Itinerary
DAY 1
Sunday: Arrival
Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Castle Hotel in Windsor. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
Monday: Avebury Manor Gardens & Caerleon Roman Baths
Our first visit is to the 16th-century Avebury Manor, famous for its recreated rooms in five different styles, from Tudor to the 20th century. Outside, there are different ‘rooms’ too, each with a different focus such as the organically grown produce of the Kitchen Garden, the wide range of herbaceous perennials of the Monk’s Garden and the spectacular display of the Church Garden, amongst others. There is also a Lavender Walk, Italian Walk, sensory woodland walk at the end of the South Lawn plus a calming Orchard – a registered Silent Space.
We continue to Caerleon Roman Baths, once home to a frigidarium, tepidarium, caldarium and an extensive open-air swimming pool – bought to life by the wonders of film projection. A visit here is the perfect chance to also see Europe’s only surviving Roman legionary barracks too, as well as the most complete Roman amphitheatre in Britain.
Later, we check into the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff, where we stay for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3
Tuesday: Tredegar House & Cardiff Food Tasting Tour
This morning we head to Tredegar House, a late 17th-century restoration house surrounded by 90 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland. For more than 500 years it was home to one of the greatest Welsh families, the Morgans, later Lords Tredegar, and their intriguing narrative is told throughout the house.
We then head back to Cardiff, with its fascinating history that stretches through the centuries, for a delicious Welsh food tasting tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Food Tasting
DAY 4
Wednesday: Cardiff Castle & Hensol Castle Gin Experience
After checking out of the hotel, we visit nearby Cardiff Castle for a wonderful Connoisseurs tour. Although the fortress dates back over 2,000 years, the Gothic Victorian fantasy castle we see today was created for the 3rd Marquess of Bute, one of the world’s richest men – as such the interiors and opulent and rich with murals, stained glass, marble, gilding and elaborate wood carvings.
A memorable gin experience awaits at the 17th-century Hensol Castle, famous for its small-batch craft gin. We visit the botanical room with a complimentary signature cocktail on arrival, learn from the expert mixologists before making our own cocktails, sample some lovely gin, take a guided tour of the distillery and round off the afternoon with a gin and tonic back at the bar – cheers!
Afterward, we make our way to the Vale Resort in Pontyclun, our base for two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
Thursday: National Botanic Garden of Wales & Aberglasney Gardens
We begin our day with the National Botanic Garden of Wales, created over 150 years. This spectacular re-interpretation of the historical garden blends the careful restoration of the double-walled garden with Norman Foster’s Great Greenhouse, the largest single span glasshouse in the world, where mere panes of glass separate the familiar green hills of Wales from a panoramic sweep of warm, Mediterranean scenery.
By contrast, Aberglasney is a superb 16th/17th-century garden, which was discovered after 50 years of neglect. Now restored, a visit here is a delight for the senses with over 20 different garden styles, including a unique Elizabethan Cloister Garden, the only surviving example in the UK today. We learn more during our guided tour with a Head Gardener.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
Friday: Brecon Mountain Railway & Afternoon Tea
Leaving Pontyclun, we head to Pant, a small village near the Welsh border, where we board our vintage train and take a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway, which follows part of the original route of the 1859-built Brecon & Merthyr Railway. Sit back and relax as we meander through beautiful Brecon scenery and along the full length of the sparkling Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing to Torpantau, the summit of the original line.
Later, we enjoy a delicious afternoon tea at the Angel Hotel in Abergavenny, where we also stay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea
DAY 7
Saturday: Llandudno & Bodnant Garden
We enjoy some free time at leisure in Llandudno, known as the ‘Queen of the Welsh Resorts’ and is famed for its golden beach flanked by two headlands, the Great and Little Ormes, and its wonderful air of traditional Victorian charm. From strolling along the beautiful coast to exploring the famous Llandudno pier, or perhaps a spot of shopping at the Victoria Centre, there is plenty to do.
Next, we visit Bodnant Garden, nestled in the Snowdonian foothills. Created over 150 years ago by scientist, businessman and politician Henry Pochin, the garden was filled with plants collected by famous global explorers such as Ernest Wilson, George Forrest and Harold Climber. Today the world-famous garden is home to National Collections and Champion Trees spread across its sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland.
Afterward, we check into the National Trust’s Bodysgallen Hall Hotel & Spa, where we’re treated to a memorable four-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
Sunday: Plas Newydd, Puffin Island & Penrhyn Castle
Today we cross the 19th-century Menai Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey, where we visit to the fine country house of Plas Newydd. Its most famous past resident is the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at Waterloo in 1815. The elegant interior reflects the 1930s, thanks to its associations with the artist, socialite and fallen WWII soldier Rex Whistler. The garden’s climate allows extraordinary plants to flourish, including tender exotics and Mediterranean plants.
We then enjoy a delightful wildlife cruise around the famous Puffin Island, admiring the scenery and looking out for Atlantic grey seals, resident coastal birds, visiting sea birds and – of course – puffins! If we’re lucky, we may even spot a porpoise or dolphin playing in the waters.
Built in the 19th century in a neo-Norman style, our next stop of magnificent Penrhyn Castle was built on a massive scale over a period of 13 years and offers outstanding views of Snowdonia. There is so much to see here, from the unique architecture, opulent interiors, outstanding collection of paintings, restored Victorian kitchens and a railway museum. Along the way, we discover more of Penrhyn’s history, including sugar and slate fortunes, social unrest and the longest-running industrial dispute in British history.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
Monday: Bodrhyddan Hall & Conwy Castle
We begin the day with a visit to Bodrhyddan Hall, home to Lord Langford and his ancestors for the last 500 years and set in several acres of glorious formal gardens and reclaimed woodland. Reworked in 1875 by the famous architect William Eden Nesfield, Bodrhyddan is a Grade I listed house and one of the few in Wales to still be in private hands. We learn more about this splendid house on our fascinating guided tour and discover its extensive historical collection, which includes a variety of fine portraits and a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy and Sarcophagus. Our visit is complete with a drinks reception and some light bites.
From here, we head to the medieval walled town of Conwy to visit the imposing Conwy Castle. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this imposing fortress was built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales in the late 13th century and is considered to be among the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain with soaring curtain walls, round towers and fortified gateways.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
Tuesday: Snowdonia Star (Welsh Highland Railway)
We head to Beddgelert and board the Welsh Highland Railway for a picturesque trip to the quaint coastal town of Porthmadog, admiring the awe-inspiring scenery of the Snowdonia National Park along the way. Stunning coastlines, ancient woodlands, towering mountains, sparkling rivers and historic castles create an enchanting and memorable journey aboard the Snowdonia Star. We are also treated to the gold service, the perfect chance to experience Orient Express-style splendour – think traditional Pullman carriages, plush seats and polished wooden tables.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
Wednesday: Brynkinalt Estate & Powis Castle
We begin our journey back across to England, stopping first at the Brynkinalt Estate. Acres of grounds surround the Grade II listed hall, which dates back to 1612 and was the home of the Trevor family. Astonishingly, they can trace their roots right back to the marriage of Severa, the daughter of Emperor Maximus and Gwrtheyrn Gwrtheneu, the 82nd King of Britain. We find out more about their captivating history on our guided tour, followed by tea, coffee and Welsh cakes.
Afterward we continue to Powis Castle, once described as ‘the most magnificent castle in Wales,’ with its rich history from border fortress to aristocratic country house. Built in the 13th century, we discover the inspiring treasures on display inside this grand medieval gem while outside, we can explore the beautiful 25-acre gardens, terraces and an orangery attributed to architect William Winde.
This evening, we stay overnight at the Diglis Hotel in Worcester.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12
Thursday: Broughton Castle & Nuffield Place
Predominantly built in the early 14th century, Broughton Castle is a stunning moated and fortified manor house, set in idyllic parkland. It is currently home to Martin Fiennes, having been passed down through the family since 1377, evidenced by family portraits from the 16th to 19th centuries that hang along the gallery walls. The manor has been a hive for political exchanges and royal stays throughout the centuries, serving as a meeting place for leading parliamentary opponents of Charles I. James I occupied the king’s chamber in the early 15th century, whilst recent residents include today’s monarch King Charles. We find out more on our fascinating guided tour.
We then pay a visit to Nuffield Place, the perfectly preserved former home of Lord Nuffield, founder of the iconic Morris Motor Company. Although they had the security of personal wealth, Lord and Lady Nuffied enjoyed the simpler things in life and the house typifies early 20th-century taste and thrift. Fans of the Morris brand will find many interesting artefacts inside.
Later, we check back into the Castle Hotel (or similar), where we enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13
Friday: Departure
A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow Airport for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
