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Monthly Archives: March 2015



Mar 01

The Castles, Historic Houses and Gardens of North Wales – Five days from Monday 19th October 2015

Caernarfon Castle

Day 1 We depart in our private executive coach and en route to our hotel we visit the National Memorial Arboretum near Litchfield. On arrival in Caernarfon we check in at the 3* Celtic Royal Hotel for a four night stay on half-board basis.

Day 2 in the morning we meet our Blue Badge Guide who will accompany us throughout the day. First we visit Caernarfon Castle. Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in Edward I’s conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal palace. We then visit the National Trust’s Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens. Associated with the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo, Plas Newydd is a beautiful 18th Century Country House with spectacular views across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia.

Portmeirion

Day 3 we visit, with our guide, Portmeirion and in the afternoon enjoy a scenic excursion on the Festiniog Narrow Gauge Railway from Minffordd Station to Blaenau Festiniog. We continue to the LLechwedd Slate Caverns where you may choose to embark on the Victorian Mine Tour (there are 61 steps to climb down and 70 steps to climb up again). The tour involves a ride on the steepest cable railway in Britain before we all hear about the life of a Victorian family at work in the mines. The entrance fee for the Victorian Mine Tour is not included in the Tour price.

Day 4 brings us to the NT property at Bodnant Gardens. Featuring huge Italianate terraces and offering stunning views across to Snowdonia, this is one of the world’s most spectacular gardens. In the afternoon we have a guided tour of Conwy Castle. Completed in 1287 and one of Edward I’s chain of Welsh fortresses, Conwy Castle is a gritty, dark stoned fortress which has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. In the afternoon you may also choose to visit the NT’s Aberconwy House dating from the 14th Century.

Day 5, after checking out of our hotel, we visit the award winning Compton Verney art gallery. Located in the setting of a grade 1 listed Robert Adam mansion, Compton Verney contains an outstanding collection of British, Neopolitan, Germanic and Chinese paintings.

Cost: £ 410.00 pp sharing a twin room

£ 75.00 deposit – non- refundable, payable with booking

£ 99.00 single room supplement

£ 16.00 insurance – upper age limit: 85 years

For a detailed booking form please complete the enclosed application form and send it with a stamped self- addressed envelope (not too small please) to:

Gisela Zürcher-Feiß, 37, The Byeways, Surbiton KT5 8HT – Tel 8399 4990

The Castles Historic House etc. application