train."

On behalf of Snowdonia National Park Authority, Director of Land Management Emyr Williams said, "The wealth of attractions that this area has to offer contributes extensively to the local economy and we support and applaud schemes which boost the economy in this way. It is also timely that the scheme coincides with the launch of the All Wales Coastal Path as it extends opportunities for people, whether residents or tourists, to enjoy the extensive special qualities that Snowdonia and its coast has to offer."

Tip Top 20% Trips is a discount leaflet which acts as a voucher offering visitors 20 per cent off the cost of entry or services to 15 participating attractions based around Gwynedd. To qualify for the discount, users need to demonstrate that they have made an effort to use public transport – either bus or train – to get there.

"Whilst the railway partnership is all about train use, we realise that not everywhere is served by the railway tracks, so we've asked participating attractions to offer a discount for any sort of public transport," said Rhydian.

"Twenty per cent off the total cost of entry for a family is a significant saving, and we hope that it acts as a sufficient incentive for people to make better use of train and bus services.

"We've got some renowned attractions like Portmeirion and Caernarfon Castle participating in this scheme, as well as a whole host of others, from bicycle hire centres to DIY pottery centres – and we've made an effort to include attractions for parents as well as for the kids!"

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