I was planning to meet one of my friends who lives in Wales for his study purpose for a long time. I was very excited to meet him. As I’m based in London, I have a couple of ways to reach him. But coach journeys are cheaper than other options, and I didn’t take coaches for long. So, I booked my coach ticket a few days before my journey.
I booked my ticket with National Express, which is one of the reliable coach services in the UK ( though I have checked other service providers as well ). The process was straightforward; tickets could be purchased online, and I had the option to choose my seat – I really appreciate this option as someone who enjoys looking out the window, so I made sure to secure a seat on the left side of the coach, hoping for some picturesque view, I wanted to soak in the landscapes, enjoy a leisurely peace.
London and Cardiff are around 150 miles apart. I booked my ticket at 7.30 am. As my home is almost 1 hour away from Victoria Coach Station, that’s why I had to wake up very early in the morning. After arriving at Victoria Coach Station, I noticed the station was filled with travelers; all of them were waiting for their coaches. The station itself is well organized, with clear signage and plenty of amenities like coffee shops, restrooms, and small shops to grab last-minute essentials. I headed towards the assigned platform, where my coach was ready and waiting. The driver greeted us with a warm smile as we boarded, and I was pleased to see the large window of the comfortable coach- a perfect setup for a scenic journey.
The rhythmic movement of the bus takes me into a state of peaceful contentment. Occasionally, the driver would announce a point of interest or give us an update on the journey, which added a nice personal touch to the trip for me.
The city’s hustle gradually faded behind us as our coach departed from London in the early morning light. The coach glided effortlessly along the M4 motorway, and the scenery outside started to transform into a breathtaking panorama of rolling hills, quaint villages, and vast farmlands. It felt as if the day was gently unfolding, inviting me to relax and enjoy the beauty of the journey ahead. The journey felt almost timeless as if the coach was floating through the soft light of the rising sun, creating a peaceful, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
Now, come to the best part of this journey: The Prince of Wales Bridge. An iconic structure spanning the River Severn, linking the counties of Gloucestershire in England and Monmouthshire, Wales. Crossing the bridge felt like a transition; on one side lay the familiar landscapes of southern England, while on the other side, it opened up to the unique charm and rugged beauty of Wales. The view from the bridge was spectacular; below us, the wide Severn Estuary shimmered in the morning sun. Since it was low tide, we could see large areas of muddy land stretching far into the distance, which creates a striking contrast with the blue sky above.
As we crossed the Prince of Wales bridge, the view started to change. The hills grew more considerable, and there were old stone houses and ruins scattered, showing the history of that area. In the distance, I observed the stunning Brecon Beacons mountains. The sight was so peaceful that I wanted to explore the Wales countryside even more. Even Cardiff city was a mix of old and modern structures, which shows the city’s rich history.
The journey was incredibly relaxing. The slower pace of travel gave me time to reflect, observe, and appreciate the small details- the way the light changes as we move from England to Wales, the many architectural types, and how the environment is changing. It was a reminder that sometimes, the journey is really as important as the destination. If you’re considering a trip from London To Cardiff, I highly recommend taking the coach. It’s a travel experience that’s both relaxing and enriching.
Here are some essential facts that you can consider when you are planning,
- Try to book your tickets earlier so the price you get is more affordable.
- When you are about to book the tickets, there will be a lot of subscription options; don’t make sure to take advantage of them.
- You can take coaches from multiple companies like National Express, Flex Bus, and so on (experience or services might vary).
- Also, you can take them from multiple places (check their sites while booking); Victoria Coach Station is the central Hub in London.